Management of sports injuries in children and adolescents.

In general, child and youth sports are safe. The vast multitude of injuries sustained are mild contusions, sprains, and strains. Major catastrophic injuries are rare. Overuse injuries secondary to repetitive, unrepaired microtrauma are becoming a more common source of injury. Children must not be thought of as simply small adults. Physiologically and emotionally, children, youth, and adolescents all vary in rate and magnitude of maturation in these spheres. The vast majority of sports-related injuries in children and adolescents require neither hospitalization nor surgery but lend themselves to out-patient treatment. The practice of preventive medicine is encouraged, and orthopedists should take an active part in advising patients about equipment and training programs to prevent coach and parental abuses that may lead to musculoskeletal long-term disabilities.