Return to Sport Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Scoping Review of Criteria Determining Return to Sport Readiness.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Provide a concise review of currently utilized functional metrics and patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs) determining appropriate return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Recent findings: When determining return to sport following ACLR, a limb symmetry index (LSI) ≥ 90% when compared to the contralateral extremity is the most commonly reported functional metric. LSI is most commonly assessed using isokinetic quadriceps strength, followed by single-leg vertical hop and cross-over hop test. A minimum ACL-Return to Sport Index (ACL-RSI) score of 68.2 was reported, as well as a mean International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score of 88.3%. A minimum Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Quality of Life (KOOS-QoL) of 62.5% was reported in a single investigation. There remains limited data on reported metrics guiding return to sport following ACLR. Evaluation of LSI when compared to the contralateral extremity is the most commonly reported functional measure, with ACL-RSI, IKDC and KOOS-QoL also being reported. Further investigations examining return to sport rate and the incidence of recurrent injury, factoring in differences in sex, competition level, and the presence or absence of concomitant meniscal injuries, based on functional metrics and PROMs is warranted to better understand which outcome measures are predictive of successful return to sport following ACLR.