Knee arthroscopy in the pediatric population:results in a university hospital

Artroscopia de rodilla en población pediátrica: resultados en un hospital universitario

Objective: this descriptive observational cohort study was conducted at University
Hospital to evaluate the functional outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing knee
arthroscopy. The study aims to expand the available data on arthroscopic interventions, considering both their diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in the pediatric
population. Materials and methods: this descriptive observational cohort study
retrospectively analyzed data from the medical records of patients under 18 years of
age treated between 2018 and 2023. The study included cases of plica syndrome,
anterior cruciate ligament rupture, and discoid meniscus, while congenital deformities and documented infections were excluded. Functional status was assessed using the Lysholm score before and after the intervention, with follow-ups at 3 and
6 months postoperatively. Results: a total of 187 patients were included, of whom
59.9% were male and 60.4% resided in urban areas. The most common pathologies
were anterior cruciate ligament injury (13.6 %) and discoid meniscus (12.5 %). No
postoperative infections were reported; however, 9.1 % of patients required reoperation. The results indicated a significant improvement in functional outcomes, with
Lysholm scores increasing from 59 preoperatively to 82 at 3 months and 93 at 6 months postoperatively. These findings demonstrate notable functional recovery at
6 months. Conclusion: arthroscopy is a safe and effective intervention for pediatric patients. Long-term follow-up is recommended to assess potential complications, including the risk of osteoarthritis.