ACL Tears in Kids: What Parents Should Know About Treatment and Recovery

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.

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Summer Sports & ACL Tears: What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Field

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.

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3 Habits That Can Put Your ACL at Risk

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.

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Is There a Time During My Menstrual Cycle When My ACL Is Most at Risk?

As Dr. William Sterett, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery in the athletic community of Vail, Colorado, I’ve worked closely with countless female athletes. One question that’s come up more frequently in recent years is this: Does my menstrual cycle affect my risk of tearing my ACL?

The short answer is yes—there is growing evidence that hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can influence ligament laxity and neuromuscular control, which in turn may increase the risk of ACL injury during specific phases.

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Your Top Questions About ACL Tears, Answered

A suspected ACL injury comes with a feeling of uncertainty, along with many questions. Did I tear it? Will I need surgery? How long will I be out of commission? Here, we will address some of the most common questions Dr. Sterett receives about ACL tears, including symptoms, treatment options, and recovery expectations.

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