Muscle Strength and Functional Capacity after Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction using Patellar Tendon Autograft

Bong, Soon Chang; Seong, Sang Cheol; Lee, Myung Chul; Moon, Young Wan; Kim, Tae Gyun; Park, Young Chun

Abstract

Traditionally, evaluation after ACL reconstruction has been focused on physical characteristics and measures of knee stability. Recently, however, reliance on such criteria has been refuted based on the lack of a strong relationship between these measures and both the patient s perception of knee function and return to sports activity. In present study, preoperative and postoperative physical examinations, isokinetic dynamometer, arthrometer test and functional tests were performed on 17 patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament tears treated by arthroscopic reconstruction using autogenous bone-patellar tendon-bone graft with at least 1 year of follow-up. Muscle power, joint stability and functional recovery were checked for functional evaluation by specific methods. Lysholm score rating scale and functional tests (single leg hop test, vertical jump test, timed single jump test) were performed preoperatively and 6, 12 months postoperatively. Pivot-shift test, Lachman test, anterior drawer test, thigh circumference index and Cybex II+ isokinetic dynamometer test were done preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively. KT-2000 arthrometer test was done at last follow-up. Lysholm score has showed increasing tendency at 6, 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.01). In Cybex study, deficit percentage of peak torque and total work of the quadriceps and hamstrings was same or slightly decreased at 3, 6 months, but have decreased at 1 year follow-up (p < 0.01). Functional tests and physical examinations have also showed improving tendency at 12 months (p < 0.01). Arthrometer test revealed no significant laxity of the knee joint at last follow-up. In conclusion, muscle strengh and functional capacity in ACL reconstructed knee showed significant improvement at postoperative one year compared with preoperative status. It was considered that arthroscopic reconstruction using autogenous bone-patellar tendon-bone graft is one of the useful method for chronic anterior cruciate ligament injury.