Epidemiological trends in pediatric knee arthroscopy: a single-centre study in Spain (1998-2023).

Abstract

Background and objective: Knee arthroscopy has become an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool in children and adolescents. However, data on temporal trends, indications, and surgical techniques in Spain remain limited. This study aimed to analyse the epidemiological and surgical evolution of knee arthroscopy in patients under 18 years of age between 1998 and 2023.

Patients and methods: This single-centre retrospective observational study including 416 patients under 18 years who underwent knee arthroscopy. Demographic, diagnostic, and surgical variables were collected. Descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Cochran-Armitage trend test, and Spearman's correlation were used for analysis.

Results: The median age was 14 years, with a predominance of females (59%). The most frequent indications were meniscal tears (33%), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (22%), and osteochondral lesions (14%). Diagnostic arthroscopy (38%) and meniscectomy (27%) were the most common procedures, both showing a progressive decline since 2015, whereas meniscal repair and surgery for patellofemoral instability showed a slight increase. A sustained rise in arthroscopies was observed among adolescents over 11 years of age, with a gradual equalisation between sexes in recent years.

Conclusion: Paediatric knee arthroscopy has progressively increased over the last two decades, with meniscal, ACL, and osteochondral lesions being the most frequent indications. A trend towards meniscal preservation and reconstructive procedures is also evident, reflecting evolving clinical practice and patterns of sports participation.