Return-to-sport and performance outcomes after isolated superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) repair in professional baseball players.

HYPOTHESIS

To report the return-to-sport (RTS) rate, RTS time, and performance outcomes in professional baseball pitchers and position players who underwent isolated superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) repair.

METHODS

The Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System database was queried for all major league and Minor League Baseball players who underwent isolated SLAP repair without treatment of the biceps from 2011 to 2022. Outcomes of interest included RTS rate, time until RTS, workload statistics, and performance outcomes. Outcomes were compared between pitchers and position players, with further subanalyses between starting vs. relief pitchers as well as between outfielders/infielders/catchers.

RESULTS

Overall, 53 professional baseball players comprised of 36 pitchers and 17 position players were included with 49 (92.5%) players at the Minor League Baseball level and a mean age of 24 ± 3 years. All pitchers underwent surgery of the pitching shoulder, and only one position player underwent surgery of the nonthrowing shoulder. Position players and pitchers RTS at a similar rate (82.4% vs. 80.6%, respectively, P = 1.000) and RTS in a similar amount of time (280 vs. 327 days, P = .120) after surgery. No statistical changes in pitching performance statistics (earned run average, walks + hits per inning pitched, batting average) or offensive performance statistics (batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, on-base plus slugging percentage) were observed across the study timeline (all P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Professional baseball pitchers and position players RTS at 82% vs. 81%, respectively after SLAP repair. They require approximately an average of 9-11 months to RTS after SLAP repair. Pitchers and position players do not experience significant changes in their performance statistics after surgery.