Isokinetic dynamometer evaluation of the effects of early thigh diameter difference on thigh muscle strength in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with hamstring tendon graft

• Published in: Journal of exercise rehabilitation 2015, 11(2), 36, pp.95-100
• Main Authors: Kılınç, Bekir Eray, Kara, Adnan, Camur, Savas, Oc, Yunus, Celik, Haluk
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original; 심리과학
• ISSN: 2288-176X; 2288-1778
• DOI: 10.12965/jer.150100

After anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, which muscle groups are more affected from frequently developing thigh muscle atro-phy is a matter of debate. We evaluate the effect of thigh circumference difference between patients’ knees who were administered the ACL re-construction with hamstring tendon autograft and intact knees, on torque between the hamstring and quadriceps muscles. Fifty-five pa-tients at least 6 months follow-up period available were included in our study. Power measurements of quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups in patients’ extremities were done by using isokinetic dynamom-eter. The maximum torque values at 60°/sec, 240°/sec in frequency, po-sitions of flexion and extension were determined. In accordance with our findings it is still possible to encounter the thigh atrophy in average 28 months after ACL reconstruction surgery even under physical reha-bilitation programs and appropriate follow-up. It is inevitable for the cli-nician to consider these changes in diagnosis and rehabilitation stages. It can’t be ignored that muscle weakness mechanisms developing in the thigh circumference vary according to the thigh muscle group and knee flexors play an important role in thigh atrophy when determining an appropriate rehabilitation program after reconstruction application.