Pediatric knee injury

Children and adolescents are not just small adults. Their growing bodies face different stresses and sustain different injuries which should be treated by a specialist in pediatric knee injuries. Sports medicine orthopedic surgeon Kyle Borque, MD, a national leader in pediatric knee problems, swiftly diagnoses and treats children and adolescents with knee injuries. Call the Houston or Sugar Land, Texas, office today or use this website to book an appointment online.

Why are pediatric knee injuries different than adults?

Pediatric knee injuries differ from adult knee injuries primarily because children’s musculoskeletal systems are still growing and developing. In children and adolescents, the growth plates (physes) are still open and maturing, making their knees structurally and biomechanically different from fully matured joints.

These growth plates are weaker than the surrounding ligaments and tendons, meaning that injuries which might cause ligament tears in adults—such as those to the ACL—can instead result in growth plate fractures or unique injury patterns in children. These anatomical differences not only influence the types of injuries sustained but also the approach to diagnosis and imaging, since certain injuries are specific to people that are still growing.

Do kids need to be treated differently?

Yes! Treatment and recovery considerations for pediatric knee injuries also differ due to the impact on long-term growth and joint development. Non-surgical and surgical interventions in children must be planned carefully to avoid damaging the growth plates, as this could lead to leg length discrepancies or angular deformities. Rehabilitation protocols may also be adjusted to match the healing capacity and developmental needs of a younger patient, with a focus on protecting the joint while allowing for continued growth.

Furthermore, because children often have higher healing potential than adults, there may be a greater emphasis on avoiding surgery when appropriate, though this must be balanced with the need to restore stability and prevent long-term functional deficits. Ultimately, managing pediatric knee injuries requires a careful blend of orthopedic expertise and developmental awareness to ensure both short-term recovery and healthy knee function into adulthood!

How do you treat pediatric knee injuries?

Dr. Kyle Borque specializes in injuries and conditions that affect growing athletes’ knees. Dr. Borque has published multiple papers on the importance of evaluating and respecting the growth plates when treating ACL tears in young athletes. He also has extensive history treating ACL injuries, patellar dislocations, osteochondritis dissecans, and tibial eminence fractures.

Dr. Kyle Borque recognizes the emotional toll that knee injuries have on athletes of all ages, but especially young athletes. He understands and supports the physical, mental, and social benefits that participation in sports offers kids. Through a personalized approach to each injury, Dr. Borque aims to return young athletes back to the activities that they love while also ensuring they have a healthy knee for their future life.