2024 AANA/ISAKOS Specialty Day All-Access Pass-Debate Speaker #2: Transphyseal ACL Reconstruction and Don't Worry About It!

Debate Speaker #2: Transphyseal ACL Reconstruction and Don't Worry About It!

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker discusses ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients, emphasizing no one-size-fits-all approach. They highlight the importance of assessing Tanner stage and growth potential before surgery. Physeal-sparing techniques are complex and traditionally seen as high-risk but data shows comparable outcomes to trans-physeal methods, with overgrowth more common than growth arrest. Graft diameter, rather than tunnel angle, critically impacts physeal damage. Soft tissue grafts, like quadriceps tendon, and careful surgical technique avoiding perichondral ring injury are recommended. Close postoperative follow-up is essential. Ultimately, respecting growth plates and individualized planning are key to minimizing growth disturbances in young patients.

Asset Caption

Harris S. Slone, M.D., FAANA

Keywords

ACL reconstruction

skeletally immature patients

physeal-sparing techniques

growth plate preservation

graft diameter impact