Rerupture rate after ACL reconstruction in adolescent female soccer players: a case series.

Abstract

Evaluate the epidemiological profile, failure rate, and RTP in a highly homogeneous population of female soccer players under 18 years of age, all with Tegner activity level 9, who underwent ACL reconstruction using a bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autograft. We conducted a retrospective, single-center study including surgeries performed between October 2015 and February 2023. The study cohort was intentionally homogeneous: all participants were female soccer players under 18 years of age, actively competing with a Tegner activity level of 9. A total of 50 players were included. Mean age at surgery was 16.68 years (SD 1.15); mean BMI was 21.52 (SD 2.86. Six players (12%) suffered ipsilateral reruptures, all revised using Achilles tendon allografts with Lemaire-type lateral plasty. Among the 88% who returned to play (44/50): 18% returned at a higher competitive level, 56% at the same level, and 14% at a lower level. The mean time to RTP was 10.69 months (SD 2.28). The series demonstrated an 88% return-to-play rate and a 12% ipsilateral re-rupture rate, despite the high functional demands of the cohort (Tegner level 9). These findings suggest that, within a consistent surgical and rehabilitation framework, favorable long-term results can be achieved in adolescent female athletes.