Functional measurement of knee joint position sense after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE
To examine for differences in joint position sense (JPS) between knees with reconstructed anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) and uninjured knees by using a functional weight-bearing measurement method.


METHODS
Two-way repeated-measures in a convenience sample.


METHODS
An Australian university rehabilitation laboratory.


METHODS
Nine subjects presenting at 12 to 16 months after unilateral ACL reconstruction using the semitendinosus/gracilis graft who were recruited from 2 orthopedic surgeons.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
JPS of the reconstructed and uninjured knees was examined by using the Peak Motus motion measurement system to record target joint angles and to calculate reproduced angles after limb movement into flexion and extension, performed in a weight-bearing position.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in JPS between reconstructed and uninjured knees (P=.68) or between the flexion and extension tasks (P=.47).


CONCLUSIONS
There was no deficit in knee JPS 12 to 16 months after ACL reconstruction, as measured by a functional weight-bearing method. Further studies should examine the clinical utility of the method as a way to evaluate functional aspects of knee joint proprioception.
Hopper
Diana M
DM
School of Physiotherapy, Curtin University of Technology, Shenton Park, WA, Australia. d.hopper@info.curtin.edu.au
Creagh
Mia J
MJ
Formby
Patricia A
PA
Goh
Suet C
SC
Boyle
Jeffrey J
JJ
Strauss
Geoffrey R
GR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000503:physiopathology; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011434:Proprioception / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology