Current research shows favorable patient-reported outcomes and high return-to-sport rates after ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients. Graft rupture (ACL retear) rates are low, but notably higher than in most adult populations. Historically, there has been insufficient research to comprehensively compare reconstruction techniques used in this patient population. However, thoughtful systematic reviews and multicenter prospective studies are emerging to address this deficit. Also, more recent data suggests the addition of lateral extra-articular procedures and stringent return-to-sports testing may lower retear rates. Physeal-sparing and physeal-respecting ACL reconstructions result in stabilization of the knee, while respecting the growth remaining in children or skeletally immature adolescents. Future research will be essential to compare these techniques, given that more than one may be appropriate for patients of a specific age and skeletal maturity.
Keyphrases
- patient reported outcomes
- end stage renal disease
- ejection fraction
- chronic kidney disease
- newly diagnosed
- peritoneal dialysis
- young adults
- anterior cruciate ligament
- systematic review
- magnetic resonance imaging
- clinical trial
- machine learning
- physical activity
- electronic health record
- artificial intelligence
- genetic diversity
- data analysis
- contrast enhanced