One study found that 86% of NBA players successfully made a comeback in the next playing season. However, total games started, total games played and player efficiency ratings were all significantly lower in their first season back compared to age-matched controls. Their careers were almost 2 years shorter as well (1).

77% players returned to sport around 10 months post-op

10% ACL re-rupture rate (data unclear as to whether ipsilateral or contralateral)

Average career length after ACLR was 4 years

ACL surgery had no significant effect on player performance in post-op follow-up period

 

82% of 559 athletes returned to sport after ACL at average of 378 days (>12 months).

Career length following ACLR was only 1.6 years

ACLR led to significantly worse performances in the first 3 seasons upon return to sport (if able to continue to play that long)

63% returned to sport around 10 months post-op.

Those who returned to sport played significantly more games prior to injury (av. 50) vs those that didn’t (av. 28).

Players who were drafted in the first 4 rounds were 12x more likely to return to sport, rather those drafted in rounds 5-7.

Interesting conclusion that highly skilled and experienced athletes more likely to return to NFL than those that aren’t as skilled or have as much playing experience

97% players returned to sport at 7.8 months post-op.

ACL Re-rupture rate was only 2.5% (data unclear as to whether ipsilateral or contralateral).

Players who returned to sport, played another 4.5 years post-op.

Performance measures actually increased in ACL patients than age-matched player controls (mean goals and points per season, mean power play and strength goals per season, and mean shots and shooting percentage per season)