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Football Injury Risks: What to Know About Male vs. Female Injuries

Football Injury Risks: What to Know About Male vs. Female Injuries

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Sports Medicine

As more young girls engage in football, sports medicine experts at Scottish Rite for Children seek to understand the differences in injuries between male and female athletes.

According to a report from the National Federation of State High School Associations, participation in football among girls has increased by about 30%. This surge in popularity can be linked to the milestone announcement of women’s flag football as an official Olympic sport in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Understanding the type of injuries young female football players experience is key to developing prevention methods. Scottish Rite is making strides in this area of expertise, with data that was presented at the 2025 annual Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRiSM) Society meeting.

“If boys and girls experience different injuries in a sport, then they should not have the same injury prevention methods,” says Jacob C. Jones, M.D., RMSK, a sports medicine physician at Scottish Rite for Children. “Until now, it was unclear what injuries were more common in female football athletes. Most of the data available for football injuries was for male athletes.”

The study, which compared male to female football injuries in athletes ages 4-18, uncovered important findings, which are outlined below:

What are the most common injuries in American football?

The top five injured body parts were:

  • Head (17.7%)
  • Finger (13.8%)
  • Knee (9.2%)
  • Shoulder (8.7%)
  • Ankle (8.0%)

The top five most common diagnoses for both groups were:

  • Fractures (24.5%)
  • Sprains/strains (22.7%)
  • Contusions (bruises) and abrasions (scrapes) (12.1%)
  • Concussions (9.8%)
  • Internal injury (7.1%)
What type of injuries are more common in male athletes?

Males had more head (including concussions), knee and shoulder injuries. They also had a larger number of fractures and lacerations.

What type of injuries are more common in female athletes?

Females had a larger number of ankle and finger injuries. They also had more strains/sprains and contusions than their male counterparts.

As research like this continues, injury prevention programs can be designed to address the specific needs of all athletes.

Get to Know Our Staff: Julie Rogers, Family Services

Get to Know Our Staff: Julie Rogers, Family Services

by | Apr 9, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title?
Social work manager

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
I help the most vulnerable populations get access to services and resources that will help their families.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
The willingness of all staff members to help our patient families 

What made you choose a career in health care?
I wasn’t necessarily looking for a career in health care. I was more drawn to working somewhere I could make a difference in the lives of children and their families.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
Social workers serve as the connection between Scottish Rite patients and families and all providers or services involved in their care, whether those are within Scottish Rite or part of an outside organization.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy relaxing and spending time with my son and the rest of my family. I also love to read.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I think I’m pretty good at impressions.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I was born and raised in a Dallas suburb.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would travel to Italy. I’ve heard the food is amazing.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Probably something with peanut butter

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“My Best Friend’s Wedding”

What was the first concert you attended?
NSYNC

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
Whistle Britches, because they have the best chicken and waffles in DFW.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
I’ve been told by others that I look like Zoe Saldaña. I think she would do me justice.

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Keep hope alive.

Calling All Nurses: Volunteer at Scottish Rite for Children Camps

Calling All Nurses: Volunteer at Scottish Rite for Children Camps

by | Apr 8, 2025 | Hand Conditions, Limb Lengthening, Pediatric Developmental Disabilities, Rheumatology, Therapy Services

Scottish Rite for Children’s patient-centered care stems from its focus on helping patients navigate their conditions outside of the clinic. The Therapeutic Recreation department offers multiple specialized camps throughout the year, which are designed to teach patients how to live active and independent lives.

Camps bring together children with similar conditions in an environment that fosters friendships and lifelong memories through outdoor activities and games. The following camps are offered at Scottish Rite: 

  • Camp Joint Adventure: For patients between the ages of 7 to 15 who are diagnosed with arthrogryposis, multiple limb loss or various rheumatic conditions.
  • Camp TLC: For patients between the ages of 9 to 16 who are diagnosed with spina bifida.
  • Hand Camp: HD 1 is for patients between ages 5 to 9 who have upper limb differences. HD 1.5/2 is for patients between the ages of 10 to 17 with hand differences. 

What makes Scottish Rite camps special are not only the uniqueness each child brings but also each volunteer’s commitment to providing a “can do” environment. Camps are supervised by counselors, which includes Scottish Rite staff members and volunteers.

“A week at camp is not like any typical week as a nurse,” says Sheila Maldonado, R.N., who volunteers at Camp TLC. “On top of providing the fun for all our campers, counselors make sure they are healthy and safe during the entire experience. For nurses, it’s the best way to sharpen the skills we might not have used since school, while creating the most rewarding memories.”

All campers must be active patients of Scottish Rite. For staff members, many find that volunteering as a counselor is a unique way to interact with patients in a nonclinical setting.

“The best part about camp is seeing the connections made,” says R.N. Manager Alejandra “Alex” H. Medrano, M.S.N., R.N., who has volunteered for more than 20 years at Camps TLC and Joint Adventure.  “They get a chance to build peer support networks. They also become more comfortable with their care team during appointments.”

The camps offered by Scottish Rite serve its mission of giving children back their childhood, allowing them to experience the joy of summer camp with their peers. “My favorite part is how inclusive these camps are and watching kids just be kids, including all the smiles, laughs, friendships and fantastic activities,” says Karol Yeager, R.N. “Out of all the activities, I think either the Slip ‘N Slide® or the zip line was my favorite to watch. The sheer joy from these kids that possibly have never done these things before was priceless!”

Camp TLC is currently accepting applications for campers and medical volunteers (cabin nurses). If you are interested in volunteering, please view the Camp Volunteer application process for more information.

To learn more about the application process, camp dates and more for Camp Joint Adventure and Hand Camps, please view our Camps page here. 

Get to Know Our Staff: Justin Williams, Sterile Processing

Get to Know Our Staff: Justin Williams, Sterile Processing

by | Apr 2, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/role at Scottish Rite?
I am a sterile processing lead technician and instrument specialist. I ensure all surgical instruments are readily available and properly organized for procedures. I also support the Surgery team by maintaining, inspecting and troubleshooting instrument trays before and after surgery.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part about my job is that I’m part of a team that is on the front line to ensure patients have a clean and successful surgery.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
Scottish Rite is a special place because the staff genuinely cares for the families. When facing the concern of their child having surgery, the staff works hard to ensure that surgery is one less thing they must worry about in their lives.

What made you choose a career in health care?
Honestly, I feel like health care chose me. When I first started at Scottish Rite, I worked in Environmental Services. I decided to challenge myself and transfer to my current department, beginning this new chapter in life.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
A unique part of my job is that I am involved in multiple stages of the surgery process. Before surgery, I see the implants and instruments that need to be organized and sterilized. During surgery, I’m called to the operating room to help with any issues with the instruments or power equipment. After surgery, I am a part of the cleaning process.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I enjoy having skate days with my son and my two girls, as well as relaxing at home with my Frenchie, Shady.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I build custom roller skates.

Where are you from, and what brought you to DFW?
I’m originally from Dallas, raised in the Pleasant Grove and South Dallas area.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would visit the Fiji islands. It is a beautiful place to see, especially in pictures, and I’ve always wanted to experience it in person.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I would pick lasagna and fries, which are two of my all-time favorites. They never get old!

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“Life,” featuring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence.

What was the first concert you attended?
The Funk Fest tour.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
K-Pop Ramen.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
Marlon Wayans.

What is some advice you would give your younger self, OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Don’t take on too much too early. Just travel, and don’t rush life.

Jammed Finger? Early Treatment Can Improve Outcomes

Jammed Finger? Early Treatment Can Improve Outcomes

by | Mar 31, 2025 | Fractures, Sports Medicine, Therapy Services

When an injury occurs to a young athlete’s bones, ligaments and muscles in their hand, an evaluation is needed. A properly treated hand injury will most likely heal without complications.

In basketball and volleyball, fingers are at an increased risk of injury due to a variety of causes. Some children may snag their finger on a jersey, or others may hang on the rim or net. When an athlete says they have “jammed” their finger, there is concern for a volar plate injury.

What is the volar plate?

The volar plate is a thick ligament, located on the palm side of the finger. It connects two bones in the finger and stabilizes the middle joint of the finger, known as the proximal interphalangeal, which prevents the finger from bending backwards.

What is a volar plate injury?

A volar plate injury occurs when the finger is hyperextended or bent backwards, damaging the ligament. It is also commonly known as a sprained or jammed finger.

In some cases, the volar plate can be stretched and torn, pulling off a small piece of bone. This results in a fracture in the area called an avulsion fracture. With severe injuries, the joint may also be dislocated.

What are the symptoms in the injured finger?

  • Bruising
  • Immediate pain in the middle joint
  • Swelling of the middle joint
  • Decreased range of motion

What is the treatment for a volar plate injury?

Fracture Clinic provider Gerad Montgomery, M.S.N., FNP-C, sees and treats volar plate injuries frequently at Scottish Rite for Children Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center in Frisco. “Treatment for a volar plate injury depends on the severity and can range from a short period of immobilization to surgery,” Gerad says.

With more than 15 years in providing pediatric orthopedic care, Montgomery has learned to warn families of the risks associated with not properly treating this injury. It’s important for families and young athletes to understand that volar plate injuries can worsen to the point of needing surgery without evaluation or treatment from an expert.

When should an athlete return to sports after a volar plate injury?

After a clinical provider has released the athlete to begin exercises, gentle range of motion progressing to strengthening exercises may be recommended. Some athletes may need guided exercise with an occupational therapist. “Before returning to sports, the hand and finger should have full strength and range of motion,” certified hand therapist Lindsey Williams says. “Otherwise, there is a risk of injury to the same or other joints nearby.”

Not sure what to do if your child gets a finger injury? Learn about our Fracture Clinic and Sports Medicine Clinic.