Why All Knee Injuries in Young Athletes Deserve Long-Term Attention – Not Just ACL Tears by Mark Corry APA Physiotherapist

When we think about serious knee injuries in young athletes, ACL tears usually come to mind. They’re the high-profile ones – the ones that get the headlines and the months of rehab. But what if other, more common knee injuries – like meniscus tears or ligament sprains can be just as important to treat thoroughly?

A recent study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (2025) has brought this issue into sharp focus. Researchers followed a group of young athletes (ages 11–19) for two years after they experienced a range of sport-related knee injuries. Their findings might surprise you.

The Hidden Impact of Knee Injuries

Even though some injuries might seem “less serious” than an ACL tear, the study showed they can still cause major strength loss:

• Young athletes lost 30% of their knee extension strength and 28% of their knee flexion strength early after injury.

• While many showed improvement in the first year, their strength gains plateaued after that.

• Two years later, most still had a 10–11% strength deficit – no matter what type of knee injury they had.

Why Strength Matters

Muscle strength – especially in the quadriceps (front thigh) and hamstrings (back thigh – is crucial for stability, performance, and injury prevention. Persistent weakness can affect how well an athlete moves, how safely they return to sport, and whether they’re more likely to get injured again.

What This Means for You and Your Young Athlete

If your child or teen has had a knee injury – even if it wasn’t an ACL tear – it’s worth paying close attention to their long-term recovery. Here are some key takeaways from the research:

1. All injuries deserve proper rehab.

Don’t assume that a “lesser” injury won’t have long-lasting effects. Strength recovery should be monitored and supported just like it would be after an ACL injury.

2. Quads and hamstrings matter.

Most rehab programs focus on quadriceps, but hamstring strength plays an equally important role in protecting the knee.

3. Recovery takes time.

Just because an athlete feels “better” doesn’t mean they’ve fully recovered. Strength deficits can linger well beyond the first year.

4. Ongoing support is essential.

Staying connected with a physiotherapist after the initial rehab can make all the difference in preventing future injuries and maintaining performance.

Final Thoughts

This study is a powerful reminder that all knee injuries should be taken seriously.. Our goal is to support them every step of the way, from early rehab to long-term strength and performance.

References:

Strength Setbacks: The Impact of Youth Sport-Related Knee Joint Injuries on Thigh Muscle Strength. A 24-Month Prospective Cohort Study Justin M. Losciale, Christina Y. Le, Núria E.J. Jansen, Leo Lu, Hui Xie, Cameron Mitchell, Michael A. Hunt, and Jackie L. Whittaker Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy 2025 55:2, 137-147