Correlation between Hamstring Flexor Power Restoration and Functional Performance Test: 2-Year Follow-Up after ACL Reconstruction Using Hamstring Autograft

PURPOSE: To evaluate the restoration of the flexor power and the correlation between the flexor power and functional performance tests (FPTs) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring autograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three men, who underwent ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft, were evaluated using Lysholm, Subjective IKDC, Tegner activity score, isokinetic flexion and hyperflexion power test, and the FPTs at 1 and 2-year follow-up. We analyzed the mean change from 1 to 2 year and the correlation between both the flexion and hyperflexion power deficit with the FPTs at each follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 30.9 years (range, 19 to 44). Tegner activity score was significantly increased from 5.7 to 6.3 (p=.010). Hyperflexion power of the involved knee deficits significantly decreased at 2 year follow-up compared with 1 year (p<.001). There was a correlation between the flexor power deficit and the co-contraction, carioca, and involved one-legged hop test at each follow-up. However, no significant correlations were revealed between the hyperflexion power deficit and the FPTs. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperflexion power deficit after ACL reconstruction with the hamstring autograft decreased at 2 year follow-up compared to 1 year and does not affect the results of the FPTs.

Validation of Functional Performance Tests after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE: To validate the functional performance tests (FPTs) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty men in their third decade after ACL reconstruction at 6 month follow-up and thirty healthy subjects were selected. Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Tegner activity score, KT-2000 arthrometer test, isokinetic strength test, functional performance tests (one leg hop test, co-contraction test, shuttle run test, carioca test) were performed in two groups. We evaluated the test-retest reliability of FPTs in healthy group and the between FPTs and other parameters in ACL reconstruction group. RESULTS: The test-retest result showed high correlation in co-contraction test (r=0.511), shuttle run test (r=0.746), carioca test (r=0.742). In the ACL reconstruction group, the IKDC score, Tegner activity score, extensor power at 60degrees/s, and one leg hop test also showed high correlation between each test. CONCLUSIONS: The three FPTs showed correlations with the established methods for determining return to sports activities after ACL reconstruction and had high test-retest reliability. Therefore we believe the three FPTs can be useful methods to assess knee function in athletes after ACL reconstruction.

The Correlation between Outcome Evaluation Systems after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between various subjective, objective tests and real functional performances of the patients after ACL reconstruction. METHOD: Twenty-four patients after ACL reconstruction using 12 hamstring autograft and 12 Achilles allograft were evaluated. Lysholm knee score, IKDC subjective score, Knee Outcome Survey score and Tegner activity score were evaluated for the subjective outcome value. Static instability tests, Biodex dynamometer and hop tests were done for the objective outcome value. Three functional performance tests(FPTs) such as carioca test, shuttle run test and co-contraction test were done for deciding the real performance ability of the patients. Each score system was compared with FPT results. RESULTS: The results of Hamstring group were better than those of Achilles group, but there was no statistical significance. IKDC subjective score, single leg hopping test, and quadriceps power in low velocity of biodex dynamometer tests had a positive correlation with the total FPT results. CONCLUSION: IKDC subjective score, one leg hopping test showed significant correlation with functional performance test and they can be used as effective methods to decide whether the subjects after ACL reconstruction can return to sports activity.