Sipka N1, Skaza K1
1Thermal Spa Zrece, Zrece, Slovenia
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative physiotherapy performance of knee function after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using hamstring tendons of knee joint, 6 months after ACL reconstruction.
Purpose: To evaluate rehabilitation protocol 6 months after ACL reconstruction and compare results between operated and nonoperated knee.
Methods: Sixty-five healthy subjects after unilateral ACL reconstruction with or without meniscal lesion, large chondral lesions, without radiographically seen abnormality, and without any operations on the legs before reconstruction, were included in this study. Isokinetic strength of the extensor and flexor muscles was measured by the isokinetic dynamometer Biodex 4 pro. We assessed dynamic postural stability with the Biodex Stability System. Anterior-posterior knee laxity measurements were performed using the KT-1000 arthrometer One-legged hop test was also included in the examination and self-reported Lysholm and Tegner questionnaire.
Results: Average deficit isokinetic peak torque (6 months after ACL reconstruction) for extensor muscles in operated knee was 13,41% (±11,39) at angular velocity 240º/sec and 15.88% (±14,77) at 60º/sec. Average deficit isokinetic peak torque (6 months after ACL reconstruction) for flexor muscles in operated knee was 12.28% (±12,64) at 60⁰/sec and 7,83% (±12,73) at 240⁰/sec. The manual maximum KT-1000 arthrometer was 8.59±3.02 mm in nonoperated knee and 9.65±3.20 mm for operated knee (statistical signifficant difference, P=0.004). 6 months after operation balance index for operated knee was (5.50±2.89) and for nonoperated knee was (5.53±2.59). There was statistical signifficant difference at hop index 6 months after operation (t=9.617, P=0.000).
The pacient´s mean value of a subjective knee score questionare at 6 months after ACL reconstruction was 93.8 point and 44,6% of all patients have returned to the preinjury level of 6 months after surgery.
Conclusion(s): Results for muscle strenght, knee laxity and hop test indicated good knee function and are comperable with normative values. Results of ACL reconstructed knees with flexors tendons are comparable to those of opposite, healthy kness.
Implications: Good rehabilitation program and evaluation protocols are most important for good outcomes and pre-injuries levels of activity after ACL reconstructed knee joint.
Keywords: Isokinetic testing, functional testing, subjective questionnares
Funding acknowledgements: The present work was supported by the Thermal Spa Zrece, UNIOR D.D.
Purpose: To evaluate rehabilitation protocol 6 months after ACL reconstruction and compare results between operated and nonoperated knee.
Methods: Sixty-five healthy subjects after unilateral ACL reconstruction with or without meniscal lesion, large chondral lesions, without radiographically seen abnormality, and without any operations on the legs before reconstruction, were included in this study. Isokinetic strength of the extensor and flexor muscles was measured by the isokinetic dynamometer Biodex 4 pro. We assessed dynamic postural stability with the Biodex Stability System. Anterior-posterior knee laxity measurements were performed using the KT-1000 arthrometer One-legged hop test was also included in the examination and self-reported Lysholm and Tegner questionnaire.
Results: Average deficit isokinetic peak torque (6 months after ACL reconstruction) for extensor muscles in operated knee was 13,41% (±11,39) at angular velocity 240º/sec and 15.88% (±14,77) at 60º/sec. Average deficit isokinetic peak torque (6 months after ACL reconstruction) for flexor muscles in operated knee was 12.28% (±12,64) at 60⁰/sec and 7,83% (±12,73) at 240⁰/sec. The manual maximum KT-1000 arthrometer was 8.59±3.02 mm in nonoperated knee and 9.65±3.20 mm for operated knee (statistical signifficant difference, P=0.004). 6 months after operation balance index for operated knee was (5.50±2.89) and for nonoperated knee was (5.53±2.59). There was statistical signifficant difference at hop index 6 months after operation (t=9.617, P=0.000).
The pacient´s mean value of a subjective knee score questionare at 6 months after ACL reconstruction was 93.8 point and 44,6% of all patients have returned to the preinjury level of 6 months after surgery.
Conclusion(s): Results for muscle strenght, knee laxity and hop test indicated good knee function and are comperable with normative values. Results of ACL reconstructed knees with flexors tendons are comparable to those of opposite, healthy kness.
Implications: Good rehabilitation program and evaluation protocols are most important for good outcomes and pre-injuries levels of activity after ACL reconstructed knee joint.
Keywords: Isokinetic testing, functional testing, subjective questionnares
Funding acknowledgements: The present work was supported by the Thermal Spa Zrece, UNIOR D.D.
Topic: Musculoskeletal: lower limb
Ethics approval required: Yes
Institution: Ministry of Health Slovenia
Ethics committee: Medical Ethics commite Ljubljana
Ethics number: KME 191/09/13
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
