A Segmental Approach to Imaging of Sports-Related Injuries of the Pediatric Elbow

CONTEXT The imaging of pediatric sports injuries of the elbow requires an understanding of the interaction between biomechanical forces common in sports and the developing skeleton. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A PubMed search was performed using the terms elbow, radiology, and sports with the search limited to children up to 18 years of age. No limits were set on the range of years searched. Articles were reviewed for relevance with an emphasis of the changing nature of sports injuries about the pediatric elbow. RESULTS A clear progression of injuries about the elbow can be identified as the skeleton matures. Sports most commonly associated with injuries in the pediatric age group were baseball and gymnastics. CONCLUSIONS Most pediatric sports injuries result from overhand throwing, especially in baseball or gymnastics. The manifestation of the injuries shifts as the physes progress toward closure.