[Anterior cruciate ligament injuries in children]

Rev Med Suisse. 2013 Jul 17;9(393):1408-13.
[Article in French]

Abstract

An increasing number of anterior cruciate ligament injuries are now seen in children and girls seem to be equally affected. Such neglected or untreated lesions could be the cause of early degenerative changes. Recently, many authors support the trend toward early surgical management in skeletally immature patients with complex meniscal tear or recurrent knee instability after proper rehabilitation. Improvement in pediatric knowledge and surgical techniques tend to support a tendency for more surgical treatment in children. The type of management is choosing according to history and physical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful tool not only for diagnosis but also for surgical treatment planning. We usually recommend anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children with knee instability or with further damages to the joint.

MeSH terms

  • Age Determination by Skeleton
  • Age Factors
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament / surgery
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries*
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / methods*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability / etiology
  • Knee Injuries / diagnosis
  • Knee Injuries / rehabilitation
  • Knee Injuries / surgery*
  • Knee Joint / pathology
  • Knee Joint / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Recurrence