The Growing Child: Knee Anomalies and Traumas
Seance of wednesday 10 december 2025 (J’aime tes genoux, le genou à travers les âges - l'Académie reçoit la SOFCOT)
DOI number : 10.26299/v04j-bj39/emem.2025.50.02
Abstract
In pediatric orthopedic surgery, children are conventionally classified into three principal age groups according to their stage of development. This framework is grounded in physiological characteristics that closely correlate with skeletal maturation, as well as in pathological features that vary depending on developmental stage. When applied to the knee joint, this approach enables the delineation of pathological profiles specific to each period of childhood. Notably, infection must always be promptly suspected in cases of febrile knee effusion, irrespective of age.
During early childhood (0–2 years), the most frequently encountered conditions are congenital anomalies, including congenital knee dislocation and ligamentous agenesis. Although these disorders are rare, they often require early, specialized intervention to optimize functional outcomes.
Childhood (3–10 years) is predominantly characterized by developmental and growth-related disorders, particularly axial deformities such as genu valgum and genu varum. These conditions necessitate vigilant follow-up and, in selected cases, timely surgical.
Adolescence (11–18 years) represents a period of heightened physical activity, which largely accounts for the predominance of traumatic knee pathologies, including epiphyseal fractures, ligamentous avulsions, and meniscal injuries. The persistence of the growth plate during this stage mandates therapeutic strategies that carefully balance corrective intervention with preservation of the physis.
Collectively, regardless of etiology, pediatric knee disorders require a management approach — both surgical and holistic — that is meticulously tailored to the child’s age and developmental status.
During early childhood (0–2 years), the most frequently encountered conditions are congenital anomalies, including congenital knee dislocation and ligamentous agenesis. Although these disorders are rare, they often require early, specialized intervention to optimize functional outcomes.
Childhood (3–10 years) is predominantly characterized by developmental and growth-related disorders, particularly axial deformities such as genu valgum and genu varum. These conditions necessitate vigilant follow-up and, in selected cases, timely surgical.
Adolescence (11–18 years) represents a period of heightened physical activity, which largely accounts for the predominance of traumatic knee pathologies, including epiphyseal fractures, ligamentous avulsions, and meniscal injuries. The persistence of the growth plate during this stage mandates therapeutic strategies that carefully balance corrective intervention with preservation of the physis.
Collectively, regardless of etiology, pediatric knee disorders require a management approach — both surgical and holistic — that is meticulously tailored to the child’s age and developmental status.