Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
04:41
Knee Arthrocentesis in Adults
Published on: February 25, 2022
[A young girl with a swollen knee]
Margot van der Grinten1, Hubert J Oostenbroek
1HagaZiekenhuis, afd. Orthopedie, Den Haag, The Netherlands. mvdgrinten@hotmail.com
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|November 11, 2009
Summary
A young girl experienced an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) avulsion injury after a fall. This case highlights pediatric knee trauma and ACL injuries in children.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in adults, but less frequently reported in young children.
- Avulsion fractures, where the ligament pulls off the bone, are a specific type of ACL injury.
- Pediatric knee injuries require careful diagnosis and management due to potential long-term effects on growth plates.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old female presented with a knee injury following a fall.
- Clinical examination and imaging revealed an avulsion of the anterior cruciate ligament.
Findings:
- The patient sustained an anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture.
- This type of injury in a very young child is uncommon and presents unique diagnostic and treatment challenges.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of pediatric ACL avulsion is crucial for appropriate management.
- Understanding the mechanisms of injury in children can inform preventative strategies.
- This case contributes to the literature on pediatric knee ligament injuries and their management.
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