Somatosensory deficits in post-ACL reconstruction patients: A case-control study

Diminished cutaneous detection thresholds have been identified in patients with multiple orthopedic conditions, and these phenomena may occur in postanterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (ACLR) patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in lower extremity cutaneous detection thresholds exist in post-ACLR patients when compared with healthy controls.

Fifteen individuals who were post-ACLR and 15 individuals who had no history of knee injury participated. Light touch cutaneous detection thresholds were assessed at 4 locations on the foot and ankle (first metatarsal, fifth metatarsal, medial malleolus, and lateral malleolus). Nonparametric statistics examined group differences between the sites.

ACLR subjects had decreased cutaneous sensation at the first metatarsal and medial malleolus compared with healthy controls.

Somatosensory deficits are present in post-ACLR patients. Future research should investigate these phenomena longitudinally in post-ACLR individuals along with somatosensory targeted interventions. Muscle Nerve 55: 5-8, 2017.