From loss towards restoration: Experiences from anterior cruciate ligament injury

Abstract

The objective of this study was to illuminate anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-reconstructed athletes’ experience of their injury, rehabilitation and recovery. Seven persons, aged 19–57 years, were interviewed on one occasion in autumn 2004, between 10 and 31 months after the ACL reconstruction. They were selected to reach a maximum variation sample according to gender, age, activity level, time between injury and ACL reconstruction and time between surgery and the interview. The analyses were carried out using the Grounded Theory method of constant comparison. One core category “From loss towards restored belief in one's ability” and three categories emerged. The core category represents the process starting when the informants were injured. The process contained phases that interacted with each other but more importantly were drawn out over a long period, especially the mental recovery. The informants used different procedures to manage situations that arose and strived towards restored belief in their ability. This study illuminates the complexity of the recovery process. The patients’ belief in their own ability took a long time to restore. It is important for physiotherapists to understand what patients with ACL injuries need while waiting for surgery. The process of rehabilitation can further equip people with the means to manage problems that can arise and help to strengthen their belief in their ability, as well as helping them with physical training.

Key Words::

• Coping
• physiotherapy
• qualitative research
• rehabilitation process
• sports injury

Acknowledgements

We thank the Research and Development Unit, Jämtland County Council for financial support and Anneli Westerlund for good advice and help.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.