Search

Chondral damage within the knee of young patients remains a challenge to orthopaedic surgeons, with the chance of resulting mechanical symptoms limiting activity and the risk of progression to osteoarthritis. There are a number of different treatment options which utilize one of two principles for filling chondral defects: either bone marrow stimulation leading to fibrocartilaginous repair or transplantation of mature hyaline cartilage into the defect. In this article we review the current treatment options for symptomatic chondral damage within the knee, discussing the basic science, techniques involved and the evidence supporting each method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paediatric knee injuries are common, although significant injury is rare and often difficult to identify. It is vital to diagnose these serious injuries in order to allow management in a timely manner. It is important that a high level of suspicion is maintained when reviewing these patients in the emergency department or fracture clinic to ensure none of these injuries are neglected. When managed appropriately, most paediatric knee disorders have an excellent prognosis. Common fractures and soft tissue injuries are discussed in this article along with accepted treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Symptomatic meniscal tears have, until recently, been treated with partial or total meniscectomy, with the inevitable consequential development of arthritis. After a tear, retaining as much functional meniscus as possible is vital to maintain long-term function and reduce the risk of degeneration within the knee. Advances in instruments and techniques allow meniscal repair to be performed more commonly, and with excellent results. New procedures are evolving to allow repair of tears that would previously have been labelled ‘irreparable’. Meniscal allograft transplant is a viable treatment option for symptomatic patients who have suffered total loss of a meniscus and research continues into the use of synthetic menisci. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]