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Evidence. Clarity. Practice.

© 2026 OrthoVellum. For educational purposes only.

Not medical advice. Verify clinically important information against current local guidance.

Back to Research
Level IIMust KnowSports MedicineProspective Cohort

Evidence brief

Return to Sport Criteria

Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction: Criteria and Outcomes

Authors
Grindem H, Snyder-Mackler L, Moksnes H, et al
Journal
Br J Sports Med
Year
2016

Key Findings

  • 1

    Passing return-to-sport criteria reduces reinjury by 84%

  • 2

    Time-based return alone is insufficient

  • 3

    Quadriceps strength >90% LSI critical

  • 4

    Hop tests, psychological readiness important

  • 5

    Returning before 9 months increases reinjury risk

Clinical Implications

Return to sport should be criteria-based, not time-based. Comprehensive testing including strength, hop tests, and psychological readiness significantly reduces reinjury risk.

Teaching Note

Know return to sport battery: quad strength >90% LSI, single-leg hop tests >90% LSI, no effusion, full ROM, psychological readiness (ACL-RSI score). Minimum 9 months before return. Discuss graduated return to sport protocol.

Citation

Grindem H et al. Simple decision rules can reduce reinjury risk by 84% after ACL reconstruction. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(13):804-808.

PubMedDOI

Evidence Level

II

Level II

Lesser quality RCT or prospective comparative study

Topics

ACLreturn to sportcriteriareinjury prevention

Related Topics

  • Acl Reconstruction
  • Rehabilitation
  • Sports Injury Prevention

External Links

View on PubMedView via DOI

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Stein T (2010)