Physeal injuries in children’s and youth sports: reasons for concern?
- 1Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
- 2Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- 3Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, Keele University School of Medicine, Stoke on Trent ST4 7QB, UK
- Correspondence to: Dr Caine Department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9067, USA; Dennis.Caine{at}wwu.edu
- Accepted 23 April 2006
- Published Online First 28 June 2006
Abstract
A systematic review of the literature on the frequency and characteristics of sports related growth plate injuries affecting children and youth in organised sport was carried out. Both acute and chronic physeal injuries related to participation in sports have been reported to occur, although injury incidence data are somewhat limited. Of particular concern is the growing number of stress related physeal injuries, including those affecting the lower extremities. Although most physeal injuries appeared to resolve with treatment and rest, there is also evidence of growth disturbance and deformity. Possible injury risk factors and countermeasures are discussed, and suggestions for directing future research provided.
Footnotes
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Published Online First 6 July 2006
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Competing interests: none declared
