Editorial Commentary: Elbow Injury Results When Pediatric and Adolescent Throwing Athletes Throw as Hard as Possible, and Weighted Baseball Training Should Be Banned for Youth Athletes

We are in the middle of an epidemic involving pediatric and adolescent throwing athletes. Too many young athletes have elbow injuries, and it is unnerving how young surgical indications can present. Increased competition has led to increased demands before athletes have reached their full adult size. Evidence shows that higher ball velocity, higher shoulder external rotation angle, and higher arm speed are associated with increased medial elbow torque and elbow injury in this population. Pediatric and adolescent athletes should not try to throw as hard as possible, and weighted baseball training should be banned for youth athletes.

Automated summary

We are currently facing an epidemic of elbow injuries among pediatric and adolescent throwing athletes. The age at which surgical interventions are needed is alarmingly young. Increased competition leads to higher demands on athletes before they have fully matured. Research shows that higher ball velocity, higher shoulder external rotation angle, and higher arm speed are associated with increased elbow torque and injury in this population. It is important that pediatric and adolescent athletes avoid throwing as hard as possible, and weighted baseball training should be prohibited for them.