Adolescent Patient, Parent, and Clinician Perceptions of Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament...

Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is challenging for adolescent patients concurrently experiencing growth and development, changes in attitudes and social interactions, and a gradual shift toward independence.

To examine the perceptions of information sharing and interpersonal communication among adolescent patients going through ACLR, their parents, and physical therapists (PTs) treating adolescent patients with ACLR.

Cross-sectional study.

University-affiliated sports medicine clinic.

Nine adolescent patients who had recently completed physical rehabilitation after ACLR, one of their parents, and PTs who treated adolescent patients with ACLR were recruited and enrolled.

Participants completed semistructured interviews. The interview scripts for patients, parents, and PTs intentionally addressed the same topics, with only minor modifications in wording as appropriate for each role. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a hybrid of deductive and inductive coding by trained members of the study team.

Patients, parents, and PTs perceived that interpersonal dynamics (eg, communication, external motivation) and stakeholder knowledge (eg, understanding of the psychological consequences of injury) influenced intrapersonal experiences (eg, emotional response, intrinsic motivation) during rehabilitation after ACLR. Additionally, patients and parents indicated that a lack of information about the rehabilitation process hindered their ability to obtain additional information from the PT and surgeon.

Participants from all stakeholder groups reported that orthopaedic surgeons and other members of the health care team may consider being more consistent when setting expectations, physical restrictions, and recovery timelines.