Shoulder injuries in elite female cricket players: Insights from 8 seasons

ObjectivesTo describe the incidence, prevalence, characteristics, and management of shoulder injuries requiring medical attention in elite female cricket players. DesignRetrospective cohort. SettingAustralian state, territory, and national cricket teams between July 2015 and June 2023. ParticipantsElite female cricket players. Independent variablesMedical attention and general time-loss shoulder injuries. Main outcome measuresIncidence, prevalence, characteristics, recovery time-frames, activity modifications. Results409 shoulder injuries were recorded, with an average incidence of 12.9 per 100 players per season. Gradual onset injuries were most commonly experienced by pace bowlers (51%). Sudden onset injuries were most commonly sustained whilst fielding (69%). Four in five injuries did not require the player to be unavailable to play or train. Modified activities (e.g., throwing, diving, bowling) were typically required for between 2 weeks and 6 months. Players typically returned to full unrestricted match play between 1-8.5 months, longer for recurrent injuries (p=0.007). ConclusionsShoulder injuries are a considerable burden in elite female cricket players. Despite only one in five injuries resulting in a player being unavailable to play or train, impaired shoulder function may reduce the overall performance of the player and the team. Risk reduction strategies may be targeted to at risk players (pace bowlers) and activities (throwing and diving) to reduce the burden of shoulder injuries in this cohort. Further consideration may also be given to management strategies to reduce the risk of exacerbations and recurrent injuries which may prolong recovery.