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
Keywords:
Fracture, Healing timeline, Physis/Physes, Skeletal maturity
CEUs:
1.0 Category A
In order to earn your CEUs, you must watch the session video in its entirety, complete the assessment, and receive a certificate of completion. Your statement of credit, reflecting the total CEUs earned for on-demand sessions, will be uploaded to your NATA EducATe transcript in early November. The maximum CEUs to be awarded are: up to 20 CEUs for On-Demand Only Registrants; and up to 5 CEUs for In-Person Attendees (A statement of credit for 15 in-person CEUs will be issued separately.) CEUs will only be awarded for sessions that have a certificate of completion.
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.
Raena Steffen, MS, LAT, ATC
Raena Steffen is a graduate of the University of South Florida Athletic Training Education Program, earning her bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training with a minor in Public Health in 2009. She later returned to the University to earn her post-professional master's degree in Medical Sciences, with a concentration in Athletic Training and Pediatric Sports Medicine, graduating in 2013.
During her career as a certified athletic trainer, Raena has worked across a variety of settings, including in administration, the physician clinic, the rehabilitation clinic, research, secondary schools, and national-team sports. Her areas of clinical interest include biomechanics evaluation, adjustment, and application to sports performance, and mental health, sleep health, and application to sports performance. She has received recognition in the form of the Outstanding Service Award from USF’s Athletic Training Program in 2023, the Patriot Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve in 2024, and the Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida Clinical Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2025.
In her free time, Raena enjoys spending her time reading, baking, gardening, and spending time with her significant other, her dog, Dora, and her friends. Additionally, Raena is an active member of the Junior League of Tampa, serving as the Advocacy Manager and participating in various community service programs, awareness campaigns, and charity events.