Orthopedic injuries in boys and men across the lifespan.

Orthopedic sports medicine plays a critical role in maintaining the physical health and overall well-being of boys and men. However, with sports participation comes the potential for injury. Specialized medical attention is needed for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of these injuries. This article provides an overview of several common sports-related acute and overuse orthopedic injuries with an emphasis on the male patient. The scope is intentionally limited to select injuries with high prevalence and clinical significance in physically active boys and men, including growth plate fractures, overuse injuries, anterior cruciate ligament tears, rotator cuff injuries, and osteoarthritis exacerbations. This article categorizes these select injuries by developmental stage-childhood (5-12 years), adolescence (13-18 years), young adulthood (19-35 years), middle adulthood (36-50 years), and older adulthood (51 years and older)-to guide nurse practitioners in delivering evidence-based, age-appropriate orthopedic care. Age- and sex-specific considerations are paramount. By highlighting male-specific injury patterns and treatment needs, this article supports improved outcomes and long-term musculoskeletal health in this often-understudied population.