OBSERVATIONS ON ACUTE KNEE HEMARTHROSIS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

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.