Effect of Graft Rupture Prevention Training on Young Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An 8-Year Prospective Intervention Study

Abstract

Background: There is a lack of research on the effects of a postoperative rehabilitation program on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft rupture. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that a hip-focused rehabilitation protocol with graft rupture education and avoidance training (HIP-GREAT program) would demonstrate lower ACL graft rupture rates compared with a traditional physical therapy (PT) program. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study consisted of young athletes who had undergone ACL reconstruction at a single institution. Postoperatively, 136 participants (mean age, 16.9 ± 2.4 years) were enrolled in a traditional PT protocol between 2006 and 2010, and 153 participants (mean age, 17.0 ± 2.3 years) were enrolled in the HIP-GREAT protocol between 2011 and 2015. Follow-up rates were 31% (42/136) and 27% (41/153) in the traditional PT and HIP-GREAT groups, respectively, at 3 years postoperatively. The hazard ratio was calculated, and absolute risk reduction (ARR) and number-needed-to-treat (NNT) analyses were performed to compare the 2 protocols. Results: ACL graft rupture occurred in 10 patients (7.4%) in the traditional PT group and 5 patients (3.3%) in the HIP-GREAT group. This difference was not statistically significant (hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.14 to 1.16; P =.09). The ARR was 0.041 (95% CI, –0.011 to 0.093), and the NNT was 24.5. Conclusion: This study did not demonstrate a statistically significant reduction of ACL graft rupture in patients in the HIP-GREAT group. However, high ARR values and low NNT values were found, which suggests the possible effectiveness of the HIP-GREAT protocol to reduce ACL graft ruptures in young athletes.