By Dr John Deady, of Bulli Medical Practice
With the winter sporting season just around the corner, it’s worth sparing a minute to consider some common but important childhood sporting injuries that are often missed.
Fractures are common in children owing to the fragility of the immature bone and are often difficult to diagnose.
Very young children typically have trouble articulating the feeling of pain. Slightly older children can be more resilient to pain meaning the often-fleeting concerns they raise (typically while they go about their usual play!) may not be recognised by parents as something more sinister than a ‘bump’.
The classic signs of pain, swelling and loss of function (for example a limp or refusal to use one arm when playing), should prompt parents to consider medical review. Xray is a readily available, inexpensive and safe modality for diagnosing fractures which, if missed in a young child, have the potential to effect the growth and function of the bone into maturity.
There has been considerable media surrounding concussion in professional sport of late but the topic of concussion in junior sport has been somewhat overlooked.
Concussion is a traumatic brain injury that occurs with rapid acceleration/deceleration of the head. It is typically associated with contacts sports such as rugby league and rugby union but also well reported in other sports such as soccer, AFL, gymnastics, skiing and surfing.
The symptoms of concussion may be obvious, such as loss of memory, or more insidious, such as headache, dizziness, agitation or vacancy. In professional sports, like the NRL, there are professional ‘’concussion spotters’’. However, in children’s sport, the responsibility for the recognition of the injury often falls with the coach or the parents. Any concerns regarding concussion should be taken seriously, with the child immediately removed from the activity and evaluated by a medical professional.
Helpful information regarding childhood concussion in sport can be found at concussioninsport.gov.au/parents_and_teachers
