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The number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is increasing; during 1998–2018, their incidence increased in male Australians by 5.2% per year, and by 6.2% per year in female Australians. While there are many reasons for the rise, increased participation in sport at all levels is postulated to be a significant contributor. ACL injuries increase short and long term morbidity and have significant economic costs, leading to the question: is prevention better, or at least more cost‐effective, than cure?

In this issue of the MJA, Ross and colleagues argue for a national ACL injury prevention program on the basis of their modelling of its health and economic benefits. Economic models are useful for generalisation, extrapolation, and prediction. They allow decision makers and researchers to test the broader, long term implications of a proposed intervention beyond what is feasible in a randomised or non‐randomised trial. It is encouraging to see these types of modelling exercises published in the MJA to help inform critical decision making about improving health outcomes cost‐effectively.

This MJA Editorial shares more.

Details

Authors: Chris Schilling and Siddharth Rele

Article Type: Editorial