New Insights in ACL Rehabilitation: A KSSTA Editorial Overview

The latest editorial authored by Nicky van Melick, Eric Hamrin Senorski, Aleksandra Królikowska and Robert Prill published in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy (KSSTA), an official journal of European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) shines a spotlight on critical gaps in current anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation guidelines. It highlights that despite significant advances in research, key areas such as open kinetic chain (OKC) quadriceps strengthening, neurocognitive training, and psychological interventions have not been adequately updated in practice guidelines. The editorial emphasizes that combining OKC with closed kinetic chain exercises can enhance strength without compromising graft integrity—provided that clinicians carefully monitor for knee pain and effusion. Additionally, emerging evidence supports the inclusion of neurocognitive training, which improves reaction times, visual attention, and dual-tasking abilities, potentially reducing the risk of reinjury. Psychological support, tailored to individual patient needs, also remains a critical yet underutilized aspect of comprehensive ACL rehabilitation.

Link to the editorial: https://esskajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ksa.12600

Recognizing the pressing need for a unified approach to ACLR rehabilitation, a landmark consensus is currently in progress. Prepared by ESSKA in collaboration with the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and the American Academy of Sports Physical Therapy (AASPT), this initiative aims to merge emerging research with expert opinion into actionable recommendations. This consensus is particularly important in the context of evidence-based healthcare, as it bridges cutting-edge research and clinical expertise to improve patient outcomes and minimize the risk of reinjury. Robert Prill serves as one of the consensus chairs alongside Nicky van Melick, Eric Hamrin Senorski, and Aleksandra Królikowska, who are members of the steering committee.

If you want to read more about ESSKA consensus initiatives, we recommend checking out the two brilliant articles on the topic linked below.

https://esskajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ksa.12390

https://jeo-esska.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40634-023-00664-2