Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury
The ACL is one of four major ligaments of the knee joint that helps to maintain the knees rotational stability and to keep the shin bone (tibia) from sliding or shifting forward in relation to the thigh bone (femur).
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The ACL is, unfortunately, far too commonly injured in athletes and active individuals and may often result in necessary surgery to restore the structural integrity and functionality of the knee while running, jumping, and changing direction.
Recovery from ACL injury can be a long, complex, process that requires skilled rehabilitation and a methodical approach to exercise progression to effectively and safely return to sport and activity.
Returning to prior level of function with the lowest risk of a re-tear can take upwards of 9+ months. Research suggests that approximately 1-in-5 athletes sustain a reinjury upon return to sport and the current re-tear rate after ACL Reconstruction (ACLR) is upwards of 30%. These high reinjury rates can be attributed to surgical approach, graft type, incomplete rehabilitation and/or returning too soon before the tissue is ready for the demands of sport (<9 months).
The Athletic Trainers at Infinite Athletic Training have provided care and rehabilitation to many athletes who have sustained ACL tears ranging from immediate diagnosis and acute post-injury care, "Pre"-hab, post-surgical rehabilitation, and the 6-9 month post-surgical return-to-play.
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Let us help you get off the sidelines and back in the game.
- Infinite Athletic Training
What the research says...
“Returning to knee-strenuous sport before 9 months after ACL reconstruction was associated with an approximately 7 fold increased rate of sustaining a second ACL injury.”
Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy
Beischer, Susanne, et al. “Young Athletes Who Return to Sport Before 9 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Have a Rate of New Injury 7 Times That of Those Who Delay Return.” journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy 50.2 (2020): 83-90.
“The reinjury rate was significantly reduced by 51 % for each month RTS (Return To Sport) was delayed until 9 months after surgery, after which no further risk reduction was observed.”
British Journal of Sports Medicine
Grindem, H., L. Snyder-Mackler, and H. Moksnes. “Simple decision rules reduce reinjury risk after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: the Delaware–Oslo cohort study.” Br J Sports Med Published Online First 9 (2016).
Athletes passed return to sport criteria 232 ± 99 days after ACLR. One year after ACL reconstruction 95% had returned to sport, 78% at their preinjury level. Two years after ACL reconstruction all athletes had returned to sport, 95% at their preinjury level and only one athlete had a second ACL injury.
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
Arundale, Amelia JH, et al. “Two year ACL reinjury rate of 2.5%: outcomes report of the men in a secondary ACL injury prevention program (ACL-SPORTS).” International journal of sports physical therapy 13.3 (2018): 422.