Joint dislocations are more severe injuries where the bones move out of place. These require urgent medical attention, especially when they occur in areas like the knee or elbow, where blood vessels could be at risk. Immediate reduction (putting the joint back in place) and checking the nerves and blood flow are critical.
- Knee & Elbow Dislocations: Can be complicated by artery damage, risking the entire limb.
- ACL Tears: Ligaments inside joints like the ACL do not respond well to non-surgical treatments. Athletes aiming to return to high-demand sports, like basketball, often need surgery. If the ACL is torn with a piece of bone attached, primary repair might be an option, but otherwise, surgical reconstruction is more effective.
Case Example:
16-year-old Ryan, a basketball player, dislocated his knee while landing awkwardly from a jump. Along with the knee dislocation, he also tore his ACL. Due to his desire to continue playing competitive basketball, he underwent ACL reconstruction surgery and is now on track to return to sports after a successful recovery.
Shoulder Dislocations: A Long-Term Concern for Young Athletes
Shoulder dislocations can cause long-term problems, particularly in young athletes. Unlike older adults, younger athletes (especially those under 20) are at high risk of developing recurrent shoulder instability if their first dislocation is not treated surgically. For young athletes, up to 90% of shoulder dislocations are associated with a Bankart lesion (a tear of the labrum). Nonsurgical treatment has a high failure rate, and certain athletes may benefit from open surgical techniques to ensure stability.
Case Example:
15-year-old Emily, a volleyball player, dislocated her shoulder diving for a ball. After a nonsurgical approach failed to prevent future dislocations, she underwent an open surgery to repair her labrum and restore stability. Post-surgery, she has regained full strength and is back to playing competitively.
The Physis: A Fragile Link in Young Athletes
The growth plate (physis) is the weakest point in the musculoskeletal system of young athletes. Injuries to the growth plate can have long-term consequences, potentially affecting the normal growth of bones and leading to deformities. These injuries are often caused by sports-related trauma, particularly in high-contact sports.
Treatment:
- Non-displaced Fractures: Often treated with immobilization and careful monitoring.
- Displaced Fractures: Require precise realignment (reduction) to avoid long-term complications, especially if the injury extends into the joint (intra-articular).
Case Example:
13-year-old Alex, a rugby player, suffered a growth plate fracture in his ankle during a tackle. After a successful reduction procedure and a few weeks in a cast, his ankle healed perfectly, and he was able to return to sports without any long-term issues.