ACL Tears in Kids: What Parents Should Know About Treatment and Recovery
By Dr. William Sterett, Orthopedic Surgeon, Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery
Knee injuries might seem like something that only affects adults—but in today’s world of youth athletics, ACL tears are showing up more and more in kids. As a sports medicine specialist in Vail, Colorado, I’ve seen a noticeable rise in pediatric ACL injuries over the past decade.
The stakes are different for growing athletes. A torn ACL doesn’t just disrupt a season—it can affect growth, development, and long-term knee health if not handled properly. The good news? With the right treatment strategy, young athletes can heal, return to sport, and continue to thrive.
Why ACL Injuries Are on the Rise in Youth Sports
Kids are more active—and more specialized—than ever before. While movement and play are important for healthy development, several factors contribute to increased ACL risk:
Early single-sport focus: Training the same movement patterns year-round can wear down the body.
Lack of cross-training: Without full-body conditioning, kids often lack the muscle balance needed for joint stability.
Growth spurts: As bones grow quickly, muscles and coordination often lag behind, increasing injury risk.
High-impact play: Sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing require fast cuts, quick stops, and high-speed pivots—all tough on the ACL.
ACL injuries in children often happen during a routine play: a quick change of direction, a jump gone wrong, or a slip on the field.
How to Spot an ACL Injury in a Child
An ACL tear in a young athlete can be easy to miss—or mistaken for a minor strain. Watch for:
A loud “pop” or snapping sensation in the knee
Swelling within a few hours of the injury
Trouble standing or walking normally
A feeling of instability or “wobbling” in the joint
Prompt evaluation is key. An untreated ACL tear can lead to further joint damage and long-term knee instability.
Treating ACL Tears in Children and Teens
Unlike adult knees, a child’s knee is still growing. That means any treatment—especially surgery—needs to protect the growth plates, which are vulnerable to damage.
At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, we tailor treatment to the athlete’s age, skeletal maturity, and level of activity. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Non-Surgical Management
In some very young patients with mild tears and lower activity levels, we may opt for conservative treatment. Bracing, structured physical therapy, and activity modification can sometimes provide enough stability during healing.
Surgical Reconstruction
For most competitive athletes or kids nearing skeletal maturity, surgery is often recommended. We use growth plate–preserving ACL reconstruction techniques that allow for safe ligament repair while minimizing any risk to future bone growth.
These procedures are highly effective and allow young athletes to return to their sport without long-term complications.
What Recovery Looks Like
Recovery from pediatric ACL surgery involves more than healing the ligament—it’s about rebuilding strength, confidence, and control. Most young athletes follow a 6–9 month return-to-sport timeline, including:
Guided physical therapy focused on safe movement and strength development
Gradual progressions from basic mobility to sport-specific drills
Monitoring to ensure the knee is recovering in balance with the rest of the body
With the right support, most kids make a full return to the activities they love.
Long-Term Success Starts with the Right Care
An ACL tear is a setback, but it doesn’t have to define your child’s athletic future. With expert care, individualized treatment, and a commitment to proper rehab, kids can return to sports stronger and more prepared than before.
If your child has knee pain after an injury—or if you're concerned about movement or performance on the field—we’re here to help. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, we take pride in helping young athletes stay healthy, safe, and active for years to come.
