Physeal Injuries in Children's and Youth Sports: Reasons for Concern?

Dennis Caine ^1*, John DiFiori ² and Nicola Maffulli ³

¹ Western Washington University, United States
² University of California, Los Angeles, United States
³ Keele University School of Medicine, United Kingdom

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: denandcarol{at}comcast.net.

Accepted 23 April 2006

Abstract

A systematic review of the literature on the frequency and characteristics of sports-related growth plate injuries affecting children and youth in organized sport was carried out. Both acute and chronic and chronic injuries related to participation in sports have been described to occur, though injury incidence data are somewhat limited. Although most of these injuries appear to resolve with rest, there is also evidence of growth disturbance, especially in the case of acute injuries. Possible injury risk factors and countermeasures are discussed and suggestions for directing future research provided.

Key Words: epiphyseal, growth plate, injuries, physis, sport

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