Clues to the Pediatric Puzzle: Common Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Diagnoses

Abstract:
Nearly a quarter of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) membership of certified athletic trainers (ATs) works in the secondary school job setting, much of which includes student-athletes who are skeletally immature and are thus classified as “pediatric” by the orthopaedic and sports medicine communities. However, detailed instruction regarding pediatric-specific diagnoses and conditions are not the focus of many athletic training programs. ATs receive their training specific to pediatric orthopaedic and sports medicine diagnoses on-the-field post certification or through specialized study programs. Pediatric diagnoses are unique and require a different approach for recovery and return to activity.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe common pediatric-specific orthopaedic and sports medicine diagnoses, including potential long-term effects of an injury.
• Differentiate chronic, acute, urgent, and emergent pediatric-specific diagnoses.
• Identify appropriate plans of care and activity restrictions for common pediatric-specific orthopaedic and sports medicine diagnoses.
• Educate key stakeholders (parent/guardian, coach, medical care team) about the significance of pediatric-specific orthopaedic and sports medicine diagnoses as well as the need for specialized care, when appropriate.
• Transform the mindset that kids can be treated as “tiny adults.”

Level:
Advanced

Domain(s):
Domain 1: Risk Reduction Wellness and Health Literacy 
Domain 2: Assessment Evaluation and Diagnosis 
Domain 3: Critical Incident Management 
Domain 4: Therapeutic Intervention 

Orthopedic Domain(s):
Domain 1: Medical Knowledge

CEUs:
1.0 Category A

Keywords:
Fracture, Healing timeline, Physis/Physes, Skeletal maturity

In order to earn your CEUs, you must watch the session video in its entirety and complete the assessment.

Course Expiration: 
All sessions of the NATA 76th Symposia On-Demand must be completed by October 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.