Smallest worthwhile effect of ACL reconstruction

A group of Australian researchers conducted a benefit–harm trade-off study to estimate the smallest worthwhile effect of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction plus rehabilitation – compared with rehabilitation only – for improving knee function and return to sport. First author Fahd Dibsh agreed to answer some questions about the study. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has come to dominate the tech sphere over the past five years and its influence has spread into other fields, including healthcare.

Its growing presence has prompted the APA to release a position statement on the use of AI in physiotherapy.

While other bodies such as Ahpra have already released statements about AI, we felt it was important to provide guidance specific to physiotherapy.

For many people with osteoarthritis (OA), their beliefs about their condition and the way they manage it are strongly influenced by myths and misconceptions about OA, such as ‘exercise makes it worse’, ‘the pain is caused by wear and tear in the joint’ or ‘I need a joint replacement because my knee joint is bone on bone’. 

For many patients with minor spinal fractures, recovery is less about intervention and more about time. 

The integration of digital technologies into physiotherapy practice is accelerating rapidly. 

Artificial intelligence (AI), wearable sensors, telehealth platforms and automated clinical tools are no longer emerging concepts. 

Rather, they are increasingly embedded within everyday care. 

Australia’s physiotherapy profession stands at a crossroads. 

As healthcare systems grapple with persistent workforce shortages, staff burnout and growing skills gaps, the question is no longer whether technology will reshape our profession but how we adapt to harness its potential while preserving what makes physiotherapy fundamentally human-centred care. 

Physiotherapy is changing. 

Digital health is no longer something on the horizon; it’s now part of everyday practice. 

Electronic medical records, exercise apps, telehealth consultations, artificial intelligence and wearable devices, for example, are now common across many clinics, hospitals and community care. 

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My interest began as a business owner. Technology improved communication, streamlined operations and supported more consistent care, creating a better experience for both patients and clinicians. 

My work has since focused on developing and evaluating digital health solutions that extend physiotherapy beyond traditional clinic walls. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already entering physiotherapy practice but efficiency alone is not a good enough reason to adopt it.