Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS): A Review of MLB Injuries Documented in the HITS
Bradley A Lezak1, Peter N Chalmers2, Brandon J Erickson3
1NYU Langone Orthopedics, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA.
The Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS) database reveals that while ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries have good return-to-play (RTP) rates after surgery, rotator cuff repairs show poor outcomes. This data guides player safety and performance strategies in professional baseball.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Baseball Analytics
- Injury Epidemiology
Background:
- The Major League Baseball (MLB) Health and Injury Tracking System (HITS) was established in 2010 to improve injury surveillance beyond traditional injured list reporting.
- HITS functions as a longitudinal platform for injury tracking and an electronic medical record for both major and minor league baseball players.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive review of publications utilizing the HITS database.
- To summarize injury epidemiology, treatment effectiveness, and return-to-play (RTP) rates in professional baseball.
- To inform player safety and performance enhancement strategies.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was performed, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
- Peer-reviewed publications from 2010 to 2023 that used HITS data were analyzed.
- Synthesized data on injury epidemiology, surgical vs. nonoperative management, and RTP outcomes for various injury types.
Main Results:
- Between 2011-2016, HITS documented nearly 50,000 injuries, causing over 700,000 missed playing days.
- Pitchers sustained 39% of injuries, primarily affecting the upper extremity (39%).
- Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries led to the most surgeries (46%) and season-ending injuries (60%), with RTP rates of 73%-84% post-reconstruction.
- Rotator cuff repairs had poor RTP outcomes (14%-42%), favoring nonoperative management, while labral repairs showed moderate RTP (74%-82%).
- Lower extremity, core, spine, and concussion injuries also significantly impacted playing time.
Conclusions:
- The HITS database is a critical resource for understanding professional baseball injuries, identifying high-risk conditions, and evaluating management outcomes.
- Return-to-play success is highly variable, with UCL reconstruction showing favorable results compared to challenging rotator cuff repairs.
More Related Videos
11:28A Coupled Experiment-finite Element Modeling Methodology for Assessing High Strain Rate Mechanical Response of Soft Biomaterials
Published on: May 18, 2015
08:13Development and Implementation of a Multi-Disciplinary Technology Enhanced Care Pathway for Youth and Adults with Concussion
Published on: January 20, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:19Purpose of Health Records II
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include: