Anterior cruciate ligament injuries – prevention, management and long-term consequences

Abstract

Overview: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is increasing, with Australia having the highest ACL rupture rates in the world. Implementing evidence-based injury prevention programs is more important than ever. With an increasing injury incidence comes a growing burden – not only time away from sport during lengthy rehabilitation, but long-term consequences including the early-onset of osteoarthritis and quality of life impairments. The aim of this symposium is to showcase the emerging body of evidence informing the prevention and management of ACL injuries, including neuromuscular injury prevention programs, operative vs non-operative management and state-of-the-art rehabilitation approaches. Highlighting the consequences of ACL injuries and avenues to optimise longer-term outcomes will help to inform best practice in this population. Dr Andrea Bruder will discuss the latest evidence in preventing ACL injuries; Prof Ewa Roos will address the controversy of operative vs. non-operative management; Prof May Arna Risberg will present an international best-practice exercise-therapy approach to rehabilitation; Dr Adam Culvenor will summarise the costs and public health impact of ACL injuries; Brooke Patterson will present evidence related to specific risk factors for reinjury and early osteoarthritis, while Prof Kay Crossley will propose a framework for addressing the challenges associated with post-traumatic osteoarthritis prevention and optimising quality of life. The symposium will conclude with a discussion of future directions of research informing best practice in preventing and managing ACL injuries.