Accuracy of partial weight bearing after autologous chondrocyte implantation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether patients can accurately replicate and retain weight-bearing restrictions in both stationary (static) and dynamic conditions after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI).


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Rehabilitation clinic.


METHODS
A consecutive sample of patients (N=48) who had undergone ACI to a medial or lateral femoral condylar defect in the knee.


METHODS
Patients were trained to partially weight bear using bathroom scales and forearm crutches prior to assessment.


METHODS
A force platform was used to measure peak vertical ground reaction forces in patients during static and dynamic conditions immediately after weight-bearing instruction and training, and again during gait 7 days after training.


RESULTS
Immediately after instruction and weight-bearing practice on a set of scales, patients exerted a mean of 15.8% body weight more than expected during walking for 20% weight-bearing trials, 8.3% more for the 40% trials, 11.9% more for the 60% trials, and 1.2% less for the prescribed 80% trials. Accuracy of weight-bearing replication improved across all weight-bearing levels when assessed 7 days later, when patients exerted a mean of 6.6% body weight more than expected during walking for 20% weight-bearing trials (9.2% body weight improvement), 4.2% more for the 40% trials (4.1% body weight improvement), 9.9% more for the 60% trials (2% body weight improvement), and 0.2% more for the 60% trials (1% body weight improvement).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients were unable to follow weight-bearing restrictions after instruction and practice on a set of scales, and patients were unable to replicate weight-bearing levels in both static and dynamic conditions.
Ebert
Jay R
JR
School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. jayebert@cyllene.uwa.edu.au
Ackland
Timothy R
TR
Lloyd
David G
DG
Wood
David J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016474:Weight-Bearing