Pediatric meniscal injuries: Current concepts

Abstract

Meniscal pathology is widely prevalent in the adult population, secondary to acute trauma and chronic degeneration. It is less commonly seen in children, although its incidence is rising. The true prevalence in children remains unknown, as pathologies such as discoid menisci often go undiagnosed, or are found only incidentally. The rising incidence can be attributed to increased participation in sports at younger ages, both in intensity and frequency, with potentially year-round competition. Meniscal tears lead to pain and mechanical symptoms in the short to medium term, but more significantly, have been shown to lead to compartmental chondral degeneration and early arthritis in the long term. With advancing arthroscopic techniques, and children’s propensity for better healing, osteoarthritis secondary to meniscal pathology is a potentially preventable problem. This article discusses meniscal injuries in children and adolescents and their management.

Meniscal Allograft Transplants in Skeletally Immature Patients: A Systematic Review of Indications and Outcomes

“…For patients who are experiencing symptoms such as blockages, pain, decreased quality of life and limitation to participate in sports, surgical treatment is recommended for their specific knee problem [29]. The surgical plan for a symptomatic DM should take into account the menisco-capsular peripheral stability, as classified by Ahn et al [30], as well as any other potential meniscal tears and concurrent injuries.…”

Do MRI Results Represent Functional Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Repair of an Isolated Meniscus Tear in Young Patients?—A Prospective Comparative Cohort Study

“…It is less common in pediatric patients, although studies have shown that meniscal injuries are on the rise even in children population [2][3][4]. This might be attributed to improved diagnostic availability and increased engagement in high-demand sports activities, which is known as the most common cause of meniscus tear situations in skeletally immature patients [2,5]. Previously, the most prevalent method of treating this pathology was arthroscopic partial meniscectomy [1].…”

“…To preserve as much meniscus tissue as possible, numerous repair methods were developed. Furthermore, it is crucial to provide appropriate treatment for meniscus tears in young individuals in order to prevent the eventual development of knee osteoarthritis following a meniscus injury [2]. Particularly in pediatric patients, meniscus repair procedures have been promising good and excellent outcomes due to better tissue healing potency [2,3].…”