The young athlete with physical challenges.

This article is intentionally broad in scope, as a result of a collaboration from the fields of primary care sports medicine, orthopedic surgery, and kinesiology. What has been borne out in the process is a true appreciation of the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach toward providing care for the young athlete with a physical disability. To name a few, joint involvement of parents, coaches, trainers, physical therapists, orthotists, prosthetists, wheelchair engineers, neurologists, physiatrists, nutritionists and most importantly, the athletes themselves, should be further encouraged because each discipline provides a unique perspective in the identification and management of health-related issues. It is the intent of this article to provide readers with at least some new insight that they can carry into their future practice.