title: Functional measurement of knee joint position sense after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Physiotherapy, Curtin University of Technology, Shenton Park, WA, Australia. d.hopper@info.curtin.edu.au
authors.forename: Diana M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Hopper
authors.forename: Mia J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Creagh
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Formby
authors.forename: Suet C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Goh
authors.forename: Jeffrey J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Boyle
authors.forename: Geoffrey R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Strauss
mesh_terms: 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