Hamstring Stiffness After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Hamstring Stiffness After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: a Prospective Study

The role of hamstring has been studied in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention, mainly to counteract the anterior tibial translation , especially when contracting eccentrically, but also with passive stiffness. However, little is known about the passive hamstring stiffness after ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the passive stiffness of hamstring muscles after ACLR by using an isokinetic device. Secondary, we aimed to test the individual and surgical characteristics associated with hamstring stiffness and the impact of hamstring stiffness on RTS and knee re-injury.

The hypotheses are that hamstring stiffness will be lower in the ACLR leg compared to the uninjured leg and to healthy individuals.

Also, we hypothesized that hamstring stiffness will be lower after hamstring autograft compared to patellar tendon autograft and will increase progressively after ACLR to be symmetrical at the time for RTS.

Also, we hypothesized that hamstring stiffness could be associated with better outcomes at RTS (RTS at same level and lower re-injury rates)

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have had an ACL reconstruction surgery (isolated or associated with other meniscal or ligamentary surgery)
• Patient included in the sport medicine follow-up protocole with intermediate and final isokinetic muscular assessment at 4 months and 8 mnths after surgery respectively
• Patient who received the information form

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient who did not participate in all follow-up consultations and isokinetic muscular assessments
• Cognitive or sensory impairment making it impossible to understand the information form
• Neurological, traumatic or osteoarticular history responsible for muscle imbalance prior to surgery
• Previous severe injury on the ipsilateral or contralateral knee
• Recent muscle damage
• ACL reinjury ( graft failure)
• Patient with genu flexum, or constant flexed knee at 3 months after surgery
• Informed consent not obtained