Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is little age- and sex-specific objective data concerning anterior knee translation in school-aged children. We aimed to establish age- and sex-specific baseline data for anterior knee translation of the knee in girls and in boys in grades 5 to 12. We also investigated whether a correlation exists between anterior knee translation and global joint laxity in girls in grades 5 to 12. METHODS: A sample of convenience from a local school was used. Fifteen boys and 15 girls were randomly chosen from each grade, 5 to 12, to undergo anterior translation measurements with the KT2000 knee ligament arthrometer at 15, 20, and 30 lb of force. In addition, Beighton scores and bone age were determined. RESULTS: Anterior knee translation decreased with age in both girls and boys. Girls had greater anterior knee translation and end-point compliance than age-matched boys. In girls, there was a positive correlation between increased global joint laxity and increased anterior knee translation at 20 and 30 lb. However, hyperextension of the knee by itself was not a predictor of greater anterior translation. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior translation of the knee showed age and sex variation in school-aged children. These data are important in establishing a foundation of baseline data to understand sex differences in ligament development and function and to help guide injury prevention strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II diagnostic study.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 184-187 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 1 2008 |
Keywords
- Adolescents
- Child
- Joint instability
- Knee
- Ligaments
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine