Determine if the combination of LET with ACLR 6 months post-surgery could improve the functional outcomes, based on muscular strength measurements.
A total of 68 patients were divided into two groups based on the type of surgery: ACLR with LET (n=20) and isolated ACLR (n=48). Muscle strength of the knee extensors and flexors was measured six months after surgery, using a HUMAC NORM isokinetic dynamometer, with peak torque assessed at 60°/s (Nm), following the protocol of the center. Statistical analyses were conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models in STAT v.18.0, with results expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
66.2% of the patients were male (n=45/68) and the average age was 23.9 years (SD=8.0). The ACLR with LET group showed less imbalance in extensors and flexors compared to the isolated ACLR group, but this difference was not significant (p=0.55 and p=0.63). Even when adjusted for sex and age, the analysis showed no significant difference (p=0.50 and p=0.96).
The addition of LET does not appear to influence the functional outcomes, based on the imbalance of extensors or flexors groups at 6 months post-surgery.
Recently, there has been an increase in cruciate ligament surgeries incorporating anterolateral plasty. It is important to determine whether this has a functional impact on medium-term rehabilitation outcomes, in order to implement early measures during the rehabilitation process.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Isokinetic
