Embargoed for release until 5:00 p.m. ET on Monday 28 September 2026
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Below please find summaries of new articles that will be published in the next issue of Annals of Internal Medicine . The summaries are not intended to substitute for the full articles as a source of information. This information is under strict embargo and by taking it into possession, media representatives are committing to the terms of the embargo not only on their own behalf, but also on behalf of the organization they represent.
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1. Supervised physical therapy improves short-term knee pain and function after ACL surgery in young adults
Abstract: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-26-02460
Editorial: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-26-03792
Author Q&A: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-26-03984-IM
URL goes live when the embargo lifts
A randomized clinical trial found that supervised physical therapy after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery) yielded greater improvements in pain, function, and muscle strength compared to a self-directed exercise program, at least in the short term. The findings can inform management of chronic knee symptoms of ACL surgery. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine .
Researchers from the La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre at La Trobe University and colleagues randomly assigned 184 adults aged 18 to 40 who continued to have knee problems 9 to 36 months after ACL reconstruction to either a supervised exercise and education program or a one-time education session with self-directed exercise resources. The primary outcome was four-month change in the composite Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and secondary outcomes included 12-month change in KOOS, thigh muscle strength, and cartilage thickness. After 4 months, participants in the supervised program reported greater improvements in knee symptoms and quality of life, stronger thigh muscles, and higher rates of perceived recovery. However, by 12 months the gap between groups had narrowed, and there were no differences in cartilage thickness. The researchers conclude that supervised exercise therapy combined with education offers meaningful short-term benefits for young adults with ongoing knee problems after ACL reconstruction and provides evidence that exercise is not harmful for knee joint cartilage.
Media contacts: For an embargoed PDF, please contact Gabby Macrina at gmacrina@acponline.org. To contact corresponding author Adam G. Culvenor, PhD, please email Charisse Ede at media@latrobe.edu.au.
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2. Medical cannabis enrollment surged nationwide over past decade, but leveled off as recreational access expanded
Mental health conditions drove increase in medical cannabis registrations
Abstract: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-26-01527
A national analysis of medical cannabis registry data found that the number of Americans registered to use medical cannabis increased from about 747,000 in 2016 to about 3.9 million in 2024. Patient enrollment often declined after states legalized recreational cannabis, suggesting some people may obtain cannabis outside medical programs. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine .
Researchers from the University of Michigan analyzed publicly available medical cannabis registry data from states and the District of Columbia between 2016 and 2024 to examine trends in patient enrollment and reasons for medical cannabis use. They found that the number of registered patients increased by over 420% during the study period. While chronic pain remained the most common reason for medical cannabis use, registrations for mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety grew substantially, even though evidence supporting cannabis treatment for these conditions remains limited. The authors conclude that although medical cannabis use has expanded dramatically in the United States, a growing share of patients are using it for conditions that have less evidence supporting its effectiveness, underscoring the need for further research on its potential benefits and risks.
Media contacts: For an embargoed PDF, please contact Gabby Macrina at gmacrina@acponline.org. To contact corresponding author Kevin F. Boehnke, PhD, please email kboehnke@med.umich.edu.
3. First national estimate identifies nearly 110,000 medical cannabis caregivers
Abstract: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-26-03446
A national analysis found that the number of clinicians authorized to approve medical cannabis use in the United States increased to more than 35,000 in 2024. The study also provides the first nationwide estimate of medical cannabis caregivers, identifying nearly 110,000 individuals who help patients obtain, grow, or manage cannabis products. Caregivers outnumbered authorizing clinicians by roughly three to one, highlighting the significant role they play in supporting medical cannabis use. The findings are published in Annals of Internal Medicine .
Researchers from the University of Michigan collected publicly available data from state medical cannabis programs across the United States between 2020 and 2024 to estimate the number of clinicians authorized to approve medical cannabis use and the number of registered caregivers. They found that the number of authorizing clinicians grew from about 29,500 in 2020 to more than 35,000 in 2024, while nearly 110,000 caregivers were registered nationwide in 2024. Caregiver rates were highest in states that allow home cultivation of cannabis and in states with recreational cannabis programs. The authors concluded that both clinicians and caregivers are important parts of the medical cannabis system, but substantial variation across states suggests differences in regulations and access to care.
4. Former USPSTF chair warns political interference is threatening evidence-based preventive care
Abstract: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-26-03115
In a commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine , Michael Silverstein, MD, MPH, a former chair of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), reflects on his time working on the task force amid political interference, including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s threats to fire the entire task force. Dr. Silverstein recounts leadership changes, canceled meetings, staffing losses, and the blocking of recommendations on key issues including cervical cancer screening and cardiovascular disease prevention. Dr. Silverstein warns that delays in publishing updated recommendations could leave clinicians relying on outdated guidance and potentially affect patients' access to preventive services and insurance coverage, underscoring the importance of protecting scientific integrity in public health decision-making.
Media contacts: For an embargoed PDF, please contact Gabby Macrina at gmacrina@acponline.org. To contact corresponding author Michael Silverstein, MD, MPH, please email michael_silverstein@brown.edu.
Annals of Internal Medicine
News article
People
Exercise Therapy and Education for Young Adults With Persistent Knee Problems After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Clinical Trial
29-Sep-2026