In the pediatric population, meniscectomy should be exceptional. This study aimed to estimate the incidence and trends of hospitalization of pediatric meniscectomy in Italy. Data were collected from the National Hospital Discharge Reports (SDO) reported at the Italian Ministry of Health. This study referred to the pediatric population (0-14 years of age) from 2001 to 2016. A total of 5188 pediatric meniscectomies were performed. The global incidence was 3.9 for every 100,000 Italian residents under 14 years of age. The most frequent age class was 10-14 years. The men/women ratio was 1.1. The average number of days of hospitalization was 1.8 ± 1.4. Men showed more days of hospitalization than women. The 5-9 age group presented the highest length of hospitalization (2.3 ± 1.5 days). The main primary codified diagnoses were as follows: derangement of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, other derangement of the lateral meniscus, old bucket handle tear of the medial meniscus, and derangement of the lateral meniscus. Primary codified procedures were the excision of semilunar cartilage of the knee and knee arthroscopy. The burden of pediatric meniscectomy is relevant in Italy. The information required to develop global standards for managing pediatric meniscal lesions may be provided by conducting further epidemiological studies.
Keywords: arthroscopy; meniscectomy; menisci; pediatric; sports medicine.