What are the most serious sports injuries that children and adolescents can experience?

Playing sports is an excellent physical activity for a child's development, but it can involve risks of injuries that vary in severity. There is no single list of the most dangerous injuries, as the risk depends on the type of sport played, age, and techniques used. However, some injuries require special attention due to their direct or potential impact on the developing body structure [1] [2].

Spinal and Back Injuries

The vertebrae and muscles surrounding the spine are subjected to significant pressure during sports activities. It is important to realize that a child's spine is still growing, making it sensitive to continuous stress. One form of injury that athletes may encounter is a stress fracture of the vertebrae, known as "spondylolysis." Strenuous exercise, such as unsupervised weightlifting, can place significant pressure on the spine [1].

Other risks associated with the spine include:

• Spinal disc injuries (the cushions between the vertebrae): These discs can be affected by repeated pressure caused by running on hard or uneven surfaces, playing golf, which involves strong torso rotation movements, or even cycling for long periods in an incorrect seating position, which causes pressure on the neck and lower back [1].
• Muscle and ligament strain: This often occurs due to sudden or excessive movements, such as those required in tennis or skiing [1].

Stress-Related Bone and Joint Injuries

Stress fractures are common injuries in sports that rely on running and jumping. These fractures occur as a result of subjecting bones to repeated pressures that exceed their ability to adapt and repair. Ignoring persistent pain and believing it is merely normal fatigue can lead to worsening these fractures, so one must always stop the activity when feeling unexplained pain and consult specialists [1].

Head Injuries and Concussions

Head injuries are among the most serious injuries a young athlete can experience and are often associated with sports that involve direct physical contact or a high possibility of falling, such as soccer, basketball, or cycling. Although some injuries may appear minor, immediate medical evaluation is essential. If a concussion is suspected, the child must be removed from play immediately and should not be allowed to return until a comprehensive medical evaluation has been obtained and complete recovery is confirmed [2].

Protection and Prevention

The risk of injuries can be reduced by following well-thought-out preventive strategies:

• Conducting a periodic medical examination before the start of the sports season to ensure health status is suitable for the sport [2].
• Using appropriate protective equipment (such as helmets and eye guards) and ensuring they fit the child's size [2].
• Focusing on warm-up and stretching exercises before starting the activity to enhance muscle and ligament flexibility [2].
• Learning from qualified coaches about proper movement techniques to reduce mechanical stress on the body [1].
• Ensuring complete recovery: Returning to the field after an injury should not be rushed; rather, one must ensure complete healing and protect the injured part with braces if necessary [2]. For more details on this topic, you can view Youth Sports Safety: An Injury Prevention Guide (Arabic).

Listening to the child's body and avoiding overtraining are the cornerstones of maintaining the long-term health of young athletes.

Medical references

• Back pain and sports
• Sports Safety