Pediatric ACL Tears
Physeal Sparing and Respecting ACL Reconstruction
Physeal sparing and physeal respecting anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are surgical techniques designed specifically for children and adolescents whose growth plates (physes) are still open, and may still have significant growth remaining. These methods aim to reconstruct a torn ACL while minimizing the risk of growth disturbance. Though ACL reconstruction is a commonly performed surgery, the techniques needed for physeal respecting and sparing ACL reconstruction require specialized training which many surgeons do not have experience with.
As a fellowship trained knee surgeon, Dr. Ben Mayo has expertise in physeal sparing and respecting ACL reconstruction. Dr. Mayo offers comprehensive care to patients in the Detroit area with knee pain. If you are in need of an orthopedic knee surgeon, contact Dr. Ben Mayo and his team today to be seen at one of his offices in Livonia or Sterling Heights.
Like standard ACL reconstruction, the goal of physeal sparing and respecting procedures is to restore knee stability and functionality following an ACL tear. However, these techniques are tailored to younger patients or those with open growth plates who still have 2 or more years of growth remaining, to allow for continued normal growth.
In a physeal sparing ACL reconstruction, the graft does not cross the growth plate at all. Instead, the graft is placed in a position that replicates the function of the ACL without drilling through the growth plates. There are different ways to perform this, and the choice between them will be dependent on a variety of factors.
In a physeal respecting ACL reconstruction, the Dr. Mayo minimizes the amount of drilling through the growth plate of the knee. A smaller diameter tunnel is used and is drilled at a different angle to reduce the impact on the growth plate while still securing the graft.
The choice between physeal sparing or physeal respecting techniques depends on the individual patient’s age, remaining growth, the condition of the knee, and Dr. Mayo’s preference.
The recovery process following physeal sparing or respecting ACL reconstruction is similar to standard ACL reconstruction. It begins with a period of protection, where weight-bearing is limited, and the focus is on reducing swelling and restoring motion. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process, gradually progressing from simple range of motion exercises to strengthening and eventually sport-specific training.
The timeline for return to full sports participation varies but generally is around to 9 months post-surgery. Throughout this time, periodic X-rays may be taken to monitor growth and ensure there are no growth disturbances.
Potential risks include infection, blood clots, graft failure, and postoperative knee stiffness. While these techniques aim to avoid growth disturbances, there is still a slight risk of growth plate injury, which could lead to limb length discrepancies or angular deformities that could require additional surgery down the line.
Remember, everyone’s experience with physeal sparing or respecting ACL reconstruction surgery is unique, and your treatment and recovery timeline may differ.
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Experience comprehensive, personalized care under the expertise of Dr. Ben Mayo, one of the best knee surgeons in the Detroit area. Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of CONDITION, he utilizes the latest research and techniques to enhance your path to recovery. Dr. Mayo’s clinics, located in Livonia and Sterling Heights, serve patients across Detroit and the nearby areas such as Troy, Canton, Macomb, Farmington Hills, Novi, and Royal Oak. Arrange your consultation with Dr. Mayo today.
At a Glance
Ben Mayo, MD
- Fellowship Trained Sports Surgeon
- Specializes in Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, & Knee Surgery
- Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters
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