News reports of high-profile athletes being sidelined due to ACL injuries seems to be becoming more and more common in Australia – and a recent study suggests that this isn’t just a coincidence. Research published last year has found the incidence of knee reconstructions performed in Australia to be on the rise, with Australia now performing more of these surgeries than any other country in the world!
From 2000 to 2015, the annual incidence of this surgery increased by 43%, and by a staggering 74% among those under 25 years of age. Those most likely were men aged 20- 24 years, and women aged 15 – 19 years. It is suspected that this is a result of greater participation in these age groups in high risk sports which involve pivoting, jumping and rapid deceleration. It is estimated that 72% of ACL reconstructions in Australia are sport-related, with sports such AFL, rugby, netball, basketball, soccer and skiing the most frequent culprits.
Perhaps even more alarmingly, the percentage of people undergoing revision ACL reconstructions was found to be increasing more rapidly than those undergoing their first reconstruction! This suggests that not enough people are completing high-quality rehabilitation, or perhaps are returning to high-risk activities too soon.
In the following weeks we’ll discuss how to most effectively prevent ACL injuries, and the evidence behind making a safe return to sport after undergoing surgery. If you’ve injured your knee and are considering surgery, or if you’ve already had knee surgery and want to ensure you optimise your recovery and avoid reinjury, contact us on 02 49216879 or admin@numovesphysiotherapy.com.au.
To read more on this topic go to: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2018/208/8/increasing-rates-anterior-cruciate-ligament-reconstruction-young-australians