A users guide to outcome measurement following ACL reconstruction

Throughout the course of rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, it is essential that outcome measures are capable of reliably and sensitively monitoring change. However, with the abundance of outcome measurements currently available, the challenge confronting clinicians is deciding which outcome measures are most appropriate for assessment of ACL reconstruction patients over the course of their rehabilitation. The use of both objective and subjective outcome instruments to provide a comprehensive evaluation is well established. Additionally, clinicians must also have confidence that the outcome used is an appropriate, reliable and valid indicator of change. This review aims to provide clinicians with a guide to the reliability and validity of commonly used measurements following ACL reconstruction and recommendations for appropriate timeframes for these outcome measures.