Range of Motion, Strength, and Function After ACL Reconstruction Using a Contralateral Patellar Tendon Graft

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine
• Rehabilitation science

Background:

• Outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction rehabilitation vary.
• Regaining pre-injury activity levels and functional milestones remains a challenge for many patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the timeline and rate of recovery for knee range of motion (ROM), stability, strength, and patient-reported outcomes after ACL reconstruction using a contralateral patellar tendon graft (PTG).

Main Methods:

• A case series of 2148 patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with a contralateral PTG.
• Objective assessments included goniometric ROM, isokinetic strength testing, and KT-2000 arthrometer laxity measurements.
• Subjective data were collected at 2 and 5 years postoperatively.

Main Results:

• 95% achieved normal knee extension within 1 week; 77% achieved normal flexion by 3 months.
• By 3 months, limb symmetry index for strength was 104%, with reconstructed and donor knees at 87% and 86% of preoperative strength, respectively.
• 90% returned to high-level sports by an average of 5.7 months, with excellent long-term subjective scores (IKDC and Cincinnati Knee Rating Scale).

Conclusions:

• ACL reconstruction with a contralateral PTG, combined with a tailored, dual-goal rehabilitation approach, leads to swift restoration of ROM and strength.
• This structured rehabilitation strategy promotes a relatively rapid return to sport and favorable long-term functional outcomes.