Korean J Sports Med.  2021 Mar;39(1):34-41. 10.5763/kjsm.2021.39.1.34.

Objective and Subjective Analysis of the Knee Joint Function Using Lower Extremity Assessment Protocol after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

• Kim BH
• Jeon HG
• Cheo JH
• Kang TK
• Lee SY

• KMID: 2513516
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5763/kjsm.2021.39.1.34

Abstract

Purpose
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most common procedures in sports medicine. It is important for patients to determine whether or not to return to the pre-operative state after the ACRL. This study is to evaluate the objective and subjective analysis of the knee joint function and to compare between injured knee and non-injured knee in those with ACLR.Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 15 individuals with ACLR using autograft (age, 27.87±4.10 years; height, 172.56±4.81 cm; weight, 75.51±13.03 kg; time to surgery, 27.11±14.03 months). International Knee Document Committee subjective knee evaluation form and Lower Extremity Assessment Protocol (LEAP) including muscle strength, static and dynamic postural control, functional task was used to assess the knee joint function. Deficit ratio between injured knee and non-injured knee and independent t-test were used for analysis.
Results
Injured knee has significantly decreased isokinetic extension strength (90º/sec), isometric flexion strength and one-leg hopping distance (p＜ 0.05).
Conclusion
Although individuals who successfully returned to play (RTP) did not experience subjective dysfunction and pain, there are items of LEAP that indicates deficit ratio between injured knee and non-injured knee. Therefore, when considered whether and when to RTP, it is very important to assess not only subjective dysfunction and pain but also whether the patient has recovered to a level similar to that of the non-injured knee in various aspects of the knee joint.

Keyword

Return to sports; Muscle strength; Physical functional performance; Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Isokinetic and isometric measurement of strength. (A) Knee flexion 90° (left) and (B) knee extension 180° (right). Written informed consent was obtained for publication of this study and accompanying images.

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  Fig. 2 Static postural control. Written informed consent was obtained for publication of this study and accompanying images.

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  Fig. 3 Landing Error Scoring System. (A) Start, (B) Land and (C) Jump. Written informed consent was obtained for publication of this study and accompanying images.

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  Fig. 4 Hop tests. (A) Start. (B) End (single, triple, cross-over, and 6 m timed hop). Written informed consent was obtained for publication of this study and accompanying images.

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