Epidemiology of Sports Injuries in Adolescents

This chapter discusses the epidemiology of injuries in organized sports in adolescents from junior high school through college age. Epidemiology includes the study of the distribution, causes, and prevention of disease. Epidemiologic data on sports injuries can help pediatricians to counsel families about the risks of specific sports, to know what injuries to expect in a given activity, to help athletic programs plan for medical care, and to advise athletes and coaches on injury prevention.