Pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

An increasing number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are seen in children now than in the past due to increased sports participation. The natural history of ACL deficient knees in active individuals, particularly in children is poor. Surgical management of ACL deficiency in children is complex due to the potential risk of injury to the physis and growth disturbance. Delaying ACL reconstruction until maturity is possible but risks instability episodes and intra-articular damage. Surgical options include physeal-sparing, partial transphyseal and complete transphyseal procedures. This article reviews the management of ACL injured skeletally immature patients including the functional outcome and complications of contemporary surgical techniques.