A systematic review of the isokinetic knee muscle strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

Introduction: The autologous graft option is a common anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. After ACL reconstruction, the strength of knee muscle may be deficient. The purpose of this study was to determine the evidence of the knee muscle strength using isokinetic dynamometer after ACL reconstruction.

Method: The database of PubMed, PEDro, Web of science and Science direct from 2000 to 2018 were searched for the studies. The inclusion criteria were participants who have undergone ACL reconstruction using autologous grafts technique within 3 month - 2 years (18 - 45 years).

Results: Nine of 2,383 studies were included in this study. These studies evaluated knee extensor and knee flexor muscle strength with the autograft options including patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, quadriceps tendon and tensor fascia lata tendon. In the first year after ACL reconstruction, the knee extensor strength recovery in patellar tendon graft group was slower than knee flexor strength recovery. There were slower recovery and lower strength in knee flexor in hamstring tendon graft group when compared with patellar tendon graft group.

Conclusion: Knee muscle strength following ACL reconstruction after 6 months to 2 years can be recovered in each period in all graft choices. Rehabilitation of knee muscle strength should be considered after ACL reconstruction concerning with the graft choice options.