ACL Surgery Return to Sport and Risk of Re-Injury

Returning to sport after ACL reconstruction is a significant milestone, but rushing back too soon from ACL surgery may increase the risk of ACL re-injury. A systematic review explored whether time to return to sport (RTS) is a key factor in second ACL injuries.

Key Takeaways:

  • Athletes who suffered a second ACL injury returned to sport about 25 days earlier after ACL surgery than those who returned to sport later.
  • The evidence linking earlier return to sport after ACL injury with a higher risk of re-injury is low in certainty, because timing alone may not fully explain re-injury risks. There are many factors involved but it’s an important fact to keep in mind when returning to sport after ACL surgery.

What This Means for Athletes: While the study suggests a slight increase in risk for athletes returning to sport after ACL surgery sooner, it highlights that ACL re-injury is influenced by multiple factors, not just timing. This emphasises the importance of using both time and functional performance as criteria for safe return to sport.

Physiotherapists’ Role: Physiotherapists should guide ACL patients through a balanced recovery, focusing on both time post ACL surgery and rehabilitation progress including strength, control, power, confidence etc. It is crucial to have collaborative decision-making between clinicians and patients, using individual progress and functional tests, ensures safer return to sport and lowers the risk of ACL re-injury.

Remember, taking the time for proper healing and recovery is key to long-term success in preventing ACL re-injury. At the physio crew we create individual plans to ensure you are confident and safe when returning to sport after ACL surgery.

To book with our clinicians, call our friendly staff on 9116 8691 or book online.

TPC

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