Self evaluation and functional testing two to four years post ACL reconstruction

This study examined subjective perceptions of knee status and performance in single limb functional tests following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The Tegner activity scale, modified Noyes and an analogue scale were administered to 20 subjects. Performance outcome in the 6m and 12m timed hop, cross-over hop and stairs hopple tests were described using the limb index. In general, subjects experienced minimal limitations during daily activities and a slight reduction in their present activity level. Poorer performance was noted in the operated limb in all functional tests. Subjective data gathered from the questionnaire compared favourably with functional outcome. Interpretation of subjective outcomes in relation to functional testing results potentially enhances the accuracy of post-operative knee evaluation.