Correlation of Knee Extension Moment during Walking with Anterior Tibial Translation at 1 Year after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Hamstring Tendon Autografts

Abstract

[Purpose] The relationship between the knee extension moment in the early walking stage at 9 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery with hamstring tendon autografts (STG) on anterior tibial translation (ATT) at one year post-surgery were investigated to clarify the influence of knee extension moment on ligament reconstruction. [Subjects] Ten cases of ACL reconstruction using STG (20 limbs: 10 operated, 10 non-operated). [Methods] The knee extension moment of the early walking stage at 9 weeks post-surgery was computed from 3D motion analysis data and ground reaction force, and normalized to body weight. At one year post-surgery ATT was determined. [Results] The knee extension moment at 9 weeks post surgery of the operated side showed a significantly lower value than that of the non-operated side, but it was not related to ATT at one year post-surgery. [Conclusion] To prevent secondary injury, improvement of the decreased knee extension moment in the early walking stage at 9 weeks after ACL reconstruction surgery is necessary.