Shanghai's first pediatric sports medicine center was inaugurated at Shanghai Children's Hospital on April 20, addressing the gap in the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries among children and adolescents in the Yangtze River Delta region.

The center provides full-cycle, individualized, and minimally invasive diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation services for children and adolescents across the city and the broader Yangtze River Delta region.

Sports-related injuries among children and adolescents have risen in recent years due to improper safeguard measures and training methods. Experts noted that, unlike adults, children's bones, joints, and ligaments are still developing and require specialized medical treatments if injured.

In a recent case, a 12-year-old girl suffered a knee sprain during a physical education class. Her parents, thinking it was only a minor soft tissue injury, did not take it seriously. It was not until the pain worsened to the point where the gril could no longer bend her knee that they took her to the hospital. She was diagnosed with a tibial spine fracture combined with a meniscus injury.

Doctors at the hospital said that children aged between 8 and 14 are particularly vulnerable to such injuries, as their bones are not yet fully developed. Delayed or improper treatment may result in limited joint movement and instability, which can affect both physical activity and daily life.

The girl later underwent arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation, and gradually regained her ability to exercise after a period of rehabilitation training.

The pediatric sports medicine center of Shanghai Children's Hospital focuses on common sports-related injuries in children and adolescents, including ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and patellar dislocation. Its goal is to create a full-cycle service system covering prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and return to sports.

According to Li Hai, head of the center, the facility has introduced specialized outpatient services and fast-track channels for young athletes, along with dedicated wards and day-surgery units.

The center is also equipped with pediatric rehabilitation and motion analysis systems to improve diagnostic accuracy, while advancing clinical data collection and public health education, Li added.

It also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships with universities, including Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai University of Sport, and Donghua University, to support clinical treatment, equipment development, and injury prevention.

Sources: The Paper, Shanghai Observer