Common sports injuries in children and adolescents

Abstract

As the population of child and adolescent athletes grows, a corresponding increase in the number of athletic-related injuries has been seen. It is commonly said that children are not just "small adults"; this is particularly true in orthopaedics. Pediatric injury types and patterns differ from those of adults and vary according to the child's skill level, level of conditioning, and actively growing musculoskeletal system. It is important to be aware of these variations to make appropriate diagnoses, guide treatment, and design preventive interventions that may reduce the incidence of future athletic-related injuries.

This article reviews the injury risk and patterns of childhood athletic injuries, including types of injuries, anatomic location of injuries, variations of injuries between the sexes, and sports-specific injuries, compared with adult sports. It is hoped that increased knowledge and awareness will permit the growing population of adolescent and preadolescent athletes to participate successfully and safely in their chosen sport and that early and accurate diagnosis will speed their return to their sport after injury