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Multiligamentous Knee Injury in a Skeletally Immature Athlete.

Murray J, Bijwadia S, Ristow J, Nelson B. ยท Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews ยท 2026

This is a single case report of a 13-year-old football player who tore his ACL, PCL, and MCL plus part of the lateral meniscus, and underwent surgical reconstruction of all three ligaments followed by structured rehab focused on progressive range of motion and strength. At 18 months he was pain-free, had equal leg lengths, and had returned to competitive football.
Takeaway: Expect a long, staged rehab focused on gradual range of motion then strength after major knee ligament surgery, and in growing athletes choose a surgeon experienced in protecting growth plates.
Abstract (source)

This case report details an adolescent boy aged 13 years 4 months who sustained a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, and medial collateral ligament with a partial lateral meniscus tear during a football injury. He underwent autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and allograft posterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament reconstruction, followed by partial lateral meniscectomy. Postoperative rehabilitation included progressive range of motion and strength training, with return to sport achieved after surgery. At the 18-month follow-up, the patient reported no pain, had normal limb lengths, and demonstrated excellent functional outcomes, including return to competitive football. This case highlights successful multiligamentous knee reconstruction in a skeletally immature patient and underscores the importance of graft selection and surgical technique to minimize physeal injury and reduce the risk of leg-length discrepancy, allowing full return to competitive sports.

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