ABSTRACT
Injuries in the skeletally immature patient represent a major public health challenge as this impacts both the patient and the patient's family. The incidence of pediatric trauma in the United States appears to be increasing. The most common causes of musculoskeletal injury are sports or recreational activities, motor vehicle accidents, nonaccidental injuries (abuse), and occasionally gunshot and firearm injuries. Sports and recreational injuries contribute the most to musculoskeletal trauma and the incidence of these injuries is increasing due to greater youth participation. Younger children are becoming involved in organized athletic activities and are participating in these activities year round. Medial clavicular fractures and pseudo-sternoclavicular joint dislocations account for 5% of clavicle fractures. Humeral shaft fractures, specifically fractures in the distal third of the shaft, can have associated radial nerve injuries. Medial epicondyle fractures occur in about 10% of elbow fractures in children and are most commonly seen in children between the ages of 10 and 14.
