Upper extremity injuries in young athletes.

With the knowledge base of normal anatomy, development, biomechanics, and differential diagnosis, the sports medicine professional can treat injured young athletes with greater efficiency. In addition, microtraumatic injuries may be prevented by emphasizing safe parameters of participation, proper throwing techniques, and careful monitoring of the amount of practice time and intensity. Gymnasts using apparatus should always have spotters. The height of towers and basket tosses by cheerleaders should be limited by age and ability. Proper pitching techniques, not the fastest pitch or youngest curve, should be taught to baseball players. "Play it safe" should be the rule. Finally, by establishing an early and precise diagnosis, potential complications from injuries can be lessened.