Sex-Specific Differences in Psychological Response to Injury and Return to Sport Following ACL Reconstruction.

Abstract

Abstract * Recent literature has focused on the psychological aspects associated with recovery that may affect outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.* Psychological factors such as self-efficacy, locus of control, athletic identity, and fear of reinjury have been shown to impact the recovery and rehabilitation process.* Men and women display different psychological responses to injury; men report greater self-efficacy postoperatively and a loss of overall self-worth with injury, whereas women are self-directed and exhibit greater anxiety concerning an injury’s impact on their lives and a loss of physical self-worth with injury.* Preoperative identification of sex-specific psychological factors that are known to affect return to sport following ACL reconstruction may contribute to improved return to sport and quality of life.