Arthroscopy in Children and Teenagers (Ages 8 to 18)

Edited By: Gregory A. Schmale, M.D.
Last updated Friday, July 22, 2005

Conclusion

What are the five most important facts about minimally-invasive surgery for a torn meniscus in athletic children for meniscal tears in the knee of adolescents and children?

1. Meniscal tears longer than one centimeter or about half an inch do not tend to heal on their own, particularly if they lie in the inner rim of the meniscus.
2. Repaired meniscal tears are more likely than trimmed tears to protect the knee from arthritis, which is especially important to consider for younger patients with many years of activity ahead.  Trimming a meniscal tear reduces the amount of cushion between the thigh bone and the leg or shin bone, increasing the chances of wear and tear arthritis.  Thus, repair of a torn meniscus is typically preferred over trimming, whenever possible.
3. Patients typically return to activity six to nine months after repair of a meniscus, and after approximately three weeks following trimming of a meniscal tear.
4. Patients typically can return to their pre-injury activity level after arthroscopic treatment of a meniscal tear.
5. Either independent or directed physical therapy can speed return to normal function of the knee after arthroscopic treatment of a meniscal tear.

Surgery for Meniscal tears in the knee of adolescents and children at the University of Washington

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

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