Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in the Skeletally Immature Athlete

Abstract

The intensity of training and competition among young athletes can place them at increased risk of acute and chronic injuries, which occur in patterns unique to the skeletally immature athlete. Prompt recognition and treatment of these injuries are critical to prevent long-term functional disability and deformity. Children and adolescents participating in recreational and organized sports are particularly susceptible to a broad spectrum of shoulder and elbow injuries involving both osseous and soft-tissue structures. Understanding the relevant functional anatomy, biomechanics of throwing, and pathophysiology of injury can help the clinician manage common acute traumatic injuries, some of which may result in chronic problems. Over-use injuries occur more frequently than do acute, traumatic injuries, and early recognition, coupled with appropriate treatment or prevention, can help restore and maintain normal shoulder and elbow function.