The hip joint in paediatric sports orthopaedics: special features and points to note for coaches in junior sports

It is the inherent task of paediatric sports orthopaedics to recognise and prevent overloading and consequential damage to the still growing musculoskeletal system during sporting activity. As an integral joint component of the pelvic ring, its proximity to the body's centre of gravity and the high prevalence of growth disorders (dysplasia, epiphysiolysis capitis femoris (ECF), femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), Perthes’ disease), the hip joint is the most heavily loaded joint in sport and predisposes to avulsion injuries close to the joint and the development of manifest pre-arthrosis. Pain is an early warning sign of overloading, and clarification in childhood and adolescence is therefore essential. Knowledge of the influence and dose of sporting resilience in age-typical growth disorders and sports injuries is essential for adequate care.