Surgery for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency in Children and Young Adults.
Edited By: Gregory A. Schmale, M.D.
Last updated Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Preparing for surgeryPreparation Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in children and
adolescents is considered for motivated patients who have instability
interfering with their basic activities of daily living. It is
indicated for those who can commit to a long post-operative
rehabilitation program, with graduated return to prior levels of
activity over the course of a year.
Before surgery, patients and families should consider the
limitations, alternatives, and risks of surgery. Patients and families
should realize that the success of the surgery depends in large part on
the patient's adherence to the post-operative rehabilitation program.
The patient should plan to be on crutches and out of school for one
to two weeks, and out of light-duty work for three to four weeks. Heavy
duty work must be avoided for nine to twelve months, to allow time for
adequate strengthening of the secondary stabilizers of the knee as well
as revascularization of the new ACL. Patients should anticipate wearing
a hinged knee brace for approximately four weeks. Timing Anterior ligament reconstruction surgery is an elective procedure
and should be delayed at least until the patient's knee motion has
returned to near normal. An exception to this would be in the case of
concomitant meniscal injury (injury to the "C"-shaped cartilage bumper
between the femur and tibia), as early repair of a meniscus at the time
of an ACL reconstruction is more likely to be successful.
Surgery for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-987-3700 to make an appointment.
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