Trending Pediatric Injuries in the Overhead Athlete: A Narrative Review

Pediatric overhead athlete injuries are increasing in frequency, many of them unique to the youth musculoskeletal system. Conditions relate not only to growth centers but also to subchondral bone and joint instability linked to immature connective tissue. Diagnosis depends on a thorough patient history, correct examination techniques, and use of imaging. Management of these patients requires a greater focus on neuromuscular rehabilitation principles than is needed for adults. There is a lack of consensus on the role of functional testing in rehabilitation decisions, and further investigation is necessary. In addition, practitioners need to be mindful of the psychosocial dynamics among players, parents, and coaches, who may not understand appropriate workloads for young athletes and feel pressured to accelerate the pace of recovery. This narrative review covers the most current principles of diagnosis, treatment, and return-to-play strategies for pediatric overhead athlete injuries including preventing of recurrent injuries and avoiding long-term sequelae.