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Return to sport likely for French Alpine skiers following ACL rupture
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Findings from this study showed after an ACL rupture it was possible to return to preinjury performance or even higher and age is a high indicator for postoperative recovery.
Researchers evaluated skiers who competed in the national French Alpine ski team for one season from 1980 to 2013, of which 239 were male and 238 were female. Investigators divided the skiers into two group, one group were those who sustained an ACL rupture and group 2 were skiers who had not sustained an ACL rupture.
Performance indicators included were French Ski Federation point calculations and rankings, World Cup podium finishes, World Championships and Olympic Games. Investigators used the student t test to compare the two groups with regards to mean career lengths, mean age and skiers whose performance was affected after the ACL rupture.
Results showed skiers who sustained ACL ruptured compared with those who did not had significantly longer mean career lengths. In both groups, women compared with men ended their careers significantly earlier. Investigators noted all skiers with ACL ruptures were able to continue competitive careers after the injury.
The mean age for ACL tear for woman was 19.9 years which was significantly earlier than men at 22.6 years. Overall, before ACL ruptures skiers achieved 55 podiums and after injury they achieved 176 podiums. According to researchers, those whose performances improved after ACL tears compared with those who did not see improvements were significantly younger. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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