Determination of factors associated with anterior tibial translation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Abstract

[Purpose] To determine the factors associated with differences in anterior tibial translation (ATT) between healthy subjects and patients one year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. [Subjects] Ten ACL reconstruction patients (8 males, 2 females) with a mean ± SD age of 24.6 ± 7.3. [Method] We performed regression analysis with the dependent variable as ATT at 1 year post-surgery, and independent variables of the pre-surgery knee flexion and extension strength ratio (H/Q ratio), the pre-surgery angle of knee valgus in a single leg squat, and the maximum knee extension and flexion angles at 2 weeks post-surgery. [Results] Pre-surgery H/Q ratio, pre-surgery knee valgus angle in a single-leg squat, and maximum knee extension at 2 weeks post-surgery were determined to be factors associated with ATT. [Conclusion] The results suggest that pre-surgery, a high H/Q ratio and a small knee valgus angle in single leg squat prevent increase of ATT, and that in the post-surgery acute phase, the maximum extension angle of the knee should be restricted.