Author(s) :

Raudeen Roodgarmi.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Participation in organized sports provides substantial physical, psychological, and social benefits for children and adolescents; however, increasing training demands, year-round competition, and early specialization have contributed to growing concerns about sports-related injuries. Spinal injuries are particularly important because they may lead to persistent pain, neurological impairment, prolonged absence from sports, and long-term functional limitations. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on epidemiology, developmental anatomy, biomechanics, injury patterns, risk factors, diagnosis, management, return-to-sport considerations, and prevention strategies for spinal injuries in youth athletes. A targeted, non-systematic review of the pediatric and adolescent spine injury literature was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Relevant systematic reviews and consensus statements were also included. When pediatric-specific evidence was limited, findings from adult athletes, biomechanical studies, and broader sports medicine literature were included and clearly identified as extrapolated. The developing spine differs from the adult spine because of ongoing ossification, greater ligamentous flexibility, and immature neuromuscular control, resulting in unique injury patterns. Spondylolysis is the most common structural cause of persistent low back pain in adolescent athletes. In contrast, cervical spine trauma is the most serious spinal injury because of its potential for neurological injury. Diagnosis requires the integration of clinical evaluation, appropriate imaging modalities, and consideration of skeletal maturity. Most injuries can be managed conservatively with activity modification, rehabilitation, and an individualized, diagnosis-specific return-to-sport progression. Surgical intervention is reserved for selected cases involving instability, neurological compromise, or failure of nonoperative treatment. Overall, the prevention and management of spinal injuries in youth athletes require a multidisciplinary, developmentally informed approach.