Common Acute Sports-Related Lower Extremity Injuries in Children and Adolescents

Most acute sports-related injuries in children and adolescents involve the lower extremities. Emergency department physicians are often the first to evaluate and treat these injuries and are commonly asked for advice regarding return to sports and activities. This article will review the most common acute lower extremity injuries seen in young athletes, including contusions, muscle strains, fractures, ankle and knee sprains, and patellar dislocations. Diagnosis, initial treatment, prognosis, and time frame for return to sports will be discussed.