2015 ISAKOS Biennial Congress ePoster #1218

Effect of Quadriceps Muscle Activation on Anterior Tibial Translation After Single- and Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Michael E. Hantes, MD, PhD, Prof., Larissa GREECE
Alexandros Tsarouhas, MD, MSc, Larisa GREECE
Giannis Giakas, PhD, Trikala GREECE
Gianis Spiropoulos, PhD, Trikala GREECE
Vasileios Sideris, MSc, Trikala GREECE
Konstantinos Karatzios, MD, Larisa GREECE
Konstantinos N. Malizos, MD, Larisa GREECE
University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, GREECE

FDA Status Not Applicable

Summary: EFFECT OF QUADRICEPS MUSCLE ACTIVATION ON ANTERIOR TIBIAL TRANSLATION

Abstract:

Purpose. To examine differences in anterior tibial translation between single- and double-bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)-reconstructed and ACL-intact knees under gradual dynamic quadriceps muscle activation.
Methods. Thirty male patients who underwent successful single- (n=15) and double-bundle (n=15) ACL reconstructions and 15 healthy controls were included in the study. Anterior tibial translation was assessed at 30o knee flexion in the resting position (0% quadriceps activation) and under 50% and 100% of maximum quadriceps concentric contraction, using an isokinetic dynamometer with the KT-2000 arthrometer securely attached to the participants’ knees.
Results. The two ACL-reconstructed groups were similar in terms of IKDC, KOOS, Tegner and Lysholm scores, and preliminary isokinetic evaluation (minimum p=0.38). Quadriceps activation significantly affected anterior tibial translation (p=0.001, a=0.98). Within all three study groups, anterior tibial translation was significantly higher under 100% quadriceps activation compared with 0% contraction (maximum p=0.01) and with 50% quadriceps activation (maximum p=0.047). There were no between groups differences in anterior tibial translation with 0%, 50% or 100% quadriceps activation (minimum p=0.46).
Conclusions. Under gradual quadriceps muscle activation, anteroposterior knee laxity in ACL-intact and -reconstructed knees is significantly increased. Single-bundle and double-bundle ACL-reconstructed individuals demonstrate a similar increase in anterior tibial translation under gradual quadriceps contraction. Dynamic in addition to static testing is warranted to reach a comprehensive evaluation of anteroposterior knee stability.
Key words. ACL, anterior tibial translation, quadriceps, cybex, KT-2000