Prevention of sports injuries in adolescents

Sports-related injuries in adolescents are quite common problems. Contusions are the most prevalent injuries, but acute and chronic sports-related muscle and tendon injuries are not that infrequent. Patterns of lesions are specific to childhood but, as the child grows, the injuries become more and more similar to adult ones, and the adolescent starts to be a little adult with a sport activity which is more and more vigorous. Prevention must take in account intrinsic and extrinsic factors of risk as well as the level of training. Preparticipation evaluation must be considered an important preventive tool. Future research should include further development oF neuromuscular prevention strategies.