Should we measure return-to-play or return-to-performance?

Abstract

Dear Sir, Should we measure return-to-play or return-to-performance? Much discussion has taken place over the last several decades regarding returning an athlete to the field of play. Controversy still reigns with respect to those with a concussion or spinal injury. However, we have great confidence in returning an athlete to play after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery; or do we? The current trend is to push athletes back to play sooner, despite what might be evidence to the contrary. An ACL tear in an elite athlete was considered a career-threatening injury in the 1960s. In the 1980s arthroscopic techniques appeared to improve outcomes and success was more likely. Then, in the 1990s, the introduction of aggressive rehabilitation …