Knee arthroscopy in childhood

This retrospective study analyzes the frequency and characteristics of knee pathology in children in relation to establishing indications of arthroscopy. Before establishing indications for knee arthroscopy, it is mandatory to implement the algorithm of diagnostic and conservative therapy procedures. Following the proposed algorithm, a greater reliability of clinical diagnosis was achieved, unnecessary arthroscopies were excluded, that is procedures where no intraarticular cause of complaints had been found. In addition, arthroscopic procedures with no therapeutic value for the observed changes, were also avoided. Arthroscopy before conservative treatment is only justified in cases of acute indications. Between August 1999 and January 2000, we performed arthroscopy in 60 children, 38 boys (63.33%) and 22 girls (36.66%). In preadolescents aged 13 years or younger (X=11,71,5), arthroscopy was performed in 29 children (48.33%), 21 boys (72.41%) and 8 girls (27.58%). In adolescents aged over 13 years (X=14,91,7), arthroscopy was performed in 31 children (51.66%), 17 boys (54.83%) and 14 girls (45.16%). In age groups under 11 years, we observed the need to use a smaller arthroscope. Specific diseases and injuries of the knee and certain technical details of arthroscopy, were found to be characteristic of knee arthroscopy in children.