Knee Disorders - in children

An acute knee trauma can result in hemarthrosis (intraarticular bleeding) or a swollen knee. The knee can be difficult to examen because of pain, the swelling, and a frightened child. An acute knee trauma, an overuse injury or other disorders of the knee can result in different symptoms such as limping, locking of the knee or swelling. Pain, instability, or reduced range of motion are other common symptoms.

We have a knee team with doctors skilled in knee examination, surgery, and rehabilitation at our orthopedic department. In the emergency room, there are well established routines for knee trauma. All kids with a swollen knee after trauma will have an acute plain x-ray to rule out a fracture. Patients from 9 years of age with knee hemarthrosis after an acute knee trauma and no fracture will be referred to an MRI within a week to further investigate intraarticular injury, which become more common from that age. The patient will have a follow up at our outpatient clinic as soon as possible after the MRI is done. Clinical examination together with the findings from radiology and MRI will give the diagnosis. We work proactive in diagnostics to optimize care and minimize time to treatment. Children with less acute knee problems referred to us, should have basic investigations such as radiology done before referral.

Treatment depends on the injury and range from alternative training and physiotherapy to surgery and immobilization with a brace or plaster. Sometimes a combination of all the above, depending on the injury. Rehabilitation after a knee injury is important to gain strength and stability to be able to return to daily activities and sports. Therefore, we work closely together with physiotherapists at several clinics outside the hospital.

To evaluate our work and further develop the care we are involved in the Swedish Pediatric Orthopedic Quality Register (SPOQ). We also conduct several research projects in the patellar instability field.