Combined MCL and ACL tears in adolescent athletes are on the rise with increased sports participation. These type of injuries are much more common in adult athletes. Treatment is usually with bracing for the MCL tear and surgery for the ACL tear.
A recent study from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) reported on 12 cases of MCL-ACL tears in children ages 11 to 15. Hinged-bracing was used on the knee for four to six weeks. Bracing was used to treat the MCL injury. Arthroscopic repair of the ACL was done after that with a follow-up rehab program.
Patients were able to go back to their preinjury level of sports participation. All had pain free range of motion and near normal strength. Recovery from surgery and rehab doesn’t allow the athlete to finish the current season. Most are able to return within one to two years.