Surgical management of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in patients with open physes.

Because of the increasing number of skeletally immature athletes who compete in highly demanding sports, more children than previously are sustaining anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Treatment and patient compliance with treatment recommendations are problematic. Pediatric issues include those specific to evaluation, projected growth, and surgery.

Examination of posterolateral corner injuries.

Physical examination of patients with a suspected posterolateral corner injury must be comprehensive. Mechanical alignment, gait, and any hyperextension or varus thrust should all be evaluated. The status of all ligaments of the knee also must be thoroughly assessed.

Fixation of osteochondritis dissecans lesions using poly(l-lactic acid)/ poly(glycolic acid) copolymer bioabsorbable screws.

Background: Many osteochondritis dissecans lesion fixation techniques are effective. A new absorbable copolymer screw may be suitable for this application.

Purpose: To characterize the mechanical and in vitro absorption properties of a copolymer fixation screw and determine the clinical efficacy of using the screw to fix osteochondritis dissecans lesions.