Measurement of post-operative function in an ecological study of ACL reconstruction

Abstract

This study prospectively observed and reported on clinical and functional performance-related outcomes following reconstruction using synthetic (LARS) and autograft (2ST/2GR) ACL grafts over a 2-year period. The results of this study can be used to guide expectations and appropriate use of outcome measures in post-operative ACL rehabilitation. Furthermore, on the basis of these findings, the results of this study indicate that clinicians might seek to prioritize functional performance tests and the rehabilitation themes they infer over clinimetric tests when seeking to optimize post-operative ACL activity outcomes. The observed strength between pre-operative and post-operative performance tests and return-to-sport outcomes within this study highlights the potential value of pre-operative conditioning before undergoing an ACL reconstruction. Future research should examine absolute predictive criterion thresholds for functional performance-based tests and re-injury risk reduction following ACL reconstruction, and also account for the presence of as many known modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors in the study design in order to maximize the generalizability of information about return to sport outcomes and graft failure results to clinical practice.

Date of Award	2016
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Canberra
Supervisor	Gordon Waddington (Supervisor), Jennie Scarvell (Supervisor) & Nick Ball (Supervisor)