Another look at the sports preparticipation examination of the adolescent athlete.

The sports preparticipation examination can be worthwhile if the musculoskeletal system is examined carefully, with particular regard for the residual disabilities from previous injuries; this can be accomplished in a two-minute orthopedic examination done in addition to the usual physical examination. As many as 10% of young people may have abnormalities such as patellofemoral syndrome, incompletely rehabilitated ankle sprains, or tight hamstring muscles, which may result in further injury unless a rehabilitation exercise program is instituted.