Early knee status affects self-reported knee function 1 year after non-surgically treated anterior cruciate ligament injury

• Published in: Physical therapy in sport 2021-07, Vol.50, p.173-183
• Main Authors: Sonesson, Sofi, Gauffin, Håkan, Kvist, Joanna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anterior cruciate ligament injury; Asymptomatic; Hop tests; Joint and ligament injuries; Knee; Muscle function; Muscle strength; Orthopedics; Pain; Participation; Patients; Physical therapy; Questionnaires; Range of motion; Rehabilitation; Self-reported knee function; Sports medicine; Surgeons
• ISSN: 1466-853X; 1873-1600; 1873-1600
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.05.007

The primary aim was to assess impact of early knee status on self-reported knee function at 3 and 12 months and on quadriceps strength at 12 months after non-surgically treated ACL injury. The secondary aim was to describe the recovery of muscle strength during the first year after the injury. Prospective cohort study. 70 patients (42 males; mean age 27 ± 7 years) with acute ACL injury. Knee symptoms, knee function and sporting activities were assessed with the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SKF). Muscle strength was assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer. Clinical assessment performed at baseline was used to evaluate early knee status. Global knee function, knee joint stability during ADL, gait pattern and one-legged squat assessed in mean 2 weeks after injury hadimpact on self-reported knee function at 3 and 12 months (r2 0.105–0.267). Mean limb symmetry index (LSI) of muscle strength and jump performance were 91–98% at 12 months. Early knee symptoms affect self-reported knee function at 3 and 12 months, while other factors are important for gaining muscle strength. Muscle strength recovered during the first year after ACL injury and reached mean LSI above 90%. Prospective cohort study, level II. •Early knee symptoms had an impact on self-reported knee function at 3 and 12 months.•Early knee symptoms were not associated with quadriceps strength at 12 months.•Muscle strength recovered up to 12 months after the ACL injury.•Mean LSI of muscle strength and jump performance reached above 90% at 12 months.