Rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Athletes

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effect of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment after reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). METHOD: We reviewed the medical records of 10 patients who had been in rehabilitation program after reconstruction of ACL. We measured the range of motion of the knee joint, pain intensity by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, the difference of thigh circumference between normal and reconstructed legs, strength of flexors and extensors of the knee, and functional test before and after rehabilitation. RESULTS: The range of motion, VAS score, thigh circumference, strength of flexors and extensors of reconstructed knee were significantly improved after rehabilitation. The knee flexion angle increased from 86.5degrees to 135degrees and knee extension angle increased from -9.61 degrees to 0 degree. VAS score decreased from 3.8 to 1.2. The thigh circumference just above patella decreased from 38.6 cm to 36.5 cm. The torque of flexors increased from 66.2 N.m to 128.7 N.m and that of extensors at 60 degrees/sec increased from 110.5 N.m to 201.2 N.m. 8 out of 10 players returned to sports successfully after systemic rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: We suggested systemic and appropriate rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction for successful return to sports.