Shoulder injuries: macrotraumas and overuse problems

Injuries to the shoulder are becoming more frequent in pediatric and adolescent athletes with widespread partic - ipation in sports activities. These injuries can result from macrotraumas as well as microtraumas from repetitive stress. Injury patterns present differences in this age group due to peculiar physiologic and biomechanical fea - tures. Most shoulder problems in adolescent athletes can be treated conservatively with a good response, while some conditions require surgical reconstruction.