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Children's Knees: Growing Risk of Arthritis
20 Sep
Summary
- Meniscus tears in children can often be repaired.
- Losing any significant part of the meniscus leads to pain and early arthritis.
- New techniques offer hope for regeneration and replacement.
The meniscus, crucial for knee joint protection and stability, faces a significant risk of damage in children. While tears can often be repaired, many cases result in resection, leaving children vulnerable to pain, swelling, and early arthritis. The incidence of such tears is substantial, yet repair and replacement rates remain exceptionally low.
Surgeons often hesitate to operate on children with open growth plates due to fears of growth arrest. However, delaying treatment significantly increases the likelihood of developing arthritis, especially with the loss of the meniscus's posterior horn. Modern transplantation techniques can now protect growth plates, making delayed treatment an unfavorable option.
Promising advancements in meniscus regeneration and transplantation are becoming available. Techniques like the collagen meniscus implant (CMI) have shown success in adults, suggesting children could benefit even more. Despite challenges with insurance reimbursement and the need for extensive surgical experience, common sense and the long-term health of children's knees strongly advocate for these treatments.
