What Are The Most Common Sports Injuries To Children?Sprains, Strains, Contusions, abrasions,
and lacerations make up 60 percent of all sports
injuries to children(Pappas). Surprisingly, fractures account for less than 15 percent of injuries. As a general rule, the younger the child, the less severe the injury. However, it is also true that the more rapidly children grow, the more susceptible they are to injury at bone growth sites(Knee, Heel, Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, and Back).Growth occurs at the upper and lower end of the long bones of the
skeleton. One-half to one inch below the end of the bones is the growth center, where cartilage-like cells will harden and eventually make-up bone mass. It is this vulnerable area that is the weakest part of the skeleton, and most prone to injury, especially in the young adolescent. If growth site injuries are not diagnosed accurately and treated properly, they can lead to chronic pain, traumatic arthritis, and-in the worse case scenario-deformity and stunted bony growth.