The immature athlete. Common injuries and overuse syndromes of the elbow and wrist.

Specific elbow and wrist injuries are predictable in the skeletally immature athlete based on the biomechanics of the sport and the age of the patient. The physician must be aware of the potential for overuse injuries. Modification in training regimens is essential for recovery. A greater emphasis must be placed on the prevention of these injuries. As a general rule, the young athlete should not progress more than 10% per week in the amount and frequency of training. Correction of muscle-tendon imbalances is accomplished by maintaining strength and flexibility of susceptible tissues. In throwers, a triceps-strengthening program of progressive resisted extension exercises and a forearm flexor/extensor-strengthening program using the French curl technique are helpful. Careful attention to throwing technique and proper coaching are essential. The goal for the young athlete is early recognition of the injury and thereby prevention of a long-term disability.