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Paediatric knee and ligament injuries
- Only private hospital in the UK for women and children
- More than 40,000 babies and children cared for every year
- First private hospital to install a low radiation X-ray scanner
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Paediatric knee and ligament injuries at HCA UK
Why choose us?
Most knee and ligament injuries in children are the result of damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). At HCA UK, our paediatric orthopaedic consultants are specialists in the field of knee and ligament injuries for children and adolescents.
From everyday concerns to complex conditions, we're here for you, your child, and the rest of your family, with a timely diagnosis, a fast track to expert care, and treatment in a state-of-the-art hospital.
With nursing specialists and clinical professionals working alongside leading consultants, your child will have a team of experts dedicated to giving them the treatment they need based on their unique needs.
Paediatric knee and ligament injuries refer to damage or strain of the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL, as it is also known. The ACL is the ligament that stabilises the knee joint. While this condition can be uncomfortable and concerning, it can be successfully treated with the right care and support.
Common causes of paediatric knee and ligament injuries include:
- Playing sports with a lot of quick stops and starts or sudden changes in direction
- Overuse and repetitive stress from frequent running or jumping
- Falls, trips or accidents that involve sudden impact to the knee area
- Rapid growth spurts in children and adolescents can make the knee more prone to injury
Typical symptoms of paediatric knee and ligament injuries include:
- Swelling or tenderness around the knee
- Pain when moving or weight-bearing
- The knee feels weak or gives way
- A clicking or locking sensation
No two children are the same, and every child will recover at a different pace. But we ensure your child receives fully personalised care and support. After your child's surgery, our team will do everything they can to help get your child up and about again and back to their usual routine as soon as possible, including playing the sports they love.
Our leading physiotherapy team will put together a personalised aftercare programme for your child. This will support them through the recovery process and help them build up strength and muscle around the knee that's been operated on.
No. 1
The only UK private hospital dedicated to treating women and children
9
level 3 intensive care beds for the highest levels of care
40,000+
babies, children and young people cared for each year
Next-day appointments
Access to a consultant within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Specialist treatments for complex conditions
We focus our breadth of expertise on your child
Worried about your child but not sure what to do?
Get in touch with and book a same- or next-day GP appointment.
Have a referral and need to book?
If you already have a referral letter for your child, it couldn’t be simpler. You can book a test or treatment directly.
Unsure of a diagnosis and need some answers?
We’re happy to help. Just book in and one of our consultants will talk you through everything you need to know.
Paediatric knee and ligament injury tests and scans
Expert diagnosis, fast results
Diagnosing paediatric knee and ligament injuries in children and adolescents involves a review of their medical history along with imaging tests. In more serious cases, it may be necessary for a small camera to be inserted into the knee joint to help your child's specialist evaluate the damage and tailor a treatment plan that is unique for your child.
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- MRI scan
Paediatric knee and ligament injury treatments at HCA UK
If your child has a knee or ACL injury, our paediatric consultants will advise you on the best course of rehabilitation treatment, which may include surgery. Our multidisciplinary team includes some of the world's most respected orthopaedic surgeons, many of whom have helped develop the current leading techniques for ACL repair and reconstruction.
- Rest, ice, compression and elevation
- Pain relief
- Physiotherapy
- Supportive equipment
- Lifestyle changes
- ACL repair or reconstructive surgery
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance for your child to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote from the start, outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Paediatric knee and ligament injuries FAQs
You're welcome to visit our HCA UK outpatient centres at The Portland Hospital with your child. Our paediatric acute neurological rehabilitation unit is also based there. You can also visit our paediatricians at our clinics in Chiswick Outpatients, Golders Green Outpatients, Elstree Waterfront Outpatients or at The Shard Outpatients.
In our experience, working in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams deliver the best possible clinical and rehabilitation outcomes for the children in our care. Our consultants are specialists in a range of skills: expert neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, physiotherapists and clinical nurse specialists.
By coming together, they can provide the treatment and wrap-around support your child may need.
If not treated, some injuries can lead to severe pain and other issues. Early diagnosis and the correct treatment and care reduce the risks of long-term problems.
While they may not be completely avoidable, there are some steps your child can take to reduce the risk of damage to their knee or ligaments. These include:
- Doing exercises before playing sports or physical activities
- Regular strength and flexibility exercises
- Ensure they wear the right footwear and protective equipment
- Encourage proper techniques for jumping, landing and changing direction when playing sports
No, not always. Sometimes, mild to moderate injuries can heal with rest, bracing and physiotherapy. However, ACL tears will often require surgery to restore stability to the knee and prevent long-term problems.
Our patients' stories
Jack's Spinal Scoliosis story
Jack’s mother Jaime noticed his shoulder blades were slightly uneven in March 2020, at the start of the UK COVID-19 lockdown. After being faced with a long wait for a referral, a chance recommendation led Jaime to turn to The Portland Hospital. Here Jaime shares their story and explain why this surgery was so important.
Bode's successful spinal surgery at just 14
Bode's (14) surgery fitted her with one titanium and one cobalt chrome rod on either side of her spine held in place by 18 screws. Comparing the before and after X-Rays, they managed to make her spine perfectly straight which Bode says, "was incredible.” She’s now reassuring other young patients with Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis.
Rhiannon’s courage: Recovering after scoliosis surgery
Rhiannon was an active 14-year-old girl. When she occasionally complained to her parents about aches and pains in her back, there was no reason to think it was anything more sinister than sore muscles from one of her dance classes, or something she’d pulled while horse riding.
“Mr Lucas checked in every day after the operation to see how I was progressing. I felt that I was in very safe hands.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.