Stress injuries of the adolescent extensor mechanism.

Stress injury to the extensor mechanism is common, and we expect it to become more so as adolescent athletes train earlier and more vigorously. The clinical and radiographic findings of a number of these stress injuries are described. Our young athletes challenge us to continue studying these stress injuries with the goal of offering them more effective preventative programs. The success of our study will probably lie in the areas of stretching, cross training, and strength programs.