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Patient-based decision for resuming activity after ACL reconstruction: a single-centre experience

  • Original Article • KNEE - SPORT
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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to report the functional outcome following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in patients who decide when to resume work and normal sporting activity post-operatively. The hypothesis tested was that patient-based decision to return to work and sport was possible without compromising functional outcome and increased the rate of repeat rupture in comparison with the existing literature.

Methods

This was a monocentric, retrospective study. Seventy-two patients requiring primary ACL reconstruction were included. All patients were followed up for a mean period of 4.3 years. Return to work and to sporting activity was allowed based on patient’s decision. No restriction was suggested by the physician. Delays to return to work and sports and occurrence of graft failure were documented.

Results

Sixty-six patients (92 %) returned to any sporting activity. The mean delay was 4.1 months for running, 6.1 months for pivoting sports, and 6.6 months for contact sports. Return to competitive sport was possible in 82 % of patients after a mean delay of 7.1 months. Return to work was possible for 96 % of patients after a mean delay of 2.3 months. Index Tegner score normalized in 71 % of patients. Four repeat ruptures (6 %) were observed, all of them following a significant knee injury.

Conclusions

Patient-based decision to return to work and sport was possible without compromising functional outcome. The post-operative restrictions implemented by orthopaedic surgeons following ACL reconstructions may be relaxed and more patient based.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de la Main, University Hospital, 10 Avenue Baumann, 67400, Strasbourg, Illkirch, France

    Jean-Yves Jenny & Xavier Clement

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  1. Jean-Yves Jenny
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  2. Xavier Clement
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jean-Yves Jenny.

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Conflict of interest

JYJ has nothing to disclose in relationship to this study. He acknowledges receiving royalties from Aesculap, being a paid scientific consultant for Exactech, and being a unpaid scientific consultant for FH Orthopedics. XC has nothing to disclose.

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Jenny, JY., Clement, X. Patient-based decision for resuming activity after ACL reconstruction: a single-centre experience. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 26, 929–935 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-016-1861-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-016-1861-0

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