[Arthroscopy in injuries of the knee joint in children]

The author analyses his experience in performing arthroscopy in 51 children with injuries of the knee joint. 21 patients had haemarthroses of the knee joint. Arthroscopy revealed avulsion of radiopaque osteochondrous fragments in 8 of them. Arthroscopy was performed in 15 children with knee joint blocks. Meniscus injuries were revealed in 5 children and avulsions of the osteochondrous fragments were determined in 5 patients. 9 cases of posttraumatic synovitis of the knee joint were investigated; in 3 cases there were avulsions of the osteochondrous fragment and in 3 cases there was systemic pathology. Arthroscopy as a therapeutic measure was performed in 26 children. The indications for using this method are discussed.