A large number of adolescents participate in various sports. Not withstanding the methodologic problems with epidemiologic data, a large percentage of athletes sustain musculoskeletal injuries. In most instances, the athlete first presents to his or her primary care physician, who must perform the initial assessment and decide on further management. Many injuries can be managed by the primary care physician. It is important to recognize the unique characteristics of adolescent growth and development that have implications for the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal injuries.