Effect of ACL Graft Type on Side-Step Cutting in Young Athletes

Abstract

Objectives: Due to the slightly higher re-tear rate for ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with hamstring (HT) versus patellar tendon (PT), differences in movement strategies were assessed during side-step cutting in young athletes with recent ACLR to determine if graft type affected post-operative motion. Methods: Dominant limbs from 21 athletes without lower extremity injury or previous surgery (age 14.9 +/- 2.0 years) and 26 limbs with recent (5.1-8.0 months post-operative) unilateral ACLR were included, 18 with HT grafts (age 16.6 +/- 3.7 years) and 8 with PT (age 16.7 +/- 1.2 years). Lower extremity 3-dimensional data was recorded during the deceleration phase (initial contact to maximum knee flexion) of a 45degree cut. Group differences were assessed using analysis of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc tests. Results: The HT group had a slower approach velocity than controls (2.9 vs. 3.5 m/s; p=0.006) with intermediate velocity in the PT group (3.2 m/s). Both the HT and PT groups had lower peak ground reaction force (GRF) compared to controls (HT: 2.0 body weights, PT: 2.2 BW, Control: 2.8 BW; p