Lauter L (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
DOI: 10.1007/s00142-026-00871-w
Background: Return to sport (RTS) after musculoskeletal injury has evolved over the past four decades from a binary medical decision to a complex, athlete-centered continuum. Despite comprehensive consensus statements and evidence-based recommendations, these guidelines are only partially implemented in routine patient care. Objective: This narrative review aims to outline the historical development of RTS from 1986 to 2026, identify current discrepancies between scientific consensus and clinical practice, and highlight future potential. Material and methods: A narrative review was conducted based on key consensus statements (2002, 2012, 2016, 2023, 2024) and recent surveys among AGA Society for Arthroscopy and Joint Surgery instructors and knee experts (2012, 2026) regarding RTS to compare theory and practice. Results: The development demonstrates a paradigm shift from time-based clearance to a criteria-based RTS continuum integrating psychological factors and shared decision making; however, in 2026 the majority of surveyed experts still prioritize time and clinical examination throughout the RTS process. Standardized test batteries and psychological screening remain insufficiently established in routine patient care. Conclusion: An interdisciplinary implementation of standardized and validated RTS criteria as well as integration of RTS knowledge into injury prevention and pre-injury screening are required to further improve medical care for athletes.
APA:
Lauter, L. (2026). 40 Years of Return-to-Sport: Past achievements, current developments, and future potential 40 Jahre Return-to-Sport: Bereits Erreichtes, aktuelle Entwicklungen und zukünftige Potenziale. Arthroskopie. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00142-026-00871-w
MLA:
Lauter, Luis. "40 Years of Return-to-Sport: Past achievements, current developments, and future potential 40 Jahre Return-to-Sport: Bereits Erreichtes, aktuelle Entwicklungen und zukünftige Potenziale." Arthroskopie (2026).
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