Sociodemographic Predictors of Postpresentation Delay to Pediatric ACL Reconstruction and Associated Intra-articular Injury Severity

The authors aimed to investigate the impact of sociodemographic and structural determinants on postpresentation delays for pediatric anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and their association with intra-articular injury severity and functional outcomes. They found that factors such as race/ethnicity, insurance type, and neighborhood deprivation were linked to prolonged surgical delays, which in turn correlated with an increased risk of high-grade cartilage injury. The study highlights significant disparities in access to timely orthopedic care for pediatric patients, emphasizing the need for addressing these systemic issues.