Exploring Non-Surgical Alternatives for ACL Injuries

On this episode of the AMSSM Sports Medcast, host Dr. Devin McFadden, MD, is joined by Dr. Tom Cross, MBBS, DCH, FACSEP, to discuss the Cross Bracing Protocol.

In this conversation, which was recorded during the 2025 AMSSM Annual Meeting, Dr. Cross discusses the following:

• Background on the Cross Bracing Protocol (CBP) and its origins
• The selection criteria and the grading system for the CBP
• The rehabilitation considerations for the CBP and potential complications
• Future directions of research for the CBP

Dr. Tom Cross has practiced sports medicine for the past 28 years and during that time successfully completed 5 years of specialist post-graduate training in sport & exercise medicine. He has broad sports medicine experience caring for recreational athletes (adults and children), musculoskeletal injuries that occur at work or home, elite/professional athletes and also military personnel.

Resources:

• Healing of Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture on MRI and Outcomes Following Non-Surgical Management with the Cross Bracing Protocol https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/57/23/1490
• Cross Bracing Protocol Patient Information Booklet: https://www.stadiumclinic.com.au/pdf/cross-bracing-protocol-patient-information-booklet.pdf
• Dr. Cross’s Website, including additional resources and information about the CBP: https://www.stadiumclinic.com.au/dr-tom-cross-sports-doctor-sydney.html