ACL return-to-play check
Enter your latest test results from your physiotherapist. The check compares them with the criteria linked to a lower risk of re-injury after ACL reconstruction. Leave anything you haven’t been tested on blank.
Operated leg as a % of the other leg
Lowest score across your hop tests
Psychological readiness questionnaire
Can you fully straighten and bend the knee, matching the other side?
Have you finished on-field, sport-specific rehab (cutting, pivoting, full training without contact)?
Why criteria, not just time
Going back to pivoting sport after ACL reconstruction carries a real risk of re-injury. In the Delaware-Oslo ACL cohort, the re-injury rate fell by about half for each month that return to sport was delayed, up to 9 months after surgery. Athletes who returned with symmetrical quadriceps strength also had fewer re-injuries.
Strength symmetry is reported as the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI): the operated leg's result as a percentage of the other leg. Be careful with high LSI scores when both legs have lost strength. Your physiotherapist will also look at absolute strength, movement quality and how you handle fatigue.
Need testing? Our sports team runs strength and hop testing at the Malleshwaram clinic. See sports physiotherapy.
Sources
- Grindem H, Snyder-Mackler L, Moksnes H, Engebretsen L, Risberg MA. Simple decision rules can reduce reinjury risk by 84% after ACL reconstruction: the Delaware-Oslo ACL cohort study. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(13):804–808.
- Kyritsis P, Bahr R, Landreau P, Miladi R, Witvrouw E. Likelihood of ACL graft rupture: not meeting six clinical discharge criteria before return to sport is associated with a four times greater risk of rupture. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(15):946–951.
- Webster KE, Feller JA. Development and validation of a short version of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale. Orthop J Sports Med. 2018;6(4).
- van Melick N, et al. Evidence-based clinical practice update: practice guidelines for anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(24):1506–1515.
This tool is general information, not a diagnosis. It doesn't replace an assessment by your physiotherapist or doctor. Read our medical disclaimer and editorial policy.
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