Tibial tunnel defect size as a risk factor in growth arrest following paediatric transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: an anatomical study.

Background: There is ongoing controversy regarding growth disturbances in younger patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. Animal models have shown that an injury of 7-9% of the physeal area is a risk factor for growth disturbances.

Methods: A total of 39 magnetic resonance imaging studies of the knee were examined.