Psychological Rehabilitation From Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstructive Surgery: A Case Study

Abstract

Background:

Research has shown that some of the more common psychological responses to injury (ie, depression, anger, anxiety) are amplified in cases of traumatic injury.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

An 18-year-old male scholarship soccer player who, owing to a perceived deliberate injurious tackle by an opposition player, tore the medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee. A psychological case perspective is presented.

Study Design:

Retrospective case report.

Results:

Various personal and situational factors can compound negative psychological response to injury. A number of extreme responses are explored, including posttraumatic stress, depression, and fear of reinjury.

Conclusions:

Practitioners should be willing and able to facilitate referral in the instance of more extreme psychological response to anterior cruciate ligament injury.