[Quadriceps and hamstring atrophy and weakness after knee trauma and treatment]

158 patients after the knee trauma and operational treatment were evaluated. Quadriceps and hamstring isometric strength and thigh circumference 10 cm above the patella were measured. Injured leg was compared to non-injured.

Group 1 - 43 patients with isolated ACL injury treated non-operatively. Group 2 - 29 patients after ACL reconstruction using Leeds-Keio prosthesis. Group 3 - 29 patients after subtotal arthroscopic meniscectomy. Group 4 - 13 patients with patellar fractures treated operatively and 6 weeks in long leg cast, Group 5 - 31 patients with proximal articular tibial fractures treated operatively and immobilized 6 weeks in long leg cast. Group 6 - 13 patients with distal femoral articular fractures treated operatively without immobilization. Group 7 - 10 patients with habitual dislocation of the patella after the Campbell-Goldwaith operation and 6 weeks in a long leg cast.

1) No significant correlation between the quadriceps and hamstring strength deficit and thigh atrophy was found. 2) Strength deficits concerns both quadriceps and hamstring muscles. 3) Strength deficits are higher in patients treated in the long leg casts than in non-immobilized.