This study investigates the heightened risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reinjury in patients who exhibit generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) following initial ACL reconstruction and a return to sport.
Researchers utilized a rehabilitation registry to compare outcomes between patients with and without GJH, focusing on the incidence of a second ACL injury within a 12-month period.
The findings indicate that individuals with GJH face over five times greater odds of sustaining another ACL injury, whether to the same knee or the opposite one.
The authors emphasize the critical need for assessing joint laxity in patients considering a return to high-intensity sports after ACL reconstruction, suggesting it should be a key factor in aggregated risk assessments.
They also recommend further research into individualized surgical and rehabilitation strategies for this population, including optimal graft choices and potentially delaying return to sport.
(Zsidai B, Piussi R, Thomeé R, Sundemo D, Musahl V, Samuelsson K, et al. Generalised joint hypermobility leads to increased odds of sustaining a second ACL injury within 12 months of return to sport after ACL reconstruction. Br J Sports Med [Internet]. 2023;57(15):972–8. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2022-106183)