Quadriceps Tendon Graft Anatomy in the Skeletally Immature Patient.

Background: The quadriceps tendon (QT) is increasingly considered for primary and revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in skeletally immature patients, as it may be harvested as a purely soft tissue graft with considerable tissue volume. Because of distinct rectus tendon (RT) separation from the QT complex, the potential for RT retraction exists and could lead to QT weakness after QT graft harvest.

Purpose: To describe the anatomy of the pediatric QT and clarify decussation of the RT and QT to avoid the risk of delayed RT retraction and QT weakness after QT graft harvest.

The Position of the Popliteal Artery and Peroneal Nerve Relative to the Menisci in Children: A Cadaveric Study.

Background: Meniscal injury in skeletally immature patients is increasingly reported. During meniscal repair, all-inside devices may protrude beyond the posterior limits of the meniscus, putting the neurovascular structures at risk.

Purpose: The purposes of this study were (1) to examine the relationship between the popliteal artery and the posterolateral and posteromedial aspects of the menisci, (2) to examine the relationship of the peroneal nerve to the posterolateral meniscus, and (3) to develop recommendations for avoiding neurovascular injury during posterior meniscal repair in pediatric patients.

Patellar-Trochlear Morphology in Pediatric Patients From 2 to 11 Years of Age: A Descriptive Analysis Based on Computed Tomography Scanning.

Background: Despite the critical role the trochlea plays in patellofemoral (PF) pathology, the development of the trochlea is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) Describe quantitative osseous and soft tissue anatomy of the patella and trochlea in skeletally immature cadaveric specimens utilizing known measurements used in PF instability, and (2) evaluate additional measurement techniques in the sagittal plane as they relate to PF morphologic development.

Methods: Thirty-one skeletally immature fresh frozen cadaveric knees between the ages of 2 and 11 years old were evaluated using 0.

Proximity of the neurovascular structures during all-inside lateral meniscal repair in children: a cadaveric study.

Purpose: Meniscal repair has become increasingly common in a pediatric and adolescent population. All-inside repair techniques are utilized more often given their ease of insertion and decreased operative time required. However, there are possible risks including damage to adjacent neurovascular structures.

Osteochondritis Dissecans in the Skeletally Immature Knee.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee, which results in knee symptoms and activity-related pain, is a condition that commonly affects young individuals. The etiology of osteochondritis dissecans remains unclear; however, genetic and endocrine factors, ischemia, inflammation, repetitive microtrauma, and spontaneous osteonecrosis have been suggested as causes of osteochondritis dissecans. Skeletally immature patients with a stable osteochondritis dissecans lesion typically have minimal clinical symptoms and, if treated nonsurgically, experience a high rate of healing.

Incidence of Meniscal Entrapment and Associated Knee Injuries in Tibial Spine Avulsions.

Background: Tibial spine avulsions (TSA) have historically been treated as isolated injuries. Data on associated injuries are limited with existing literature reporting wide ranging incidences. The purpose of this multicenter study was to (1) describe the incidence of meniscal entrapment and associated knee injuries in TSA and to (2) compare surgical and magnetic resonance image (MRI) findings for these injuries.

What's New in Pediatric Sports Conditions of the Knee?

Background: Sports injuries are common in pediatric and adolescent patients and the evaluation and treatment of these injuries continues to evolve. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the literature, highlighting recent updates on sports-related knee injuries in the pediatric athlete. We specifically examined literature on tibial spine fractures, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee, and patellar instability.

What's New in Pediatric Upper Extremity Sports Injuries?

Background: Sports injuries are common in pediatric and adolescent patients and the evaluation and treatment of these injuries continues to evolve. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive appraisal of the most recent literature, highlighting updates on sports-related upper extremity injuries in pediatric patients.

Methods: An electronic search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases was performed for keywords related to pediatric overhead athletes, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum, medial epicondyle fractures, shoulder instability, and clavicle fractures.

Variation in the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Origin in the Skeletally Immature Knee: An Anatomic Study.

Background: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is frequently reconstructed to treat recurrent patellar instability. The femoral origin of the MPFL is well described in adults but not in the skeletally immature knee.

Purpose: To identify a radiographic landmark for the femoral MPFL attachment in the skeletally immature knee and study its relationship to the distal femoral physis.