Meniscectomies in children

Abstract

Controversy exists over the management of the pediatric pa tient with a suspected tear of the meniscus. Twenty-six patients who underwent uncomplicated meniscectomy during a period of open epiphyseal plates were reviewed by personal followup. The average followup of these 26 patients was 8.3 years. Ligamentous laxity, early degenerative arthritis, and sympto matic knee pain were found; only 42% demonstrated an excel lent or good result. Intensive preoperative evaluation and con servative management of selected meniscal lesions in children are recommended.