The ALR-RSI score is a valid and reproducible scale to assess psychological readiness before returning to sport after modified Broström-Gould procedure

Purpose Psychological readiness scores have been developed to optimize the return to play in many sports-related injuries. The purpose of this study was to statistically validate the ankle ligament reconstruction-return to sport injury (ALR-RSI) scale after modified Broström-Gould (MBG) procedure. Methods A similar version of the ACL-RSI scale with 12 items was adapted to quantify the psychological readiness to RTS after MBG and to describe construct validity, discriminant validity, feasibility, reliability and internal consistency of the scale, according to the COSMIN methodology. The term “knee” was replaced by “ankle”. The AOFAS and Karlsson scores were used as references patient-related outcome measurements (PROMs). Results A total of 71 patients were included. The ALR-RSI score after MBG procedure was highly ( r > 0.5) correlated to the AOFAS and Karlsson scores, with a Pearson coefficient r = 0.69 [0.54–0.80] and 0.72 [0.53–0.82], respectively. The mean ALR-RSI score was significantly greater in the subgroup of 55 patients who resumed sports activity compared to those that no longer practiced sport: 61.9 (43.8–79.6) vs 43.4 (25.0–55.6), ( p = 0.01). The test–retest showed an “excellent” reproducibility with a ρ intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.93 [0.86–0.96]. The Cronbach’s alpha statistic was 0.95, attesting an “excellent” internal consistency between the 12 ALR-RSI items. Conclusion The ALR-RSI score is a valid and reproducible tool for the assessment of psychological readiness to RTS after an MBG procedure for the management of CLAI, in a young and active population. The ALR-RSI score may help to identify and counsel athletes on their ability to return to sport. Level of evidence III.