Good health should be a goal of all children and adolescents, as well as the parents and guardians who care for them. Regular physical activity is part of achieving this goal. Sports can provide manifold benefits, including fitness, motor skill development, teamwork, and of course, fun. As with any pursuit that provides such benefits, however, there are risks involved, p- ticularly for growing athletes. Physicians and other health professionals caring for active children should be able to provide appropriate care and advice for sport and fitness related medical issues. This book is written as a practical guide for those of us who provide care for young athletes. The focus ison musculoskeletal injuries that occur in this unique population, as well as conditions that may present as a musculosk- etal injury, but may have more serious consequences. The first section of the book focuses on rehabilitation and diagnostic imaging of musculoskeletal conditions in adolescents. The secondsection organized according to a- tomical region addresses specificinjuries that adolescents may sustain as a result of sport/activity participation. Each of these body part specific ch- ters begins with a review of the relevant anatomy, followed by details of clinical evaluation. Specific injuries, such as acute and chronic injuries, are described in detail, including the management/treatment of each condition.
The Adolescent Athlete: A Practical Approach offers keen insight into providing musculoskeletal care for growing athletes. Chapters are logically organized by anatomical region and are written by experts in the field who focus on improved clinical decision making. Intended for sports medicine physicians, primary care physicians, orthopedists, and athletic trainers, the text addresses both chronic and acute injuries in addition to congenital conditions. Fundamentals, including basic anatomy, physical examination, and patient history are covered in detail. Emphasis is placed on the recognition of injury patterns unique to adolescent athletes, and invaluable tables are incorporated to assist with diagnosis. Prevention, patient management, and referral are outlined. The user-friendly book also highlights return to play guidelines and includes summary pearls. To further facilitate comprehensive patient care, musculoskeletal diagnostic imaging and principles of rehabilitation are covered as well. Anatomical drawings, photos of examination maneuvers, and diagnostic images, such as x-rays and MRI scans, complete the text by illustrating key concepts. With its presentation of sought-after information and accessible format, this book is a welcome resource for those who want to improve the musculoskeletal health of active children and adolescents.
