[Injuries of the knee extensor complex in children]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatric traumatology

Background:

• Knee extensor complex fractures are uncommon in children, presenting as pure tendon ruptures or bony avulsions.
• Mid-substance tears are rare, while bony avulsions are more frequent due to skeletal immaturity.
• Sleeve fractures involve distal patella avulsion, and tibial tubercle avulsions occur in athletic adolescents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the importance of surgical intervention for dislocated pediatric knee extensor complex fractures.
• To highlight the necessity of timely diagnostics and consistent treatment.
• To underscore the need for reconstruction to prevent long-term sequelae.

Main Methods:

• Review of pediatric knee extensor complex fracture cases.
• Emphasis on surgical treatment for dislocated fractures.
• Focus on reconstructive techniques for articular surface and extensor mechanism.

Main Results:

• Dislocated fractures necessitate surgical management to prevent excessive callus formation.
• Non-operative management does not lead to spontaneous remodeling of deformities or avulsions.
• Reconstruction is essential for restoring joint congruity and extensor mechanism function.

Conclusions:

• Prompt surgical treatment is vital for dislocated pediatric knee extensor complex fractures.
• Early and consistent management prevents complications such as osteoarthritis and extensor mechanism elongation.
• Reconstruction of the articular surface and extensor complex is mandatory for optimal outcomes.