Advanced Knee Care

Knee Surgeon and Specialist Stefan D. Tarlow, M.D.

Return to Sport and Reinjury After ACL Reconstruction in Young Athletes

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ACL surgery is common in high school and adolescent athletes.  Many return to sport at an average of 10 months after surgery.

The most common grafts used in this age group are hamstring and patellar tendon autografts (from the patient-not cadaver).

91 % of athletes returned to sports at an average of 10 months.  The 9 % that did not return were physically able to return but made a decision not to risk reinjury to either knee.

19 % of the patients re-tore the ACL in the same knee and 13 % of patients re-tore the ACL in the opposite knee.  The prevalence of a second ACL tear was 32 %.  The data in this study showed an earlier return to sport in this age group increased the likelihood of ACL re-tear (either knee).

We still have a lot to learn about young athletes and ACL tear.  Two things are certain.  The re-tear rate for each knee is high and early return to sport is a risk factor for repeat ACL tear.

ACL Reconstruction Recovery

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ACL reconstruction knee surgery includes repairing or reconstructing the ACL, which is the anterior cruciate ligament. This type of surgery benefits the athletes who have injured or torn their ACL.

Effective, efficient recovery and patient satisfaction are two of the most important goals after ACL reconstruction knee surgery. This is done by restoring the normal stability of the knee, as well as the level of function. It also helps prevent degeneration and possible injuries in the future.

ACL Reconstruction Recovery

How effective is ACL reconstruction, especially when it comes to the return to play aspect? Let us take a look into a study conducted in New York. The study involved 230 patients and the results of which were published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery in 2017. Based on the study, the efficient recovery and patient satisfaction are high after ACL reconstruction recovery in active athletes. The results and findings of the study are reported and recorded as follows:

  • 87 % of people returned to play by a mean of 10 months (range 3-17 months)
    Most notably, patellar tendon autograft patients had the highest likelihood of return to play. However, it was found out that participation in soccer and lacrosse decreased the odds of returning to play; as such sports require strenuous and intense usage of the knees and legs.
  • 95 % of people were satisfied with their surgical outcome, most of which are athletes. Moreover, 98% of patients stated they would undergo the surgery again. This goes to show that the patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction felt stronger and more confident after the procedure.
  • However, there are patients who are concerned about the “strength” of their knee. In fact, this is the most common reason why patients are afraid to or have doubts of returning to play.
  • But overall, patients who returned to play were very satisfied with their surgical results.

The important thing about ACL reconstruction is its effects and satisfaction rate. You may not be able to restore the same function as the original, but at least you will still be able to return to play and engage in sports and other activities.

If you wish to know more about ACL reconstruction, how it works, what are the risks and others, check out Tarlow Knee. We perform ACL reconstruction and other knee surgery. Make an appointment with us today.

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