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Int J Sports Med 2001; 22(8): 618-622
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-18528
Orthopedics and Clinical Science

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Knee Flexor Strength Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with the Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendons

R. Coombs, T. Cochrane
  • Sheffield Institute of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science, The University of Sheffield, UK
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Publication History

Publication Date:
20 November 2001 (online)

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Knee flexor strength recovery following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the doubled semitendinosus and gracilis tendons was assessed for up to 12 months post-surgery. Twelve patients were followed up, four at 3 months, five at 6 months and three at 12 months post-surgery. Knee flexor moment was recorded using the Biodex System-3 isokinetic dynamometer. Three sets of five repetitions of reciprocal eccentric/ concentric knee flexion contractions were carried out with each set at 1.05, 2.09 or 3.14 rad × s-1. T-tests were used to test for significant differences between and within groups. The uninjured leg produced greater average peak moments than the injured leg; significant differences (p < 0.05) were seen between the legs at 1.05 rad × s-1 for the 3-month group concentrically, and all three groups eccentrically. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between groups for the percentage deficit between legs. On average, a 23 % deficit in average peak moment was still evident at 12 months both eccentrically and concentrically at 1.05 rad × s-1. Taken as a whole this evidence suggests that there is a deficit in knee flexor strength up to at least 12 months post-surgery following doubled semitendinosus and gracilis tendon graft reconstruction even after a full rehabilitation protocol.

Key words:

Isokinetics, rehabilitation, eccentric-concentric knee flexor torque.

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R. Coombs

Department of Health Sciences
University of East London

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Phone: +44 (020) 8223 2198

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Email: R.C.Coombs@uel.ac.uk