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Abstract Midsubstance tears of the anterior cruciate ligament have become more common in patients with open physes. Significant controversy exists regarding management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children with open physes. Traditional management has been nonoperative, consisting of physical therapy, bracing, and activity modification. Surgical reconstruction has generally been postponed until the patient is skeletally mature. However, nonoperative management of (ACL) tears in children results in less than optimal results. Recurrent instability, pain, and an inability to return to the preinjury level of athletics often result. Even more worrisome are the risks of secondary meniscal tears and the possibility of early degenerative joint disease. Recently, there has been an increased interest in early, aggressive operative management to restore stability to the immature knee. |