Sports injuries in children and adolescents: Etiology, epidemiology, and risk factors

G rowing participation of children in sports has resulted in an i n c reased incidence of sports injuries. Although methodologi - cal differences in epidemiologic studies largely prevent pre c i s e comparisons, it appears that young athletes participating in combat and contact sports seem to be more prone to injuries. Knee and ankle injuries are the most commonly encountere d p roblems and chronic events are more prevalent than acute ones. The occurrence of athletic injuries is multifactorial and may present differences with respect to sex and the sports branch involved. An analytical approach of all r e l e v a n t g roups (parents, coaches, physical education teachers, health personnel) is necessary to understand, treat, and prevent ath - letic injuries in children .