Timing of pediatric ACL reconstruction

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament tears in skeletally immature patients are being reported with increasing frequency. Management options for these injuries include nonoperative, early surgical reconstruction, or delayed surgical reconstruction. There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates nonoperative or delayed reconstruction results in higher rates of recurrent instability, increased meniscal and chondral injury, and worse functional outcomes compared to early reconstruction. Current ACL reconstruction techniques minimize the risk of growth disturbance and are effective at preventing recurrent instability and restoring normal function. Based on the current literature, reconstruction within 6-12 weeks from the time of the injury has been shown to decrease associated knee pathology and improve functional outcomes.