INJURIES IN THE YOUNG ATHETEINJURY PREVENTION SYMPOSIUM

“The heightened intensity of training and competition among young athletes places them at increased risk for both acute and chronic injuries”

Why are children susceptible to injury? I. Developmental Factors

II. Varying athletic Ability

III. Unsupervised athletic activities

IV. Increase in intense training at younger ages and participation in multiple sports.

THE MIRACLE OF PUBERTY

NEISS National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Primary Purpose: Provide timely data on consumer product-

related injuries occurring in the U.S.A Data collected from 100 selected Emergency Departments

as a probability sample of all the 5,300 U.S. hospitals By Groupings eg. Sports and Recreational Equipment, Yard

and Garden Equipment(59,155 hand garden tool injuries 2009), Home Furnishings & Fixtures(246,733 ladder or stool injuries 2009)

NEISS 2009 SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT Basketball injuries: 501,251 Baseball and softball injuries: 286,708 Football injuries: 451,961 Soccer injuries: 208,214 Track and Field Activities, Equipment: 22,191 Racquet Sports: 32,529 Nonpowder Guns, BB’s Pellets: 22,630

KEY PLAYERS INJURY PREVENTION Medical staff- Team physician, athletic trainer, physical

therapist,

Coaches

Athlete

Parents

MEDICAL STAFF Injury Management Initial Diagnosis Define Treatment Plan Restore Normal Function after Healing of Injury Prevent Future Problems

Education

Communication

MEDICAL STAFFWhat is the goal?

Return to Play

Preserving the health of the athlete’s present and future

High rates of osteoarthritis after ACL reconstruction

Defining impact of injury on future medical problems

RETURNING TO SPORTSLengthen healing time if return from injury to soon

Never exercise the injured part if you have pain during rest

When pain stops at rest, start simple ROM exercises and progress to strengthening

Return gradually to sports specific training altering progression based on recurrent pain or swelling

Gradual increase sports intensity until back to preinjury level

COACHES What is your role? Educator Role model Encourager Mother or father figure

PARENTS

INJURY PREVENTION Always use proper body mechanics in sports involving

repetitive stress Listen to your body. Pain is the Good Lord’s warning sign Knee PWSMM Train for your sport Cross train for overall conditioning and to allow specific

muscles to rest

INJURY PREVENTION Prepare for you sport, both physically and mentally Weekend warrior syndrome eg. Summer before ninth grade Balance training with rest Wear and use proper gear for your sport Understand the rules and follow them Warm up slowly before activity esp in sports requiring quick ,

dynamic movements

LOWER EXTREMITY INJURIES Ankle Injuries

Knee injuries

Lower Back Injuries

ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT

ACL TEAR Devastating injury to knee

Most long term studies show OA in 60-70% of patients down the road after ACL injury despite “successful” surgical treatment and return to sports

ACL tears occurring at all ages even as young as 6 years of age

ACL PREVENTION

CONCUSSIONDefinition: Traumatic injury to the brain that alters mental status or causes other symptoms

CONCUSSIONRemember that a significant brain injury can occur without losing consciousness.

CONCUSSIONSYMPTOMSBalance problem

Difficulty communicating, concentrating Dizziness

Drowsiness

Fatigue

Feeling emotional

Feeling mentally foggy

Headache

Vomiting

CONCUSSIONSYMPTOMSIrritability

Memory difficulties

Nausea

Nervousness

Numbness or tingling

Sadness

Sensitivity to light or noise

Sleeping more than usual or difficulty falling asleep

CONCUSSION How do we prevent concussions? Better equipment eg. State of the Art Helmets Better treatment Avoid second impact syndrome Neuropsychological Testing

PREVENTING HEAT ILLNESS Ensure proper acclimatization at the beginning of the workout session

Evaluate weather condition for temperature, humidity, and sunlight

Schedule rest in the shade

Identify participants at particular risk

Hydrate before practice and competition

Have chilled fluids readily available at the practice site

PREVENTING HEAT ILLNESSES Enforce periodic drinking Never use water restriction as a form of discipline Discourage deliberate dehydration for weight loss Make appropriate clothing adjustments Schedule events to avoid peak hours of heat and sun Educate players and parents Record daily weights to ensure adequate rehydration

between practices

THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION