Muscle function, Lysholm score and hop performance in individuals with clinical indications for the combined reconstruction of the anterior cruciate and the anterolateral ligaments of the knee: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate hip and knee muscular function, knee patient-reported outcome measures and hop performance in patients with a clinical indication for combined ACL+ALL reconstruction surgery compared to patients with an isolated ACL reconstruction surgery indication (preoperative phase) and to a control group.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: The sample was composed of male individuals, aged between 18 and 59 years, divided into three groups (ACL, ACL+ALL and Control). Isokinetic dynamometry was performed for the flexor and extensor knee muscles and for the hip abductors and adductors. SLHT, COHT and the Lysholm score were performed. Pain, swelling, and thigh trophism were also measured.

Results: The study participants were 89 male individuals: 63 in the injury group and 26 in the control group. After applying the criteria for an ALL reconstruction indication, 33 patients were assigned to the ACL Group and 30 patients to the ACL+ALL Group. Regarding knee and hip muscle function, both groups presented worse results when compared to the control group, however, did not show significant differences compared to each other. Regarding the functional variables, the ACL+ALL group showed a significantly shorter distance achieved in the Crossover Hop Test than the other groups, as well as more pain during the tests.

Conclusion: Knee and hip muscular functions are impaired after an ACL injury and do not seem to be influenced or worsened in individuals with greater rotational instability with clinical indications for combined reconstruction of the anterior cruciate and the anterolateral ligaments of the knee.

Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries; Knee injuries; Lysholm knee score; Muscle strength dynamometer.