Which of the following is NOT a criterion in the IKDC 2000 return-to-sport criteria?

• A. 93% IKDC score
• B. No knee instability
• C. No knee effusion
• D. Absence of knee pain during activity

Answer: (D)

The return-to-sport criteria using the IKDC 2000 framework rely on a high overall knee function score and the absence of clear mechanical issues. In this approach, meeting a threshold IKDC score (often around 93%) along with no knee instability and no effusion are the key requirements to consider RTS eligibility. The IKDC score itself already captures pain as part of the patient-reported outcome, so insisting on an explicit “absence of pain during activity” as a separate criterion isn’t a distinct, standalone requirement. In other words, pain is embedded in the overall IKDC score, and the RTS decision hinges on that score together with stability and swelling status.