Single-leg assessment of postural stability and knee functional outcome two years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse postural stability and the single-leg hop for distance in subjects 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), in comparison with an age- and activity-matched control group.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Subjects reported to a sports medicine or athletic training research laboratory for testing.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-six subjects having undergone ACLR and 26 age- and activity-matched controls were selected to participate in this study. An arthroscopically-assisted, central, one-third bone-patellar tendon procedure was used to repair the ACLs.

MEASUREMENTS

One-leg stance postural stability was measured with the NeuroCom Balance Master platform system. We recorded the single-leg hop for distance as an objective measure of function.

RESULTS

We found a significant difference (p<0.05) between the ACLR and control subjects in terms of the one-leg stance sway velocity (knee fully extended) on the operated side.

CONCLUSIONS

After ACLR (mean time postoperatively: 24+/-1 months), single-leg hop for distance score was normal, when compared with the contralateral limb. Our results indicate that 2 years after surgery, single-limb postural stability in the ACLR group differed significantly from that in the control group. The persistence of poor stability control may be correlated to an impairment in proprioception.