Abstract
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has become a standard procedure with a documented good and excellent outcome of 70–90%. It has been demonstrated by previous research that all patients following surgery demonstrate a strength deficit of almost 20%. However it is not known whether these strength deficits have an influence on postoperative functionality.
52 consecutive patients (38 males and 14 females) were selected (mean age 27.9 years). All subjects were tested prior and 12 month following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Muscle strength was assessed using a Biodex dynamometer. Isometric strength was examined at 30 and 60 degrees of flexion. Isokinetic testing was performed at 180 degrees/sec and peak torque and symmetry indices were analysed.
No correlations were found between the Cinncinnati Score and isokinetic peak torque for extension. A moderate significant (p=0.001–0.007) correlation (r=0.200.45) was found for peak flexion torque in ACL reconstructed patients. In ACL deficient patients symmetry indices (r=0.36–0.43, p=0.001–0.004) were moderately related to functionality for both flexion and extension.
Quadriceps muscle strength does not seem to be an important predictor of knee function after ACL reconstruction. Flexors seem to be important to protect the graft from overload. In ACLD knees functionality is related to high symmetry indices suggesting similar strength is necessary to perceive knee function as near normal. This is possibly a normal neuromuscular adaptation caused by contralateral quadriceps avoidance.
The abstracts were prepared by David AF Morgan. Correspondence should be addressed to him at davidafmorgan@aoa.org.au
Declaration of interest: a
