Work

An increase in paediatric arthroscopy in Europe: Experience of the EPOS Sport Study Group

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: Paediatric musculoskeletal injuries in association with increased participation in sports activities continue to increase. Arthroscopy is recognized as a safe and effective procedure in children. This study aims to identify trends in European paediatric sports centres over 20 years. Methods: A survey was performed across the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS) Sports Study Group focusing on 3 years (2000, 2009 and 2019). Centres were divided into two groups: Group 1 ( n = 5, with data for 2000, 2009 and 2019) and Group 2 ( n = 8, with data for 2009 and 2019). Data were analysed as the total annual number of cases and separately by anatomical region and patient demographics. A descriptive analysis was performed to characterize the trends. Results: Data from eight centres across Europe showed an increase in total annual arthroscopy cases (G1 from 53 to 202 and G2 from 393 to 615, p -value < 0.001) and as a percentage of paediatric orthopaedic surgeries (G1 from 1.6% to 5.2%; G2 from 5.1% to 6.8%) in seven out of eight centres. The knee remained the most commonly treated joint (G1 from 79.2% to 83.3%; G2 from 78.9% to 84.4%), despite the rise of others such as the elbow ( p -value = 0.020) and decline of the shoulder ( p -value = 0.014). Cases involving paediatric patients over 11 years increased while there was no gender distinction among paediatric patients. Conclusion: Paediatric arthroscopy procedures in Europe have increased in number over the past 3 decades. Technological advancements have allowed a surge in procedures and applications to new anatomical areas. Level of evidence: IV – retrospective database review.

Source: Journal of Children s Orthopaedics

DOI: 10.1177/18632521241302997