ACL Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Athletes: Current Concepts

ACL injury in skeletally immature patients remains a debatable topic in terms of its management, surgical choices and rehabilitation. The treatment preferences vary across the globe. Children are not little adults in terms of their physiology and anatomy. Hence, contemporary treatment inferred from the adult population does not give the same outcomes in pediatric patients. An in-depth study of specific challenges and difficulties is warranted to optimize the treatment strategies to cater to this group of patients. There is a paucity of literature giving long-term follow-up of ACLR in skeletally immature patients and no standardized guidelines are present for managing this group of patients. The authors have tried to summarize the current concepts for managing ACL injuries in skeletally immature patients through this article. Multiple lacunae and controversies exist in the knowledge regarding the optimum treatment of pediatric patients with ACL injuries who are comparatively more prone to ACL tears than their adult counterparts. Identifying the best mode of management of ACL tears in these skeletally immature patients is necessary. Level of evidence: Level IV.