ARTHROSCOPY OF THE ACUTE TRAUMATIC KNEE IN CHILDREN - PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF 138 CASES

We performed diagnostic arthroscopy for acute knee trauma in 138 child ren and adolescents aged 13 (1-15) years. The compatibility between th e clinical examination and the arthroscopic findings was 59 percent. L igament injuries were found in 32 cases, 14 of which had rupture of th e anterior cruciate ligament. The compatibility in the case of ligamen t injuries was 31 percent. 48 patients had dislocation of the patella, and a displaced osteochondral fragment was seen in 19, 14 of which we re radiographically silent. In 37 cases of distortion of the knee a co rrect diagnosis would have been missed unless arthroscopy had been per formed. Arthroscopy is therefore indicated in children with severe dis tortion of the knee, hemarthrosis and with dislocation of the patella.