Slow-pitch softball injuries

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Slow-pitch softball is a popular recreational sport with a notable incidence of player injuries.
• Understanding injury mechanisms is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the nature and causes of slow-pitch softball injuries in Hawaii.
• To identify specific injury mechanisms and propose preventative measures.

Main Methods:

• Prospective investigation of injuries in league play.
• Retrospective review of Army softball-related admissions.
• Analysis of injury data to determine causative mechanisms.

Main Results:

• 83 athletes sustained 93 injuries; 42% resulted from sliding, 25% from jamming, and 17% from falls.
• Sliding injuries frequently involved ankle fractures and dislocations.
• Injury mechanism linked to base deceleration and overrunning.

Conclusions:

• Sliding is a significant and preventable cause of softball injuries.
• Recommendations include base modification (recessing, quick-release), improved sliding techniques, or slide elimination.