Adolescent Sports Knee
Special interest in adolescent knee injuries, including ACL tears, meniscal injuries and patellar instability
Overview
Dr Will Cundy has a special interest in adolescent knee injuries. He assesses and treats ACL injuries, meniscal injuries, patellar instability and other knee conditions in young people, with treatment tailored to skeletal maturity and activity goals.
Young athletes are not simply small adults. Their growing skeletons — particularly the growth plates and apophyses — are vulnerable to injury patterns rarely seen in adults.
Approach
Dr Cundy takes a conservative-first approach where possible, prioritising return to sport without compromising skeletal development. Where surgery is required — such as ACL reconstruction in a skeletally immature patient — technique selection is carefully tailored to protect the growth plate.
When to Refer
Refer any young athlete with persistent joint or bone pain affecting sport participation, any suspected growth plate injury, or recurrent episodes of knee joint swelling or instability.
Conditions Treated
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
- Sinding-Larsen-Johansson syndrome
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Osteochondral lesions
- Discoid meniscus
- Patellar instability and dislocation
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- ACL injuries in children
- Meniscal tears
- Tibial spine fractures
- Growth plate injuries around the knee
- Congenital knee conditions
- Stress fractures in young athletes
Treatment Options
- Growth plate-sparing ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus repair and preservation
- Patellar stabilisation surgery
- Realignment procedures
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Bracing and orthotics
- Physiotherapy coordination
- Activity modification programs
When to Refer
URGENT
Refer urgently if knee imaging confirms osteochondral fracture (with loose body) or ACL tibial spine avulsion.
Treatment Approach
These paediatric knee injuries require careful assessment and may need surgical fixation. Dr Cundy has extensive experience in paediatric knee trauma management.
Signs to Look For
- Refusal to use or weight-bear on the affected limb
- Inability to bend or move the knee
Book a Consultation
Contact Dr Will Cundy
Consulting rooms at Memorial Medical Centre, North Adelaide and Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Phone: (08) 8267 8200
Email: contact@drcundy.com.au
Fax: (08) 8267 8201