Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation and Return to Sport: How Fast Is Too Fast?

Abstract

This article summarizes the benefits and limitations of various approaches of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rehabilitation, more specifically a conservative or traditional rehabilitation approach versus a more accelerated approach. The conservative model is considered one with a return to sport at 9 months or later with more time-based criteria, and an accelerated approach is defined as one with a goal of return to sport by 6 months. Although there are some similarities between the 2 types of rehabilitation, key differences exist and will be highlighted. Additionally, we discuss a criteria-based return-to-sport model that we favor. Level of EvidenceV, expert opinion.