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
Parallel
Extension Deficit (>5 degrees)
Other interventionPatients who had a knee extension ROM deficit of more than 5 degrees will included
Extension Deficit (<5 degrees)
Other interventionPatients who had a knee extension ROM deficit of less than 5 degrees will included
Quadriceps Muscle Strength Recovery
Isometric, concentric and eccentric quadriceps muscle strength will be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (IsoMed®2000 D\&R GmbH, Germany).
Hamstring Muscle Strength Recovery
Isometric, concentric and eccentric hamstring muscle strength will be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (IsoMed®2000 D\&R GmbH, Germany).
The Y Balance Test. Functional Testing 1
The Y Balance Test will be used. Three repetitions will be conducted for each limb, and mean values were recorded in centimeters.
The Vertical Jump Test. Functional Testing 2
The Vertical Jump Test will be used. Three repetitions will be conducted for each limb, and mean values were recorded in centimeters.
The Single Leg Hop Test. Functional Testing 3
The Single Leg Hop Test will be used. Three repetitions will be conducted for each limb, and mean values were recorded in centimeters
The Lysholm score. Patient-reported outcomes measures 1
The Lysholm score will be used to assess self-reported recovery. The Lysholm score is an eight-item questionnaire that evaluates patients following knee ligament injury. This is scored on a 100-point scale from 0 (worst symptoms) to 100 (best symptoms), with 25 points attributed to pain, 15 to locking, 10 to swelling, 25 to instability,10 to stair climbing and 5 points each to limping, use of a support and squatting.
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