Do peak torque angles of muscles change following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring or patellar tendon graft?
Hayri Baran Yosmaoğlu1, Gül Baltacı2, Emel Sönmezer1, Hamza Özer3, Deha Doğan4
1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
2Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Private Guven Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
3Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Gazi, Ankara, Turkey
4Department of Measurement and Evaluation, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
Keywords: Athletic performance; hamstring tendon graft; muscle strength dynamometer; patellar tendon graft; torque.
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using autogenous hamstring or patellar tendon graft on the peak torque angle.
Patients and methods: The study included 132 patients (103 males, 29 females; mean age 29±9 year) who were performed ACL reconstruction with autogenous hamstring or patellar tendon graft. The peak torque angles in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles were recorded using an isokinetic dynamometer.
Results: Angle of peak knee flexion torque occurred significantly earlier within the range of motion on the operated side than nonoperated side at 180°/second in the hamstring tendon group. Angle of peak knee extension torque occurred significantly earlier within the range of motion on the operated side than nonoperated side at 180°/second in the patellar tendon group. There were no statistically significant differences in the flexion and extension peak torque angles between the operated and nonoperated knees at 60°/second in both groups.
Conclusion: The angle of peak torque at relatively high angular velocities is affected after ACL reconstruction in patients with hamstring or patellar tendon grafts. The graft donor site directly influences this parameter. This finding may be important for clinicians in terms of preventing re-injury.