Return to Preinjury Function Following Knee Injury

Abstract

Athletic preinjury function is typically determined via patient recall, however obtaining preinjury function before injury occurs should be attempted. The purpose of this study was to obtain preinjury physical function baseline values using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), single-leg hop for distance (SLH), and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) anterior reach to determine if athletes return to those baseline values following knee injury. Out of 27 qualifying injuries, KOOS scores were significantly reduced at initial injury compared to baseline and all follow-up points (p ≤ .02). In most instances, baseline KOOS scores were not met at the discharge time point. SLH and SEBT recovered to baseline values by discharge. Injury severity and previous injury created variations in KOOS scores across multiple time points. Subjective and objective preinjury function can be re-established following knee injury but recovery may not occur at discharge from rehabilitation.