Personal and Psychological Perceptions of Return to Activities After Anterior Ligament Reconstruction Among Patients with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear in Jazan Province.

Abstract

Background: The knee joint is primarily stabilized by the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). ACL tear, a common injury resulting from sudden shock or intense forceful knee movement, is characterized by an ACL sprain or stretch. In Saudi Arabia, the incidence of ACL damage is estimated at 31.4%. Injuries can be contact-based (direct collision) or non-contact (imbalanced or flawed movement).

Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia between December 2022 and May 2023 to assess personal and psychological perceptions of returning to activities after ACL reconstruction. The study included 113 patients; data was collected via self-administered questionnaire, and data analysis was performed using SPSS 23rd version. This study provides valuable insights into the factors affecting the return to activities after ACL tears.

Results: The study found that most patients were male. Football is the most common physical activity associated with knee injury. Postoperative complication rates were low. Sex, site of injury, and reoperation were significantly associated with the perceived importance of the exercise score. Muscle strengthening postoperatively and age were significantly associated with knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome scores. Site of injury and ACL- quality of life score of "social and emotional" segment were significant factors associated with ACL - quality of life score of "entertaining and physical activity" segment. This study provides valuable insights into the factors affecting the return to ACL tear activity in the Jazan region.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of patient education and support for safe exercise and emotional well-being after ACL. We found correlations between injury location and exercise perception, thus emphasizing the need for a safe environment. Postoperative strengthening and age- and sex-specific strategies are also important, and emotional support is critical for rehabilitation success. Further research on patients' beliefs, motivations, and provider communication is needed.