Significant numbers of these young athletes are participating in sports in settings outside of traditional organized scholastic teams. Unfortunately, with the explosion of youth sports participation, there has been a significant rise in the incidence and variety of sports injuries. These injuries include fractures, dislocations, ligament and cartilage injuries, shin splints, concussions and the more common varieties of sprains and strains. Sports related injuries in children represent the second leading reason for emergency room visits and the second leading cause of injury in schools. Approximately 3 million children are seen in the emergency room setting each year, and millions more visit their family physicians or specialists for evaluation and management of sports related injuries.
Young athletes have special needs.
Because their bodies are growing, they often require different coaching, conditioning, and medical care than more mature athletes. There are marked differences in coordination, strength and stamina between a child and an adult. The center is headed by a sports medicine specialist with expertise in ligament reconstruction and arthroscopic surgery. A specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation is present to guide the rehabilitation of the injured athlete. The center provides a multidisciplinary approach to provide the finest care in treating children and adolescents with sports related injuries.