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 an ACL Doctor 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.

There’s a lot to love about summer—longer days, warmer weather, and the return of outdoor sports. But as activity ramps up, so does the risk for certain injuries, especially tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Whether you're gearing up for a weekend tournament or joining a trail running group, it's important to know how summer sports can affect your knees.

As Dr. William Sterett, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery in the mountain town of Vail, Colorado, I’ve treated thousands of ACL injuries over the course of my career. While some ACL tears are due to unavoidable factors—like genetics or bad luck—others are the result of habits and movement patterns that can absolutely be changed.

The good news? These are behaviors you can control. Let’s look at three common actions or choices that put your ACL at risk—and what you can do to protect your knees before injury strikes.

Here’s how to recognize the symptoms of a tear in the ACL and your treatment options for this injury.

Here are the risk factors relate to our female athletes and contribute to their higher rates of ACL injuries.

Here’s what to know about your ACL graft options and which one is best for your lifestyle!

On average, female athletes are 4-5 times more likely to tear their ACL than their male counterparts. Here’s why…

If you have concerns about returning to ski season after an ACL tear, Team Sterett is here to help!