[Analysis of isokinetic and isometric muscle function after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament repair]

Following anterior cruciate ligament replacement plasty performed via arthroscopy, isokinetic and isometric power data were measured at the beginning and end of a sports therapy treatment course. Evaluation yielded surprising results that were partly contradictory to those communicated in current literature. Besides the dependence of force values on preset velocities of motion in dynamic measurements (isokinetics) or in static measurements (isometrics), markedly lower losses of power than expected were measured in the involved extremity on repeated power application. Possible reasons are discussed on the basis of specific innervation criteria and polymodal reflexes. We assume that muscle potential is not yet fully available after surgical intervention, due to reflexive modulations of power realisation, so that the joint and especially the anterior cruciate ligament are thus protected from damage.