Improving anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction outcomes using a unified return-to-sport communication framework

The poor outcomes for many athletes who attempt to return to sports at high-performance levels post-anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are concerning. Unless the surgeon and rehabilitation team communicate using a shared language from a common return-to-sport plan problem-solving and decision-making perspective, treatment outcomes have a high failure risk. Development and use of a shared language, such as that provided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework is recommended. This editorial discusses the need for the surgeon and rehabilitation team to better appreciate differing viewpoints, be active listeners and display professional empathy. In addition to time and physical performance impairment-based evaluations, greater consideration for athlete sex, age, socioeconomic and sociocultural personal and environmental factors may improve outcomes. Long-term outcome success through the achievement of sustainable, high-performance levels and decreased re-injury rates is more likely to occur when all unique factors that may adversely influence individual athlete recovery have been identified and effectively managed.