Orthopaedic MD

Youth sports participation carries an inherent risk of injury, including overuse injuries. Little leaguer's shoulder, a stress fracture of the proximal humerus that presents as lateral shoulder pain, usually is self-limited. Little leaguer's elbow is a medial stress injury; treatment consists of complete rest from throwing for four to six weeks followed by rehabilitation and a gradual throwing program. Spondylolysis is a stress fracture of the pars interarticularis. Diagnostic modalities include plain film radiography, bone scan, computed tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment usually is conservative. Spondylolisthesis is the forward or anterior displacement of one vertebral body over another and may be related to a history of spondylolysis. Diagnosis is made with plain film radiography and graded according to the amount of displacement. Osgood-Schlatter disease presents as anterior knee pain localized to the tibial tubercle. Diagnosis is made clinically, and most patients respond to conservative measures. Calcaneal apophysitis (or Sever's disease) is a common cause of heel pain in young athletes, presenting as pain in the posterior aspect of the calcaneus. (Am Fam Physician 2006;73:1014-22. Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Family Physicians.)
KYLE J. CASSAS, M.D., and AMELIA Cassettari-WAYHS, M.D., Methodist Health System, Dallas, Texas

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a group of inherited disorders in which the most common feature is bones that break easily. OI results from an alteration either in the chemical makeup or production of collagen. Collagen is the protein "glue" that holds the body's tissues together and gives strength to bones. It is the major protein in bone. There are several types of collagen, and one of the most important is type I collagen.

AAOS Online Service Patient Education BrochuresA Guide to Safety for Young Athletes

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From Cincinatti Childrens Hospital

Fact sheet outlining types of elbow fractures, symptoms, and treatment

Cincinnati Children's Hospital

Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center. Database of best practices for preventing childhood injuries

Overview of this "brittle bone disease" includes description, treatment options, and precautions.