Arthroscopic Paediatric ACL Reconstruction is a surgical procedure designed to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in children and adolescents. The ACL is a band of tissue that connects the thighbone to the shinbone and helps to stabilize the knee joint. In young athletes who participate in sports that involve sudden changes of direction, jumping, or pivoting, the ACL can be torn due to a twisting motion or an abrupt stop-and-start movement. This injury can cause pain, swelling, and instability of the knee, making it difficult to participate in sports or even perform daily activities.
Treatment options for pediatric ACL injuries include non-surgical approaches such as physical therapy and activity modification. When surgery is considered, options include traditional ACL reconstruction or the more conservative physeal-sparing procedures to protect the growth plates. The choice depends on factors like the child’s age, skeletal maturity, and specific injury characteristics. Pediatric orthopedic specialists carefully evaluate these factors to determine the most suitable treatment for each case.