Consensus Delphi study on guidelines for the assessment of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in children

Knee examination guidelines in minors are intended to aid decision-making in the management of knee instability.

A Delphi study was conducted with a formal consensus process using a validated methodology with sufficient scientific evidence. A group consensus meeting was held to develop recommendations and practical guidelines for use in the assessment of instability injuries in children.

there is a lack of evidence to analyse anterior cruciate ligament injuries in children and their subsequent surgical management if necessary. Diagnostic guidelines and clinical assessment of the patient based on a thorough examination of the knee are performed and a guide to anterior cruciate ligament exploration in children is developed.

In the absence of a strong evidence base, these established guidelines are intended to assist in that decision-making process to help the clinician decide on the most optimal treatment with the aim of benefiting the patient as much as possible. Following this expert consensus, surgical treatment is advised when the patient has a subjective sensation of instability accompanied by a pivot shift test ++, and may include an anterior drawer test + and a Lachman test +. If these conditions are not present, the conservative approach should be chosen, as the anatomical and functional development of children, together with a physiotherapy programme, may improve the evolution of the injury.