Delayed treatment increases chance of future knee injuries
Kids who are treated for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury more than 150 days 
after the injury occurred could have a higher chance of future knee injuries.
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center conducted research on children who delayed ACL reconstruction surgery. The results showed that the delay increased the risk of having a medial meniscus or chondral injury in the knee in their future.
The additional injuries can cause prolonged recovery time, hinder their return to play, and worsen the long-term function of their knee.
The research also showed that out of 370 patients who had ACL reconstruction between 2005 and 2011, 200 patients were older than 15 and 170 patients were younger than 15. The study also showed children 15 or older having a higher chance of medial femoral chondral injury.
