title: Web-based survey results: surgeon practice patterns in Italy regarding anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and rehabilitation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to report Italian orthopaedic surgeons' management of choice for ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation, and to compare surgical applications and rehabilitation approaches of Italian surgeons to the current approaches of "ACL Study Group". A secondary purpose was to compare the preferences of subgroup based on graft choice, surgical techniques and experience.
  
  
  METHODS
  A web-based survey was developed to investigate the attitudes of members of a national association specialized in sports traumatology and knee surgery (SIGASCOT) regarding surgical techniques, routine post-operative applications, rehabilitation approaches and starting time of specific activities and exercises following ACL reconstruction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 17 % (131 questionnaires). The most popular graft type was hamstring tendon (81 % in male patients, and 91 % in female patients). The rate of continuous passive motion use was 55 %. Half surgeons routinely used a brace (49 %), usually a hinged brace. In total, 33.0 % of surgeons allowed patients to load the operated knee as much as tolerated within the first 2 weeks. Fifty-nine per cent of surgeons did not limit full flexion within the first 2 weeks. Most surgeons advise to wait until 4 months or more (97 %) for return to sports not requiring contact, and 6 months or more for full-contact sport (86 %).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This survey demonstrates clear trends in the practice of ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation in Italy. The data obtained from the SIGASCOT members revealed a more conservative approach when compared to the current approaches of "ACL Study Group".
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional survey, Level III.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, Oderzo Hospital, Oderzo, Treviso, Italy. mascvoz@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vascellari
authors.affiliation: 2nd Orthopaedic and Traumatology Clinic, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grassi
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Combi
authors.affiliation: Isokinetic Medical Group, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tomaello
authors.affiliation: Centre of Sports Traumatology, Koelliker Hospital, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Gian Luigi
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Canata
authors.affiliation: 2nd Orthopaedic and Traumatology Clinic, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zaffagnini
mesh_terms: D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery*; D059549:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / Q000379:methods*; D001915:Braces; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D000070632:Hamstring Tendons / Q000637:transplantation*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D000072161:Orthopedic Surgeons; D017847:Patellar Ligament / Q000637:transplantation*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D000068958:Return to Sport; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament; Italy; Rehabilitation; Survey
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