Knee functional outcomes and quadriceps hypotrophy after ACL reconstruction: a prospective observational study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are prevalent, causing knee instability and functional deficits.
• Post-ACL reconstruction, patients often experience pain and impaired knee function, affecting daily activities and athletic participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the knee functional outcomes of patients with ACL tears over a three-month period.
• To assess functional recovery, pain levels, and neuromuscular status at three post-operative visits.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 98 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR).
• Evaluations included Tegner Activity Scale, IKDC Subjective Knee Evaluation, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, pain assessment, quadriceps muscle thickness (ultrasound), and muscle activation (electromyography).

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in activity (Tegner), knee function (IKDC, Lysholm), and pain scores (p < 0.001) over three months.
• Ultrasonography and electromyography indicated persistent quadriceps muscle hypotrophy and reduced neuromuscular function.

Conclusions:

• Structured rehabilitation effectively enhances functional outcomes and alleviates pain post-ACL reconstruction.
• Early deficits in muscle mass and activation necessitate targeted rehabilitation strategies for optimizing recovery.
• Focusing on early neuromuscular deficits is crucial for improving knee stability and preventing long-term complications.