Knee injuries in children and adolescents: Menisci and ligaments

Injuries of the knee, including menisci and ligaments, in children and adolescents are now being recognized more frequently. History and physical examination often fail to lead to an accurate diagnosis, but with an increased awareness by health professionals and improved diagnostic capabilities, including magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy, both reporting and understanding of the natural history of knee injuries in skeletally immature patients has increased. Once thought not to occur, meniscal injuries can often be significant and require surgical intervention. Techniques of meniscal salvage including partial excision and repair can be safely done arthroscopically. Ligamentous injuries occur in this population as well and have a natural history similar to those seen in adults. With the appropriate measures, significant ligament injuries can be treated successfully.