ACL Reconstruction

With the first half of the school year in full swing, our lives are filled with our children’s extracurricular activities that more than likely always include a sport or two – whether it be a practice, a scrimmage, a game, or a championship tournament, we can always be sure that we’ll be there in the stands to root them on. But what happens when our children experience an injury? While you may not realize it, ACL injuries aren’t only reserved for adults. Each and every year, more and more adolescents are experiencing ACL injuries that require surgical reconstruction.

If your child should ever experience a damaging ACL injury, you need to be aware of your options.

Let’s Talk About The Growth Plate

First and foremost, we have to remember that fact that our children are just that – children. Even in adolescence, they’re still growing, so if they experience an injury to their ACL, the typical surgical reconstruction procedure would directly affect the growth plate in their leg. With little in the way of a way to avoid this, more and more parents are option for non-surgical forms of ACL reconstruction that take longer and are less likely to serve as a sustainable solution.

What Types of Non-Surgical Treatments Are Available?

As with many other orthopedic injuries, there are typically a number of non-surgical treatments available that all offer various levels of remedy. Many orthopedic injuries require some form of physical therapy – either on its own or in conjunction with surgical reconstruction. When it comes to ACL injuries in adolescents, physical therapy could be the only course of action that an orthopedic would suggest to avoid damaging the growth plate. This type of therapy would include various exercises to repair and to strengthen the ACL after an injury.

In addition to physical therapy, an orthopedic may simply recommend a modification to the activities of your child – especially in the event that there is permanent or long-lasting damage. And of course, there are always options for medical devices like braces and supports to help give your child more muscular support when performing physical activities.

How Can I Make The Right Call?

When it comes to making the right call for your child’s ACL treatment, it’s always best to consult with a professional orthopedic to help you make the most informed decision. If you come and speak to a member of our team at Orthopedic Associates, we’ll work with you to determine your child’s level of intensity for physical activity, their frequency for physical activity, and even the physical anatomical features that make up the construction of their muscular systems to determine the appropriate course of action.

Most importantly, it is critical to keep in mind that there is always something we can do to help build up your child’s ACL, to try to prevent future injury, and to ensure that your child can still continue to grow and to enjoy their adolescence just how they deserve to. Contact us to learn more.