Pediatric Sports Medicine & Fracture Care

Common Pediatric Sports Injuries & Fractures

Dr. Cahill treats a full range of sports injuries in children and adolescents. These are some of the most common injuries treated in his office.

Shoulder Dislocations

Shoulder dislocations occur when the head of the upper arm comes out of the shoulder socket, either partially or completely. This injury often occurs during contact sports, such as football, basketball, wrestling, and hockey. Dislocations can be very painful, and can sometimes result in torn ligaments or nerve damage. It is best to see a trained professional like Dr. Cahill for a dislocation to ensure the arm can be put back into the socket without further damage to the shoulder.

ACL Tears

The anterior cruciate ligament, more commonly known as the ACL, is a ligament that runs diagonally in the middle of the knee, controlling the back-and-forth motion of the knee while also providing stability. ACL tears are very common sports injuries among both adults and children. ACL tears may occur due to a rapid change in direction, stopping, or slowing down suddenly while running. They can also occur when landing a jump incorrectly or due to direct collision during sports play.

Research indicates that as children enter puberty, growing taller and heavier, the risk of an ACL injury increases. Girls, in particular, have a higher risk of ACL injury because they typically do not develop more muscle power as they grow in size. As a result, ACL injuries are more common among young female athletes, and they are more likely to need ACL surgery.

Meniscus Tears

Each knee has two menisci–wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage on either side of the knee to cushion the joint, absorb shock, and keep it stable. Meniscus tears can occur when the knee twists, either while running or while being tackled. Like ACL tears, meniscus tears are common in both adolescents and adults. When a meniscus is torn, it can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, catching or locking in the knee.

Knee Injuries

In addition to ACL and meniscus tears, Dr. Cahill also treats knee injuries caused by overuse, like jumper’s knee, as well as sprains and strains. Dr. Cahill always performs a thorough exam to accurately diagnose the injury and recommend a treatment plan.Shoulder & Elbow Injuries (Including Throwing Injuries)

Common shoulder and elbow injuries can include rotator cuff tears, Little Leaguer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), osteochondritis dissecans (pain on the outside of the elbow). Shoulder and elbow injuries are most common among throwing athletes, like pitchers and football quarterbacks.

Fractures

Dr. Cahill also frequently treats fractures in children and adolescents, whether sports-related or due to other traumatic injuries. Common fractures may involve the ankle and lower leg, elbow, collarbone, wrist, and forearm.

Dr. Cahill’s Approach to Pediatric Sports Medicine

Whether treating adults or children, Dr. Cahill strives to avoid the need for surgery whenever possible. However, this is especially important for young patients who are still growing. Having completed a pediatric orthopedic fellowship, Dr. Cahill is very experienced in the appropriate treatment of sports injuries in children and adolescents.

Additionally, Dr. Cahill works closely with many of the coaches and athletic trainers in the Hackensack area. The goal of treatment is to help young patients fully recover from injuries and return to their sport as quickly as possible, but also to ensure that they do so safely. Working alongside the child’s coaches, physical therapists, and trainers ensures that the child is not only healed, but has the proper conditioning to return to activity with a low risk of re-injury.

Pediatric Sports Medicine in Hackensack, NJ

Dr. James Cahill has more than 20 years of experience with orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. He has also received specialized training to treat sports injuries and fractures in young patients who are still growing. Whenever possible, Dr. Cahill will recommend less invasive treatments to help children avoid the need for surgery. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cahill, please call his office at (201) 489-0022.