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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy

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Open Access 09-12-2022 | Knee

Some, but not all, patients experience full symptom resolution and a positive rehabilitation process after ACL reconstruction: an interview study

Authors: Ramana Piussi, Cajsa Magnusson, Sara Andersson, Kaisa Mannerkorpi, Roland Thomeé, Kristian Samuelsson, Eric Hamrin Senorski

Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy | Issue 7/2023

Abstract

Purpose

To gain a deeper understanding of patients’ experiences over 5 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods

Seventeen semi-structured interviews were performed with patients treated with ACL reconstruction at least 5 years earlier without a second knee injury. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to methods described by Graneheim and Lundman.

Results

Patients’ long-term experiences after an ACL reconstruction were summarized as: “to cope or not to cope, that is the question”, and five main categories: (1) Adapting life after knee symptom: the past will not come back; (2) An arduous and demanding rehabilitation: sailing against the wind; (3) Accepting what cannot be changed: biting the bullet; (4) Being satisfied with results: end of a chapter; (5) Apprehensively peregrinating on an unknown road.

Conclusions

More than 5 years after ACL reconstruction, patients can experience full symptom resolution and the ACL injury process as positive, or experience persistent symptoms and are forced to accept negative life-changing choices due to the injury.

Level of evidence

IV.

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Title: Some, but not all, patients experience full symptom resolution and a positive rehabilitation process after ACL reconstruction: an interview study
Authors: Ramana Piussi
Cajsa Magnusson
Sara Andersson
Kaisa Mannerkorpi
Roland Thomeé
Kristian Samuelsson
Eric Hamrin Senorski
Publication date: 09-12-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy / Issue 7/2023
Print ISSN: 0942-2056
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7347
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-022-07271-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Some, but not all, patients experience full symptom resolution and a positive rehabilitation process after ACL reconstruction: an interview study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of evidence

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