Authors: Dan Alexandru Szabo1, Andrei Muntean1, Marvin Oprea2, Cosmin Banceu3, Diana Banceu4,
Silvia Teodorescu5, Nicolae Neagu1
Affiliation
1 Department M2 – Faculty of Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy,
Science, and Technology of Targu Mures
2 Harrow School Online, London, United Kingdom
3 Department of Surgery, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and
Technology, Targu Mures
4 Augustin Maior State Gymnasium, Reghin
5 Department of Doctoral Studies, National University of Physical Education and Sports, Bucharest
Abstract
Background. How patients are rehabilitated following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery has changed significantly in the last years. Clinicians have shifted from extreme immobilization and no muscle activity to minor ROM limits and rapid muscle activation after surgery.
Aims. This study aims to examine the post-operative healing of anterior cruciate ligaments in competitive athletes, emphasizing novel and established methodologies, techniques, and procedures in the literature through a systematic review.
Methods. Following the recommendations established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) organization, this systematic review was carried out during the months of November 2021 and June 2022. The databases PubMed, Physiopedia, and Google Scholar, were used in this study.
Results. After going through the evaluation process, we discovered that out of the 44 initially retrieved papers, we eliminated around 30 for various reasons, leaving 14 articles that were suitable for the study.
Conclusions. The pre-operative phase plays an essential role in post-operative ACL recovery, acting synergistically with the post-operative phase to accelerate the healing process after surgery and permit more remarkable rehabilitation of lost functions.
Key words: Post-operative rehabilitation, anterior cruciate ligament, athletes, injuries.
