How Is Psychological Outcome Related to Knee Function and Return to Sport Among Adolescent Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background:Adult patients who succeed in returning to their preinjury levels of sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been characterized by a more positive psychological response. It is not known whether this relationship is valid for adolescent athletes.Purpose:To investigate psychological readiness to return to sport, knee-related self-efficacy, and motivation among adolescent (15-20 years old) and adult (21-30 years old) athletes after ACL reconstruction. A further aim was to compare athletes (15-30 years old) who had recovered their muscle function and returned to sport with athletes who had not.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Data were extracted from a rehabilitation-specific register 8 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Athletes previously involved in knee-strenuous sport who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction were included. Data comprised psychological patient-reported outcomes and results from 5 tests of muscle function. Compariso...