Physical therapy in adolescents with knee injuries treated with arthroscopy: our experience and literature review

Abstract

If not treated adequately, the knee injuries in adolescents can cause long-term functional impairments. The aim of our study was to quantify the functioning capacity in children who suffered soft tissues and/or bone lesions of the knee treated by arthroscopy. We reviewed the medical charts of 5 adolescent patients diagnosed with sport knees injuries, admitted in our clinic in the last two years. Arthroscopy was made three weeks after the injury. Afterwards, they were addressed to the Rehabilitation Department and followed the physical exercise programme. The patients were assessed at the beginning of rehabilitation and after 3 months: knee ROM (flexion and extension deficit) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective evaluation. At the final assessment all patients presented significantly improvements in knee range of motion and functional capacity. Arthroscopic surgery, followed by a tailored rehabilitation programme, is important in the management of adolescents with knee injuries.