Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Accelerated Rehabilitation with InternalBrace™ Augmentation in a Professional Footballer.

INTRODUCTION: Interest in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair has been increasing as an alternative to traditional reconstructive techniques and encouraging results have been demonstrated using internal bracing with suture tape augmentation (FiberTape®, Arthrex, Naples, Florida). ACL repair is challenging if the rupture is mid-substance or distal. We describe the case of a hybrid ACL reconstruction with internal brace augmentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective case report documents the rehabilitation process of a 31-year-old professional footballer who had an isolated ACL rupture. The patient underwent a hybrid ACL reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft and suture tape augmentation 10 days after his injury. A task-based rehabilitation programme defined by six progressive phases relevant to performance-based outcome measures was undertaken. Each phase had clear, functional, progressive goals incorporating exercises to improve mobility, neuromuscular control, strength, and a progressive return to running and sport-specific movements.

RESULTS: Using the rehabilitation framework outlined, this player produced excellent results in all objective criteria postoperatively and was able to return to unrestricted full team training in under five months (146 days) following surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: This case presentation demonstrates the safe and accelerated return to professional football following ACL reconstruction augmented with internal bracing. The player was able to meet all criteria-based aspects of return to play.