Review Article | Volume 11 | Issue 2 | May-August 2025 | Page: 2-10 | Doria L. Weiss, Alexis Carr, Kevin Berardino, Kevin Quindlen, Rachel Talley-Bruns
DOI- https://doi.org/10.13107/ijpo.2025.v11.i02.226
Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0
Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).
Submitted: 01/06/2025; Reviewed: 30/06/2025; Accepted: 06/07/2025; Published: 10/08/2025
Authors: Doria L. Weiss BS [1] , Alexis Carr BS [1], Kevin Berardino MD [1], Kevin Quindlen MD [1], Rachel Talley-Bruns MD [1]
[1] Westchester Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Valhalla, NY
Address of Correspondence
Dr. Doria L. Weiss,
Westchester Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Valhalla, NY.
E-mail: dweiss23@student.nymc.edu
Abstract
Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in pediatric patients are increasingly recognized due to rising sports participation and improved imaging. Given the presence of open physes, treatment decisions must balance the need for knee stability with the risk of growth disturbance. This review outlines current approaches to diagnosis, surgical techniques, graft selection, postoperative rehabilitation, and complications in skeletally immature patients.
Methods: This review summarizes recent literature on pediatric ACL injuries, including epidemiology, injury patterns, surgical management strategies, graft options, rehabilitation protocols, and complication rates. Emphasis is placed on the rationale behind technique selection based on skeletal maturity and long-term outcomes.
Results: Surgical reconstruction has become the preferred treatment for most pediatric ACL injuries to prevent secondary damage and restore knee stability. Several physeal-sparing and transphyseal techniques are available, with selection guided by skeletal age and growth remaining. All-epiphyseal and extraphyseal techniques avoid crossing the physis, while transphyseal reconstruction is safe in adolescents nearing skeletal maturity. Hamstring and quadriceps tendon autografts are most commonly used, while bone–patellar tendon–bone grafts and allografts are generally avoided in younger patients. Graft failure and growth disturbance remain key concerns, with retear rates reaching up to 20% and growth abnormalities occurring in 1–5% of cases. Rehabilitation protocols are evolving toward milestone-based progression, with return to sport typically delayed at least 12 months. However, re-injury rates remain high in this population.
Conclusions: ACL injuries in pediatric patients require a nuanced, age-specific approach. Surgical reconstruction using physeal-respecting or transphyseal techniques offers favorable outcomes when matched to skeletal maturity. Careful graft selection, individualized rehabilitation, and delayed return to sport are essential to optimize results and reduce complications. Ongoing research is needed to refine surgical strategies, compare graft types, and establish evidence-based rehabilitation and return-to-sport guidelines.
Keywords: Paediatrics, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears, Epidemiology, Evaluation, Evolving Treatment Strategies
References
1. Duart J, Rigamonti L, Bigoni M, Kocher MS. Pediatric anterior cruciate ligament tears and associated lesions: Epidemiology, diagnostic process, and imaging. J Child Orthop. 2023;17(1):4-11. doi:10.1177/18632521231153277
2. Frank JS, Gambacorta PL. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in the Skeletally Immature Athlete: Diagnosis and Management. JAAOS – J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2013;21(2):78. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-21-02-78
3. A National Survey of Parents’ Attitudes and Self-Reported Behaviors Concerning Sports Safety (2011). Safe Kids Worldwide. Accessed October 11, 2024. https://www.safekids.org/research-report/national-survey-parents-attitudes-and-self-reported-behaviors-concerning-sports
4. Mohtadi N, Grant J. Managing anterior cruciate ligament deficiency in the skeletally immature individual: a systematic review of the literature. Clin J Sport Med Off J Can Acad Sport Med. 2006;16(6):457-464. doi:10.1097/01.jsm.0000248844.39498.1f
5. Beck NA, Lawrence JTR, Nordin JD, DeFor TA, Tompkins M. ACL Tears in School-Aged Children and Adolescents Over 20 Years. Pediatrics. 2017;139(3):e20161877. doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1877
6. Dodwell ER, LaMont LE, Green DW, Pan TJ, Marx RG, Lyman S. 20 Years of Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in New York State. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(3):675-680. doi:10.1177/0363546513518412
7. Bram JT, Magee LC, Mehta NN, Patel NM, Ganley TJ. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Incidence in Adolescent Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Sports Med. 2021;49(7):1962-1972. doi:10.1177/0363546520959619
8. Samora W, Beran MC, Parikh SN. Intercondylar Roof Inclination Angle: Is It a Risk Factor for ACL Tears or Tibial Spine Fractures? J Pediatr Orthop. 2016;36(6):e71. doi:10.1097/BPO.0000000000000631
9. Read PJ, Oliver JL, De Ste Croix MBA, Myer GD, Lloyd RS. Neuromuscular Risk Factors for Knee and Ankle Ligament Injuries in Male Youth Soccer Players. Sports Med. 2016;46(8):1059-1066. doi:10.1007/s40279-016-0479-z
10. Wiggins AJ, Grandhi RK, Schneider DK, Stanfield D, Webster KE, Myer GD. Risk of Secondary Injury in Younger Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Sports Med. 2016;44(7):1861-1876. doi:10.1177/0363546515621554
11. Ithurburn MP, Paterno MV, Ford KR, Hewett TE, Schmitt LC. Young Athletes With Quadriceps Femoris Strength Asymmetry at Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Demonstrate Asymmetric Single-Leg Drop-Landing Mechanics. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(11):2727-2737. doi:10.1177/0363546515602016
12. Paterno MV, Kiefer AW, Bonnette S, et al. Prospectively identified deficits in sagittal plane hip-ankle coordination in female athletes who sustain a second anterior cruciate ligament injury after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and return to sport. Clin Biomech Bristol Avon. 2015;30(10):1094-1101. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2015.08.019
13. Sugimoto D, Myer GD, Barber Foss KD, Pepin MJ, Micheli LJ, Hewett TE. Critical components of neuromuscular training to reduce ACL injury risk in female athletes: meta-regression analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(20):1259-1266. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-095596
14. Myer GD, Sugimoto D, Thomas S, Hewett TE. The Influence of Age on the M Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training to Reduce Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Female Athletes. Am J Sports Med. 2013;41(1):203-215. doi:10.1177/0363546512460637
15. Hewett TE, Myer GD. The Mechanistic Connection Between the Trunk, Knee, and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2011;39(4):161-166. doi:10.1097/JES.0b013e3182297439
16. Sugimoto D, Myer GD, Bush HM, Klugman MF, McKeon JMM, Hewett TE. Compliance With Neuromuscular Training and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk Reduction in Female Athletes: A Meta-Analysis. J Athl Train. 2012;47(6):714-723.
17. Sugimoto D, Myer GD, Foss KDB, Hewett TE. Dosage effects of neuromuscular training intervention to reduce anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female athletes: meta- and sub-group analyses. Sports Med Auckl NZ. 2014;44(4):551-562. doi:10.1007/s40279-013-0135-9
18. Sugimoto D, Myer GD, Foss KDB, Hewett TE. Specific exercise effects of preventive neuromuscular training intervention on anterior cruciate ligament injury risk reduction in young females: meta-analysis and subgroup analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49(5):282-289. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2014-093461
19. Sugimoto D, Myer GD, Micheli LJ, Hewett TE. ABCs of Evidence-based Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention Strategies in Female Athletes. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep. 2015;3(1):43-49. doi:10.1007/s40141-014-0076-8
20. Mall NA, Paletta GA. Pediatric ACL injuries: evaluation and management. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2013;6(2):132-140. doi:10.1007/s12178-013-9169-8
21. Fabricant PD, Jones KJ, Delos D, et al. Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in the skeletally immature athlete: a review of current concepts: AAOS exhibit selection. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2013;95(5):e28. doi:10.2106/JBJS.L.00772
22. Lee K, Siegel MJ, Lau DM, Hildebolt CF, Matava MJ. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: MR Imaging-based Diagnosis in a Pediatric Population. Radiology. 1999;213(3):697-704. doi:10.1148/radiology.213.3.r99dc26697
23. Prokop-Piotrkowska M, Marszałek-Dziuba K, Moszczyńska E, Szalecki M, Jurkiewicz E. Traditional and New Methods of Bone Age Assessment-An Overview. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol. 2021;13(3):251-262. doi:10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2020.2020.0091
24. Pruneski JA, Heyworth BE, Kocher MS, et al. Prevalence and Predictors of Concomitant Meniscal and Ligamentous Injuries Associated With ACL Surgery: An Analysis of 20 Years of ACL Reconstruction at a Tertiary Care Children’s Hospital. Am J Sports Med. 2024;52(1):77-86. doi:10.1177/03635465231205556
25. Perkins CA, Christino MA, Busch MT, et al. Rates of Concomitant Meniscal Tears in Pediatric Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Increase With Age and Body Mass Index. Orthop J Sports Med. 2021;9(3):2325967120986565. doi:10.1177/2325967120986565
26. Vavken P, Tepolt FA, Kocher MS. Concurrent Meniscal and Chondral Injuries in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients Undergoing ACL Reconstruction. J Pediatr Orthop. 2018;38(2):105-109. doi:10.1097/BPO.0000000000000777
27. Kannus P, Järvinen M. Knee ligament injuries in adolescents. Eight year follow-up of conservative management. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1988;70(5):772-776. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.70B5.3192578
28. Anderson AF, Anderson CN. Correlation of meniscal and articular cartilage injuries in children and adolescents with timing of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(2):275-281. doi:10.1177/0363546514559912
29. Moksnes H, Engebretsen L, Eitzen I, Risberg MA. Functional outcomes following a non-operative treatment algorithm for anterior cruciate ligament injuries in skeletally immature children 12 years and younger. A prospective cohort with 2 years follow-up. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47(8):488-494. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2012-092066
30. Duthon VB, Magnussen RA, Servien E, Neyret P. ACL reconstruction and extra-articular tenodesis. Clin Sports Med. 2013;32(1):141-153. doi:10.1016/j.csm.2012.08.013
31. Robson AWM. VI. Ruptured Crucial Ligaments and their Repair by Operation. Ann Surg. 1903;37(5):716-718.
32. Bigoni M, Gaddi D, Gorla M, et al. Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament repair for proximal anterior cruciate ligament tears in skeletally immature patients: Surgical technique and preliminary results. The Knee. 2017;24(1):40-48. doi:10.1016/j.knee.2016.09.017
33. Busam ML, Provencher MT, Bach BR. Complications of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone constructs: care and prevention. Am J Sports Med. 2008;36(2):379-394. doi:10.1177/0363546507313498
34. Murray MM, Kalish LA, Fleming BC, et al. Bridge-Enhanced Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair: Two-Year Results of a First-in-Human Study. Orthop J Sports Med. 2019;7(3):2325967118824356. doi:10.1177/2325967118824356
35. Tang C, Kwaees TA, Accadbled F, Turati M, Green DW, Nicolaou N. Surgical techniques in the management of pediatric anterior cruciate ligament tears: Current concepts. J Child Orthop. 2023;17(1):12. doi:10.1177/18632521221149059
36. Fleming BC, Baranker B, Badger GJ, et al. Bridge-Enhanced Anterior Cruciate Ligament Restoration: 6-Year Results From the First-in-Human Cohort Study. Orthop J Sports Med. 2024;12(8):23259671241260632. doi:10.1177/23259671241260632
37. Kocher MS, Garg S, Micheli LJ. Physeal sparing reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in skeletally immature prepubescent children and adolescents. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2005;87(11):2371-2379. doi:10.2106/JBJS.D.02802
38. Claes S, Vereecke E, Maes M, Victor J, Verdonk P, Bellemans J. Anatomy of the anterolateral ligament of the knee. J Anat. 2013;223(4):321-328. doi:10.1111/joa.12087
39. Parsons EM, Gee AO, Spiekerman C, Cavanagh PR. The biomechanical function of the anterolateral ligament of the knee. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(3):669-674. doi:10.1177/0363546514562751
40. Vincent JP, Magnussen RA, Gezmez F, et al. The anterolateral ligament of the human knee: an anatomic and histologic study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Off J ESSKA. 2012;20(1):147-152. doi:10.1007/s00167-011-1580-3
41. Willimon SC, Jones CR, Herzog MM, May KH, Leake MJ, Busch MT. Micheli Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Youths: A Retrospective Case Series With a Mean 3-Year Follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(12):2974-2981. doi:10.1177/0363546515608477
42. Kocher MS, Heyworth BE, Fabricant PD, Tepolt FA, Micheli LJ. Outcomes of Physeal-Sparing ACL Reconstruction with Iliotibial Band Autograft in Skeletally Immature Prepubescent Children. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2018;100(13):1087-1094. doi:10.2106/JBJS.17.01327
43. Anderson AF. Transepiphyseal replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament using quadruple hamstring grafts in skeletally immature patients. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2004;86-A Suppl 1(Pt 2):201-209. doi:10.2106/00004623-200409001-00010
44. McCarthy MM, Graziano J, Green DW, Cordasco FA. All-epiphyseal, all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction technique for skeletally immature patients. Arthrosc Tech. 2012;1(2):e231-239. doi:10.1016/j.eats.2012.08.005
45. Lawrence JTR, Bowers AL, Belding J, Cody SR, Ganley TJ. All-epiphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in skeletally immature patients. Clin Orthop. 2010;468(7):1971-1977. doi:10.1007/s11999-010-1255-2
46. Cruz AI, Fabricant PD, McGraw M, Rozell JC, Ganley TJ, Wells L. All-Epiphyseal ACL Reconstruction in Children: Review of Safety and Early Complications. J Pediatr Orthop. 2017;37(3):204-209. doi:10.1097/BPO.0000000000000606
47. Nawabi DH, Jones KJ, Lurie B, Potter HG, Green DW, Cordasco FA. All-Inside, Physeal-Sparing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Does Not Significantly Compromise the Physis in Skeletally Immature Athletes: A Postoperative Physeal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(12):2933-2940. doi:10.1177/0363546514552994
48. Ford LT, Key JA. A study of experimental trauma to the distal femoral epiphysis in rabbits. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1956;38-A(1):84-92.
49. Calvo R, Figueroa D, Gili F, et al. Transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients with open physes: 10-year follow-up study. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(2):289-294. doi:10.1177/0363546514557939
50. Kohl S, Stutz C, Decker S, et al. Mid-term results of transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and adolescents. The Knee. 2014;21(1):80-85. doi:10.1016/j.knee.2013.07.004
51. Houle JB, Letts M, Yang J. Effects of a tensioned tendon graft in a bone tunnel across the rabbit physis. Clin Orthop. 2001;(391):275-281. doi:10.1097/00003086-200110000-00032
52. Cruz AI, Lakomkin N, Fabricant PD, Lawrence JTR. Transphyseal ACL Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients. Orthop J Sports Med. 2016;4(6):2325967116650432. doi:10.1177/2325967116650432
53. Petersen W, Bierke S, Stöhr A, Stoffels T, Häner M. A systematic review of transphyseal ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents: comparing the transtibial and independent femoral tunnel drilling techniques. J Exp Orthop. 2023;10(1):7. doi:10.1186/s40634-023-00577-0
54. Kocher MS, Smith JT, Zoric BJ, Lee B, Micheli LJ. Transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in skeletally immature pubescent adolescents. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007;89(12):2632-2639. doi:10.2106/JBJS.F.01560
55. Guzzanti V, Falciglia F, Stanitski CL. Physeal-Sparing Intraarticular Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Preadolescents. Am J Sports Med. 2003;31(6):949-953. doi:10.1177/03635465030310063401
56. Todd DC, Ghasem AD, Xerogeanes JW. Height, weight, and age predict quadriceps tendon length and thickness in skeletally immature patients. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(4):945-952. doi:10.1177/0363546515570620
57. Cordasco FA, Hidalgo Perea S, Uppstrom TJ, et al. Quadriceps Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients: 3-Year Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes. Am J Sports Med. 2024;52(9):2230-2236. doi:10.1177/03635465241255641
58. Engelman GH, Carry PM, Hitt KG, Polousky JD, Vidal AF. Comparison of Allograft Versus Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Graft Survival in an Active Adolescent Cohort. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(10):2311-2318. doi:10.1177/0363546514541935
59. Kaeding CC, Aros B, Pedroza A, et al. Allograft Versus Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Predictors of Failure From a MOON Prospective Longitudinal Cohort. Sports Health. 2011;3(1):73-81. doi:10.1177/1941738110386185
60. Lohmander LS, Ostenberg A, Englund M, Roos H. High prevalence of knee osteoarthritis, pain, and functional limitations in female soccer players twelve years after anterior cruciate ligament injury. Arthritis Rheum. 2004;50(10):3145-3152. doi:10.1002/art.20589
61. Greenberg EM, Greenberg ET, Ganley TJ, Lawrence JTR. Strength and functional performance recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in preadolescent athletes. Sports Health. 2014;6(4):309-312. doi:10.1177/1941738114537594
62. Mercurio AM, Scott EJ, Sugimoto D, et al. Assessing the Impact of Psychological Readiness on Performance and Symmetry in Functional Testing After ACL Reconstruction in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients. Orthop J Sports Med. 2024;12(9):23259671241274768. doi:10.1177/23259671241274768
63. Ardern CL, Ekås G, Grindem H, et al. 2018 International Olympic Committee consensus statement on prevention, diagnosis and management of paediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2018;26(4):989-1010. doi:10.1007/s00167-018-4865-y
64. Lorange JP, Senécal L, Moisan P, Nault ML. Return to Sport After Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review of the Criteria. Am J Sports Med. 2024;52(6):1641-1651. doi:10.1177/03635465231187039
65. Cooper S, Adsit LR, Schmitz M, et al. Factors Associated with Stiffness Following Pediatric and Adolescent ACL Reconstruction: Early Results from Score: A Multi-Center Quality Improvement Registry. Orthop J Sports Med. 2022;10(5 suppl2):2325967121S00387. doi:10.1177/2325967121S00387
66. Bu N, Ed M, A N, et al. Arthrofibrosis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and adolescents. J Pediatr Orthop. 2011;31(8). doi:10.1097/BPO.0b013e31822e0291
67. Murphy J, LaVigne C, Rush A, Pendleton A. Risk Factors for the Development of Arthrofibrosis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents. Orthopedics. 2024;47(4):e161-e166. doi:10.3928/01477447-20240520-04
68. Wang B, Zhong JL, Xu XH, Shang J, Lin N, Lu HD. Incidence and risk factors of joint stiffness after Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction. J Orthop Surg. 2020;15:175. doi:10.1186/s13018-020-01694-7
69. Kaeding CC, Pedroza AD, Reinke EK, Huston LJ, MOON Consortium, Spindler KP. Risk Factors and Predictors of Subsequent ACL Injury in Either Knee After ACL Reconstruction: Prospective Analysis of 2488 Primary ACL Reconstructions From the MOON Cohort. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(7):1583-1590. doi:10.1177/0363546515578836
70. Nester JR, Torino D, Sylvestre D, et al. Risk of reoperation after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children and adolescents. J Orthop Surg. 2022;30(2):10225536221122340. doi:10.1177/10225536221122340
71. Cordasco FA, Black SR, Price M, et al. Return to Sport and Reoperation Rates in Patients Under the Age of 20 After Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Risk Profile Comparing 3 Patient Groups Predicated Upon Skeletal Age. Am J Sports Med. 2019;47(3):628-639. doi:10.1177/0363546518819217
72. Yabroudi MA, Björnsson H, Lynch AD, et al. Predictors of Revision Surgery After Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Orthop J Sports Med. 2016;4(9):2325967116666039. doi:10.1177/2325967116666039
73. Accadbled F, Gracia G, Laumonerie P, Thevenin-Lemoine C, Heyworth BE, Kocher MS. Paediatric anterior cruciate ligament tears: management and growth disturbances. A survey of EPOS and POSNA membership. J Child Orthop. 2019;13(5):522-528. doi:10.1302/1863-2548.13.190074
74. Patil V, Rajan P, Hayter E, Bartlett J, Symons S. Growth Disturbances Following Paediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 15(6):e40455. doi:10.7759/cureus.40455
| How to Cite this Article: Weiss DL, Carr A, Berardino K, Quindlen K, Bruns RT. Paediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: Epidemiology, Evaluation, and Evolving Treatment Strategies. International Journal of Paediatric Orthopaedics . May-August 2025; 11(2): 02-10. |