Functional Outcome in Patients after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Hamstring Tendon Autograft: A Six-Month Follow-up

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is a common knee injury, especially in sportsmen. Rupture of the anterior cruciate knee ligament necessitates rehabilitation. If good operative results and intensive pre- and post-operative rehabilitation lead to an optimal outcome, patients can return to the pre-injury level of sports activity in the short term.Objective: Muscle strength and stability of anterior cruciate ligament in reconstructed knees have been bilaterally compared with hamstring tendon autograft at 6 months following surgery.Methods: Sixty-five patients, 44 men, and 21 women, participated in the study. The outcome measures consisted of isokinetic strength findings, balance, hop index and KT-1000 for knee laxity.Results: A small difference between the operated and non-operated knees in isokinetic, balance (Mean of average difference between operated and non-operated leg was 1.036), hop index (Mean of average difference between operated and non-operated leg was 0.8540), and KT-1000 values (Mean of average difference between operated and non-operated leg was 2.238) was noted at 6 months after the surgery. The average deficit of the peak torque in the operated knee at angular velocity 240° was 13.4% for extensor muscles and 7.8% for flexor muscles.Conclusion: Reconstructed knees with flexor tendons exhibit similar results as opposite, non-operated knees. Full weight bearing and no use of brace after surgery is advised. Good surgery technique and intensive pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation are very important. Six months after surgery patients are allowed to go back to sports activity.