Common adolescent dance injuries.

Dancers are an interesting and exciting group of patients. An understanding of the pathomechanics of their injuries coupled with their genuine interest in a prompt recovery teaches much about the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of similar lower extremity disorders occurring in the population at large. The majority of dance injuries occur in the lower extremity, commonly in the foot and ankle. Conservative therapy is usually successful; surgical intervention is only rarely indicated. Rehabilitation following all injuries is important as well as attention to proper alignment and technique.