How does an anterior cruciate ligament injury incurred for more than 10 years ago affect the injured today?

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate how women who have incurred ACL injury for more than 10 years ago, feel that the injury affects them today. Method: A qualitative semi-structured interview survey with five women who 10- 28 years ago incurred the anterior cruciate ligament injuries when playing handball or soccer has been performed. The study has been inspired by a phenomenological concept of science, mainly by life-world concept. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Main result: Some informants have experienced severe loss of physical ability in both daily living situations and in training, while others did not appreciably felt impacted in daily living and experienced great opportunities for physical activity. Limitations which emerged were restrictions in movement, joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and crepitations that led to the loss of physical ability. One respondent had been diagnosed with advanced osteoarthritis. The reduced capacity affected both everyday situations, at work and in certain training situations. The view of their physical condition also showed to be impaired due to knee injury. The respondents also expressed that they were emotionally affected. Emotional states such as frustration, sadness, debilitating emotions and depression, but also joy and relief were described by the respondents. Participants in the survey reported that they feel strongly influenced by fear of new injury. This in turn has led them to develop fear of everyday situations where new damage could potentially occur, such as stepping in potholes, go on curbs, quick turns and stumbling. Some even feel socially inhibited due to knee injury. The injury has also caused mixed feelings about the future, where some have expressed concern, while others see the future with confidence. Conclusion: The results may indicate that the population studied is not sufficiently rehabilitated and recovered emotionally after injury. Variations in perceived impacts were seen. This was attributed to the informant’s life-world. Although some strains may appear to be of similar nature, the informants have been affected in differently in their ways of living