How Can We Optimize a Safe Return to Sport for Youth Athletes? Emerging Concepts and Perspectives - Multidisciplinary...

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Physically active youth are susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, often requiring surgical intervention.
• Following ACL reconstruction (ACLR), athletes undergo rehabilitation and return-to-sport (RTS) testing.
• Multidisciplinary sports medicine teams are crucial for informed RTS decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize safe RTS strategies for athletes post-ACL injury.
• To synthesize expert clinical perspectives with research evidence.
• To utilize a clinical scenario of a female athlete with a history of ACL injury.

Main Methods:

• A clinical case of a young female basketball player with a history of ACL tear in the contralateral limb was presented.
• Objective measures including thigh circumference, range of motion, strength, hop tests, and psychological readiness were assessed at 9 months post-operation.
• Expert opinions from orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, sports psychiatrists, and performance scientists were gathered.

Main Results:

• Perspectives from a multidisciplinary team (orthopaedic surgeon, physiotherapist, sports psychiatrist, performance scientist) were obtained.
• Emerging concepts like neurocognitive rehabilitation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and phased RTS progression were discussed.
• The athlete's previous injury history and low psychological readiness influenced the RTS recommendations.

Conclusions:

• This article integrates clinical expertise and research for safe RTS after ACL injury.
• The discussed approaches, considering psychological readiness and tailored progression, can aid athletes in returning to sport safely.
• Multidisciplinary collaboration is key to optimizing RTS outcomes for young athletes.