Knee Injuries In Younger Athletes
Kevin G. Shea, M.D.Injury patterns vary with age, and younger athletes have some differences in their anatomy compared to adults. Because of the differences in anatomy, the types of injury seen in these younger patients can be different from those seen in adults. Young patients have open growth plates, which make them susceptible to different injury patterns compared to adults. With appropriate treatment, young athletes tend to recover quickly from their injuries. Rehabilitation, in terms of strength and range of motion recovery, is easier in young athletes.
Any young athlete with a knee injury that produces swelling and a limp has probably sustained a serious knee injury. In most cases, the fluid inside the knee represents bleeding that has occurred from a torn ligament, fractured cartilage surface, or even a bone fracture. In some patients, a fracture in the growth plate can occur. These patients should be evaluated promptly, and an MRI may be necessary to fully assess the injury.
The physicians at Intermountain Orthopaedics specialize in knee injuries in young athletes. In addition to specializing in these types of injuries in young athletes, Mike Curtin, M.D, Kevin Shea, M.D., and Ron Pfeiffer, Ed.D/ATC are actively involved in research related to serious knee injuries in athletes. These research programs are being conducted through Intermountain Orthopaedics, and the Department of Kinesiology at Boise State University. Our current research studies focus upon several issues:
1. ACL INJURY PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN FEMALE ATHLETES- KLIP (KNEE LIGAMENT INJURY PREVENTION) PROGRAM. These studies are currently being conducted at Boise State University and the High Schools in the Treasure Valley. The KLIP (Knee Ligament Injury Prevention) Program is an exercise program designed to reduce ACL injury in females. This study was initiated in 2001, and will continue through 2003.
2. EVALUATION OF JUMP LANDING MECHANICS IN FEMALE ATHLETES. These studies are looking at the biomechanical effects of leg strengthening programs, to see if these programs can reduce the incidence of ACL injury in pediatric, adolescent, and collegiate athletes. If you know of a young athlete that would like to be involved in this research, we are currently recruiting subjects.
3. ANATOMY OF THE ACL IN PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT ATHLETES. Young Athletes have open growth plates, which are subject to injury during ACL reconstruction. Our research focuses upon improving our understanding of the anatomy of the ACL in patients with open growth plates, and designing surgical procedures which can reduce the risk of growth plate injury in young athletes that are undergoing ACL reconstruction.
4. TREATMENT OF ANTERIOR KNEE PAIN IN FEMALE ATHLETES. An MRI study of the Effects of McConnell Taping. Anterior knee pain is a common problem in female athletes. This study is evaluating the effectiveness of taping to improve this condition.
5. AGE OF ONSET OF ACL TEARS IN YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS. Using insurance data on knee injuries, these studies have evaluated the age of onset of ACL tears in young athletes.
If you have questions about these research programs, many of these research topics can be accessed over the internet. If you would like more information, you can review these topics at the following web sites.
THE TIBIAL ATTACHMENT OF THE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: ANALYSIS OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Kevin G. Shea, Peter J. Apel, Ronald P. Pfeiffer, Larry D. Showalter and Paul D. Traughber
ACL RECONSTRUCTION IN CHILDREN HAS DANGERS
Kevin G. Shea, MD, Peter Apel, Buzz Showalter, MD