Due to the fact that tendons are much stronger than the physeal growth plate in pre-pubescent children, one should be extremely cautious when diagnosing a strain/sprain.
Pre-pubescent pediatric patients should be treated as if they have a Salter Harris I fracture with an appropriate splint and close follow up.
Review of Salter Harris Fractures
A fracture through the physeal growth plate. Typically can not be seen on x-ray unless they growth plate is widened.
A fracture through the physeal growth plate and metaphysis.
A fracture through the physeal growth plate and epiphysis.
A fracture through the physis, physeal growth plate and metaphysis.
