Working With The Young Athlete

Description

This podcast episode presented by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) discusses recent advances in musculoskeletal science and health, particularly addressing issues related to young athletes. Hosted by Joseph Maloney, a board-certified physical therapist at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the episode features Doctor Peter Fabricant, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in pediatric and adolescent athletes. Together, they delve into topics such as osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) affecting the knee, tibial spine fractures, and youth ACL injuries.



Dr. Fabricant explains the definition and pathology of OCD, emphasizing that it primarily involves the bone beneath the cartilage rather than the cartilage itself. The episode outlines the progression of symptoms, typical patient experiences, and the importance of recognizing knee pain in young athletes. It also details treatment strategies, including non-operative approaches for stable lesions in skeletally immature patients, and surgical options for more advanced cases.



The discussion transitions to tibial spine fractures, common in young athletes aged roughly 9 to 14, and how these fractures relate to ACL injuries, including management strategies that consider the stability of the fracture. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Fabricant shares insights on when lateral augmentation may be appropriate in ACL reconstructions, the long-term prognosis for young patients post-injury, and emerging technologies in treatment. Ultimately, the episode provides valuable information and guidance for parents and healthcare providers about managing conditions prevalent in pediatric sports medicine.

Specialties