Practice Patterns and Return-to-Sports Timing of National Football League Head Team Physicians for ACL Reconstruction

All but 1 of the 32 NFL head team physicians used BPTB autograft in primary ACL reconstruction. The majority preferred contralateral BPTB autograft in revisions, with a few considering extra-articular procedures or suture bracing in addition. On average, head team physicians allowed players to return at 9 months postoperatively, with none allowing return before 7 months. Nearly all utilized functional testing to aid in return-to-play decision-making. These homogenous findings in this high-risk and public athletic cohort aid in patient education and clinical decision-making for best treatment of ACL injuries, particularly in contact athletes.