title: A conceptual framework for a sports knee injury performance profile (SKIPP) and return to activity criteria (RTAC).
abstract: Injuries to the knee, including intra-articular fractures, ligamentous ruptures, and meniscal and articular cartilage lesions, are commonplace within sports. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and enhanced rehabilitation, athletes returning to cutting, pivoting, and jumping sports after a knee injury are at greater risk of sustaining a second injury. The clinical utility of objective criteria presents a decision-making challenge to ensure athletes are fully rehabilitated and safe to return to sport. A system centered on specific indicators that can be used to develop a comprehensive profile to monitor rehabilitation progression and to establish return to activity criteria is recommended to clear athletes to begin a progressive and systematic approach to activities and sports. Integration of a sports knee injury performance profile with return to activity criteria can guide clinicians in facilitating an athlete's safe return to sport, prevention of subsequent injury, and life-long knee joint health.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Logerstedt
authors.affiliation: University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
authors.forename: Amelia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arundale
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lynch
authors.affiliation: University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Snyder-Mackler
mesh_terms: D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020127:Recovery of Function