Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Abstract

The rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures diagnosed among the pediatric and adolescent population is increasing. The rise in ACL injuries may be attributed to earlier sports specialization, year-round sports participation, increased awareness, and improved ability to diagnose the injury. Treatment options for pediatric or adolescent ACL injuries include nonoperative conservative treatment, ACL repair, or various techniques for ACL reconstruction. The best course of treatment for ACL rupture in young patients continues to be debated. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autograft is currently the gold standard and has been shown to be successful in restoring joint stability. This article reviews predisposing factors, common mechanisms, diagnostic procedures, and treatments for ACL rupture in adolescent patients, with a focus on using quadriceps patellar tendon autograft. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(3):129-134.].