UNIVOLVED LIMB STRENGTH AFTER ACL RUPTURE AND RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common injuries seen within orthopedics. This injury is usually followed by surgery with extensive rehabilitation afterwards. Traditionally, clinicians have used the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI), which compares the unaffected limb to the affected limb to evaluate strength changes. However, there is limited research on whether the unaffected limb will experience strength deficits of its own. This study aims to explore quadricep and hamstring strength on the unaffected limb after an ACL injury. Using handheld dynamometry, with maximal isometric extension and flexion measured at numerous follow up appointments results showed that the uninvolved quadricep grew in strength with each appointment, while on the other hand the hamstrings strength decreased significantly. The distinguished change between the two displays an imbalance of strength which can lead to a lack of stability within the knee. These findings show the significance of observing the unaffected limb and being cautious while using LSI to interpret return to play standards.