Early Postoperative Evaluation of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition, Anterior Knee Laxity, and Kinesiophobia After ACL Reconstruction: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI), anterior knee laxity, and kinesiophobia are key barriers to recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). While each has been independently studied, their interrelationships during the early postoperative phase remain unclear. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 56 patients (mean age: 26.5 ± 5.7 years) who underwent ACLR using hamstring autografts. Clinical AMI grading, GNRB® arthrometer measurements of anterior tibial translation, and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 (TSK-11) were used to assess neuromuscular inhibition, mechanical laxity, and psychological fear, respectively. All evaluations were performed at 34.9 ± 4.2 postoperative days. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, and Spearman correlation. Results: No significant differences in TSK-11 scores were observed across AMI grades (p = 0.327). Similarly, anterior laxity did not differ significantly between AMI groups (p = 0.182). Correlation between GNRB measurements and TSK-11 scores was non-significant (rho = −0.220, p = 0.103). Conclusions: In the early phase following ACLR, AMI, anterior laxity, and kinesiophobia appear to be independent domains. These findings suggest that early postoperative rehabilitation should address each dimension individually. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore their potential interactions over time.