Knee extension loss following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is believed to play an important role in quadriceps strength recovery. One of the main goals of the rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction is to restore knee extensor muscle strength. Deficits of more than a five-degree extension range of motion (ROM) could lead to delayed knee functionality and anterior knee pain. However, the effect of knee extension deficits in the early postoperative phase of the ACL reconstruction on knee extensor muscle strength recovery and knee functionality is not yet known.
This study aimed to investigate the difference between knee extensor muscle strength recovery and knee functionality in patients with ACL repair who had a knee extension ROM deficit (\>5°) in the early postoperative period and those who did not.
Patients who underwent ACL repair using hamstring tendon autograft
volunteered to participate in the study between the ages of 18-45
a non-contact injury mechanism
a Tegner Activity Score >5 before the injury
Patients who underwent ACL repair with patellar tendon autograft or allograft, revision surgery
underwent meniscus and or cartilage repair in addition to ACL repair
a history of previous knee, ankle, or groin injuries
concomitant systemic and/or neurological pathologies