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SummaryThe physical capacity of children participating in high performance sports is often underestimated. Medical doctors find it challenging to decide whether or when young athletes should continue their sporting activities after certain injuries or disabilities. Carefully adapted training is needed for each athlete.Viewing the X-ray of a 15 year old gymnast, who fell 1.5 meters from the uneven bars, onto his coccyx, we found a severe form of a Thoracolumbar Morbus Scheuermann. Subsequently we discussed how the development for the impairment could have been recognized earlier.In checking spinal injuries we have consequently established a clinical standard. Using this standard and carefully observing over a period of time it is possible to diagnose problems earlier. We prefer this procedure instead of using just a routine radiograph because only clinical facts that correspond to the radiograph are important. If athletes complain about relevant physical problems or we have clinical grounds for concern, we recommend a X ray on a large scale.