Introduction: Early Specialization and the Rise of Upper Extremity Injuries in Young Athletes

As more children participate in organized sports, pediatric sports injuries are also on the rise. Many of these injuries occur in the upper extremity and can be due to acute trauma, such as fractures and dislocations, or repetitive overuse. There is controversy regarding the role of early sports specialization in the development of overuse injuries in children. Parents and coaches must balance the known positive effects of sports with the risks of overtraining.