Venous reconstruction using a round ligament-covered prosthetic vascular graft in right­lobe living­donor liver transplantation: a technical report.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short term-outcomes of venous reconstruction using a round ligament-covered prosthetic vascular graft and assess its effectiveness in the prevention of prosthetic vascular graft migration in right­lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty patients underwent reconstruction of the middle hepatic vein (MHV) tributaries during right lobe LDLT between January, 2021 and October, 2022. These patients were divided into the autologous vascular graft group (A group, n = 24) and the round ligament-covered prosthetic vascular graft group (RP group, n = 6). The computed tomography (CT) density ratio of the drainage area in the posterior segment of patent grafts was significantly higher in the RP group than in the A group (0.91 vs. 1.06, p = 0.0025). However, the patency rates of reconstructed MHV tributaries in the A and RP groups were 61% and 67%, respectively, with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.72). Prosthetic vascular graft migration did not occur in the RP group. CONCLUSION: Venous reconstruction using round ligament-covered prosthetic vascular grafts is a feasible and simple method to prevent prosthetic vascular graft migration in right-lobe LDLT.

Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) synthetic graft for PCL reconstruction: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Several strategies are available for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. SOURCE OF DATA: Recently published literature in PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase databases. AREAS OF AGREEMENT: The Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) is a scaffold type artificial ligament, which has been widely used for ligament reconstruction of the knee. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: Current evidence on the reliability and feasibility of LARS for primary isolated PCL reconstruction is limited. GROWING POINTS: The primary outcome of interest of the present work was to investigate the outcomes of PCL reconstruction using the LARS. The secondary outcome of interest was to compare the LARS versus four-strand hamstring tendon (4SHT) autograft for PCL reconstruction. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH: LARS for primary isolated PCL reconstruction seems to be effective and safe, with results comparable to the 4SHT autograft.

Falciform ligament tubular graft for mesenteric-portal vein reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein resection and reconstruction in locally advanced pancreatic cancer represents a potentially curative treatment in selected patients without increasing surgical mortality. However, vascular reconstruction after segmental venous resection is challenging. The parietal peritoneum has emerged as a venous substitute but few reports include its use as a tubular graft. We report a retrospective series of portal vein reconstruction using a falciform ligament tubular graft during pancreaticoduodenectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Technical aspects and short-term morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy with falciform ligament tubular graft interposition were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 21 patients who used parietal peritoneum for venous substitution between 2015 and 2019, eight underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy with venous resection and reconstruction using interposition of falciform ligament tubular graft. The mean duration of surgery and clamping time were 350 and 27 min, respectively. No perioperative blood transfusion was required. All the grafts were patent the day after surgery. No complication related to venous obstruction was detected during the hospital stay. Two patients had postoperative pancreatic fistula. No further intervention was needed. The 90-day mortality was null. CONCLUSIONS: The use of interposition of falciform ligament tubular graft for portal venous reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy seems to be a reliable, inexpensive, and safe procedure.

Arthroscopic Reconstruction of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament with a Ligament-advanced Reinforcement System and Hamstring Tendon Autograft: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Both ligament-advanced reinforcement system (LARS) and hamstring tendon autograft can serve as grafts for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. However, few studies have compared the effectiveness of these two approaches. This study therefore aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic reconstruction of the PCL using either the LARS or hamstring tendon autograft. METHODS: A total of 36 patients who underwent PCL reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. Within this cohort, 15 patients received a reconstruction using the LARS (LARS group) and 21 using the hamstring tendon autograft (HT group). RESULTS: The pre- and post-operative subjective scores and knee stability were evaluated and the patients were followed up for a period of 2 to 10.5 years (4.11±2.0 years on average). The last follow-up showed that functional scores and knee stability were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05). Six months after operation, Lysholm scores and IKDC subjective scores were higher in the LARS group than in the HT group (P<0.05). Nonetheless, the last follow-up showed no significant differences in the functional scores or the posterior drawer test between the two groups (P>0.05). In the LARS and HT groups, 12 and 9 patients, respectively exhibited KT1000 values <3 mm, with the difference being statistically significant (P<0.05). In the HT group, the diameter of the four-strand hamstring tendon was positively correlated with height (P<0.05), which was 7.37±0.52 mm in males and 6.50±0.77 mm in females (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both LARS and hamstring tendon approaches achieved good efficacy for PCL reconstruction, but patients in the LARS group exhibited faster functional recovery and better knee stability in the long term. LARS is especially suitable for those who hope to resume activities as early as possible.

Falciform Ligament Flap as Crural Buttress in Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair.

Background: Crural repair is an essential technical component in laparoscopic hiatal hernia surgery, but there is no consensus regarding the optimal method to prevent postoperative hernia recurrence. Mesh augmentation, especially with permanent materials, is associated with dysphagia and complications. The rotational falciform ligament flap (FLF) has been reported to be effective in reinforcing standard suture closure of the hiatus. Materials and Methods: Patients with primary or secondary hiatal hernia in whom FLF was used to buttress the hiatus repair were included. The FLF was dissected from the anterior abdominal wall, detached from the umbilical area, and transposed below the left lateral liver segment to buttress the cruroplasty. Indocyanine green fluorescence was used to assess vascularization of the flap before and after mobilization. Results: Eighteen consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic FLF cruroplasty reinforcement between October 2019 and January 2021. Indications were primary hiatal hernia (n = 9), recurrent hiatal hernia (n = 4), postsleeve gastrectomy hernia (n = 1), prophylactic hiatal repair during esophagectomy and gastric conduit reconstruction (n = 2), and postesophagectomy hernia (n = 2). All flaps were well vascularized and covered the entire hiatal area. There was no morbidity. At a median follow-up of 8 months (range 3-15), the symptomatic and quality of life scores significantly improved compared with baseline (P < .001), and no anatomic hernia recurrences were detected. Conclusions: FLF is safe for crural buttress and is a viable alternative to mesh in laparoscopic hiatal hernia surgery.

A comparative analysis of the efficacy of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autologous ligament grafting at different time points.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to compare the clinical efficacies of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with autologous ligament grafting at different time points. METHODS: Eighty-five patients with ACL were categorized into two groups: Group A (GA, n = 45), who underwent early-stage (≤3 weeks) surgery, and Group B (GB, n = 40), who underwent advanced-stage (>3 weeks) surgery. Perioperative conditions, knee joint functions, activity and stability before and at 6 months postoperatively, changes in quality of life (QOL), good and excellent rates of knee joint functions, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In both groups, there was an increase in the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and QOL and a decrease in the knee joint angle flexion limitation, angle of spread limitation, positive rates in the anterior drawer test (ADT), and Lachman test score (P < .05) after surgery. At 6 months postoperatively, the IKDC score, Lysholm score, and QOL were higher in GA than in GB (P < .05). The good and excellent rates of knee joint functions were higher in GA than in GB (93.33% vs. 77.50%) (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autologous ligament grafting can achieve good effects whether performed in the early or advanced stage; however, the improvements in patients' knee joint functions and QOL are better in the early stage. Therefore, early ACL reconstruction with autologous ligament grafting is suggested.

Frame Coating of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Collagen on PET Fibers for Artificial Joint Ligaments.

The coating formation technique for artificial knee ligaments was proposed, which provided tight fixation of ligaments of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers as a result of the healing of the bone channel in the short-term period after implantation. The coating is a frame structure of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) in a collagen matrix, which is formed by layer-by-layer solidification of an aqueous dispersion of SWCNT with collagen during spin coating and controlled irradiation with IR radiation. Quantum mechanical method SCC DFTB, with a self-consistent charge, was used. It is based on the density functional theory and the tight-binding approximation. The method established the optimal temperature and time for the formation of the equilibrium configurations of the SWCNT/collagen type II complexes to ensure maximum binding energies between the nanotube and the collagen. The highest binding energies were observed in complexes with SWCNT nanometer diameter in comparison with subnanometer SWCNT. The coating had a porous structure-pore size was 0.5-6 µm. The process of reducing the mass and volume of the coating with the initial biodegradation of collagen after contact with blood plasma was demonstrated. This is proved by exceeding the intensity of the SWCNT peaks G and D after contact with the blood serum in the Raman spectrum and by decreasing the intensity of the main collagen bands in the SWCNT/collagen complex frame coating. The number of pores and their size increased to 20 µm. The modification of the PET tape with the SWCNT/collagen coating allowed to increase its hydrophilicity by 1.7 times compared to the original PET fibers and by 1.3 times compared to the collagen coating. A reduced hemolysis level of the PET tape coated with SWCNT/collagen was achieved. The SWCNT/collagen coating provided 2.2 times less hemolysis than an uncoated PET implant. MicroCT showed the effective formation of new bone and dense connective tissue around the implant. A decrease in channel diameter from 2.5 to 1.7 mm was detected at three and, especially, six months after implantation of a PET tape with SWCNT/collagen coating. MicroCT allowed us to identify areas for histological sections, which demonstrated the favorable interaction of the PET tape with the surrounding tissues. In the case of using the PET tape coated with SWCNT/collagen, more active growth of connective tissue with mature collagen fibers in the area of implantation was observed than in the case of only collagen coating. The stimulating effect of SWCNT/collagen on the formation of bone trabeculae around and inside the PET tape was evident in three and six months after implantation. Thus, a PET tape with SWCNT/collagen coating has osteoconductivity as well as a high level of hydrophilicity and hemocompatibility.

Acetabular Labral Reconstruction with Iliotibial Band Autograft: Outcome and Survivorship at a Minimum 10-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Labral reconstruction has been shown to result in improved patient-reported outcomes (PROs) at mid-term follow-up in patients with a deficient labrum. The purpose of this study was to determine survivorship and PROs at a minimum 10-year follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of a prospectively collected single-surgeon database included 91 hips (89 patients) that underwent arthroscopic labral reconstruction with iliotibial band autograft between 2006 and 2008. The primary PRO was the Hip Outcome Score (HOS)-activities of daily living (ADL). The modified Harris hip score (mHHS), HOS-sports, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and patient satisfaction (on a scale of 1 to 10) were also collected at a 10-year minimum follow-up. Survivorship analysis curves were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-two hips were evaluated at a 10-year minimum follow-up. Overall survivorship, with revision hip arthroscopy or total hip arthroplasty (THA) as the end point, was 70% at 5 years and 61% at 10 years, and the mean survival time was 9 years (95% confidence interval = 7.6 to 10 years). For the patients who did not undergo subsequent surgery, on average the mHHS increased from 60 preoperatively to 82 at the 10-year follow-up (p = 0.001), the HOS-ADL improved from 69 to 90 (p = 0.004), the HOS-sports improved from 43 to 76 (p = 0.001), and the median patient satisfaction was 10 of 10. Eighty percent of the patients achieved the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in the HOS-ADL, and 87% obtained a patient acceptable symptom state (PASS). CONCLUSIONS: Following arthroscopic labral reconstruction with iliotibial band autograft, 9% of the hips underwent revision arthroscopy and 27% underwent THA. At 10 years, the survival rate, with revision hip arthroscopy or THA as the end point, was 61%; however, for those with >2 mm of joint space, the current indication for labral reconstruction, the 10-year survival rate was 90%. Excellent PROs and patient satisfaction were reported by those who did not require revision or THA. With appropriate patient selection and prevention of postoperative adhesions, labral reconstruction results in excellent outcomes and high patient satisfaction that is sustained at a minimum 10-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A Technical Tip of Aortic Stump Reinforcement with Plication of the Falciform Ligament of the Liver.

BACKGROUND: The residual stump after excision of an infected aortic graft may be subject to acute disruption-blowout-because of recurrence of infection or fatigue due to the mechanical stress. We present an innovative technique in which we used the falciform ligament of the liver to reinforce the aortic stump. METHODS: We excised the falciform ligament by giving attention to avoid any bleeding from the liver. The aortic stump was reinforced with synthetic, monofilament, nonabsorbable polypropylene sutures and the falciform ligament of the liver was plicated inside the stump and further sutured with polypropylene sutures. RESULTS: After 5 months, he is in excellent condition. His laboratory examination is normal, he has stopped taking antibiotics, gained his initial weight, and recovered full activity. CONCLUSIONS: We presented an innovative technique in which we used the falciform ligament of the liver to reinforce the aortic stump after excision of an infected aortobiiliac synthetic graft. This technique can be an alternative option in patients with weak arterial wall or extended bacterial local infection in the retroperitoneal area which renders the aortic wall tissue extremely stiff to be folded and sutured. This technique may enhance the mechanical integrity of the stump.

Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction for chronic lesions: clinical experience with hamstring versus ligament advanced reinforcement system as graft.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare clinical and laximetric results in chronic, isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture repairs, using either a hamstring graft or an artificial ligament (ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS®)). METHODS: Sixteen patients presenting with an isolated unilateral PCL rupture were included in this retrospective study. Initially, eight underwent a PCL reconstruction using a hamstring tendon autograft (hamstring group), and over a later period, eight further patients underwent a reconstruction using an artificial ligament with a new procedure. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were male and one female, with an average age of 29.3 years. All patients were operated on within an average time of 18 months post-injury. Pre-operative posterior laxity was equivalent (p = 0.309), 18.25 mm on average for the hamstring group and 18.75 mm for the LARS group. With an average follow-up of 24 months, residual posterior laxity was significantly improved, decreasing from 18.25 to 7.37 mm for the hamstring group (p < 0.05) with a median at 7.5 mm and from 18.75 to 5.25 mm for the LARS group (p < 0.05) with a median at 5 mm. The improvement in laxity for the hamstring group was 60% and 71.5% for the LARS group. The LARS group compares favourably (p = 0.003 and 0.01). Tegner activity level improved significantly following ligamentoplasty, with no difference between the two groups (p = 0.4). Likewise, there was no significant difference in the Lysholm and IKDC scores between the two groups (p = 0.4). CONCLUSION: The initial hypothesis of this study was proven correct. Nevertheless, a longer term study is necessary to assess the consequences of residual laxity in hamstring grafts and the long-term behaviour and tolerance of the LARS artificial ligament.

Chronic anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency results in inferior quality hamstring autografts.

BACKGROUND: Availability of a good quality autograft of adequate length is the first step towards a successful knee ligament reconstruction. Being able to predict the quality and length of hamstring autograft can go a long way in making the surgeon's pre-operative planning a lot easier. The purpose of this study was to find out if any correlation existed between the duration of ACL injury with history of repeated instability episodes and the quality and length of Hamstring graft that was harvested. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using quadrupled Hamstring tendon graft were evaluated with regard to the duration of injury, number of instability episodes and graft characteristics like difficulty in harvesting the graft, quality and length of the graft. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant difference between the usable length of harvested Hamstring tendon in patients with acute and chronic injury (p = 0.004). There was a significantly high risk of the graft being shorter and of poor quality in patients with chronic injury (odds ratio = 5.7). CONCLUSION: Chronicity of ACL injury with repeated strains can cause fibrosis at the musculotendinous junction and result in harvest of a poor quality and short hamstring autograft. A detailed history with regard to duration of injury and repeated instability episodes will help a surgeon plan better when anticipating a sub-optimal graft.

Update on the supply and use of allografts in locomotor system pathologies in France.

Allografts are increasingly used in orthopedics. The main aim of the present study was to map the use of locomotor system allografts in France between 2012 and 2016. The study hypothesis was that there are great differences in the distribution and activity of tissue banks and graft preservation procedure quality, failing to meet national requirements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from activity reports of the French Biomedicine Agency (ABM) were collected for the period 2012-2016. Existing viral inactivation procedures were described. Preliminary results from a study of allograft requirements by the French Society of Arthroscopy (SFA) were reported. RESULTS: Nineteen tissue banks were located. Four dealt exclusively with cryopreserved tissue, 3 exclusively with virus-inactivated bone, and 12 with both. Distribution analysis found wide disparities in geographic location and in type of activity. Viral inactivation is presently implemented only for femoral heads derived from hip replacement. Stocks of long bones, femoral heads and ligaments/tendons increased constantly over the study period, by 8.3%, 50.8% and 316.2% respectively. The SFA questionnaire confirmed a serious shortage of tissues, necessitating importation of allografts. DISCUSSION: Each tissue bank had its own specificities and specialization. They should probably be coalesced, so as to centralize both supply and demand and improve nationwide response to requirements. Locomotor system tissue harvesting also needs to be expanded to meet increasing demand.

Adjunctive Use of the Dermocartilaginous Ligament for Dorsal Irregularities in Primary Rhinoplasty.

Nasal dorsal irregularity is a common postrhinoplasty complication in spite of meticulous smoothing. Utilization of the dermocartilaginous ligament in 2 different fashions for different purposes was described before. A novel utilization of the dermocartilaginous ligament as a flattened and pedicled flap from the cephalic attachment for nasal dorsal irregularities was presented in this article. This surgical technique was applied in 11 cases. Eight of them had thin skin, 2 had skin with medium thickness, and 1 had thick skin. They were followed on an average for 27 months (between 6 and 37 months). All of the patients had satisfactory esthetic results, and there was no apparent irregularities observed over the nasal dorsum. No complications such as infection or hematoma occurred during the early or late follow-up periods. Instead of discarding the dermocartilaginous ligament, it can be used adjunctively to conceal the nasal dorsal irregularities to attain a smoother dorsal nasal surface by increasing soft tissue cushion over the osseocartilaginous dorsum. Transposing of the dermocartilaginous ligament also relieves dynamic drooping of the nasal tip, shortening of the upper lip, and undesirable gingival display.

Collection and reconstruction after harvesting donor tissues from the musculoskeletal system: Technique specific to the lower limbs.

The lack of available musculoskeletal grafts in France forces us to import a very large quantity of these tissues to use in complex reconstruction procedures. The goal of this article is to describe methods for collecting donor tissues from the musculoskeletal system and for reconstructing the harvested areas. We also provide a summary of the collection procedures performed, harvested grafts and available tissues. While tissue collection requires a significant time investment, the emergence of dedicated teams may be a solution for increasing the number and quality of human musculoskeletal allograft tissues.

Autologous falciform ligament graft as A substitute for mesentericoportal vein reconstruction in pancreaticoduodenectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the falciform ligament as an autologous substitute for mesentericoportal vein reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy. BACKGROUND: Mesentericoportal vein reconstruction was needed in some certain cases during pancreaticoduodenectomy, and a rapidly available substitute was required. METHODS: The falciform ligament was used as an autologous substitute during pancreaticoduodenectomy in 6 patients between June 2016 and May 2017. Anticoagulation was not performed at any stage and venous patency was estimated by Color-Doppler ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography. RESULTS: 6 patients underwent vascular resection during pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignant tumors. The falciform ligament graft, with a mean length of 26 mm (10-40), was immediately harvested and used as a lateral patch for reconstruction of the mesentericoportal vein (n = 6). Severe morbidity included Clavien grade-III complications occurred in 1(16.7%) patients but there was no graft-related complications. Histological vascular invasion was present in all the patients (n = 6, 100%), and all had an R0 resection (100%). All venous reconstructions were patent (100%) after a mean follow-up of 12 (6-16) months. CONCLUSIONS: An autologous falciform ligament graft can be safely used as a lateral substitute for mesentericoportal vein reconstruction during pancreaticoduodenectomy; this could help improve the radical resection rate of malignant tumors when oncologically required.

Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy with reconstruction of the mesentericoportal vein with the parietal peritoneum and the falciform ligament.

BACKGROUND: With the improvement of the surgical technique of Laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD), indications will be extended to patients with vascular invasion. With LPD, vascular grafts for reconstruction are more frequently needed because adequate mobilization is not always done and vascular grafts can safely facilitate reconstruction. We describe our experience of reconstruction with the falciform ligament. METHODS: Venous reconstruction is performed after removal of the specimen. The falciform ligament is rapidly harvested within the same surgical field and for any size and used for lateral reconstruction of the mesentericoportal vein. Therapeutic anticoagulation is not needed and venous patency was assessed by postoperative CT scan. Since April 2011 and among the 93 patients who underwent LPD, four patients had this procedure. RESULTS: The mean age was 73 years old (69-77) and 3 were women. Indications for resection were pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n = 3) and IPMN in severe dysplasia (n = 1) and the mean patch size of 13 mm (10-30). The mean operative time was 397 min (330-480); vascular clamping lasted 54 min (45-60), and mean blood loss was 437 ml (150-1000) and one was transfused. Resection was R0 in patients with adenocarcinoma (n = 3). The postoperative course was uneventful in 3 patients and one patient was re-operated for bile leak and partial venous thrombosis and redo venous reconstruction was done. Complete venous patency was demonstrated in patients (n = 2) who still alive 1 year after resection. CONCLUSION: Venous resection will be more frequently done with LPD and vascular grafts more frequently needed. Compared to other available vascular grafts (autogenous, synthetic, cadaveric and bovine pericardium, etc), the parietal peritoneum had the advantages of being rapidly available, easy to harvest by the laparoscopic approach, not expensive, no need for anticoagulation and at lower risk of infection.

Combining electrospinning and cell sheet technology for the development of a multiscale tissue engineered ligament construct (TELC).

Ligament tissue rupture is a common sport injury. Although current treatment modalities can achieve appropriate reconstruction of the damaged ligament, they present significant drawbacks, mostly related to reduced tissue availability and pain associated with tissue harvesting. Stem cell based tissue regeneration combined with electrospun scaffolds represents a novel treatment method for torn ligaments. In this study, a low fiber density polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun mesh and sheep mesenchymal stem cells (sMSCs) were used to develop tissue engineered ligament construct (TELC) in vitro. The assembly of the TELC was based on the spontaneous capacity of the cells to organize themselves into a cell sheet once seeded onto the electrospun mesh. The cell sheet matured over 4 weeks and strongly integrated with the low fiber density electrospun mesh which was subsequently processed into a ligament-like bundle and braided with two other bundles to develop the final construct. Live/dead assay revealed that the handling of the construct through the various phases of assembly did not cause significant difference in viability compared to the control. Mechanical evaluation demonstrated that the incorporation of the cell sheet into the braided construct resulted in significantly modifying the mechanical behavior. A stress/displacement J-curve was observed for the TELC that was similar to native ligament, whereas this particular feature was not observed in the non-cellularized specimens. The regenerative potential of the TELC was evaluated ectopically in immunocompromized rats, compared to non cellularized electrospun fiber mesh and this demonstrated that the TELC was well colonized by host cells and that a significant remodelling of the implanted construct was observed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 399-409, 2018.

Challenges in the Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures in Skeletally Immature Patients.

Although initially considered rare, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures in pediatric patients recently have increased substantially as a result of greater awareness of the injury and increased participation in youth sports. Although pediatric patients with an ACL injury and a clinically stable joint may handle the injury well and return to sports activity without requiring surgical reconstruction, young, active patients with an ACL rupture and an unstable joint may be good candidates for ACL reconstruction to prevent ongoing instability and additional joint damage. ACL reconstruction techniques have been developed to prevent physeal injury in skeletally immature patients. The surgical treatment of skeletally immature patients with an ACL rupture may differ from that of adults with an ACL rupture and presents unique challenges with regard to reconstruction technique selection, graft preparation, rehabilitation, and return to sports activity. Orthopaedic surgeons should understand various physeal-sparing ACL reconstruction techniques and the general challenges associated with the surgical management of ACL ruptures in pediatric patients.