Sports Medicine

Revision ACLR athletes return less often, later, and with lower psychological readiness

This meta-analysis synthesized 19 observational studies including 3209 mostly male athletes undergoing primary or revision ACL reconstruction. Compared with primary ACLR, revision ACLR patients had lower odds of returning to sport (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.49–0.89). They were also less likely to return at preinjury competition level (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36–0.76) and returned about 1.2 months later. Psychological readiness scores were moderately lower after revision ACLR (standardized mean difference −0.75), indicating more fear or uncertainty around RTS. 1

Strength symmetry after ACLR does not normalize single-leg landing mechanics

This cross-sectional study evaluated 40 hamstring-graft ACLR patients at RTS (~10 months) and 20 controls during single-leg drop landings. ACLR athletes were stratified into high (≥85%) and low strength symmetry groups using quadriceps and hamstring limb symmetry indices. Both ACLR groups showed reduced peak knee extension moments and vertical ground reaction forces in the operated limb compared with controls, regardless of strength symmetry. The lower-symmetry ACLR subgroup also demonstrated greater landing asymmetry, reflecting persistent neuromuscular control deficits beyond isokinetic measures. 2

Bilateral adductor longus tenotomy enables predictable RTP in professional soccer

This retrospective case series followed 100 elite male soccer players undergoing bilateral open adductor longus tenotomy for dynamic pubic osteopathy. All players returned to competitive soccer, with a median return-to-play time of 87 days (IQR 62–128). Ninety-eight of 100 resumed competition at their preinjury level; one returned at a lower level and one retired for unrelated reasons. Major complications and reoperations were tracked, with no patients lost to follow-up across the study period. 3