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Medicina
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Current Trends and Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of...
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Current Trends and Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Knee Disorders

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Orthopedics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2026) | Viewed by 2242

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Marcin K. Krzysztof Waśko

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Radiology and Imaging, The Medical Center of Postgraduate Education, Warsaw, Poland
Interests: pediatric and adolescent sports traumatology; ACL reconstruction and graft maturation; patellofemoral instability; quantitative musculoskeletal MRI; knee biomechanics and lower limb alignment; pediatric knee surgery; imaging-based evaluation of surgical outcomes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Pediatric knee disorders represent a complex and evolving field in pediatric orthopedics, with a broad spectrum of conditions ranging from congenital anomalies and developmental disorders to traumatic injuries and overuse syndromes. Accurate diagnosis and timely management are essential to prevent long-term functional impairments and promote optimal musculoskeletal development.

This Special Issue aims to bring together original research, clinical studies, and comprehensive reviews that explore recent advances in imaging, surgical and non-surgical treatments, rehabilitation strategies, and long-term outcomes in pediatric knee pathologies. We especially welcome contributions addressing diagnostic challenges, innovations in minimally invasive techniques, sports-related injuries in growing athletes, and interdisciplinary approaches to care.

We invite authors to share their latest findings and clinical experiences to foster a deeper understanding of current challenges and emerging solutions in this vital area. By compiling diverse perspectives and up-to-date evidence, this Special Issue seeks to support improved care pathways and guide future research in pediatric knee health.

Dr. Marcin K. Krzysztof Waśko
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • patellar instability in children
  • osteochondritis dissecans
  • discoid meniscus
  • pediatric ACL tears
  • meniscal injuries in children
  • tibial spine avulsion fracture
  • physeal injuries of the knee
  • genu valgum/genu varum
  • Blount’s disease
  • juvenile idiopathic arthritis of the knee

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1047 KB  
Article
Clinical Outcomes and Correction Rates of Valgus and Varus Deformities Treated with Temporary Hemiepiphysiodesis Using Tension Plates: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Manuel Gahleitner, Tobias Gotterbarm and Lorenz Pisecky
Medicina 2026, 62(1), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62010165 - 14 Jan 2026
Viewed by 549
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Coronal plane deformities of the knee, particularly genu valgum and varum, represent common indications for guided growth in pediatric orthopedics. This study evaluates the clinical and radiographic outcomes of temporary hemiepiphysiodesis using tension-band plates in skeletally immature patients and [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Coronal plane deformities of the knee, particularly genu valgum and varum, represent common indications for guided growth in pediatric orthopedics. This study evaluates the clinical and radiographic outcomes of temporary hemiepiphysiodesis using tension-band plates in skeletally immature patients and identifies factors associated with successful correction. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients treated with tension-band plate hemiepiphysiodesis for knee valgus or varus deformities between 2012 and 2023. Inclusion required open physes, pre- and postoperative full-length radiographs, and follow-up until implant removal or skeletal maturity. Mechanical axis parameters (mLDFA, mMPTA) were compared pre- and postoperatively, and correction rates were calculated. Idiopathic cases were analyzed separately from those with neurological or osteological disorders. Results: Sixty-six limbs were included (51 valgus, 15 varus). In the idiopathic subgroup, significant correction was achieved, with mLDFA improving by +5.19° and mMPTA by −1.88°, corresponding to annual correction rates of 4.75°/year and −1.74°/year, respectively (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed no significant predictive value of age or treatment duration for total correction. Patients with pathological physes demonstrated inconsistent outcomes, often requiring additional procedures. No major complications occurred. Conclusions: Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis using tension-band plates is a safe, minimally invasive, and highly effective method for correcting idiopathic valgus deformities in growing children, with correction rates comparable to the existing literature. Outcomes in patients with neurological or osteological comorbidities remain less predictable, underscoring the need for individualized planning and close follow-up. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends and Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Knee Disorders)
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15 pages, 6464 KB  
Article
Association of Elevated Body Mass Index with Tibial Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures in Pediatric Athletes: A Pilot Retrospective Study
by Josip Kocur, Slavko Čičak, Damjan Dimnjaković, Izabela Kiš, Gordana Kristek, Krešimir Ivković, Dalibor Kristek and Dalibor Divković
Medicina 2025, 61(9), 1698; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61091698 - 18 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1348
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures are rare injuries in pediatric athletes, with limited data on the potential role of an elevated body mass index (BMI) as a risk factor. Previous studies have primarily focused on age, sex, and sport type, [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures are rare injuries in pediatric athletes, with limited data on the potential role of an elevated body mass index (BMI) as a risk factor. Previous studies have primarily focused on age, sex, and sport type, but the association between BMI and these injuries remains underexplored. Tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures are rare injuries predominantly affecting adolescent boys during sports activities involving strong quadriceps contractions. This pilot study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and anthropometric characteristics of patients with these fractures, including the distribution of injury mechanisms and the fracture types, to test whether the prevalence of overweight/obesity among cases exceeded national population benchmarks, and to describe the associated clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records and radiographs of patients under the age of 18 treated between 2017 and 2024. The data collected included demographic and anthropometric characteristics, injury mechanisms, fracture classification, treatment methods, complications, and outcomes. The patients were categorized as normal weight (<85th percentile) or overweight/obese (≥85th percentile). The primary outcome was whether the prevalence of overweight/obesity among the cases exceeded national pediatric benchmarks. Formal sample size and power analyses were performed to guide future research. Results: Twenty-one patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 13.7 years; 95.2% were male. Soccer was the most common injury mechanism (52.4%), followed by athletics and running. The predominant fracture type was Ogden IVb (38.1%). Overweight/obesity was present in 52.4% of the patients, significantly higher than the national benchmarks. An open reduction and internal fixation was performed in 90.5% of the cases, with a mean follow-up of 14.6 months (range: 6–36). Complications occurred in 14.3% overall, all within the overweight/obese group (27.3%). Conclusions: This pilot retrospective study suggests a potential link between an elevated BMI and tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures, with overweight/obesity being significantly more prevalent in affected patients than in the general pediatric population. These exploratory findings warrant confirmation in larger, adequately powered studies, and emphasize the importance of weight management and tailored sports activities as potential preventive strategies. An early diagnosis, timely surgical intervention, and adequate rehabilitation are critical for achieving optimal functional recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Trends and Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Knee Disorders)
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