Pediatric Sports Medicine Injuries: Common Problems and Solutions

Clin Sports Med. 2018 Apr;37(2):351-362. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2017.12.012.

Abstract

The treatment of sports injuries in the skeletally immature has a unique set of complications. Growth deformity may occur after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction; therefore, skeletal age is used to help guide the choice between physeal sparing and transphyseal techniques. Arthrofibrosis after tibial spine fracture fixation can be reduced by initiating immediate range of motion, and should be treated early and cautiously to avoid iatrogenic fracture. Nonunions of medial epicondyle elbow fractures are more common with nonoperative treatment, but seldom lead to clinical problems outside of certain athletes. Risks of OCD fixation are specific to the material of screw used.

Keywords: Arthrofibrosis; Medial epicondyle; Nonunion; Osteochondritis dissecans; Overgrowth; Pediatrics; Physeal arrest; Sports medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / adverse effects
  • Athletic Injuries / surgery*
  • Bone Screws / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Elbow / surgery
  • Elbow Injuries
  • Fibrosis / etiology
  • Fibrosis / prevention & control
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / adverse effects
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation
  • Fractures, Ununited / surgery
  • Fractures, Ununited / therapy
  • Humans
  • Open Fracture Reduction / adverse effects
  • Osteochondritis Dissecans / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy*
  • Tibial Fractures / surgery
  • Youth Sports / injuries*