Disrupted knee – disrupted me: a strenuous process of regaining balance in the aftermath of an anterior cruciate ligament injury

BACKGROUND: Individuals describe both short and long term consequences after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Functional impairments are well documented while psychological, social and contextual factors need to be further investigated. By the use of a qualitative method incorporating a biopsychosocial lens, we aimed to explore individuals’ experiences of living and coping with an ACL rupture with a specific focus on experiences significant to overall life, activity in daily living and physical activity more than one year after injury. METHODS: Twelve participants were chosen strategically by a purposive sampling. Four men and eight women (19–41 years) with an ACL rupture 2–25 years ago, were included. Semi-structured interviews were used and analysed with qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The results consisted of one overarching theme: ‘A strenuous process towards regaining balance’ which built on three categories ‘Disrupted knee’, ‘Disrupted me’ and ‘Moving forward with new insights’. The overarching theme captures the participants’ experiences of a strenuous process towards regaining both physical and mental balance in the aftermath of an ACL injury. The results illuminate how participants were forced to cope with a physically ‘disrupted knee’, as well as facing mental challenges, identity challenges and a ‘disrupted me’. By gradual acceptance and re-orientation they were moving forward with new insights – although still struggling with the consequences of the injury. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with an ACL injury experience both physical, psychological, and social challenges several years after injury. In addition to the functional impairments, diverse psychological, social and contextual ‘disruptions’ and struggles may also be present and influence the rehabilitation process. It is important that physiotherapists identify individuals who face such challenges and individually tailor the rehabilitation and support. A biopsychosocial approach is recommended in the clinical practice and future studies focusing on psychosocial processes in the context of ACL rehabilitation are warranted.