Abstract
As sports-related injuries are becoming more common among children, there has been an increased need for knee arthroscopies in the pediatric population. Nevertheless, pediatric knee arthroscopy exposure is varied among orthopaedic surgeons, especially during residency training. There is a considerable difference in knee arthroscopy case volume between the adult and the pediatric population among orthopaedic residents. Although the fundamentals of adult knee arthroscopy have been well delineated, there is a paucity of literature surrounding basic pediatric knee arthroscopy. Our goal is to further explain the fundamentals needed to perform successful arthroscopic surgery in the pediatric knee. Through discussing proper patient positioning, instrumentation, including the utility of the 1.9-mm small-bore needle arthroscope (NanoScope; Arthrex, Naples, FL), subtle tips and tricks, as well as advantages and disadvantages of arthroscopy in children, this Technical Note along with the corresponding video are designed to help elucidate the intricacies of the pediatric knee. It will serve as educational material targeted to the resident trainee or any orthopaedic practitioner interested in gaining an introductory foundation to pediatric knee arthroscopy.
Technique Video
Exposure to pediatric knee arthroscopy is varied among orthopaedic surgeons, especially during residency training. There is a vast difference in reported case volume of pediatric knee arthroscopies compared with adult knee arthroscopies among resident physicians.1,2 This disparity raises concern, especially as we see more children participating in sports, resulting in a concomitant increase in both pediatric knee injuries and subsequent arthroscopies.3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Although the fundamentals of knee arthroscopy in the adult population are well documented, there is a paucity of literature surrounding basic pediatric knee arthroscopy, leading to potential complications and poor outcomes.8, 9, 10 Our goal is to further explain the fundamentals needed to perform successful arthroscopic surgery in the pediatric knee. The tips and tricks described in this Technical Note will help further elucidate the intricacies of the pediatric knee.
Surgical Technique (With Video Illustration)
Video 1 outlines the approach and technique of pediatric arthroscopy.
Preoperative Preparation and Positioning
In the preoperative holding area, the operative extremity is confirmed with child/caretaker and is fully exposed and marked by the operative surgeon. A thigh-high thromboembolic deterrent hose (T.E.D.; Cardinal Health, Dublin, OH) is then placed on the nonoperative extremity, which aids in surgical-site verification and thromboprophylaxis during surgery (Fig 1).
After transport to the operative suite, the child is positioned supine on a standard operative table. Tip: We prefer that the patient’s contralateral leg be placed centered on the bed to help facilitate access to the operative knee in the figure of 4 position (Figs 2 and 3). Manipulation of the extremity should be done before prepping/draping to ensure adequate range of motion, confirmatory examination, adequate operating space, and height of table by the primary surgeon (Figs 3 and 4). Next, Webril (Covidien, Mansfield, MA) is wrapped around the most proximal aspect of the thigh. An appropriately sized nonsterile tourniquet (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) is then placed on top of the Webril, and a lateral post is placed around the level of the tourniquet (Fig 4). The nonoperative extremity is well-padded and secured down to prevent pressure injury (Fig 5). The child is then prepped and draped in the standard fashion. Our protocol is a down sheet, followed by an impervious U-drape (3M, Saint Paul, MN), followed by a lower-extremity drape (Cardinal Health). A stockinette secured by Coban (3M) is placed over the operative extremity up to mid-shin (Fig 6).
Before the Incision
If ligamentous or open work is expected, the limb is exsanguinated with an Esmarch bandage (3M) and the tourniquet is inflated to a pressure of 200 mm Hg with the knee in flexion to take tension off the extensor mechanism. Otherwise, the tourniquet may be unnecessary and potentially avoided to decrease postoperative narcotic need.11 The arthroscopic inflow (Arthrex, Naples, FL) is typically set to 30 mm Hg. This differs from adults usually by approximately 45 to 55 mm Hg due to the volume expansion of the adult versus pediatric knee.12 Options for entry and arthroscope sizes depend on the age of the patient and availability. Larger arthroscopes can be used as necessary but can potentially lead to greater risk of iatrogenic injury. Fig 7, Fig 8, Fig 9 demonstrate our institutional preferences. Tip: If you do not have the nano- or low-file instruments available, you can supplement with an elbow or ankle arthroscopy tray.
Surgical Incision and Portal Placement
It is our preference to start with the anterolateral portal first, then add the superomedial inflow portal, then lastly the anteromedial portal under direct visualization from the anterolateral portal. To identify the anterolateral portal, the patella, patellar tendon, tibial tubercle, and lateral tibial plateau are identified in the flexed knee position and marked accordingly. Our preference is that the anterolateral portal is placed one-half finger breadth lateral to patellar tendon and one finger breadth superiorly from the edge of the lateral tibial plateau (Fig 10, Fig 11, Fig 12). The joint is then insufflated in extension with about 30 cubic centimeters (cc) of sterile saline to allow adequate visualization before insertion of the camera and to help prevent iatrogenic injury to the knee (Fig 13). The knee is then returned to flexion, where a vertical incision is made through the skin with an 11-blade scalpel about the lateral portal marking. The arthroscope is then introduced into the joint aimed at the femoral notch, and the knee is slowly extended as the trocar is inserted into the patellofemoral space (Fig 14). The trocar is removed, and the arthroscope is introduced into the knee to visualize the patellofemoral joint (Fig 15). The superomedial inflow portal is then placed one finger breadth superior and one finger breadth medial to the superomedial border of the patella under visual guidance (Figs 16 and 17). A standard diagnostic knee arthroscopy is performed with visualization of the suprapatellar pouch, patellofemoral joint space, and medial and lateral gutters (Fig 18). The anteromedial portal is created under direct visualization with the operative extremity on the hip of the surgeon creating slight knee flexion and valgus force (Fig 19, Fig 20, Fig 21). The medial compartment is then inspected (Fig 22). The knee is then allowed to hang off the operating table to inspect the femoral notch and cruciate ligaments (Fig 23, Fig 24, Fig 25). Subsequently, the knee is brought into the figure of 4 position to allow visualization and inspection of the lateral compartment (Fig 26).
A varus force can then be placed on the knee to aid in visualization of the lateral compartment (Figs 27 and 28). Tip: Adding a sterile bump under the operative foot can increase visualization of lateral compartment during figure of 4 positioning. To gain a different perspective, the arthroscope can be switched from the lateral to medial portal to inspect the lateral compartment (Figs 29 and 30). Any soft-tissue work can then be completed. After completion, the joint is then expelled of fluid, wound closure is performed with 3-0 MONOCRYL (Ethicon, Raritan, NJ) and Steri-Strips (3M). Postoperative anesthesia and analgesia administered per institutional protocols.
Postoperative Management
Most pediatric knee arthroscopies will be weight-bearing as tolerated in a locked range of motion brace if repair/reconstruction is performed. Immediate full range of motion is encouraged, and the brace should be removed for home range of motion exercises. Pain is generally well controlled with over-the-counter acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Physical therapy, continuous passive movement, and other postoperative therapies are used as needed. The child will be followed postoperatively for between 3 and 24 months depending on the surgery.
Discussion
Knee arthroscopy is a valuable skill acquired during residency training in orthopedic surgery. As the pediatric population continues to push the boundaries of athletics, a corresponding rise in sports-related injuries is being observed, with a corresponding increase in pediatric knee arthroscopies.3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Despite this increase, knee arthroscopy case volume often depends on the residency and available cases.1,2 In addition, subjective reporting by residents revealed that a majority lacked confidence in performing arthroscopies compared with open procedures.13
Table 1 outlines advantages and disadvantages of this guide to pediatric arthroscopy, whereas Table 2 describes common pearls and pitfalls relating to pediatric arthroscopy. This combined with the associated video provide a brief, yet informative, summary.
Table 1.
Strengths | Limitations |
---|---|
Be well prepared for a pediatric knee arthroscope | One author’s preferred technique |
Aid in resident/novice training | Poor resolution and visualization with 1.9-mm 0° small-bore needle arthroscope, need to maneuver the arthroscope more than usual |
Discusses smaller arthroscopes tailored to pediatric knees | Need repetition to master skillset |
Decreased risk of iatrogenic injury with smaller instruments and knowledge of arthroscopy | Smaller joint space with a theoretical increased risk of iatrogenic injury, especially with novice arthroscopist |
Smaller incisions for the smaller instruments, with less theoretical infection burden | Although numbers are increasing, pediatric knee arthroscopes are far less common than in adults |
NOTE. Table 1 outlines the strengths and limitations of this pediatric knee arthroscopy survival guide.
Table 2.
Pearls | Pitfalls |
---|---|
Lower tourniquet pressure (∼200 mm Hg) to decrease postoperative pain medication need | Too high of tourniquet pressure leads to tourniquet pain |
Position in center of the bed for increased varus moment arm | Poor positioning and setup leading to difficulties during procedures |
Sterile towels under foot in figure 4 for even greater varus moment arm | Not using small-enough instruments to prevent iatrogenic injuries |
Lower pump pressure (∼30 mm Hg) due to smaller volume in pediatric knees | Poor portal placement, leading to difficulties with soft-tissue work and arthroscopic visualization |
Can use wrist or ankle instruments as substitute if do not have access to 1.9-mm small-bore needle arthroscope | Poor follow-up and rehabilitation, leading to poor outcomes |
NOTE. Table 2 denotes the common pearls and pitfalls of pediatric arthroscopy.
Arthroscopy, although a quintessential orthopaedic tool, is technically challenging and may require more cases than other standard orthopaedic skills to reach proficiency.14 Knee arthroscopy is not benign and comes with complications even in the pediatric population.8, 9, 10 With variability in training exposure to arthroscopy, this guide is intended to help prepare novice arthroscopists for success in pediatric knee arthroscopy.
In conclusion, this guide is intended to aid in creating a solid foundation to build on when it comes to successful pediatric knee arthroscopy. Although general and/or adult orthopaedists may not have to make use of pediatric knee arthroscopy due to fellowship-trained specialists in the community, we hope this technique guide will provide insight for residents/trainees, practitioners without specialist support, or anyone eager to further their skill repertoire.
Footnotes
The authors report the following potential conflicts of interest or sources of funding: J.S. reports paid speaker for Arthrex. All other authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. Full ICMJE author disclosure forms are available for this article online, as supplementary material.
Supplementary Data
References
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