Knee, ankle and back injuries most common in youth sports: study

Maywood, IL – The most likely injuries for young athletes involve the knee, ankle and lower back, suggests a new study from Loyola University Medical Center.

Researchers examined 843 injuries suffered by young athletes. Almost one-third of the injuries involved the knee, followed by the ankle (16 percent) and the lower back (15.1 percent). Almost 40 percent of the back injuries were classified as serious. Other affected body parts were the head, shoulder and hip, according to a press release.

Researchers cited improper techniques such as hyperextending the lower back as one cause of back injuries. Injuries also may stem from weak abdominal and back muscles and over-training in one sport.

In addition, youth with back injuries were found to spend more time playing sports than the overall average for injured kids.

The study was presented on Oct. 28 at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition in Orlando.