. 2012 Jan;40(1):41-8.

doi: 10.1177/0363546511422999. Epub 2011 Sep 23.

Return-to-sport outcomes at 2 to 7 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery

Clare L Ardern1, Nicholas F Taylor, Julian A Feller, Kate E Webster
Affiliations

Abstract

Background: Most people have not returned to their preinjury level of sports participation at 12 months after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. Twelve months’ follow-up may be too early to assess return-to-sport outcomes accurately.

Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate the medium-term return-to-sport outcomes after ACL reconstruction surgery.

Study design: Case series; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods: A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data at 2 to 7 years after ACL reconstruction surgery regarding preinjury sports participation, postoperative sports participation, and subjective knee function. The main inclusion criteria were participation in regular sports activity before injury and the attendance at routine surgical follow-up appointments.

Results: A total of 314 participants (mean age, 32.5 ± 10.2 years) were included at a mean 39.6 ± 13.8 months after ACL reconstruction surgery. At follow-up, 45% were playing sport at their preinjury level and 29% were playing competitive sport. Ninety-three percent of the study sample had attempted sport at some time after their ACL reconstruction surgery. Those who had not attempted their preinjury level of sport by 12 months after surgery were just as likely to have returned to preinjury level by 39 months after surgery as those who had played sport by 12 months (risk ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.6).

Conclusion: Less than 50% of the study sample had returned to playing sport at their preinjury level or returned to participating in competitive sport when surveyed at 2 to 7 years after ACL reconstruction surgery. Return to the preinjury level of sport at 12 months after surgery was not predictive of participation at the preinjury level in the medium term, which suggests that people who return to sport within 12 months may not maintain their sports participation.

 

CORE Omaha Explains…

By Dr. Mark Rathjen PT DPT CSCS

CORE Omaha Physical Therapy and Sports Performance PC.

Omaha Nebraska. 

What does this mean? ” Those who had not attempted their preinjury level of sport by 12 months after surgery were just as likely to have returned to preinjury level by 39 months after surgery as those who had played sport by 12 months (risk ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.76-1.6).”

This is an outline on Why Physical therapy is so important. Only 50% of the patients returned to play at the same level in the sport, 2-7 years post op. ACL reconstruction is a simple but delicate procedure, but the rehab is very complicated.

Most physical therapists do NOT specialize in athletes and therfore are able to perform the rehab legally. Ethically however, most physical therapists lack sports and athletic experience and movement knowledge to perform a successful return to play for an athlete.

Experience and development with protocol, adjusting protocols and continuity of care is a huge issue for a lot of out patient clinics. Mill clinics treat patients innappropriately to make corporate money for shareholders. This may include high therapist turnover, and use of tech and assistants with care of ACL patients, etc. overall is is a huge issue for the patient and their rehab.

At CORE Physical Therapy in Omaha, we specialize in athletes, and have rehabbed pro athletes, college athletes and high school athletes. We have also performed multiple rehab protocol schedules on older adults not playing competitive sports, but still living and active lifestyle.

Our facility makes us different, Our philosophy makes us different. We are very different. Come see the CORE difference and experience what makes us who we are. WE ARE THE BEST IN OMAHA.

 

C.O.R.E. Physical Therapy and Sports Performance PC,

At CORE Physical Therapy in Omaha, We specialize in the treatment of athletes. We have worked with athletes for a combined 30 years. 

This is who are, This is what we do. 

Owned and Operated

by

Dr. Mark Rathjen and Dr. Claire Rathjen. 

CORE is a family owned business that has been 

established in 2015 

We are proud to serve the greater Omaha metro area.

For More information, Please feel free to contact us https://coreomaha.com/contact/

Please feel free to follow us at https://www.facebook.com/COREomaha/

To get started https://coreomaha.com/getting-started/

For more Blog information https://coreomaha.com/blog/

CORE Physical Therapy and Sports Performance PC.

17660 Wright St, suites 9/10

Omaha, NE 68130

402-933-4027

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVg8OSN5h-i1n_ykw1Gvahg?view_as=subscriber

 

Cited by 82 articles