Pediatric ACL Injuries Surgical Treatment

What are the surgical options for an ACL injury?

Studies report that patients with an ACL injury may benefit from beginning physical therapy prior to surgery to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, particularly when their range of motion is limited. This is called prehabilitation. Once a patient has at least 0-90 degrees of range of motion, Dr. Chahla will discuss moving forward with surgical intervention. Generally, delaying surgery until the pain, swelling, and inflammation have decreased, and the range of motion has been restored with physical therapy, results in the best outcome. The timing of ACL surgery is made on a case-by-case basis with each individual patient and the symptoms they are presenting with.

How is an ACL injury fixed?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to view, assess, and treat a torn ACL. A torn meniscus, commonly found with an ACL rupture, can also be repaired during a knee arthroscopy.

ACL injuries can be treated arthroscopically either by repairing the ACL or reconstructing the ACL. Since a very specific type and location of a partial ACL tear is the only indicator for an ACL repair, often, a reconstruction of the ACL is the best option for optimizing full recovery. The decision to repair versus reconstruct the ACL will be discussed during your appointment with Dr. Chahla based off of the physical exam findings, results of your MRI, and degree of your injury.

• ACL Reconstruction
• ACL Repair
• ACL Seatbelt Procedure