Researchers from the Norwegian National Center for Active Rehabilitation (NAR) were invited to write a clinical commentary to the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, which was recently published in the March 2012 special issue on the knee.

 

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children with open growth plates are relatively low, and there is a higher threshold for offering surgical treatment with reconstruction of the ACL due to the increased risk of growth disturbances.

 

Note: Brace at the left knee

 

Different aspects on considerations related to the choice of treatment are discussed, and the manuscript concludes with NARs recommended treatment algorithm for children with ACL injury:

 

The treatment algorithm is primary non-operative with specific active rehabilitation, and the child is recommended to wear a knee brace when participating in pivoting sports. This algorithm is currently being evaluated in a prospective cohort study.

 

This paper was written by PhD student PT Håvard Moksnes, Lars Engebretsen and May Arna Risberg.

 

Download the paper publsihed in JOSPT (pdf)