Return to the Preinjury Level of Competitive Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

An athlete's desire to return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a major indication for ACL reconstruction surgery. Typical clearance to return is 6 to 12 months postoperatively. PURPOSE: To investigate the return-to-sport rate and participation level of a large cohort at 12 months after ACL reconstruction surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Data were analyzed for 503 patients who participated in competitive-level Australian football, basketball, netball, or soccer after ACL reconstruction surgery using a quadruple-strand hamstring autograft. Inclusion criteria included participation in competitive sport before the ACL injury and clearance from the orthopaedic surgeon to return to sport postoperatively. Patients completed a self-report questionnaire regarding preoperative and postoperative sports participation and the Cincinnati Sports Activity Scale. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee evaluation form and hop tests were used to evaluate knee function.