Pediatric Sports Medicine Program

Florida's Top-Ranked Hospital for Pediatric Orthopedic Care

The Sports Health Program at Nicklaus Children's is one of the premier sports health programs in the nation, combining state-of-the-art diagnostics and screening with a multidisciplinary team of pediatric sports medicine specialists for athletes.

a focused teenage boy swings baseball bat. click to watch a video.
a focused teenage boy swings baseball bat. click to watch a video.

Part of the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Orthopedic, Sports Medicine & Spine Institute, the Sports Health Program is fast becoming one of the premier programs of its kind in the nation, combining state-of-the-art diagnostics and screening with a multidisciplinary team of pediatric sports medicine doctors for elite, intermediate, beginner and special needs athletes.

Bringing together the region’s top pediatric orthopedists, neurologists, cardiologists, nutritionists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers – our comprehensive program is dedicated to enhancing young athletes’ sports performance through a focus on injury prevention, performance optimization and individualized injury management. Whether your child is competing as an elite athlete at a national level or just loves to run in the park, our holistic, specialized program will help them achieve their personal health and fitness goals.

Performance Programs

Treatments and Procedures

Conditions We Treat

Youth Athletic Development

Our youth athletic development program is not only a path for the aspiring elite athletes; it’s an approach to physical activity and development for every child. Emphasis is placed on a safe progression of exercises that will improve the participants: strength, physical literacy and motor skills.

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Bridge Enhanced ACL Restoration

The Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute at Nicklaus Children’s now offers bridge enhanced ACL restoration (BEAR implant) for patients in need of ACL reconstruction surgery. This procedure, for those who qualify, involves the placement of an implant that enables the ACL to heal itself over time, rather than traditional surgery that involves replacing the ACL.

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app iconSports Health App

Download the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Sports Health App today to plan and schedule your injury prevention, performance training and fitness classes.
From this mobile App you can view class schedules, sign-up for classes, view ongoing promotions, as well as view the locations and contact information. You can also click through to our social pages. Optimize your time and maximize the convenience of signing up for classes from your device!

A Team Approach to Children's Sports Healthcare

Our Pediatric Sports Medicine Team brings together some of the region’s top specialists to focus on enhancing young athletes’ sports performance through a focus on injury prevention, performance optimization, post-injury rehabilitation and return to safe play participation.

  • Orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons specializing in sports medicine for the growing athlete, including both surgical and nonsurgical treatments.
  • Cardiac care experts to assess heart function and metabolics.
  • Concussion care experts to evaluate, treat and monitor head injuries.
  • Occupational and physical therapists at numerous South Florida locations to ensure optimal recovery, and optimize movement mechanics to prevent injury and reduce the risk of re-injury.
  • Athletic Trainers to support individual athletes and sports teams in injury prevention and performance optimization.
  • Nutritional experts to help maximize performance through nutritional evaluation, education and guidance.

Sports we Specialize in

  • Baseball/Softball
  • Basketball
  • Dance
  • Football/Lacrosse
  • Gymnastics
  • Running
  • Soccer
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
featured patient photo.
featured patient photo.

Stories to Inspire

Angelina, an avid soccer player tore her ACL during a club game. Thankfully, the incredible expertise of Dr. Craig Spurdle, Orthopedic Surgeon and Chief of the Nicklaus Children's Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute at Nicklaus Children's Hospital completed a successful ACL repair surgery and on the road to scoring goals again. 
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Awards & Associations