Alarming underutilisation of rehabilitation in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Four ways to change the game

To help clinicians improve outcomes through better utilisation of rehabilitation after ACLR, we offer four suggestions: 1. The importance of regaining function after ACLR must be recognised by all stakeholders: policymakers (third-party payers), orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation clinicians, coaches and athletes (and their parents/guardians when under age). 2. Orthopaedic surgeons and rehabilitation clinicians must join forces to promote evidence-based practice, including the use of objective measures for progression and RTS. 3. Evidence-based patient education should occur before all surgical or rehabilitation decision-making, and continue as rehabilitation progresses. This will ensure that the athlete can make an informed commitment to a treatment plan. 4. Orthopaedic surgeons and rehabilitation clinicians must acknowledge their roles in building and maintaining athlete motivation for rehabilitation.