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Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in children: early reconstruction with open physes or delayed reconstruction to skeletal maturity?

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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare two different strategies of management for ACL rupture in skeletally immature patient. In group 1, patients were treated in a children hospital by ACL reconstruction with open physis. In group 2, patients were treated in an adult hospital by delayed reconstruction at skeletal maturity assessed radiologically. Fifty-six consecutive patients were included in this retrospective study. Mean time from injury to surgery in group 1 and 2 was, respectively, 13.5 and 30 months. Patients from group 2 exhibited a higher rate of medial meniscal tears (41%) compare to group 1 (16%) and higher rate of meniscectomy. Both groups had the same rate of lateral meniscal tears. A temporary tibial valgus deformity was reported which was subsequently spontaneously resolved. No definitive growth disturbance was noticed. At 27 months mean follow-up, a best subjective IKDC score was found in group 1. Objective IKDC and radiological results were similar in both groups. Early ACL reconstruction is therefore a recommended option.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to thank Dr. Rollier for his contribution during this study and the Department of Biostatistics of the Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lacassagne F-69424, France.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique, de Traumatologie et de Médecine du Sport, Centre Hospitalier Lyon-Sud, Chemin du Grand Revoyer, 69495, Pierre Bénite, Cedex, France

    Julien Henry, Julien Chouteau, Michel Henri Fessy & Bernard Moyen

  2. Service de Chirurgie Orthopédique Pédiatrique, Hôpital Universitaire Mère Enfant de Lyon, 59 Boulevard Pinel, 69677, Bron, France

    Franck Chotel & Jérôme Bérard

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  1. Julien Henry
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  2. Franck Chotel
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  3. Julien Chouteau
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Correspondence to Franck Chotel.

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Henry, J., Chotel, F., Chouteau, J. et al. Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in children: early reconstruction with open physes or delayed reconstruction to skeletal maturity?. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 17, 748–755 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-009-0741-0

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