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Sizing Up Bracing For Pediatric Sports Injuries

Pediatric sports injuries are on the rise. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, more than 3.5 million children age 14 and younger get hurt annually playing sports or participating in recreational activities.¹ And these injuries continue to rise. A Safe Kids Worldwide survey of emergency room visits shows more than a million times a year – roughly every 25 seconds – a young athlete visits a hospital emergency room to treat a sports-related injury.² The survey found the most common injuries were strains and sprains, followed by fractures, bruises, and scrapes. 

Contact sports, such as football, hockey, and soccer, are responsible for some of the more severe injuries. However, all sports have a potential for injury, whether from the trauma of contact with other players or from overuse or misuse of a body part. Even more serious injuries may occur during non-contact sports such as swimming, bicycling, and softball, and recreational activities such as in-line skating, skateboarding, sledding, and trampolines.³

Despite the increasing trends in sports injuries, few devices used to treat these injuries, such as splints and braces, have been developed specifically for children mostly due to the lack of incentives to support device development.⁴ The pediatric market is much smaller when compared to adults resulting in a lower return on investment for medical device manufacturers.

The right fit, not just a smaller size

AliMed recognizes that children have distinct needs, which is why we developed our FREEDOM line of pediatric bracing. Comfortable, durable, and sized to fit properly, our braces are designed specifically to support the growing needs of children while helping to foster compliance for better patient outcomes. Choose the right fit, not just a smaller size.

Pediatric Elbow Sleeves: For lateral ligament sprains, strains, bursitis, tendonitis. Adjustable hook-and-loop top closure adjusts to accommodate smaller arms.
Pediatric Wrist Supports: For treatment of wrist strains and sprains. Adjustable circumferential strap provides compression for wrist immobilization.
Pediatric Ankle Supports: Ideal for ligament sprains and protective and post-operative support for smaller ankles.
Premium Knee Braces: For ACL/PCL injuries, these braces combine the support of a knee sleeve with an adjustable wraparound top to accommodate varying calf and thigh widths.

References

1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/pediatrics/sports_injury_statistics_90,P02787
2. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-kids-hurt-during-sports-once-every-25-seconds/
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/pediatrics/sports_injury_statistics_90,P02787
4. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/139/1/e20163439
5. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/133/5/e1197
6. https://scopeblog.stanford.edu/2018/06/25/pediatric-medical-device-approvals-need-to-speed-up-says-fda-specialist/
7. https://www.mpo-mag.com/issues/2014-04-01/view_features/pediatric-medical-devices-little-world-lost

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