APKASS 2024 consensus statement on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, part Ⅲ: Return to play after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
8
Issued Date
2026-07-01
Resource Type
eISSN
22146873
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105039231773
Journal Title
Asia Pacific Journal of Sports Medicine Arthroscopy Rehabilitation and Technology
Volume
45
Start Page
1
End Page
7
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Asia Pacific Journal of Sports Medicine Arthroscopy Rehabilitation and Technology Vol.45 (2026) , 1-7
Suggested Citation
Liang Z., Hoshino Y., Moatshe G., Wang J.H., Issaragrisil P., Mogos S., Saengpetch N., Phornphutkul C., Kim J.G., Kuroda R., Kulkamthorn N., Koga H., Otsuki S., Akagi R., Lee S.H., Eriksson K., Yoon K.H., Chernchujit B., Keyurapan E., Raoulis V., Siebold R., Ng J.P., Yung P.S.H., Ong M.T.Y. APKASS 2024 consensus statement on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, part Ⅲ: Return to play after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Asia Pacific Journal of Sports Medicine Arthroscopy Rehabilitation and Technology Vol.45 (2026) , 1-7. 7. doi:10.1016/j.asmart.2026.05.006 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116922
Title
APKASS 2024 consensus statement on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, part Ⅲ: Return to play after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Author's Affiliation
Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan university
Siriraj Hospital
Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University
Graduate School of Medicine
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Faculty of Medicine
Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences
Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Kyung Hee Medical Center
Södersjukhuset
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
Norges Idrettshøgskole
University Hospital of Larissa
Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University
Phramongkutklao College of Medicine
ATOS Praxisklinik Heidelberg
Bangkok Hospital Medical Center
Nord Hospital
Myongji Hospital
Oyumino Central Hospital
Siriraj Hospital
Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University
Graduate School of Medicine
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Faculty of Medicine
Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences
Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
Kyung Hee Medical Center
Södersjukhuset
Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
Norges Idrettshøgskole
University Hospital of Larissa
Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University
Phramongkutklao College of Medicine
ATOS Praxisklinik Heidelberg
Bangkok Hospital Medical Center
Nord Hospital
Myongji Hospital
Oyumino Central Hospital
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Objective: To establish a standardized set of criteria for Return to Play (RTP) after Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction based on a consensus among international experts. Methods: An international group of ACL experts convened at the APKASS 2024 Consensus Meeting to address the variability in RTP criteria. Using a structured questionnaire, the experts evaluated six key areas: clinical assessment, functional testing, psychological factors, rehabilitation and reinjury prevention, surgery-related factors, and stakeholder insights. Data were analyzed using a predefined consensus threshold of 75% agreement. Results: The consensus identified several key recommendations for RTP, emphasizing the avoidance of purely time-based decision-making in favour of a more comprehensive approach that incorporates functional and psychological assessments, and sport-specific demands. Notable findings included the endorsement of manual stability tests (Lachman and Pivot Shift) as important components of evaluating knee stability, the critical role of psychological readiness, and the importance of a multifaceted approach involving various stakeholders in the RTP decision-making process. Conclusion: The APKASS 2024 Consensus Statement provides a comprehensive, expert consensus-based framework for RTP after ACL reconstruction and may help promote greater consistency in clinical practice. It highlights the need for a personalized approach that considers the unique recovery progress of athletes. Future research is encouraged to refine RTP protocols further and explore the integration of novel diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Level of evidence: V (Expert opinion).