Atrophy and Weakness of Thigh Muscles after Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament.

概要

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Rehabilitation after reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has improved within the last several years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of our new rehabilitation program on the atrophy and weakness of thigh muscles after reconstructive surgery. Twenty-five patients who underwent double-stay reconstruction using iliotibial tract and then treated with our new rehabilitation program from March 1990 to June 1991 (Group N) were evaluated. Group N were compared with thirty patients treated with our former rehabilitation program from March 1988 to February 1990 (Group C). The circumference of the thigh was measured during the first post-operative year. Peak torque of quadriceps and hamstrings were assessed using the Cybex II and anterior stability on Xray were measured at one year after reconstruction. Atrophy of the thigh in Group N was less and recovered sooner than in Group C. Although the hamstring weakness in Group N was not improved in comparison with Group C, quadriceps weakness in Group N was statistically improved. In addition anterior stability in Group N was equal to that in Group C. Our new rehabilitation program has been effective in improving thigh atrophy and weakness of quadriceps, but not to a sufficient degree. It is necessary to investigate more effective rehabilitation programs following reconstruction of ACL.