THE HAND is the most common area of injury in children.12 Hand injuries, including fractures and sprains, account for a large proportion of emergency room visits in children.3'4 Unlike older athletes, children have active physes (growth plates) that are vulnerable to trauma, increasing the risk of permanent growth abnormalities, angular deformities, and dysfunction.5 Growing bones are relatively more fragile than skeletally mature bone; thus, children are more likely to fracture bone than to sprain a ligament or tendon. Injuries to the hand and fingers not only affect function, skill, and athletic participation, but also self-esteem and confidence.5 Hence, it is imperative to identify those hand injuries in young athletes that have a higher risk of complications and may require surgical referral.
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