Comparison of the pattern of injuries in children and adult athletes. The first 10 years experience at the Olympic Training Center.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare the pediatric and adult populations that receive treatment in our Inter-disciplinary Clinic to distinguish possible differences in their sports practice and the nature of their sports injuries.


BACKGROUND
With increasing frequency, younger children are getting involved in competitive or recreational sports. Due to the level of participation in competitive athletics and the inherent risk such participation seems to imply, it has become apparent that consideration must be given to the injury problems associated with sports.


METHODS
The patient population studied includes recreational and competitive athletes. All new cases seen between April 1988 and April 1997 were included. Before 1990, all data was collected retrospectively from medical charts and after 1990 it was collected prospectively.


RESULTS
Of the total of 2579 patients seen, 1368 (53%) were under 21 years of age and 1211 (47%) were 21 or older. The most frequent practiced sports in both populations were baseball (17.6% in children, 15.1% in adults), track and field (12.9%, 13.4%) and basketball (12.1%, 10.8%) and the most commonly affected anatomical areas were the knee (29.8%, 32.9%) and the shoulder (16.6% and 14.7% respectively). Injuries were mostly chronic (63.6% and 72.1%), traumatic in nature (48.1%) in children and mostly overuse lesions (46.6%) in adults. The most common diagnoses in both populations was tendinitis (21.5% and 23.7%) and first degree strains. Conservative treatment was given regardless of age.


CONCLUSIONS
The role of the rehabilitation interdisciplinary team is gaining growing importance in the therapy of children and adults with sport injuries. Further research to better understand the pattern of athletic injuries in the pediatric population is essential for effective injury prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
Micheo
William F
WF
Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan.
Figueroa
Caromyr
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult