The Influence of ACL-Tears on the Proprioceptive Capability of the Knee Joint

Fromme, R, Reer, R, Thorwesten L, Prymka M, Jerosch J

Abstract in digital collection (conference)

Abstract

Purpose: This study intends to compare the proprioceptive capacities of the knee joints of healthy subjects with those of patients suffering from an ACL rupture. Additionally, the effect of an elastic knee bandage on the knee joint proprioception is analysed. Material and methods: In order to document the proprioceptive capacities a modified technique according to Barrett et al. was applied. During the measurements four predetermined angles were given for each leg in a randomised sequence. Each time both legs of the subjects and patients were tested with and without a knee bandage. Te difference between the given angle and the angle set by the subjects was regarded as a test to measure the proprioception of the knee joint. Since a leaming effect had to be avoided the sequence of the angle values was randomised as well as the decision whether the test was first carried out on the right or the left knee and with or without a bandage. The control group consisted of 30 healthy volunteers, the patient group of 23 persons with an isolated rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. All diagnoses were arthroscopically verified. 14 patients suffered from a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and were examined prior to the stabilising operation. 11 patients were examined after their ACL rupture had been operated on. The postoperative evaluation was performed 6 months after the operation. Results: There were no differences detectable between the left and the right knee joint or between men and women. But at the mid-range of motion proprioception was worse compared to the end range. Preoperatively, there was a significant deterioration of the proprioception in the patient group in comparison to the control group. A positive influence of a knee bandage on the proprioception of the injured knee could be demonstrated. Patients after ACL reconstruction did not show any significant improvement of the proprioception compared to the preoperative group. Conclusion: Tue best proprioceptive capabilities in the knee joints of normal volunteers could be documented in a position close to füll extension or füll flexion. Patients with an ACL tear had a proprioccptivc deficit which could be positively influenced by a knee bandage. Further studies have to investigate the long term follow-up after ACL reconstruction.

Details zur Publikation

Release year: 1995
Language in which the publication is written: English