[Return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction]

Abstract

Despite continuous advances in techniques for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), return to play (RTP) after surgery remains a challenge. More than one-third of the patients are unable to return to their preinjury sport level, for most because of a fear to sustain another injury. And when a RTP is attempted, up to 20% will tear their graft and a similar % will sustain an ACL tear on the opposite side. We believe that these failures result from an incomplete recovery. Based on a literature review and on our experience, we suggest 6 objective criteria to allow a safer RTP. They rely on laxity, strength, neuromuscular function, and psychological evaluations. Rehabilitation after ACLR should focus on the deficits identified by these tests and on they specific needs of the sport that the athlete plans to return to.