The pediatric knee: current concepts in sports medicine

Abstract

As the popularity and intensity of children's athletics have increased, so has the risk for knee injuries. Fractures of the tibial eminence may be treated operatively or nonoperatively depending on fracture classification, but arthrofibrosis is a potentially significant complication. Anterior cruciate ligament rupture presents treatment challenges as regards the optimal timing and method of reconstruction. A number of novel reconstructive techniques have been developed to minimize risks to the physes in this population. Recent studies have focused on the prognosis, surgical indications, and operative techniques for osteochondritis dissecans in children. A number of authors have also sought to better-define the optimal diagnostic testing and management of patellar dislocation. In this review, we provide an update on current concepts for tibial eminence fractures, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, osteochondritis dissecans of the knee, and patellar dislocation in young athletes.