Influence of ACL tears on the proprioceptive capability of the knee joint

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

Abstract in digital collection (conference)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: 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 an the knee joint proprioception is analyzed. 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 randomized sequence. Each time both legs of the subjects and patients were tested with and without a knee bandage. The 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 learning effect was to be avoided the sequence of the angle values was randomized as well as the decision whether to carry out the test first an the right or 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. Fourteen patients suffered from a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and were examined prior to the stabilizing 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. CONCLUSIONS: The best proprioceptiv:l capabilities in the knee joints of normal volunteers could be documented in a position close to full extension or full flexion. Patients with an ACL tear had a proprioceptive deficit which could be positively influenced by a knee bandage.

Details zur Publikation

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