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Esparza, Melissa

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2521-9992

Mayo Clinic

Phoenix Children's Hospital

Citations 1

Cactus Thorn Knee Injuries in Children
Schwartz, Kendall , Ford, Gabrielle , Cancio-Bello, Alexandra , Menzer, Heather , Tassel, Dane Van , Patel, Mittun C. , Esparza, Melissa , Van Tassel, Dane , Patel, Mittun

JBJS Case Connector | February 6, 2025 | Volume: 15 | Issue: 1 | Pages: No page available

10.2106/jbjs.cc.24.00474 Get It

Case: Three cases of pediatric patients with knee injuries from cactus thorns are included. These cases are variable in presentation ranging from acute inflammatory responses to permanent limb deformity secondary to growth arrest. Definitive treatment also varied widely from nonoperative conservative management to multiple arthroscopic and open surgeries. Conclusion: Pediatric cactus thorn injuries have varied presentations, requiring a high level of clinical suspicion for diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent damage.