Paediatric knee and ligament injuries

Most knee and ligament injuries in children are the result of damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The Portland Hospital has world renowned consultants in the field of knee and ligament injuries for children and adolescents.

Find a paediatric orthopaedic consultant

About knee and ligament injuries in children

The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is the ligament that stabilises the knee joint. If your child plays any sports with a lot of quick stops and starts or sudden changes in direction, such as football, netball, rugby or skiing, they might be at a higher risk of developing an ACL injury.

How paediatric knee and ligament injuries are treated

If your child has a knee or ACL injury, our paediatric consultant will advise 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.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair

Depending on your child’s injury, your consultant may recommend that they have ACL repair surgery. This involves a surgeon expertly stitching your child’s anterior cruciate ligament back together, then using the internal brace technique to stabilise it as it heals.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction

If ACL repair isn’t possible, your child may need ACL reconstruction. Our surgeons will use a tissue graft to completely replace your child’s torn ligament.

Recovery after knee and ligament surgery

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.

Paediatric centres across the UK

You and your child can visit our paediatric orthopaedic consultants at The Portland Hospital. Some of our orthopaedic consultants and paediatricians can also be seen at our clinics in Chiswick, Golders Green, Elstree and at The Shard at London Bridge.