The young athlete with physical challenges

This article is intentionally broad in scope, as a result of a collaboratio n from the fields of primary care sports medicine, orthopedic surgery, and kinesiology. What has been borne out in the process is a true appreciation for the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach toward providing care for the young athlete with a physical disability. Joint involvement of parents, coaches, trainers, physical therapists, orthotists, prosthetists, wheel ch air engineers, neurologists, physiatrists, nutritionists, and, most importa ntly, the athletes themselves should be further encouraged, because each di scipline provides a unique perspective in the identification and management of health-related issues. It is the intent of this article to provide read ers with at least some new insight that they can carry into their future pr actice.