Few studies have reported injuries and physical characteristics in adolescent weightlifters. The purpose of this study was to report the results of orthopaedic medical examinations in adolescent amateur weightlifters that were performed cross-sectionally from 2012 to 2019. The orthopaedic medical examination included physical examinations, generalized joint laxity, muscle and joint tightness, static alignment, muscle volume of the lower extremities, and medial longitudinal arch of the foot (the height from the tip of the navicular tubercle to the ground surface). A questionnaire survey regarding pain in the spine and lower extremities was also performed. A total of 99 adolescent weightlifters were included (male/female, 71/28; mean age, 16.2 ± 0.2 years). A total of 9.1% had received orthopaedic treatments, with spine injuries being the most prevalent. Of those who had not received orthopaedic treatments, 31.1% had pain in the spine or lower extremities (for >4 weeks). There were no significant gender differences in the incidence of pain or positive findings of physical examinations. Female weightlifters had a more reduced dorsiflexion of the ankle joint than male weightlifters (p = 0.02). Male weightlifters had a lower flexibility of the quadriceps than female weightlifters. The results of orthopaedic medical examinations in this study may help clinicians and young weightlifters to prevent injuries in competitive weightlifting.
Keywords: adolescent weightlifters; early sports specialization; gender difference; orthopaedic medical examination.