Intellect

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Authors:  Bill Ribbans 
DOI: 10.1386/jaah.1.1.53/1

Keywords
dance injuries ballet orthopaedics multi-disciplinary healthcare

Abstract
This article reviews the musculoskeletal problems of dancers. An overview of the benefits of dance is given and background problems increasing injury risk explained. The article follows dancers from infancy to retirement through the ‘five orthopaedic ages of a dancer’ and highlights some of the orthopaedic problems commonly encountered at each age. The specific problems of a major ballet company are discussed and the requirements for a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals to support the organisation outlined.