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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology

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01-07-2016 | Original Article • KNEE - SPORT

Return to sport after ACL reconstruction: a survey between the Italian Society of Knee, Arthroscopy, Sport, Cartilage and Orthopaedic Technologies (SIGASCOT) members

Authors: Alberto Grassi, Alberto Vascellari, Alberto Combi, Luca Tomaello, Gian Luigi Canata, Stefano Zaffagnini, SIGASCOT Sports Committee

Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Issue 5/2016

Abstract

Background

A worldwide consensus for timing and criteria for return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is lacking. The aim of the study was to survey among the Italian Society of Knee, Arthroscopy, Sport, Cartilage and Orthopaedic Technologies (SIGASCOT) members in order to evaluate their approaches to the return to sport after ACL reconstruction regarding timing and criteria.

Methods

A web survey among the SIGASCOT members was performed, including 14 questions regarding technical and graft preferences, timing for return to training and competitive activity for contact and non-contact sports and criteria to allow return to sport.

Results

Totally, 123 members completed the questionnaire. Return to training sports was allowed within 6 month by 87 % for non-contact sports and by 53 % for contact sports. Return to competitive activity was allowed within 6 months by 48 % for non-contact sports and by 13 % for contact sports. Full ROM (77 %), Lachman test (65 %) and Pivot-Shift test (65 %) were the most used criteria to allow return to sport. The 90 % used at least one clinical score.

Conclusion

The SIGASCOT members showed various approaches in the return to sport after ACL reconstruction, with differences between return to training or competitive activity, and between contact and non-contact sports. Six months was generally considered adequate by most of the members for the most demanding activities. The most used criteria to allow return to sport were manual testing. A clear definition of sport activities and more objective criteria for the return to sport are needed.

Level of evidence

Level V, expert opinion.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Return to sport after ACL reconstruction: a survey between the Italian Society of Knee, Arthroscopy, Sport, Cartilage and Orthopaedic Technologies (SIGASCOT) members
Authors: Alberto Grassi
Alberto Vascellari
Alberto Combi
Luca Tomaello
Gian Luigi Canata
Stefano Zaffagnini
SIGASCOT Sports Committee
Publication date: 01-07-2016
Publisher: Springer Paris
Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology / Issue 5/2016
Print ISSN: 1633-8065
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1068
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-016-1756-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Return to sport after ACL reconstruction: a survey between the Italian Society of Knee, Arthroscopy, Sport, Cartilage and Orthopaedic Technologies (SIGASCOT) members

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence

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