Abstract
Objective: Patients who underwent autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) can resume moderate-intensity daily living activities 6 months after the procedure. However, the relationship between postoperative patient-oriented assessments and physical function is unclear. Thus, this study aimed to conduct patient-oriented assessments of physical functions 6 months after ACI.
Methods: A total of 29 patients who underwent ACI 6 months prior were enrolled in the study. Patient-oriented assessments were evaluated using the Lysholm Knee Score (LKS). Measured outcomes included range of motion, isometric muscle strength (including knee extension, hip abduction, and toe grip), as well as normal and maximum walking speed. The results of the isometric muscle strength tests were expressed using body weight ratios and limb symmetry index (patients affected/non-affected×100%). Patients were divided into two groups according to their LKS score; the LKS-good group (those who scored ≥65 points) and the LKS-poor group (those who scored below 65 points). Background factors and measured outcomes of each group were then compared using the Mann-Whitney U and chi-squared tests.
Results: Hip-abduction strength and maximum walking speed in the LKS-good group were significantly higher than that in the poor group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Hip abduction muscle strength and maximum walking speed may be related to LKS score, and thereby patient-oriented assessments of knee function 6 months after ACI.
