Diagnostic knee arthroscopic findings in 70 children aged 7-18 years w
ith acute traumatic knee hemarthroses showed a high incidence of intra
articular lesions. Forty-seven percent of preadolescents (aged 7-12 ye
ars) had meniscal tears, and 47% had anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
tears. Forty-five percent of adolescents (aged 13-18 years) had menisc
al tears and 65% had ACL tears. Osteochondral fractures accounted for
7% of the lesions. Meniscal and ACL pathology is common in children, e
specially adolescents. Because arthroscopy provided accurate diagnosis
, specific treatment could be instituted.