Body balance control deficiencies following ACL reconstruction combined with medial meniscus suture. A preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION

Proprioception makes a critical contribution to body balance. The objective of this study was to evaluate static postural control after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction combined with medial meniscus (MM) suture, comparatively to healthy controls.

HYPOTHESIS

Body balance is adversely affected 2 months after ACL reconstruction combined with MM suture.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifteen patients (12 males and 3 females) aged 20 to 35 years (mean, 26.4 ± 6.0 years) who underwent ACL reconstruction with MM suture were compared to 20 healthy, physically active controls (16 females and 4 males) aged 19 to 23 years (mean, 21.1 ± 1.8 years), most of whom were physiotherapy students. Mean age was not significantly different between the patients and controls. A balance platform was used to estimate static postural control parameters. Each participant performed four tests, two in normal bipedal stance and two in tandem stance; in each stance, one test was done with the eyes open and the other with the eyes closed. We analysed global scores on a standardised 100-point scale and mean centre of pressure (COP) displacement velocity in the sagittal and frontal planes.

RESULTS

Body balance was impaired 2 months after ACL reconstruction with MM suture. Thus, the patients had lower global scores and higher mean COP velocities in both the coronal and sagittal planes.

CONCLUSIONS

Proprioception is impaired after ACL reconstruction with MM suture. Lack of visual control significantly decreases the ability to maintain balance. A balance platform is a useful diagnostic tool for patients with ACL reconstruction and MM suture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.