Anterior cruciate ligament repair is used in younger children with an avulsion of the ACL from the femoral attachment. A new technique of repair with an internal brace added has improved the results long term. It is vital that the procedure is performed early ( within the first 2 weeks post injury ). An MRI is used to diagnose the femoral avulsion.
Tearing of the ACL tibial insertion is treated early with arthroscopic internal fixation of the tibial spine. This allows early movement and much earlier return to sport than an ACL reconstruction. Again the diagnosis and treatment must be early.