When children and adolescents present to the emergency department with sports-related injuries, it can be challenging to differentiate apophyseal injuries from other common injuries such as fractures or muscle or ligament injuries. Recognition of apophyseal injuries can help facilitate optimal healing, prevent future injury, and minimize unnecessary testing. This issue reviews the major anatomic areas of apophysitis, presents guidance for activity modification and return precautions, and indications for when it is appropriate to refer patients for specialty care.
Our recent issue Pediatric Apophysitis Management in the Emergency Department reviews the major anatomic areas of apophysitis, presents guidance for activity modification and return precautions, and indications for when it is appropriate to refer patients for specialty care.
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Here are a few key points:
- Apophysitis is characterized by inflammation of an apophysis, usually secondary to overuse associated with repetitive stress and movements directed at the growth plate and bony prominence.
- Apophysitis can occur only in individuals with nonfused growth plates, and typically occurs during phases of acute skeletal growth, usually between the ages of 8 and 15 years.
- Common anatomic locations of apophysitis and the repetitive motions that cause the injury are listed in Table 2 in the issue.
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