ACL Repair on a 15 year old girl.

[JAK930]

My 15 year old daughter completely tore her ACL seven months ago.  She did competitive cheerleading which involved alot of tumbling.   Doctor said to wait until growth plates were closed to operate.  All growth plates in knee are now closed except one in the front that is slightly still open.  We were told there are 2 ways to repair the ACL.  Use either the Pitella or Hamstring.  We would really like her to have this surgery during her summer vacation so she doesn't miss school, so with her growth plate not completely closed they would have to use her Hamstring.  The doctor seems to want to wait until it is closed and use the Pitella.  Is there really a difference in the outcome on which surgery she has??  

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,

Many surgeons prefer the patellar tendon graft because it closely resembles what needs reconstruction. The length of the patellar tendon is about the same as the ACL, and the bone ends of the graft can be placed in to the bone where the ACL attaches. This allows for "bone to bone" healing, something many surgeons consider to be stronger than any other healing method
The primary problem with hamstring grafts is the fixation of the graft in the bone tunnels. When the patellar tendon is used, the bone ends heal to the bone tunnels "bone to bone" healing. With the hamstring grafts, a longer period of time is necessary for the graft to become rigid. Therefore, people with hamstring grafts are often protected for a longer period of time while the graft heals into placew

Refer  http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/aclrepain/a/aclgrafts.htm
Best