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Recreational and Sports Injuries in Children

Posted on: 06/12/2008
In this study, sports physicians conducted a search of current medical literature. The subject was pediatric sports injuries. Bone fractures were the main focus. They analyzed all the data available to find the typical profile of children who have sports injuries resulting in fractures in the United States.

Competitive and recreational sports most often linked with pediatric fractures included bicycle riding, basketball, football, and roller sports. There were some trends noted based on age and sex. For example, younger children (ages one to four) were more likely to break a bone from falls on the playground. And fractures were less common in older teens once the bone growth plates had fused.

Males were more likely to injure themselves. Injuries among girls have increased dramatically in the last 10 years. It is assumed that this is because more girls are participating in sports now than ever before. Injuries to the spine such as spondylolysis (stress fracture) are more common among female dancers, gymnasts, and figure skaters.

One-fourth of all pediatric sports injuries are fractures. The arm is broken most often. Knowing this may help coaches and parents plan prevention strategies. For example, the importance of proper coaching, equipment, and playing conditions can't be over emphasized. Equipment should include protective gear designed for the specific sport

Preseason physical exams to screen for medical conditions or psychosocial issues must be included. Other prevention strategies include medical coverage at sporting events and proper officiating and coaching. Getting enough and the right kinds of fluids to maintain hydration should be encouraged.

Each sport should have its own model for injury prevention. For example, prohibiting body checking in youth ice hockey can reduce the risk of fracture. This is especially true for head and neck injuries in older age groups where size and strength vary significantly. And requiring wrist guards in skating sports may reduce the risk of wrist fractures.

In all sports, fostering an atmosphere of fun, fair play, and team development may help reduce violent injuries. Coaches and players who abide by the rules and officials who enforce the rules can also contribute to the decline of serious injuries.

More studies are needed to find ways to prevent sports injuries. An overview study such as this one is helpful in identifying common ages, sports, and types of injuries. Safety guidelines are more likely to be followed when they are based on actual statistics of injuries and evidence that prevention makes a difference.

References:
Michael Jordan, MD, et al. Pediatric Fractures in Sports: Epidemiology and Strategies for Prevention. In The Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine. May 2008. Vol. 25. No. 5. Pp. 230-235.

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