Functional performance tests as indicators of returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
BACKGROUND
There is a lack of standardized objective criteria to accurately assess the ability of a patient to progress through the end stages of rehabilitation and safely return to their previous level of athletic activity after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.


OBJECTIVE
To determine objective factors involved in returning to sports following ACL reconstruction.


METHODS
Based on our inclusion criteria of a minimum 2-year follow-up, pre-injury sports activity level of Tegner 5 or greater, we retrospectively evaluated 67 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction. The patients were divided into "return-to-sports" (n=51) and "non-return" groups (n=16) by surveying participants using a questionnaire. Comparisons between the two groups were made using pre-operative and post-operative International Knee Documentation Committee questionnaires (IKDC), Lysholm score, and KT-2000 arthrometer. Flexor and extensor muscle strength, and functional performance tests (one-leg-hop test, co-contraction, shuttle run, and carioca tests) were used for assessment.


RESULTS
Overall clinical results, including IKDC score, Lysholm score, and KT-2000 arthrometer, improved in all patients post-operatively and no significant difference was seen between the two groups (P>0.05). Although there was no significant difference in flexor or extensor deficits, one-leg-hop test, or shuttle run test, "return-to-sports" group obtained significantly better scores in the co-contraction and carioca tests (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Tests that assess rotational stability showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. Further prospective studies with larger cohort are needed to determine the factors associated with returning to sports after ACL reconstruction.


METHODS
Retrospective comparative study, Level III.
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Inje University, Seoul Paik Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Suk Hwan
SH
Jang
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Inje University, Seoul Paik Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: boram107@hanmail.net.
Jin Goo
JG
Kim
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Inje University, Seoul Paik Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Jeong Ku
JK
Ha
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Inje University, Seoul Paik Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Bae Gun
BG
Wang
Sports Medical Center, Inje University, Seoul Paik Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Sang Jin
SJ
Yang
D059549:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / Q000379:methods / Q000534:rehabilitation; D053587:Arthrometry, Articular; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005080:Exercise Test; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength; D063868:Patient Outcome Assessment; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
Anterior cruciate ligament; Functional performance tests; Reconstruction; Return to sports