ACL reconstruction

26 Oct ACL reconstruction

Today we are going to analyze different aspects that we have to take into account during the retrofitting process of an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction:

10 things to know about ACL injury

First of all, we have to review some essential aspects of the anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the primary stabilizer of the knee, is one of the most commonly injured knee ligaments. Damage to the ACL can occur when an athlete suddenly oivots or stops, quickly changes directions or lands after jumping.

Here are 10 things to know when it comes to ACL injury:

1. ACL injuries occur in all sports, but are most frecuent when playing football, basketball and soccer.
2. Female athletes are more likely to experience ACL injury that male athletes.
3. 50% of ACL injuries are accompanied by damage to other ligaments or cartilage in the knee.
4. Sugery is generally recommended when dealing with a combination of injuries in the knee.
5. 70% of ACL injuries sustained occur during non-contact sports, while 30% occur during conctact sports.
6. 50% of athletes diagnosed with an ACL injury will devolp osteoarthritis within 10 to 20 years of injury.
7. Preventative training done 2 to 3 times a week can reduce the risk of ACL injury.
8. Preventative training program exercises take 10 to 15 minutes to complete and include stretching, strengt training, jump training and improvements to balance and technique.
9. Studies show preventative training programs can reduce ACL and other traumatic knee injuries by 50%.
10. Preventative training program exercices have been shown to improve an athlete’s vertical leap, aerobic fitness and sprint speed.

What guarantees clearance after an ACL reconstruction?

1. Minimum of 9 months of recovery.
2. Have good motor control of the leg that suffered the injury.
3. Few differences in strength between both legs.
4. Good running technique.
5. Show confidence and security in the psychological part.
6. Successfully pass physical evaluations.
7. Continue with prevention work.

Movement patterns of the knee during gait following acl reconstruction

In this systematic review and meta-analysis by Kaur et al. (Sports Med. 2016) compares lower limb kinematics and kinetics of the ACL reconstructed knee with (1) the contralateral limb and (2) healthy age-matched participants during walking, stair climbing, and running.

• Knee kinematics are likely to be similar in ACLR participants at 6 years following surgery compared with healthy controls.
• Knee peak adduction moments are lower in ACLR participants 3.5 years following reconstruction compared with controls.
• After 4-5 years post-reconstruction, adduction moments are higher than for uninjured controls.
• Peak knee flexion moments are still lower after 5 years of surgery in ACLR participants than in uninjured controls.

The differences for knee moments indicate that the knee function is not fully restored following reconstruction, and long-term maintenance programs may be needed.

Does the recovery of your anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction not finish working? Do you want me to help you with your rehabilitation? Contact me so that I can study your case and give you a personalized solution to the state of your injury.