Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common sports injuries, with an ACL injury rate as high as 20.9% in the general population . Currently, the primary treatment for ACL tears is arthroscopic reconstruction surgery to restore knee stability and function . Following ACL injury, abnormal gait biomechanical characteristics persist, even after ACL reconstruction surgery (ACLR) and evidence-based rehabilitation therapy. These abnormal gait biomechanical characteristics remain unresolved, with the lower limbs exhibiting insufficient loading and stiffness, which are associated with quadriceps muscle dysfunction. Interventions for quadriceps atrophy following ACLR should be initiated early to prevent worsening of early knee pain, swelling, and abnormal gait. Additionally, since ACL reconstruction results in different biomechanical characteristics at various stages and gait phases, it is important to adopt more targeted and precise rehabilitation measures to correct biomechanical abnormalities and improve gait function in patients.
Clinical diagnosis of unilateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture.
Aged between 18 and 45 years.
Scheduled for primary unilateral ACL reconstruction at our hospital.
Presence of quadriceps atrophy, defined as the bilateral difference in quadriceps strength is >10% of the contralateral unaffected limb.
Severe injury (Grade II or III) to the posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, or lateral collateral ligament in the affected knee.
Concomitant severe meniscal tear(s) in the affected knee.
History of significant prior trauma or surgery to the affected knee.
Presence of other knee joint diseases (e.g., osteoarthritis, tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis).