Why Kids Get Hurt Differently: Using Panjabi’s Model to Decode Pediatric Lower Extremity Injuries
When it comes to treating pediatric patients, it’s important to understand they’re not just small adults. The injuries they sustain—and how they present—can be quite different due to their stage of physical development. Growth plates, ligamentous laxity, and neuromuscular control are all still maturing, which can lead to unique injury patterns.
That’s where Panjabi’s model of joint stability becomes really useful. By evaluating passive, active, and neural subsystems, we can better identify where the breakdown occurred, determine the correct diagnosis, and apply the most appropriate treatment. This model helps us shift from just treating symptoms to understanding the "why" behind an injury.
In the video below, Dr. Steele walks through three common lower extremity injuries in pediatric patients and connects each one back to Panjabi’s framework. You’ll see how understanding the interplay between passive structures like ligaments, active components like muscles, and the neurological control system helps pinpoint the true source of dysfunction.
This approach not only guides treatment strategies but also helps predict prognosis and prevent recurrence. Whether it’s an ankle sprain, knee instability, or hip impingement, using this model gives you a clearer roadmap for managing pediatric injuries with more confidence and precision.
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