Psychological reactions and knee pain 3 months after return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

This study aimed to investigate changes in psychological reactions and knee pain 3 months after return to sports (RTS) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery, and to determine whether there were changes in psychological reactions and residual fear and knee pain upon RTS. Twenty-three patients underwent initial unilateral ACL reconstruction, returned to sports at the same level and in the same sport as before surgery, and were available for investigation until 3 months after RTS. The survey items were activity level, sports, satisfaction, Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale, knee pain, and fear at the time of RTS and 3 months after RTS. Both satisfaction and ACL-RSI score were significantly higher (p < 0.001), and fear was significantly lower (p< 0.05) at 3 months after RTS, but there was no significant difference in knee pain. The improvement in ACL-RSI score was attributed to increased satisfaction, decreased fear of reinjury, increased confidence in playing sports, and decreased fear. However, some patients still had residual scary motion and knee pain. Therefore, it is necessary to continue instruction in the correct use of the body to overcome fearful movements and ongoing follow-up for knee pain after RTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]