Recreational injuries in children: incidence and prevention.

Participation in eight common types of recreational activities leads annually to more than 2 million medically treated musculoskeletal injuries in children aged 5 to 14 years. Many of these injuries could have been prevented if current safety guidelines and protective equipment had been used. Studies have demonstrated the value of safety education programs in preventing injuries. Parents consider their child's physician an important source of safety education, and orthopaedic surgeons have a unique opportunity to provide injury prevention counseling. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recognizes the importance of injury prevention and has developed advocacy programs that are readily available to physicians and the public. Individual orthopaedists should be involved in injury prevention through patient education, research, community programs, and regulatory efforts that promote safe play for children.