ACL Injury and Treatment
Repairing a young athlete's ACL tear
Many athletes fear they may someday feel the tear of an ACL, but if they do, it doesn't have to be career-ending. With the right treatment, care team and mindset, athletes can heal and safely return to their sport. We've pioneered new techniques to best heal growing athletes physically and mentally.
Read more about what an ACL tear is
Our families discuss their ACL tear experiences
Caroline and her parents share how they navigated the challenges and decisions during her ACL tear diagnosis and treatment.
ACL injury treatment options and resources
Choosing the best ACL graft for your young athlete's surgery can be challenging. There are two ways surgeons reconstruct the ACL: from either the patient's own knee, which is called an autograft, or using tissue from a donor, which is called an allograft.
ACL surgery overview
The ACL is a commonly injured ligament in the knee that stabilizes the knee during sports and activities. Learn about ACL surgery and how our pediatric surgeons ensure the best outcomes for growing athletes.
ACL reconstruction graft options
Choosing the best ACL graft can be challenging. There are two ways surgeons reconstruct the ACL: from either the patient's own knee, which is called an autograft, or using tissue from a donor, which is called an allograft.
Read more about ACL grafts
Our sports medicine team
Our pediatric orthopedic experts are specially trained to care for growing athletes. We have a fully integrated team of sports medicine doctors, athletic trainers, physical therapists, dietitians and nurses who deliver care geared exclusively to active growing bodies.
Meet our pediatric specialists
96%
ACL reconstruction graft success rate 24 months after surgery
53
Dedicated pediatric sports medicine specialists
35
Certified athletic trainers
Additional pediatric sports resources
Browse more stories from patients who inspire us every day by overcoming any obstacle.
Whether you're an athlete, a coach or a parent of an athlete, we have advice to help you succeed.
Our Sports Medicine Center leads the region in state-of-the-art treatment for young athletes.

Partnership with the University of Colorado School of Medicine
Children's Hospital Colorado partners with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, where many of our physicians and care providers serve as faculty.