Understanding the Impact of ACL Surgery on Height

Height is primarily influenced by genetics and the growth plates in the bones, which typically close after puberty. For most individuals, significant height increase becomes unlikely once the growth plates have fused, usually around the late teenage years to early twenties. However, ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) surgery may have some indirect effects on growth, especially if the surgery occurs before the growth plates have closed. This article delves into the relationship between ACL surgery and height, highlighting the importance of timing and other factors.

Genetics and Growth Plates

Height is a complex trait influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. During the teenage years, growth is driven by the lengthening of bones through the growth plates (also known as epiphyseal plates). These plates gradually close, typically between the late teens and early twenties, marking the end of significant height growth. Once growth plates close, the potential for height increase diminishes significantly.

ACL Surgery and Height

ACL surgery, which is commonly performed for ACL tears, does not directly affect height. The primary goal of ACL surgery is to repair the torn ligament, restore knee stability, and aid in the recovery process. ACL surgery typically involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft (often from the patient's own body or a donor). While this procedure focuses on the knee joint, it does not alter the growth plates or bone structures in a way that would increase height.

However, if ACL surgery is performed before the growth plates have fused, there are some indirect effects to consider. These effects may include changes in activity levels and participation in physical therapy, which could influence overall physical development. But these changes are not expected to result in a measurable increase in height.

Timing is Critical

The timing of ACL surgery in relation to growth plate closure is a crucial factor in determining the impact on height. If the surgery is performed after the growth plates have fused, height increase is not expected, as the potential for bone growth has largely been exhausted. Conversely, if the surgery is performed before the growth plates have fully closed, the indirect effects on growth might be observed.

Dr. Dushyant Chouhan, an MBBS MS Orthopedic Surgeon, emphasizes the importance of elective timing and proper rehabilitation after surgery. He states, 'ACL surgery does not contribute to human height, so focus on post-operative care and rehabilitation for the best recovery.' Dr. Jaimin Patel, an MS Orthopedics from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, further clarifies, 'The goal of ACL surgery is to repair the torn ACL ligament and ensure a healthy knee joint, not to alter height.' These statements reinforce the idea that ACL surgery is a means to restore knee function and not a factor in height increase.

Additional Ligament Surgeries

It's worth noting that ACL surgery is not the only ligament surgery performed in the knee joint or other regions of the body. Other common ligament surgeries include those for the PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament), MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament), and LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament). Shoulder ligament surgeries are also performed via endoscopic techniques. These surgeries are focused on repairing damaged ligaments and do not impact height.

Conclusion

In summary, while ACL surgery itself does not increase height, the timing of the surgery in relation to growth plate closure is a critical factor. If the surgery is performed after the growth plates have fused, height increase is not expected. However, if performed before the growth plates have closed, there might be some indirect effects on growth due to changes in activity levels and physical therapy. These effects, however, are unlikely to result in a measurable increase in height. The primary goal of ACL surgery is to restore knee function and overall quality of life, not to alter height.

For more detailed information and professional medical advice, consult with an orthopedic surgeon or healthcare provider who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific case and medical history.