Pediatric Sports Medicine Injuries: Common Problems and Solutions

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.