MLB Pitcher Suffers Rare Latissimus Dorsi Injury

Noah Syndergaard, MLB pitcher,  was recently diagnosed with a partial tear injury of his Latissimus Dorsi muscle (aka ’the lat’). As team physician for the Norfolk Tides, I wanted to provide some insight into this uncommon injury and what to do about it.

Many people do not realize that the latissimus, the largest back muscle, plays an important role in throwing mechanics. This muscle attaches to the upper arm and helps to internally rotate the shoulder, which occurs during the throwing motion. Currently the best treatment for this injury is unknown and can be treated with either rest and rehabilitation (with return to competition between 6-12 weeks), or with surgery. If the muscle is completely torn, some surgeons believe that, in order to maximize performance, pitchers are best treated by surgery to reattach the muscle. However, with surgery a pitcher would be expected to miss at least six months of play. At this point, reports indicate the Noah Syndergaard is being treated non operatively for his partial tear.”

Please visit the following link for some more information: http://www.orthobullets.com/sports/3072/latissimus-dorsi-rupture?expandLeftMenu=true

Author

Brad Carofino, MD Dr. Brad Carofino is a board-certified (American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery), fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in shoulder & upper extremity surgery. Dr. Carofino is an expert in shoulder replacement surgery, minimally invasive arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and complex reconstructive procedures of the upper extremity.