What is the physiological cause of Little League Shoulder?

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Little League Shoulder is primarily caused by repetitive loading forces that occur during pitching and other overhead activities in youth baseball players. This condition is characterized by a growth plate injury, specifically the proximal humeral physis, due to the high torque and shear forces exerted on the shoulder during throwing motions.

In young athletes, their bones and growth plates are still developing, making them more susceptible to injury when subjected to the repetitive stresses of throwing. Over time, these repetitive loading forces can lead to microtrauma in the shoulder region, causing pain and functional limitations.

Addressing the other choices, excessive weight bearing does not specifically relate to the mechanics of throwing, as the issue arises mainly from the strain of repetitive throwing motions rather than weight bearing. Sudden impact injuries are more associated with acute traumatic events rather than the chronic nature of Little League Shoulder. Insufficient warm-up exercises can contribute to an athlete's overall risk for injuries, but they do not specifically cause the physiological changes seen in Little League Shoulder. The primary concern remains the microtrauma from the cumulative effect of repetitive throws.

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