Return to Sport following Multi-ligament Knee Injury

Description

Robert Straw, a knee ligament surgeon from Derby, presents a talk titled "Return to Sport Following Multiligament Knee Injury." He shares the story of an American football player who successfully returned to the NFL after undergoing surgery for a multiligament knee injury, raising questions about the standard expectations for recovery from such injuries. He explains the definition of multiligament knee injuries, highlighting their variety and potential severity, before discussing the challenges athletes face when returning to sport, including factors such as age, pre-existing conditions, and the demands of their sport.

Straw emphasizes that elite athletes often fare better than amateurs due to better access to medical care and rehabilitation resources. He notes the importance of timely surgical interventions, different surgical techniques, and considerations regarding graft types used in reconstructive surgery. Reviewing literature on return to sport, he points out that outcomes vary greatly depending on the injury's specifics and whether it is treated surgically or conservatively. Ultimately, Straw concludes that while return to sport is possible, achieving pre-injury performance levels remains a challenge, with medial injuries showing better outcomes compared to lateral injuries.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-210633

Specialties