Is your teen athlete facing ACL surgery? Are you an active adult who’s suffered a knee injury? 😔 Before you jump into surgery, there’s something important you should know: not all ACL reconstructions are created equal.
A recent 2025 study asks the big question: Should we add another procedure, called the Lateral Extra Articular Procedure, to make ACL surgery stronger and more protective? The answer may help your family make smarter, safer recovery choices. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
🧠 Wait, What’s the ACL?
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a key band of tissue inside the knee that keeps the shin bone from sliding too far forward. It helps athletes change direction quickly, land from jumps, and stay stable. Think of it like a strong rope inside your knee that keeps everything tight and controlled. 🪢
When it tears, often during sports like soccer, football, or basketball — many people choose surgery to rebuild it. The generally type of procedure is typically what we call an ACL reconstruction.
🧩 What Is a “Lateral Extra Articular Procedure” (LEAP) and Why Does It Matter?
When someone gets ACL surgery, the focus is usually on the inside of the knee where the torn ligament is replaced. But new research is highlighting the benefits of also strengthening the outer part of the knee. That is where the Lateral Extra Articular Procedure or LEAP comes in.
So what exactly is it? 🤔
LEAP is an additional surgical step that reinforces the outer structures of the knee to limit excessive rotation or twisting. These twisting motions are common during sports that involve cutting, pivoting, or quick changes in direction. These are also the movements that often lead to ACL injuries in the first place. ⚽🏀
Here is a simple way to picture it:
Think of the ACL as the main lock inside a door.
LEAP adds a second lock on the outside giving you another layer of protection when the door (your knee) is under pressure.
This is not just a bonus feature. For many athletes especially teenagers and young adults in high risk sports LEAP may:
- Reduce the risk of reinjury
- Improve control during fast movements
- Boost confidence when returning to sports
The study by Kan et al. (2025) showed that adding LEAP did not reduce range of motion. Athletes who received it returned to sports at similar rates but had fewer reinjuries compared to those who had only the standard ACL reconstruction.
So even though it may seem like an extra step, LEAP is actually a smart upgrade for those looking to protect their recovery and stay in the game with more confidence.
🔍 What Did the Study Look At?
Researchers followed 715 young athletes, all getting ACL surgery. Some had:
- Just the regular ACL surgery, and others had
- ACL surgery plus this extra lateral support (LEAP).
They tracked:
- Who needed a second ACL surgery (re-tear)
- How strong and stable their knee was after rehab
- How well they returned to sports 🏃♀️🏈🎾
🏆 Key Takeaways (in Plain English)
✅ The extra procedure helped prevent re-injury.
Patients who had the lateral procedure were less likely to tear the same ACL again and the one on the other leg!
✅ Especially helpful for young, high-risk athletes.
Teens and early 20-somethings playing cutting/pivot sports saw the biggest benefits. Think soccer, football, basketball; really any sport that requires fast turns and stops.
✅ No major downside in knee function.
People who got the extra procedure didn’t have more stiffness, worse motion, or poor outcomes. It didn’t hurt them in any way and for some helped!
🧒 Who Should Consider This?
Parents: if your child is under 25 and plays sports involving jumping, cutting, or pivoting, this procedure could mean:
- Lower chance of re-injury
- Faster return to confident play
- Less chance of needing another surgery later
Weekend warriors in their 30s and 40s can also benefit, especially if they’ve torn their ACL before or have loose knees.
💬 FAQs Answered Simply
💡 Q: Will my teen lose motion or flexibility with this extra procedure?
A: According to this study, no! Kids who had the extra procedure had similar knee motion compared to those who didn’t.
💡 Q: Does this make rehab longer or harder?
A: Rehab plans are almost the same. The biggest difference is better protection during high-risk phases like jumping and cutting.
💡 Q: Is it only for elite athletes?
A: No, it helps anyone doing high-risk sports or with a history of knee problems.
📉 The Numbers That Matter
📊 According to the study:
- Those with the added procedure had a much lower risk of re-tear
- Return-to-sport rates were just as high
- No big difference in complications like stiffness or pain
This means more protection with the same recovery.
📍 Local Perspective
If you’re in Hillsboro, Beaverton, Cornelius, or Forest Grove, ask your orthopedic surgeon or sports physical therapist whether this lateral extra-articular procedure is right for your child or for you!
Too many athletes re-tear their ACL within 2 years, especially young ones. This study gives families a smarter path forward.
🏁 Final Thoughts
ACL tears are scary. Surgery can be overwhelming. But this study shows that with the right surgical choice, young athletes and active adults can:
✅ Heal stronger
✅ Lower their re-injury risk
✅ Return to sports with confidence
If your surgeon suggests a LEAP or lateral reinforcement, it might be the best choice for staying in the game 🏆.
📞 Looking for Guidance After ACL Surgery?
At Pain & Performance Coach in Hillsboro, we help high school athletes and weekend warriors get back to what they love — safely and confidently. Whether you’re post-op or planning your options, our team uses the latest evidence-based rehab to protect your knees and future.
📌 Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please consult your orthopedic surgeon to decide what’s right for you or your child.