Optimizing return-to-work decisions following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A 12-week evaluation of objective functional assessment and rehabilitation outcomes in patients with occupational injuries.

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common, yet there is a critical knowledge gap regarding rehabilitation in non-athlete occupational populations. This lack of research translates to insufficient objective criteria to guide effective clinical decision-making in these patients. This research aimed to assess the impact of a 12-week rehabilitation program with specialized tools on the recovery and return-to-work potential of patients with occupational ACL injuries. A prospective, observational single-center study evaluated rehabilitation outcomes in patients after ACL reconstruction. Twenty patients undergoing ACL reconstruction participated in a 12-week clinical-functional follow-up program. Rehabilitation treatment was assessed through biomechanical gait analysis (dynamometric platform and NedAMH/IBV® software), isokinetic dynamometry ((Biodex 3™), and the Lysholm scale to assess patient-reported function. Statistical analysis included normality testing (Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests) and appropriate tests for parametric (one-way ANOVA with repeated measures) or non-parametric data (Friedman test with Wilcoxon signed-rank post-hoc tests). Rehabilitation improved gait mechanics (reduced stance time, improved ground reaction forces by the ninth week) and muscle strength (decreased deficit, improved peak torque by 8th-12th week) as measured by biomechanical analysis and isokinetic dynamometry. Patient-reported function (Lysholm scale) also showed significant improvements from the sixth week onwards. Our findings indicate that rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction significantly enhances patient function in work-related injuries, as demonstrated by improvements in gait, strength, and self-reported outcomes. These objective assessments play a significant role in facilitating safe return-to-work decisions. Further research is necessary to explore job-specific rehabilitation strategies.