Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction In Children Research Articles

Pediatric ACL Reconstruction in Children-An Evaluation of the Transphyseal Technique's Efficacy and Safety.

Injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are commonly found in the general population, both among adult and pediatric patients, and their incidence has been increasing in recent years. Most of the late literature agrees that surgical reconstruction of the ACL is effective in improving long-term outcomes in pediatric patients, while others in the past have pleaded for non-surgical management. Our study aims to verify if ACL reconstruction (ACLR) using transphyseal technique in skeletally immature patients will provide angular deviations or growth restrictions. Retrospective cohort study; Level of evidence 4. We perfomed a retrospective study to verify if transphyseal ACLR in children with less than or equal to 2 years of remaining growth leads to either limb length discrepancies or axis deviations. Most patients who were treated using transphyseal technique showed significant improvements in their functional scores. There were statistically significant differences in lateral distal femoral angles (LDFA) and medial proximal tibial angles (MPTA), with no clinical impact. There was no significant limb length discrepancy (LLD) during the 2-year follow-up. Transphyseal ACLR is safe among children who have less than or equal to 2 years of remaining growth and brings no risk of axis deviations or limb length discrepancy.

Disparate Impact: How Does Social Deprivation Affect Patient-reported Outcomes After ACL Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents?

Research has indicated that lower socioeconomic status is associated with delays in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries; however, there is a paucity of literature evaluating its association with patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a validated proxy for socioeconomic status, the study aimed to determine how relative socioeconomic disadvantage is related to PROs after primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) in pediatric patients. This retrospective cohort study included all patients 18 years old or above who underwent primary ACLR at an academic institution between 2018 and 2021. Exclusion criteria included multiligament injury, congenital ACL absence, and absent outcomes data. The minimum follow-up was 6 months. A Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) 50 Pediatric self-report questionnaire was completed at postoperative visits, and domain scores for pain, physical function/mobility, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and peer relationships were generated. The National ADI percentile was calculated using the patients' addresses. Patients were divided into quartiles (low, moderate, moderate-severe, and severe ADI), and comparative analyses were performed to determine the relationship between ADI and PROMIS. A total of 413 patients were identified, including 49% (n=207), 33% (n=139), 11% (n=48), and 7% (n=30) from the low, moderate, moderate-severe, and severe deprivation areas, respectively. As compared with those in the low-deprivation quartile, patients in the severe deprivation quartile had delayed time to the first clinic visit (11 vs. 16.5d, P=0.044) and surgery (51 vs. 80d, P=0.004). There were no differences in the number of additional procedures required at index surgery. All quartiles had progressive improvements in physical function/mobility and pain scores throughout recovery, but at 9 months, there was significantly more pain in the severe deprivation cohort, despite no difference in self-reported physical function and mobility. Those with severe socioeconomic disadvantage had worse psychosocial outcomes, including significantly increased depression, fatigue, and anxiety and decreased peer relationship scores. Although there were no differences in preoperative PROMIS scores, pediatric patients living in areas with higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation/disadvantage had worse psychosocial PROs after ACLR. Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Do Continuous Peripheral Nerve Blocks Decrease Home Opioid Use Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents? The Envelope Please.

Levels of opioid misuse and addiction among children and adolescents have reached alarming proportions. Exposure to opioids after surgery for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), which is commonly performed in young athletes, increases this risk. This study was designed to evaluate whether continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) with placement of an elastomeric reservoir ball, compared with single-shot peripheral nerve block (SPNB), would decrease the need for home opioid analgesia and improve pain control after ACLR in children and adolescents. Prospectively collected data from a consecutive cohort that underwent ACLR by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who received ACLR with 72-hour CPNB were assigned to Group 1. Patients who received ACLR with SPNB were assigned to Group 2. Postoperative pain management included cryotherapy, oral acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. A prescription for 10 doses of hydrocodone/acetaminophen (5/325 mg) was provided in a sealed envelope with instructions that the prescription should only be used in the case of uncontrolled pain. Reports of no opioid use were corroborated by the unopened envelope and unfilled prescription. One hundred and ninety-six patients were enrolled in the study (SPNB=114 patients, CPNB=82 patients). Average age was 15±1.5 years (115 female). A total of 138 patients (70%) did not need home opioid analgesia after surgery. Of the 58 patients (30%) that did there were 35 (30.7%) in the SPNB group and 23 (28.0%) in the CPNB group (P=0.659). There were no differences between groups in demographics, operative data, or visual analog scale scores on any postoperative day. The findings of this study demonstrate equivalent pain control and opioid consumption in children and adolescents undergoing ACLR treated with either a CPNB or a SPNB. At-home opioid analgesia use can be negated after ACLR in 70% of children and adolescents. For the patients in this study who required opioids, average use was only 2 pills of 5 mg hydrocodone/325 mg acetaminophen, with no child using more than 10 pills. Level II-therapeutic.

DOES A CONTINUOUS PERIPHERAL NERVE BLOCK REDUCE HOME OPIOID USE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS FOLLOWING ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION? THE ENVELOPE PLEASE.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is commonly performed in youth athletes. Opioid misuse and addiction have reached alarming proportions.Purpose:To evaluate whether a continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) with placement of an elastomeric reservoir ball would decrease the need for home opioid analgesia when compared to a single-shot peripheral nerve block (SPNB) following ACLR in children and adolescents.Methods:A continuous cohort was analyzed via retrospective review of prospectively collected data following ACLR by a single surgeon. Group 1 had ACLR at our in-patient hospital and received a 72-hour CPNB. Group 2 had ACLR at our outpatient surgery centers and received a SPNB.Post-operative pain management included cryotherapy, oral acetaminophen and ibuprofen. A prescription for 10 doses of hydrocodone/acetaminophen (5/325mg) was provided in a sealed envelope with instructions to only be used for uncontrolled pain. On a three-day written log all children recorded their post-op Visual Analog Scale (VAS), amount of ibuprofen, acetaminophen and hydrocodone taken. Those reporting no narcotics needed to provide the unopened envelope and unfilled prescription. Hydrocodone utilization was converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME). 1 mg hydrocodone = 1 MME. A state Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) inquiry was made on all participants in the peri-operative period.Demographic and operative data were collected. This study was powered to detect a difference of 20% in rate of narcotic consumption, should one exist, at beta=0.80, alpha<0.05. All analyses were performed using SPSS v. 26 with alpha set at p<0.05 to declare significance.Results:One hundred ninety-six patients were included in the study with an average age of 15 years (range 10-19y). 58 (30%) took hydrocodone/acetaminophen post ACLR, 39 female (67.2%) 19 male (32.8%). The CPNB group consumed 4.7 MME 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 2.5-6.9 vs 6.5 MME 95 % CI 4.3-8.7 in the SPNB group (p=0.427) There were no significant differences in demographics, operative data or VAS scores. (Table).Conclusion:Home narcotic use can be negated in 70% of children and adolescents following ACLR regardless of duration of peripheral nerve block. In those requiring narcotics, the average utilization was only 1.3 pills of hydrocodone/acetaminophen with no child using more than 10 pills. The MME can be diminished with a CPNB however not significant enough to recommend routine use. We postulate the sealed envelope was as a barrier and psychological deterrent to filling the opioid prescription.

IS PERCUTANEOUS MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT (MCL) RELAXATION DURING ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION A SAFE OPTION FOR GAINING ACCESS TO THE MEDIAL KNEE COMPARTMENT IN CHILDREN?

Introduction:With participation in youth sports anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common occurrence. Nearly 70% of ACL tears in children and adolescents have an associated meniscus tear. Percutaneous medial collateral ligament (MCL) relaxation has been described as utilitarian in accessing the medial meniscus for diagnostic assessment and treatment in the adult population to increase medial compartment working space in arthroscopic surgery. The technique has not been evaluated in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of children and adolescents that underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with and without percutaneous relaxation of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) for meniscal tear management.Methods:A retrospective review was performed of patients aged 8 to 19 years old that had undergone knee arthroscopy for an (ACLR) with meniscus pathology. Those that underwent MCL relaxation were grouped together and compared to a matched cohort that did not have MCL relaxation performed. Preoperative, operative and postoperative data was analyzed. The primary measurement was obtained using a validated patient reported outcome score (Pedi-IKDC), secondary outcome measures were defined as superficial or deep infection, saphenous nerve dysesthesias, ACL graft failure and return to the operating room. Statistical analysis of the two cohorts was performed.Results:Fifty-four patients were included in the study (27 in each group) with average age 15 years (range 10-19). Average follow-up for the MCL relaxation group was 22.4 months versus 58 months for the non-MCL relaxation group. The average Pedi-IKDC score was 93.3 for the MCL relaxation group and 91.4 for the non-MCL relaxation group (p=0.34). There was no difference in patient demographics, return to the operating room (p=0.49), saphenous nerve dysesthesia (p=0.49), superficial or deep infection (p=0.32).Conclusion:ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents with MCL relaxation for the management of medial meniscal tears appears to be a safe option. Equivocal patient reported outcome scores as compared to the control group were found with no increase in post-operative complications. In children with ACL tears, appropriate diagnosis and management of medial meniscal pathology is important to maintain secondary restraint to anterior tibial translation and prevent premature graft failure. Pediatric knees can have tight medial compartments, making access difficult, potentially leading to poor visualization and iatrogenic chondral damage. Percutaneous medial collateral ligament (MCL) relaxation has been described in the adult population to increase medial compartment working space without long term sequela. We report similar findings in an all pediatric cohort.

All-Epiphyseal Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction for Skeletally Immature Patients

The number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions in skeletally immature patients has been gradually increasing in recent years owing to the poor outcomes of conservative treatment. However, ACL reconstruction in children is a challenging procedure and may lead to severe complications, such as growth disturbance. Although double-bundle (DB) ACL reconstructions are preferable because of their superior clinical outcomes, there are few reports of DB ACL reconstruction in children with open epiphyses. In this Technical Note, an all-epiphyseal sparing DB ACL reconstruction technique, which is considered to help avoid growth disturbance, is described. This procedure does not create a thick tunnel and may facilitate subsequent revision surgery.

ACL GROWTH WITH AGE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: AN MRI STUDY

BackgroundThe incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is steadily increasing in skeletally immature patients [1-7]. As a result, surgical approaches to reconstruction of the ACL withou...

THE RATE OF MENISCUS TEARS IN ASSOCIATION WITH ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURIES INCREASES WITH AGE

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are frequently associated with meniscal injury. Numerous authors have described associations between the presence of a meniscal tear at the time of ACL reconstruction and time to surgery and number of instability episodes1-3. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between age and the presence of a meniscal tear at the time of ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents. Methods: A single-institution retrospective review was performed of consecutive pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent ACL reconstruction over a 3.5-year period at a single institution. Inclusion criteria were age less than 20 years and an ACL injury treated with knee arthroscopy and ACL reconstruction. Patients with multiligament knee injuries were excluded. A chart review was performed to obtain demographic information and intra-operative findings. Meniscus tears were defined as tears documented during diagnostic arthroscopy. Results: Four hundred sixty-one patients met inclusion criteria, including 226 males (49%) and 235 females (51%) with a mean age of 15 years (range 7 – 20 years). The right and left knees were affected equally. Two hundred seventy patients (80%) had intra-operative evidence of a meniscal tear, including 215 lateral meniscus tears (56%) and 119 medial meniscus tears (44%). Sixty-four patients (14%) had both medial and lateral meniscus tears. Age at surgery was found to be a statistically significant independent predictor of the presence of a meniscus tear, odds ratio=1.14, 95% CI (1.05 – 1.25), p=0.003. For every 1-year increase in age, there is a 14% increase in the odds of having a meniscus tear and this is depicted in the figure below. Among patients 13 years of age and younger (n = 89), 47% had a meniscus tear. In contrast, 62% of patients 14 – 19 years of age (n = 301) had a meniscus tear, which was significantly greater (p = 0.01). Age was also a statistically significant independent predictor following subgroup analysis of medial and lateral meniscus tears. For every one year increase in age at surgery, there was a 21% increase in the odds of having a medial meniscus tear (odds ratio = 1.21, 95% CI: (1.08 – 1.35), p&lt;0.001) and a 13% increase in the odds of having a lateral meniscus tear (odds ratio = 1.13, 95% CI: (1.04 – 1.24), p=0.01. Conclusions: Among children and adolescents with anterior cruciate ligament tears, for every 1-year increase in age, there is a 14% increase in the odds of having a meniscus tear. Adolescents over the age of 13 years had a significantly greater rate of meniscus tears than did those 13 years of age and younger. A complete arthroscopic examination with close attention to the menisci is required to diagnose and treat meniscal tears. Surgeons should be comfortable with all meniscus repair techniques, including inside-out, outside-in, all-inside, radial, and transosseous root repairs as the majority of children and adolescent patients with ACL tears also have an associated meniscus tear. 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. Millett PJ, Willis AA, Warren RF. Associated injuries in pediatric and adolescent anterior cruciate ligament tears: does a delay in treatment increase the risk of meniscal tear? Arthroscopy 2002;18(9):955-959. Shieh A, Bastrom T, Roocroft J, et al. Meniscus tear patterns in relation to skeletal immaturity: children versus adolescents. Am J Sports Med 2013;41(12):2779-2783.

MRI assessment of growth disturbances after ACL reconstruction in children with open growth plates–Prospective multicenter study of 100 patients

IntroductionWe were interested in the consequences of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on the growth plates and the impact on growth in children with open growth plates. The primary objective was related to growth disturbances with the null hypothesis being that ACL reconstruction in open growth plates does not cause any. The secondary objective related to the presence of physis lesions on MRI, with the null hypothesis being that ACL reconstruction in open growth plates does not induce any. Material and MethodsIn the context of a 2017 SFA symposium on ACL reconstruction with open growth plates, we conducted a prospective multicenter study with 2 years’ follow-up. The study enrolled 100 patients; 71 were available for analysis. Four reconstruction techniques were used: semitendinosus-gracilis (STG), short graft (SG), quadriceps tendon (QT) and fascia lata (FL). MRI was used to look for growth disturbances as evidenced by deviation of the Harris lines or modification of the physis and diaphysis angles. Physis lesions were determined on MRI based on the presence of physeal bone bridges (PBB). ResultsNo growth disturbances were found. However, PBBs were found in 14 patients (20%). At the femur, the relative risk (RR) was higher when a STG graft was used (RR=2.1) and the tunnel diameter was≥9mm (RR=1.7). Epiphyseal fixation had a higher risk than transphyseal fixation (RR=1.6 vs. 1.2). At the tibia, the RR was higher when a QT graft was used (RR=3.6), when screw fixation was performed (RR=3.7) or when the graft did not fill the tunnel sufficiently (RR=1.5). DiscussionThe absence of growth disturbances after 2 years’ follow-up validates the possibility of ACL reconstruction with open growth plates, including with transphyseal techniques. The presence of small growth plate lesions such as bone bridges means that precautions should be taken with respect to tunnel trajectory, tunnel diameter, graft and tunnel diameter matching and graft fixation. Level of evidenceIII, prospective cohort study.

Earlier anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is associated with a decreased risk of medial meniscal and articular cartilage damage in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the association between surgical timing and the incidence of secondary meniscal or chondral damage in children and adolescents with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. Three electronic databases, PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, were systematically searched from database inception until October 16, 2017 by two reviewers independently and in duplicate. The inclusion criteria were English language studies that reported the incidence of meniscal and articular cartilage damage in children or adolescent athletes with ACL injuries as well as the timing of their ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Risk ratios were combined in a meta-analysis using a random effects model. A total of nine studies including 1353 children and adolescents met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients included was 14.2years (range 6-19), and 45% were female. There was a significantly decreased risk of concomitant medial meniscal injury in those reconstructed early (26%) compared to those with delayed reconstruction (47%) [pooled risk ratio (RR) = 0.49, 95% CI 0.36-0.65, p < 0.00001]. There was also a significantly reduced risk of medial femoral chondral (RR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.31-0.75, p = 0.001), lateral femoral chondral (RR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.20-0.75, p = 0.005), tibial chondral (RR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.27-0.75, p = 0.002), and patellofemoral chondral (RR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.20-0.82, p = 0.01) damage in the early reconstruction group in comparison to the delayed group. Pooled results from observational studies suggest that early ACLR results in a significantly decreased risk of secondary medial meniscal injury, as well as secondary medial, lateral, and patellofemoral compartment chondral damage in children and adolescents. This study provides clinicians with valuable information regarding the benefits of early ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents, and can be used in the decision making for athletes in this population. IV.

Clinical Outcome Reporting in Youth ACL Literature Is Widely Variable.

Background:Advances in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures in pediatric and adolescent patients have resulted in an increase in recent clinical studies on this topic. However, the consistency with which outcome measures are reported in this demographic is unknown.Purpose:To document outcome reporting patterns of youth ACL reconstruction studies in high-impact journals.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:All articles published in 5 high-impact orthopaedic journals from 2010 to 2016 were reviewed to identify those reporting clinical outcomes of young patients who underwent ACL reconstruction. Studies that were nonclinical, reported on patients older than 18 years, or included fewer than 10 patients were excluded. Outcome measures used in all included studies were recorded.Results:Seventeen studies encompassing 772 subjects (mean age, 14.3 years; range, 6.3-18.0 years) were analyzed. Eight studies (47%) reported on Tanner stage of subjects, while 1 study reported skeletal age. Ten studies (59%) clearly documented the presence or absence of surgical complications. Range of motion was reported in 65% of studies. Leg-length discrepancy and angular deformity were each reported in 76% of studies, with 12% quantifying results through radiographic measurements. Ligament testing was variably defined by inclusion of instrumented testing (65%), Lachman test (53%), and pivot-shift test (53%). Fourteen studies (82%) explicitly reported on the rate of ACL rerupture, while 71% reported on the rate of revision surgery. Rate of return to preinjury activity was reported in 8 studies (47%), of which 2 defined criteria for return to sport and 3 defined the level of competitive sport. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were used variably. For the 3 most commonly reported PROMs (Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Tegner), 24% of studies reported all 3 PROMs, 35% of studies reported 2 PROMs, and 6% of studies reported 1 PROM in isolation. A pediatric-specific PROM was reported in 1 of the 17 studies.Conclusion:Studies on pediatric ACL reconstruction published in high-impact journals unreliably defined subjects’ skeletal maturity, inconsistently reported on objective outcome measures, and used disparate adult-validated PROMs to assess subjective outcomes. These findings highlight the need for standardized, pediatric-specific outcome measures to be applied in future studies evaluating ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents.

Predictors of Subsequent Injury After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents

Objectives:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft failure and contralateral ACL tears are more frequent in children/adolescents than adults. These re-injuries result in significant time lost from sport, and may contribute to worse long-term outcomes and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The reasons for higher subsequent injury rates in this unique population are incompletely understood.Methods:We analyzed a single center continuous cohort of patients under the age of eighteen years. Subjects underwent primary ACL reconstruction between 2006 and 2014 with minimum 2-year follow up. Age, sex, graft type, duration of physical therapy, time to return to sport, and length of follow-up were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression modeling to assess their contribution to the risk of subsequent ACL injury.Results:A total of 109 subjects met all study inclusion/exclusion criteria. Eighty-two subjects (75%) had follow-up data and were included in the final analysis. Mean age was 14 +/- 1.9 years (range 8 - 17 years). Mean follow-up was 47.7 +/- 15.6 months (range 28 - 91 months). Seventeen patients (20.7%) sustained an ACL graft rupture, eleven patients (13.4%) sustained a contralateral ACL tear, and one patient (1.2%) sustained both. The combined subsequent injury incidence was 35.4% (29 of 82 subjects). The odds of subsequent ACL injury decreased by 0.29 for every yearly increase in age (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53 - 0.92, p = 0.008), and decreased by 0.16 for every monthly increase in time to return to sport (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.69 - 0.99, p = 0.048). Sex, graft type, duration of physical therapy, sport, and length of follow up did not have a statistically significant impact on the rate of subsequent ACL injury (p > 0.05).Conclusion:Subsequent ACL injuries (ipsilateral or contralateral) are common after primary ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents (combined incidence 35%). Within this high-risk population, younger age and an earlier return to sport portend a higher risk of a second injury.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children with open growth plates

Introduction. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are observed in 10%–32% of all traumatic lesions of the knee joint in children. Open growth plates are a serious problem in the treatment of ACL tears. Most modern methods of ACL reconstruction use transepiphyseal channels, which go through the growth plates. This may lead to angle deformity of the knee development, limb shortening and early arthritis.Material and methods. We observed 12 patients (11–17 years old; mean age, 13.2 years) with ACL tears with opened growth plates, who were operated on between 2006 and 2010. ACL reconstruction was performed arthroscopically using the BTB-technique and synthetic grafts DONA-M.Results. In all cases, we achieved poor results, especially when the operation was done by BTB. We avoided shortening of the leg, but arthritis was common and progressed quickly. When we tried stabilize the joint, we achieved the reverse effect – pain in the knee, with a decreased quality of life.Conclusion. Our results demonstrate that ACL reconstruction in children with opened growth pates is not effective; we suggest performing the procedure after the growth has finished.

The Risk of Transphyseal Drilling in Skeletally Immature Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in skeletally immature patients can result in growth plate injury, which can cause growth disturbances.Purpose:To evaluate radiological tibial and femoral length and axis growth disturbances as well as clinical outcomes in skeletally immature ACLR patients treated with a transphyseal drilling technique.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A total of 39 pediatric patients with ACL injury and open physes at time of surgery, as diagnosed clinically and with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were treated using transphyseal ACLR using hamstring graft. Mean patient age was 11.7 years (range, 9.0-14.0 years). Patients were evaluated with full extremity radiographs measuring leg length discrepancy and malalignment, as well as clinical evaluation with KT-1000 arthrometer measurements and Tegner activity scale and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) outcomes after follow-up of 68 months (range, 29-148 months).Results:Of the 39 initial patients, 33 were evaluated both clinically and radiographically. We found a mean femoral length shortening of 3.5 mm (P = .01) on the operated leg. Eight patients (24%) had a more than 10-mm shortening of the operated leg, whereas only 1 patient (3%) had a 10-mm shortening of the nonoperated leg. In 27 of 33 patients (82%; P < .001), the anatomic femoral axes of the operated leg were found to be more than 2° of valgus compared with the nonoperated leg. The tibial anatomic axes changed into a less pronounced varus angulation (P = .02). The femoral-tibial anatomic axes were not significantly different when comparing the 2 legs. We did not find any statistical difference in growth arrest comparing patients treated surgically at the ages of 13 to 14 years to patients younger than 13 years. Tegner and KOOS scores were significantly lower among girls compared with boys. Side-to-side KT-1000 arthrometer difference improved from 5.2 mm preoperatively to 1.6 mm at follow-up.Conclusion:This study shows that transphyseal ACLR in children results in minor length growth disturbances in 24% of patients. The surgically induced distal femoral valgus angulation is counterbalanced by a proximal tibial varus angulation. Growth disturbance after surgery is not associated with a certain pediatric age group. Otherwise, transphyseal ACLR has satisfactory clinical outcomes, with good subjective outcomes, function level, and knee stability.

Fifteen-Year Survival of Endoscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Patients Aged 18 Years and Younger

Background: The current body of literature surrounding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) survival and the variables contributing to further ACL injuries after primary ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents is limited, with no long-term evidence examining the incidence and contributing factors of further ACL injuries in this younger patient population. Purpose: To determine the long-term survival of the ACL graft and the contralateral ACL (CACL) after primary reconstruction in patients aged ≤18 years and to identify the factors that increase the odds of subsequent ACL injuries. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients having undergone primary ACL reconstruction at age ≤18 years between 1993 and 1998 who were included in a prospective database by a single surgeon were considered for this study. Single-incision endoscopic ACL reconstruction was performed with either an autologous bone–patellar tendon–bone graft or a hamstring tendon graft. At a minimum of 15 years after ACL reconstruction, patients completed a subjective survey involving the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire in addition to questions regarding current symptoms, further ACL injuries, family history of ACL injury, and current level of activity. Results: A total of 288 adolescents (age range, 13-18 years) met the inclusion criteria, of whom 242 (84%) were reviewed at a mean of 16 years and 6 months after ACL reconstruction. Of these patients, 75 (31%) sustained a further ACL injury: 27 (11.2%) suffered an ACL graft rupture, 33 suffered a CACL injury (13.6%), and 15 sustained both an ACL graft rupture and a CACL injury (6.2%) over 15 years. Survival of the ACL graft was 95%, 92%, 88%, 85%, and 83% at 1, 2, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively, and survival of the CACL was 99%, 98%, 90%, 83%, and 81%, respectively. Survival of the ACL graft was less favorable in those with a family history of ACL injury than in those without a family history (69% vs 90%, respectively; hazard ratio [HR], 3.6; P = .001). Survival of the CACL was less favorable in male patients than in female patients (75% vs 88%, respectively; HR, 2.1; P = .03) and in those who returned to competitive team ball sports than in those who did not (78% vs 89%, respectively; HR, 2.3; P = .05). Conclusion: After ACL reconstruction in patients aged ≤18 years, a further ACL injury occurred in 1 in 3 patients over 15 years. The 15-year survival rate of the ACL graft was 83%, and the 15-year survival rate of the CACL was 81%. The ACL graft and CACL were most vulnerable within the first 5 years after index surgery. A family history of ACL rupture significantly increased the risk for ACL graft ruptures, and a CACL injury was more common in male patients and those who returned to team ball sports. High IKDC scores and continued participation in sports were maintained over the long term after ACL reconstruction in the adolescent population.

Nonanatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Double-Stranded Semitendinosus Grafts in Children With Open Physes

Background: Nonanatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) with double-stranded semitendinosus grafts in children with open physes has been described as a successful surgical technique in short-term follow-up clinical reports. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of nonanatomic ACLR in children with open physes and a minimum of 15 years’ follow-up. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Twelve patients with an average age of 10.7 years (range, 8.3-12.4 years) underwent ACLR between 1991 and 1998. All patients were classified as Tanner development stage 2 or lower. The surgical technique involved transphyseal tibial tunnel drilling and over-the-top (OTT) femoral fixation using a double-stranded graft for all patients. Clinical outcomes were evaluated in terms of the manual Lachman test, pivot-shift test, return to sports activity, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score at the end of growth and at a minimum 15-year follow-up (range, 15-22 years). Results: No clinically significant growth disturbance was observed. Ten patients had a grade A IKDC score, and 2 patients had a grade B IKDC score at the end of growth. There was no progression of laxity or modification of knee stability with growth. Three patients (25%) had ACL reruptures during sports activities after growth plate closure. All patients with reruptured ACLs underwent additional reconstructive surgery. Conclusion: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the OTT technique in the femur and the transphyseal technique in the tibia produces good results with regard to growth plate closure but a high failure rate in adulthood.

Risk for Revision After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Higher Among Adolescents: Results From the Danish Registry of Knee Ligament Reconstruction.

Background:The number of children and adolescents with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions is increasing, and disturbing reports on high rerupture rates in this group have been noted.Purpose:To describe the outcome of ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents based on data from the Danish Knee Ligament Reconstruction Registry (DKRR).Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Data were retrieved from the DKRR, a national population-based registry. The analysis was based on a population of 14,806 ACL-reconstructed patients. The outcome was evaluated using risk of ACL revision, subjective outcome score (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS]), Tegner function score, and objective knee laxity. Three age groups were defined (A, <13 years; B, 13-15 years; and C, 15-20 years) and compared with D, patients ≥20 years (adults). There were 95 patients in group A, 327 in B, 2888 in C, and 11,496 in D.Results:There was a significantly increased risk of revision surgery in the age groups B (6.7%) and C (4.9%) compared with the adults in group D (2.0%). Objective knee laxity did not differ between the 4 groups. Groups A, B, and C had a higher score on the combined KOOS symptoms, pain, sport, and quality of life subscales (KOOS4; 79.6, 76.6, and 73.1, respectively) compared with the adults (69.7). Group B had higher KOOS quality of life (76.6) and sports (71.1) scores than did group C (73.1 and 66.4, respectively). The Tegner activity score did not differ between the 4 groups. No impact of the use of extracortical graft fixation was detected in the youngest age group.Conclusion:Study results indicated an increased risk of graft failure in patients between 13 and 20 years of age. This is in contrast to the better subjective and equal objective knee score found in the same age groups.Clinical Relevance:The new knowledge about the high revision rate among ACL-reconstructed teenagers is important for evidence-based preoperative information of ACL patients and their parents.

Degeneration of the Knee Joint in Skeletally Immature Patients With a Diagnosis of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear

Background: In skeletally immature patients with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear and significant growth remaining, the risk of inducing a growth disturbance with early reconstruction must be balanced against the risk of further intra-articular damage by delaying treatment until closer to skeletal maturity. Hypothesis: Increased time from injury to ACL reconstruction in children ≤14 years of age will be associated with increased meniscal and chondral injuries at the time of reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: With institutional review board approval, the records of a consecutive series of patients 14 years of age and younger who underwent ACL reconstruction between 1991 and 2005 were reviewed. Demographic, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and intraoperative findings were analyzed. Meniscal and articular cartilage injuries were graded. Logistic regression models using both univariable and multivariable regression procedures were used to identify factors independently associated with intra-articular lesions. Fisher exact test and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to test for differences in intra-articular injuries by time from injury to surgery. Results: Seventy patients were identified. Twenty-nine patients (41%) underwent reconstruction more than 12 weeks from the time of injury. Logistic regression analysis revealed time to surgical reconstruction (odds ratio, 4.1) and a history of a sense of knee instability (odds ratio, 11.4) to be independently associated with medial meniscal tears. Time to surgical reconstruction was also independently associated with medial and lateral compartment chondral injuries (odds ratios, 5.6 and 11.3, respectively). Testing time as a continuous variable, survivorship analysis also confirmed a significant association of time to reconstruction with medial meniscal injury as well as lateral and patellotrochlear cartilage injuries. When present, a delay in treatment of over 12 weeks (29 patients) was associated with an increase in the severity of medial meniscal tears (P = .011) and higher grade lateral and patellotrochlear chondral injuries (P = .0014 and P = .038, respectively). Conclusion: Young patients who underwent surgical reconstruction of an acute ACL tear >12 weeks after the injury were noted to have a significant increase in irreparable medial meniscal tears and lateral compartment chondral injuries at the time of reconstruction. When a subjective sense of knee instability was present, this association was even stronger.

Volumetric Injury of the Distal Femoral Physis During Double-Bundle ACL Reconstruction in Children

Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction was developed to produce a more "anatomic" reproduction of the anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of the ACL. The purpose of this study was to determine the volume of injury to the physis during double-bundle ACL reconstruction in children with open physes. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of ten knees of children were converted into three-dimensional models. Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing software placed drill-holes of 6, 7, 8, and 9 mm in diameter in these models, simulating tunnels in the femur used for anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction. Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing software was used to calculate the total physeal volume and the volume of physis that was removed by creation of the tunnels. The ratio of the physeal volume that had been removed to the total physeal volume was subsequently determined. With use of 6, 7, 8, and 9-mm-diameter drill-holes in the femur, the average physeal volume removed, as a percentage of the total physeal volume, was 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, and 2.9%, respectively, for the anteromedial tunnels; 2.2%, 2.9%, 3.6%, and 4.2% for the posterolateral tunnels; and 3.7%, 4.8%, 5.7%, and 6.5% for the anteromedial and posterolateral tunnels combined. The volume of physeal damage caused by the posterolateral drill-holes was greater than that produced by the anteromedial drill-holes in all subjects. Drill-hole placement during ACL reconstruction produces a zone of physeal injury. Double-bundle techniques substantially increase the volume of injury to the physis, which appears to increase the risk of abnormal growth in the distal femoral physis following this surgical procedure.

Intraarticular Bupivacaine-Clonidine-Morphine Versus Femoral-Sciatic Nerve Block in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

We hypothesized that combined femoral-sciatic nerve block (FSNB) offers better analgesia with fewer side effects than intraarticular infiltration (IA) in children undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Thirty-six children undergoing ACL reconstruction were randomized to FSNB or IA. FSNB patients had FSNB with bupivacaine (0.125%)-clonidine (2 microg/kg), whereas IA patients received bupivacaine (0.25%)-clonidine (1 microg/kg)-morphine (5 mg). Postoperatively, analgesia was provided with patient-controlled analgesia and rescue morphine. Patient demographics were similar. FSNB patients required less intraoperative fentanyl (50 +/- 40 microg versus 80 +/- 50 microg; P = 0.04). Visual analog scale score for FSNB was smaller than IA in the recovery room (1.8 +/- 3 versus 5.4 +/- 3; P = 0.0002) and during the first 24 h (1.6 +/- 1 versus 2.9 +/- 2; P = 0.01)). FSNB morphine use in the first 18 h was less (7 +/- 13 mg versus 21 +/- 21 mg; P = 0.03). Fewer FSNB patients vomited (11% versus 50%; P = 0.03). IA patients required morphine patient-controlled analgesia sooner. After ACL reconstruction in children, FSNB with bupivacaine-clonidine provides better analgesia with fewer side effects than IA with bupivacaine-clonidine-morphine.