Paediatric injuries around the knee: Bony injuries

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Traumatology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Bony injuries around the skeletally immature knee are uncommon but carry significant risks.
• Potential complications include growth arrest, vascular injury, knee instability, compartment syndrome, and extensor mechanism compromise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the diagnosis, management, and potential pitfalls of bony injuries specific to the pediatric knee.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for optimal management to avoid adverse outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical and radiological assessment strategies for pediatric knee bony injuries.
• Discussion of management principles and surgical fixation considerations.
• Analysis of potential complications associated with each injury type.

Main Results:

• Distal femoral physeal fractures risk growth arrest and vascular injury.
• Tibial spine avulsions can lead to knee instability.
• Tibial tubercle fractures may cause compartment syndrome and extensor mechanism issues, with fixation risks including growth arrest and recurvatum deformity.
• Patella sleeve injuries are frequently missed, endangering the extensor mechanism.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis and timely management are essential for pediatric knee bony injuries.
• Understanding specific injury patterns and potential complications guides effective treatment strategies.
• Adherence to evidence-based recommendations minimizes long-term morbidity.