Editorial Commentary: How to Treat the Overweight Pediatric Patient.

Abstract

Obese pediatric patients that incur an anterior cruciate ligament tear have an increased risk of an irreparable meniscal tear. Nevertheless, these patients should be treated the same as normal weight patients because they can do very well with standard anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction techniques and appropriate postoperative physical therapy as well as a delayed return to sports of at least 9 months. Obesity is an ever-increasing issue in the United States. Further work should be done to stem the rise of obesity because 1 consequence is a deleterious effect on meniscal tissue when a ligamentous knee injury occurs.