Long-term evaluation of pediatric ACL reconstruction: high risk of further surgery but a restrictive postoperative management was related to a lower revision rate.

INTRODUCTION

The guidelines regarding rehabilitation after pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are sparse. The aim of the study was to retrospectively describe the long-term outcome regarding further surgery and with special emphasis on the revision rate after two different postoperative rehabilitation programs following pediatric ACLR.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

193 consecutive patients < 15 years of age who had undergone ACLR at two centers, A (n = 116) and B (n = 77), in 2006-2010 were identified. Postoperative rehabilitation protocol at A: a brace locked in 30° of flexion with partial weight bearing for 3 weeks followed by another 3 weeks in the brace with limited range of motion 10°-90° and full weight bearing; return to sports after a minimum of 9 months. B: immediate free range of motion and weight bearing as tolerated; return to sports after a minimum of 6 months. The mean follow-up time was 6.9 (range 5-9) years. The mean age at ACLR was 13.2 years (range 7-14) years. The primary outcome measurement in the statistical analysis was the occurrence of revision. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate five potential risk factors: surgical center, sex, age at ACLR, time from injury to ACLR and graft diameter.

RESULTS

Thirty-three percent had further surgery in the operated knee including a revision rate of 12%. Twelve percent underwent ACLR in the contralateral knee. The only significant variable in the statistical analysis according to the multivariable logistic regression analysis was surgical center (p = 0.019). Eight percent of the patients at center A and 19% of the patients at B underwent ACL revision.

CONCLUSIONS

Further surgery in the operated knee could be expected in one third of the cases including a revision rate of 12%. The study also disclosed a similar rate of contralateral ACLR at 12%. The revision rate following pediatric ACLR was lower in a center which applied a more restrictive rehabilitation protocol.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Case-control study, Level III.