Evaluation of the rehabilitation process after ACL rupture in childhood and adolescence

Abstract

Problem: Serious knee injuries are gaining epidemiological importance. Especially in childhood, a very significant increase in knee ligament injuries, in particular ACL ruptures, can be observed. In Saxony alone, more than 70 ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament occur each year as a result of accidents during physical education (PE). Six months after surgery, the students are normally classified as fully fit for sports and are allowed to participate in PE without restrictions. However, the number of reinjuries is very high which limits the quality of life of those affected in the long term and places a heavy financial burden on insurance companies. Methods: Therefore the status quo in the rehabilitation of schoolchildren after ACL rupture was assessed using a multilevel test battery and taking into account known risk factors such as gender, motor competence and BMI. Results: The results show that there are large interindividual differences in the funktional outcomes as well as a large discrepancy between rehabilitation status and return to physical education. Discussion: In order to effectively manage the process of rehabilitation and return to school sports, individual information is necessary in the multimodal setting. To this end, all those involved should be sensitized and trained. Key Words: Knee Injury, Return-to-Sport, Biomechanics of Sports, Prevention, School Sports