An increase in paediatric arthroscopy in Europe: Experience of the EPOS Sport Study Group

Paediatric musculoskeletal injuries in association with increased participation in sports activities continue to increase. Arthroscopy is recognized as a safe and effective procedure in children. This study aims to identify trends in European paediatric sports centres over 20 years.

A survey was performed across the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS) Sports Study Group focusing on 3 years (2000, 2009 and 2019). Centres were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 5, with data for 2000, 2009 and 2019) and Group 2 (n = 8, with data for 2009 and 2019). Data were analysed as the total annual number of cases and separately by anatomical region and patient demographics. A descriptive analysis was performed to characterize the trends.

Data from eight centres across Europe showed an increase in total annual arthroscopy cases (G1 from 53 to 202 and G2 from 393 to 615, p-value < 0.001) and as a percentage of paediatric orthopaedic surgeries (G1 from 1.6% to 5.2%; G2 from 5.1% to 6.8%) in seven out of eight centres. The knee remained the most commonly treated joint (G1 from 79.2% to 83.3%; G2 from 78.9% to 84.4%), despite the rise of others such as the elbow (p-value = 0.020) and decline of the shoulder (p-value = 0.014). Cases involving paediatric patients over 11 years increased while there was no gender distinction among paediatric patients.

Paediatric arthroscopy procedures in Europe have increased in number over the past 3 decades. Technological advancements have allowed a surge in procedures and applications to new anatomical areas.

IV - retrospective database review.