Purpose: The aim of our study was to compare the thigh muscle strengths between the operated and non-injured legs and to evaluate the hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) ratios by the isokinetic dynamometer at different angular velocities, in individuals with unilateral interior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Material and Methods: Five female and fifteen male recreational athletes with a single-limb ACL operation within the last 1 year enrolled in the study. After physical examination, thigh circumferences were measured. Isokinetic testing of the hamstring and quadriceps were performed at different angular velocities. Peak torque and H/Q ratio values were evaluated from the isokinetic data, and the relation between leg circumference differences were analyzed. Results: The isokinetic extension and flexion muscle strengths at 60, 180, and 240°/sec (19.4 ± 11.5%, 16.6 ± 13.2%, 17.4 ± 13.2% higher in extension, 17.9 ± 14.5%, 19.7 ± 15.9%, 21.9 ± 17.4% higher in flexion, respectively) and the 10cm and 15cm above the patella circumferences were significantly higher in non-injured leg than operated leg. The extension fatigue index was significantly higher in the non-injured leg(30.6±9.5%) than operated leg (24.7±10.9%). In the operated leg, significant correlation was found between flexion peak torque at 60°/sec and flexion fatigue index. Conclusion: The decreases in peak strengths indicate atrophy of the thigh muscles in the operated leg. The muscle atrophy will lead to imbalance and may cause complications. In the post-operative period, it is important to detect the deficit with an isokinetic dynamometer and organize appropriate treatment protocols at early stages to enable the patient to regain their preoperative health.
Günaştı et al. (Fri,) studied this question.