Henry Kuechly, Sarah Kurkowski, Brian Johnson, Nihar Shah, Brian Grawe
{"title":"Postoperative Negative Pain Thoughts and Their Correlation With Patient-Reported Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: An Observational Cohort Study","authors":"Henry Kuechly, Sarah Kurkowski, Brian Johnson, Nihar Shah, Brian Grawe","doi":"10.1177/03635465241247289","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241247289","url":null,"abstract":"Background:Pain and pain perception are influenced by patients’ thoughts. The short form Negative Pain Thoughts Questionnaire (NPTQ-SF) can be used to quantify unhelpful negative cognitive biases about pain, but the relationship between NPTQ-SF scores and orthopaedic surgery outcomes is not known.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose was to assess the relationship between negative pain thoughts, as measured by the NPTQ-SF, and patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, as well as to compare NPTQ-SF scores and outcomes between patients with and without a history of chronic pain and psychiatric history. It was hypothesized that patients with worse negative pain thoughts would have worse patient-reported outcomes.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:In total, 109 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were administered the 4-item NPTQ-SF, 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Evaluation Form, and visual analog scale pain survey preoperatively between July 2021 and August 2022. The same surveys were completed ≥6 months postoperatively by 74 patients confirmed to have undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.Results:Preoperative NPTQ-SF scores did not show any correlation with the postoperative patient-reported outcomes measured in this study. Postoperative NPTQ-SF scores were statistically significantly negatively correlated with postoperative SF-12 Physical Health Score, SF-12 Mental Health Score, ASES, and satisfaction scores ( P < .05). Postoperative NPTQ-SF scores were statistically significantly positively correlated with postoperative visual analog scale scores ( P < .001). Moreover, postoperative NPTQ-SF scores were statistically significantly negatively correlated with achieving a Patient Acceptable Symptom State and the minimal clinically important difference on the postoperative ASES form ( P < .001 and P = .009, respectively).Conclusion:Postoperative patient thought patterns and their perception of pain are correlated with postoperative outcomes after rotator cuff repair. This correlation suggests a role for counseling and expectation management in the postoperative setting. Conversely, preoperative thought patterns regarding pain, as measured by the NPTQ-SF, do not correlate with postoperative patient-reported outcome measures. Therefore, the NPTQ-SF should not be used as a preoperative tool to aid the prediction of outcomes after rotator cuff repair.","PeriodicalId":517411,"journal":{"name":"The American Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140845443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Max F.R. Merkel, Rene B. Svensson, Jens R. Jakobsen, Abigail L. Mackey, Peter Schjerling, Robert B. Herzog, S. Peter Magnusson, Lars Konradsen, Michael R. Krogsgaard, Michael Kjær, Finn E. Johannsen
{"title":"Widespread Vascularization and Correlation of Glycosaminoglycan Accumulation to Tendon Pain in Human Plantar Fascia Tendinopathy","authors":"Max F.R. Merkel, Rene B. Svensson, Jens R. Jakobsen, Abigail L. Mackey, Peter Schjerling, Robert B. Herzog, S. Peter Magnusson, Lars Konradsen, Michael R. Krogsgaard, Michael Kjær, Finn E. Johannsen","doi":"10.1177/03635465241246262","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241246262","url":null,"abstract":"Background:Plantar fasciitis is a painful tendinous condition (tendinopathy) with a high prevalence in athletes. While a healthy tendon has limited blood flow, ultrasound has indicated elevated blood flow in tendinopathy, but it is unknown if this is related to a de facto increase in the tendon vasculature. Likewise, an accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is observed in tendinopathy, but its relationship to clinical pain is unknown.Purpose:To explore to what extent vascularization, inflammation, and fat infiltration were present in patients with plantar fasciitis and if they were related to clinical symptoms.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Biopsy specimens from tendinopathic plantar fascia tissue were obtained per-operatively from both the primary site of tendon pain and tissue swelling (“proximal”) and a region that appeared macroscopically healthy at 1 to 2 cm away from the primary site (“distal”) in 22 patients. Biopsy specimens were examined with immunofluorescence for markers of blood vessels, tissue cell density, fat infiltration, and macrophage level. In addition, pain during the first step in the morning (registered during an earlier study) was correlated with the content of collagen and GAGs in tissue.Results:High vascularization (and cellularity) was present in both the proximal (0.89%) and the distal (0.96%) plantar fascia samples, whereas inconsistent but not significantly different fat infiltration and macrophage levels were observed. The collagen content was similar in the 2 plantar fascia regions, whereas the GAG content was higher in the proximal region (3.2% in proximal and 2.8% in distal; P = .027). The GAG content in the proximal region was positively correlated with the subjective morning pain score in the patients with tendinopathy (n = 17).Conclusion:In patients with plantar fasciitis, marked tissue vascularization was present in both the painful focal region and a neighboring nonsymptomatic area. In contrast, the accumulation of hydrophilic GAGs was greater in the symptomatic region and was positively correlated with increased clinical pain levels in daily life.Clinical Relevance:The accumulation of GAGs in tissue rather than the extent of vascularization appears to be linked with the clinical degree of pain symptoms of the disease.","PeriodicalId":517411,"journal":{"name":"The American Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140845454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chi Zhang, Jia-Le Jin, Cong-Hui Zhou, Cheng-Xing Ruan, Peng-Fei Lei, You-Zhi Cai
{"title":"Magnetic Seeding of SPIO-BMSCs Into a Biphasic Scaffold Can Promote Tendon-Bone Healing After Rotator Cuff Repair","authors":"Chi Zhang, Jia-Le Jin, Cong-Hui Zhou, Cheng-Xing Ruan, Peng-Fei Lei, You-Zhi Cai","doi":"10.1177/03635465241247288","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241247288","url":null,"abstract":"Background:The tendon-bone interface (TBI) in the rotator cuff has a poor intrinsic capacity for healing, which increases the risk of retear after rotator cuff repair (RCR). However, facilitating regeneration of the TBI still remains a great clinical challenge. Herein, the authors established a novel strategy based on magnetic seeding to enhance the TBI regeneration.Hypothesis:Magnetic seeding bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO-BMSCs) into a biphasic scaffold can promote tendon-bone healing after RCR.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:BMSCs were labeled with SPIOs. Prussian blue staining, CCK-8 tests, Western blot, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to determine the optimal effect concentration of SPIOs on cell bioactivities and abilities. Then SPIO-BMSCs were magnetically seeded into a biphasic scaffold under a magnetic field. The seeding efficacy was assessed by a scanning electron microscope, and the potential mechanism in chondrogenic differentiation after seeding SPIO-BMSCs into the scaffold was evaluated by Western blot and PCR. Furthermore, the effect of SPIO-BMSC/biphasic scaffold on tendon-bone healing after RCR using a rat model was examined using histological analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and biomechanical evaluation.Results:BMSCs labeled with 100 μg/mL SPIO had no effect on cell bioactivities and the ability of chondrogenic differentiation. SPIO-BMSCs were magnetically seeded into a biphasic scaffold, which offered a high seeding efficacy to enhance chondrogenic differentiation of SPIO-BMSCs via the CDR1as/miR-7/FGF2 pathway for TBI formation in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo application of the biphasic scaffold with magnetically seeded SPIO-BMSCs showed their regenerative potential, indicating that they could significantly accelerate and promote TBI healing with superior biomechanical properties after RCR in a rat rotator cuff tear model.Conclusion:Magnetically seeding SPIO-BMSCs into a biphasic scaffold enhanced seeding efficacy to promote cell distribution and condensation. This construct enhanced the chondrogenesis process via the CDR1as/miR-7/FGF2 pathway and further promoted tendon-bone healing after RCR in a rat rotator cuff tear model.Clinical Relevance:This study provides an alternative strategy for improving TBI healing after RCR.","PeriodicalId":517411,"journal":{"name":"The American Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140826285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joseph W. Galvin, Rachel J. Milam, Brendan M. Patterson, James V. Nepola, Joseph A. Buckwalter, Brian R. Wolf, Felicity M. Say, Katherine E. Free, Elizabeth Yohannes
{"title":"Periostin Is a Biomarker for Anterior Shoulder Instability: Proteomic Analysis of Synovial Fluid","authors":"Joseph W. Galvin, Rachel J. Milam, Brendan M. Patterson, James V. Nepola, Joseph A. Buckwalter, Brian R. Wolf, Felicity M. Say, Katherine E. Free, Elizabeth Yohannes","doi":"10.1177/03635465241246258","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241246258","url":null,"abstract":"Background:The incremental biological changes in the synovial microenvironment of the shoulder in acute and chronic instability that may contribute to joint degeneration are poorly understood. Proteomic analysis of synovial fluid in patients with shoulder instability may improve our understanding of proteins that are shed into shoulder synovial fluid after an injury.Hypothesis:Injury-specific factors such as the direction of instability and the severity of glenoid and humeral bone loss are associated with the proteome of synovial fluid in patients with shoulder instability.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Synovial fluid lavage samples were compared between patients with anterior (n = 12) and posterior (n = 8) instability and those without instability (n = 5). Synovial proteins were identified with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Orthogonal validation of protein targets found to be significant on tandem mass spectrometry was performed in a separate set of prospective patients with Western blotting. Data were processed and analyzed, and P values were adjusted with the Benjamini-Hochberg method for multiple comparisons.Results:A total of 25 patients were included. Tandem mass spectrometry identified 720 protein groups in synovial fluid of patients with shoulder instability. There were 4 synovial proteins that were significantly expressed in patients with anterior instability relative to posterior instability: periostin (POSTN) (adjusted P value = .03; log fold change [logFc] = 4.7), transforming growth factor beta–induced protein ig-h3 (adjusted P value = .05; logFc = 1.7), collagen type VI alpha-3 chain (adjusted P value = .04; logFc = 2.6), and coagulation factor V (adjusted P value = .04; logFc = −3.3). Among these targets, POSTN showed a moderate correlation with the Hill-Sachs lesion size ( r = 0.7). Prospective validation with Western blotting confirmed a significantly higher level of POSTN in synovial fluid of patients with anterior instability ( P = .00025; logFc = 5.1).Conclusion:Proteomic analysis enriched our understanding of proteins that were secreted into shoulder synovial fluid of patients with shoulder instability. The identification of POSTN, a proinflammatory catabolic protein involved with tissue remodeling and repair, as a significant target in anterior shoulder instability is a novel finding. Therefore, further study is warranted to determine the role that POSTN may play in the progression of bone loss and posttraumatic osteoarthritis.Clinical Relevance:Proteomic analysis of synovial fluid in patients with shoulder instability improved our understanding of this abnormality after an injury.","PeriodicalId":517411,"journal":{"name":"The American Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140826362","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aakash Chauhan, Peter N. Chalmers, Brandon J. Erickson, Robert Thompson, Gregory J. Pearl, Anthony A. Romeo, Heinz R. Hoenecke, Kevin Ma, Zachary Tenner, Jan Fronek
{"title":"Performance and Return to Play After Surgery for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in Professional Baseball Players: A Matched Cohort Analysis","authors":"Aakash Chauhan, Peter N. Chalmers, Brandon J. Erickson, Robert Thompson, Gregory J. Pearl, Anthony A. Romeo, Heinz R. Hoenecke, Kevin Ma, Zachary Tenner, Jan Fronek","doi":"10.1177/03635465241243244","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241243244","url":null,"abstract":"Background:Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) remains a rare diagnosis but is being recognized as a cause of upper extremity dysfunction in professional baseball players.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose was to determine performance and return-to-play (RTP) outcomes in professional baseball players after surgical treatment of TOS. The hypothesis was that there would be a high RTP rate in professional baseball players after TOS surgery with no statistical differences in performance between pitchers who had TOS surgery and matched controls.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:All professional baseball players who underwent surgical treatment of TOS between 2010 and 2017 were identified using the Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System database. Demographic and performance data (before and after surgery) for each player were recorded. Performance variables were then compared between players who underwent TOS surgery and matched controls. The matching criteria were no history of previous surgeries on affected arm, age at time of surgery, throwing side, level of play (Major or Minor League Baseball), and years of experience playing professional baseball.Results:Overall, 52 players underwent surgery for TOS, of whom 46 (88%) were pitchers. The type of TOS was neurogenic in 69% and venous in 29%. One player had arterial TOS. After TOS surgery, 79% of players returned to play at the same or higher level (RTSP) by 9.5 months and played ≥3 years after surgery. No differences were found in RTSP rate based on the type of TOS. No statistical difference was found in RTP rates between major and minor league players. Pitchers had a 76% RTSP, which was similar to the natural attrition for control pitchers ( P = .874). After TOS surgery, pitchers saw a decline in several performance metrics, but these declines were not different from those of control pitchers, indicating that the decline in performance after TOS surgery was no faster than is seen in healthy professional pitchers as they age.Conclusion:The rate of RTSP after surgery for TOS in professional baseball players was 79%. There was no difference in RTP based on the type of TOS. Pitchers who underwent surgery for TOS had no significant differences in pitching performance metrics after surgery compared with matched controls.","PeriodicalId":517411,"journal":{"name":"The American Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140826338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jason L. Zaremski, Marissa Pazik, Terrie Vasilopoulos, MaryBeth Horodyski
{"title":"Workload Risk Factors for Pitching-Related Injuries in High School Baseball Pitchers","authors":"Jason L. Zaremski, Marissa Pazik, Terrie Vasilopoulos, MaryBeth Horodyski","doi":"10.1177/03635465241246559","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241246559","url":null,"abstract":"Background:Pitch counts are only one measure of the true workload of baseball pitchers. Newer research indicates that workload measurement and prevention of injury must include additional factors. Thus, current monitoring systems gauging pitcher workload may be considered inadequate.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to develop a novel method to determine workload in baseball pitchers and improve processes for prevention of throwing-related injuries. It was hypothesized that our pitching workload model would better predict throwing-related injuries occurring throughout the baseball season than a standard pitch count model.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:This prospective observational study was conducted at an academic medical center and community baseball fields during the 2019 to 2023 seasons. Pitchers aged 13 to 18 years were monitored for pitching-related injuries and workload (which included pitching velocity; intensity, using preseason and in-season velocity as a marker of effort; and pitch counts).Results:A total of 71 pitchers had 313 recorded pitcher outings, 11 pitching-related injuries, and 24,228 pitches thrown. Gameday pitch counts for all pitchers ranged from 19 to 219 (mean, 77.5 ± 41.0). Velocity ranged from 46.8 to 85.7 mph (mean, 71.3 ± 5.8 mph). Intensity ranged from 0.7 to 1.3 (mean, 1.0 ± 0.08). The mean workload was 74.7 ± 40.1 for all pitchers. Risk factors significant for injury included throwing at a higher velocity in game ( P = .001), increased intensity (eg, an increase in mean velocity thrown from preseason to in-season; P < .001), and being an older pitcher ( P = .014). No differences were found for workload between injured and noninjured pitchers because the analysis was underpowered.Conclusion:Our workload model indicated that throwing at a higher velocity, throwing at a higher intensity, and older age were risk factors for injury. Thus, this novel workload model should be considered as a means to identify pitchers who may be at greater risk for injury.","PeriodicalId":517411,"journal":{"name":"The American Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140821612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eoghan T. Hurley, Utkarsh Anil, Christopher A. Colasanti, Delon McAllister, Eric J. Straus, Michael J. Alaia, Kirk A. Campbell
{"title":"Management of Patellar Instability: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials: Response","authors":"Eoghan T. Hurley, Utkarsh Anil, Christopher A. Colasanti, Delon McAllister, Eric J. Straus, Michael J. Alaia, Kirk A. Campbell","doi":"10.1177/03635465241242314","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241242314","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":517411,"journal":{"name":"The American Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140819132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yi Chen, Yaobin Wang, Hongwei Zhan, Bin Geng, Yayi Xia
{"title":"Management of Patellar Instability: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials: Letter to the Editor","authors":"Yi Chen, Yaobin Wang, Hongwei Zhan, Bin Geng, Yayi Xia","doi":"10.1177/03635465241242297","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241242297","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":517411,"journal":{"name":"The American Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140819356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Failing to Reach Significance","authors":"Brett D. Owens","doi":"10.1177/03635465241247714","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241247714","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":517411,"journal":{"name":"The American Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140819159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Glenn S. Fleisig, Jonathan S. Slowik, Charles B. Kutz, Rafael F. Escamilla
{"title":"Comparison of Windup and Stretch Pitching Biomechanics in Baseball With Implications for Safety and Performance","authors":"Glenn S. Fleisig, Jonathan S. Slowik, Charles B. Kutz, Rafael F. Escamilla","doi":"10.1177/03635465241247543","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241247543","url":null,"abstract":"Background:Historically, it was assumed by some that high leg lift with windup pitching generated more ball velocity whereas pitching from the stretch was quicker to reduce the risk of base stealing but also more stressful on the arm. However, many now believe that velocity and stress do not differ between windup and stretch and always pitching from the stretch is simpler than mastering 2 techniques.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to compare windup and stretch fastball pitching biomechanics. It was hypothesized that there would be statistically significant and clinically important differences in ball velocity, timing of angular velocities, joint kinetics, and pitching kinematics.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Fastball pitching biomechanics previously captured for 221 healthy baseball pitchers (105 professional, 52 collegiate, and 64 high school level) were analyzed. For each pitcher, data for 3 to 10 windup trials and 3 to 10 stretch trials were available. Ball velocity was recorded using a radar gun. A 12-camera, 240-Hz automated motion capture system was used to track 39 reflective markers attached to the pitcher. A total of 24 kinematic parameters, 4 temporal parameters, and 5 kinetic parameters were calculated. Data for each parameter were compared across the 2 techniques and 3 competition levels using 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance ( P < .01). Based on previous studies and the expertise of the investigators, the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was set as 2° for angle measurements, 20 deg/s for angular velocities, 0.5 m/s for fastball velocity, and 0.3% body height × weight for normalized joint torque.Results:Fastball velocity was statistically greater from the windup than stretch for the collegiate subgroup but not for the other 2 levels. The collegiate level difference was below the MCID. Pitching from the windup generated greater front knee height and required more time from initiation of leg lift to front foot contact. From foot contact to ball release, there were 11 additional small, statistically significant differences between windup and stretch; however, each of these was well below the MCID.Conclusion:Pitching from the stretch was quicker and should be used with runners on base to prevent stealing. Pitching from the windup and stretch produced similar ball velocity, joint kinetics, and kinematics. Thus, pitchers may choose to use both techniques or stretch only based on comfort and personal preference.Clinical Relevance:The decision to pitch from both the windup and stretch or only from the stretch should not affect a pitcher's performance or joint stress (and injury risk).","PeriodicalId":517411,"journal":{"name":"The American Journal of Sports Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140817697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}