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

Background Shoulder injuries are a key injury for elite cricket players; however, the burden is not well understood. This study describes the incidence, prevalence, characteristics and management of medical attention shoulder injuries in elite female cricket players. Methods Retrospective review of shoulder injuries sustained by elite Australian female cricket players between July 2015 and June 2023. Results A total of 409 medical attention 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 were non-time-loss. Modified activities (e.g., throwing, diving and bowling) were typically required for between two weeks and six months. Players typically returned to full unrestricted match play between 1 and 8.5 months, longer for recurrent injuries ( p = 0.007). Discussion 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 players (pace bowlers) and activities (diving and throwing) with a higher rate of shoulder injury. Further consideration may also be given to reducing the risk of exacerbations and recurrent injuries which may prolong recovery.