Prevention of Pediatric Sports Injuries

Abstract

With over 30 million children participating in sports each year across the United States, a number of significant injuries are to be expected. Although mild injuries such as strains, sprains, and contusions predominate, catastrophic injuries do occur. Young athletes are at an increased risk for growth plate and apophyseal injuries, overuse injuries, and heat illness. Many of these sports injuries can be prevented. Prevention strategies include protective equipment, rule changes, preseason and season prevention interventions, safety measures, better coaching, education, and a societal awareness of injury and prevention. This article discusses current injury prevention for children participating in baseball, football, soccer, and ice hockey.

Medical results of preparticipation examination in adolescent athletes

“…Furthermore, Hübscher et al and Steffens et al point out that regular sensorimotor training reduces injury risk, at least at the lower extremity in adults 18 30. However, on the basis of recently available data, evidence in 12-year-old athletes is not finally proven 13 31 32…”

Tackling in Youth Football

“…The most commonly injured body parts in football at all ages are the knee, [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] ankle, 12-21 hand, 21 and back. [12][13][14][15][16] The head and neck sustain a relatively small proportion of overall injuries, ranging from 5% to 13%.…”

“…[12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Fortunately, most injuries are contusions, musculotendinous strains, and ligamentous sprains. 12,13,15,17,18 Available data suggest that both the overall incidence and the severity of injuries sustained by younger football players are lower than those sustained by older players, [12][13][14][15][16]18,19,[21][22][23][24][25] although this finding is not universally consistent. 21 Some studies suggest that the incidence of overall injuries in football is similar to other sports, 19,21 although the incidence of serious injuries appears to be greater for football than many other team sports.…”

“…12,13,15,17,18 Available data suggest that both the overall incidence and the severity of injuries sustained by younger football players are lower than those sustained by older players, [12][13][14][15][16]18,19,[21][22][23][24][25] although this finding is not universally consistent. 21 Some studies suggest that the incidence of overall injuries in football is similar to other sports, 19,21 although the incidence of serious injuries appears to be greater for football than many other team sports. 21,26 Although data regarding the most common injuries sustained by football players at the professional, collegiate, and high school level are more readily available, data regarding younger players is limited.…”

Sports-Related Injuries in Youth Athletes: Is Overscheduling a Risk Factor?

“…Notably, the incidence of reported overuse injuries among young athletes is highest in basketball, football, baseball, soccer, tennis, gymnastics, and longdistance running and increases with level of competition. 5,6 Volume and frequency of exercise as determined by the scheduling of practices, games, and matches are important extrinsic risk factors related to injury risk. 4,7 Accordingly, there is growing clinical concern regarding overscheduling in youth sports, contributing to overuse injuries.…”