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J Knee Surg 2018; 31(05): 392-398
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632376
Special Focus Section
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Anterior Knee Pain in Children and Adolescents: Overview and Management

Steven Slotkin
1   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
,
Andrew Thome
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Cassandra Ricketts
3   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania
,
Andrew Georgiadis
4   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, Saint Paul, Minnesota
,
Aristides I. Cruz Jr
2   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Mark Seeley
5   Department of Orthopaedics, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

21 December 2017

07 January 2018

Publication Date:
28 February 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Anterior knee pain (AKP) is a common presenting complaint for pediatricians and orthopaedic surgeons and is often seen in young athletes. AKP is multifactorial and has a broad differential diagnosis. The growth changes, biomechanics, and anatomy around the knee add to the complexity of diagnosis and treatment of AKP. Common causes of AKP include Osgood–Schlatter's disease, patellar tendinitis, and patellofemoral instability. In the diagnosis of AKP, it is important to rule out serious and morbid causes of pain, including infection and tumor. It is crucial to complete a detailed history and physical examination and obtain appropriate imaging studies. In general, the majority of patients will respond to nonoperative measures targeted to correct neuromuscular control and kinetic chain dysfunction.

Keywords

pediatrics - knee pain - patellofemoral instability - patellofemoral syndrome - Osgood–Schlatter's disease
 

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