Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
05:07
Early Weight-Bearing Rehabilitation Protocol After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Published on: March 1, 2024
Strength and function recovery after multiple-ligament reconstruction of the knee
P J Jenkins1, R Clifton, G N Gillespie
1Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. paul@jenkinsnet.org.uk
Injury
|April 13, 2011
Summary
Knee ligament reconstruction improves muscle strength, with quadriceps and hamstring recovery reaching 85% and 90% respectively by 2 years. However, some patients experience persistent deficits affecting return to sport and work.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Arthroscopic techniques enable widespread surgical repair of multiligament knee injuries.
- Objective measures of strength recovery after knee ligament reconstruction are lacking.
- Functional outcomes are often linked to strength and range of motion recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the recovery of isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength after knee ligament reconstruction.
- To assess the recovery of knee range of motion and patient-reported function.
- To evaluate return to work and sport after surgical repair.
Main Methods:
- Isokinetic muscle dynamometry was used to measure quadriceps and hamstring strength.
- Range of motion and patient-reported outcomes (IKDC, SMFA, KOOS) were evaluated.
- Data were collected at 2-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Quadriceps strength recovered to 85% and hamstring strength to 90% of the uninjured side at 2 years.
- Knee flexion averaged 135°, with slower recovery in sporting and quality of life domains.
- 95% returned to work (median 8 weeks), but 20% changed employment; 30% returned to their pre-injury sport level.
Conclusions:
- Muscle strength significantly improves following multiple ligament knee reconstruction.
- No significant difference in recovery was observed between quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups at 2 years.
- Persistent strength deficits and limitations in returning to pre-injury occupation or sport ability are common.