Pediatric ACL Injuries: A Review of Current Concepts
Background: The number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries reported in skeletally immature athletes has increased over the past 2 decades. The reasons for this increased rate include the growing number of children and adolescents participating in competitive sports vigorous sports training at an earlier age and greater rate of diagnosis because of increased awareness and greater use of advanced medical imaging. There is a growing need for a consensus and evidence based approach for management of these injuries to frame a dedicated age specific treatment strategy. Methods: This article does a systematic evidence based literature review of management of Pediatric ACL injuries seen in several forms: tibial eminence avulsion fractures partial ACL tears and full thickness ligament tears and its outcome analysis. Results: The mechanism of Safe and effective surgical techniques for children and adolescents with ACL injuries continues to evolve. The numerous age matched techniques are extensively discussed. Neuromuscular training can reduce the risk of ACL injury in adolescent girls. Conclusion: This review outlines the current state of knowledge on diagnosis treatment and prevention of ACL injuries in children and adolescents and helps in guiding the treatment through a dedicated algorithm.