Abstract

Background: Returning to sport (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury remains a complex challenge in sports medicine, requiring integration of physical recovery, functional performance, and psychological readiness. Although ACL rehabilitation and RTS outcomes have been extensively investigated, the intellectual structure and evolution of this research field have not been comprehensively synthesized. Objective: This study aimed to systematically map the global research landscape of ACL injury and RTS using bibliometric analysis. Methods: A total of 1368 Scopus-indexed publications published between 1997 and April 2026 were analyzed using performance analysis and science mapping. Results: The study identified leading authors, institutions, countries, funding agencies, and journals, and examined collaboration networks, thematic structures, and emerging trends. Scientific output grew substantially after 2012, with accelerated expansion between 2020 and 2025. The United States was the most productive country, and La Trobe University (Australia) the leading institution; the National Institutes of Health (NIH) was the principal funding source. Among 4652 authors, K.E. Webster was the most prolific contributor, and the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine was the most productive journal. Science mapping showed a shift from surgical and structural perspectives toward multidimensional frameworks emphasizing functional recovery, psychological readiness, neuromuscular performance, injury prevention, and athlete-centered outcomes. Emerging priorities include psychological and neurocognitive readiness, rehabilitation and performance optimization, biomechanical and functional assessment, surgical innovation, outcome validation, and machine learning applications. Conclusions: This bibliometric overview offers clinicians, rehabilitation specialists, and researchers an evidence base for guiding future investigation into functional recovery, re-injury risk reduction, and long-term athlete outcomes.

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