Breaking Down Youth Sports Injuries: What Every Parent Should Know

While prevention is key, injuries can still happen. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health highlights three common injuries in youth sports.

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, young athletes are gearing up for the start of the spring sports season. Whether it’s soccer, baseball, track and field, or lacrosse, the shift from indoor activities to outdoor play brings a fresh sense of energy and anticipation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 3.5 million youth sports injuries occur annually, with one in three participants seeking medical attention for sports-related injury.

Recognizing the increased activity and potential for injuries, our latest TikTok series features Kevin Shea, MD, pediatric orthopedic surgeon and director of the Sports Medicine Program. In these videos, Dr. Shea discusses the most frequent injuries he treats in youth athletes.

ACL tears

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a structure in the knee that provides stability. It helps athletes with the ability to make quick cuts and twists while staying on their feet. An ACL can be sprained, partially torn, or fully torn.

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Dr. Kevin Shea, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, discusses a common injury among young athletes: ACL tears. Watch to learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options on the road to recovery. StanfordMedicineChildrensHealth Orthopedics ACL ACLSurgery ACLTears
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Meniscus tears

Meniscus tears occur during a rotating movement while bearing weight, such as twisting the upper leg while the foot stays in one place during sports and other activities. Tears can be minor, with the meniscus staying connected to the knee, or they can be major, with the meniscus barely attached to the knee by cartilage threads.

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Dr. Kevin Shea, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, discusses a common injury among teen athletes: meniscus tears. This common knee injury affects the cartilage, which acts as a shock absorber. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness, and while some tears heal naturally, others might require surgery and physical therapy. With proper treatment, you can get back to the activities you love. StanfordMedicineChildrensHealth SportsMedicine MeniscusTears Meniscus Orthopedics OrthopedicSurgeon
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Avascular necrosis

Avascular necrosis, also known as osteonecrosis, occurs when a portion of bone does not get enough blood. Without adequate blood supply, bone cells begin to die, and the bone breaks down.

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Dr. Kevin Shea, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, explains avascular necrosis, a condition where a lack of blood supply causes bone tissue death. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and important steps for early diagnosis and treatment. StanfordMedicineChildrensHealth LucilePackardChildrensHospitalStanford AvascularNecrosis Orthopedics OrthopedicSurgeon DocTok
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Staying informed about these common injuries and their symptoms can help parents ensure that their young athletes receive prompt and effective care. Keep an eye on our TikTok series for more tips and expert insights to keep your kids safe and active during sports season.

The Children’s Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health offers some of the best pediatric orthopedic services in the nation at six locations throughout the Bay Area, often with same- or next-day appointments.