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Isokinetic strength following knee arthroscopy
W E Nelson1, R C Henderson, D N Hooker
1Division of Orthopedics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7055, USA.
Orthopedics
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Many patients experience persistent quadriceps and hamstring weakness 8 weeks after knee arthroscopy, even without reporting functional limitations. Objective strength testing reveals significant deficits not apparent in group averages.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Knee arthroscopy is a common procedure.
- Post-operative rehabilitation protocols vary, often emphasizing patient self-direction.
- Objective assessment of muscle strength recovery is crucial for understanding functional outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively evaluate the recovery of quadriceps and hamstring strength after knee arthroscopy.
- To identify the prevalence of persistent muscle weakness despite patient-reported absence of limitation.
- To compare strength recovery between knee extensor and flexor muscle groups.
Main Methods:
- Isokinetic dynamometry was used to assess knee extension and hamstring strength.
- Testing was conducted at 1, 3, and 8 weeks post-surgery in 43 patients.
- Patients received standard rehabilitation instructions with limited supervised therapy.
Main Results:
- A significant percentage of patients exhibited persistent quadriceps and hamstring weakness at 8 weeks post-arthroscopy.
- Only 32% of subjects regained normal knee extension strength at 8 weeks.
- Hamstring strength recovery was more favorable, with 71% achieving normal strength.
Conclusions:
- Patients may not perceive or report muscle weakness following knee arthroscopy.
- Self-supervised rehabilitation is often insufficient for complete strength recovery.
- Objective strength testing is essential to identify persistent deficits in asymptomatic patients.