Hamstring muscle strength prior to and following ACL reconstruction surgery using a patellar tendon autograft

Due to the likelihood of hamstring dysfunction associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, it is clinically significant to determine if a hamstring weakness exists preoperatively. The purpose of this study was to determine if a hamstring muscle deficit existed at the time of surgery and to determine the time necessary to achieve hamstring strength equal to preoperative measures of the uninvolved extremity during postoperative rehabilitation. Twelve patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using a patellar tendon autograft participated. Each subject underwent a preoperative isometric knee strength evaluation at 60 degrees of knee flexion. Each subject underwent postoperative rehabilitation including hamstring muscle strengthening. Repeat isometric testing was performed on each subject at 21 and 42 days postoperative. There was no statistical difference in hamstring muscle strength, as measured by isometric peak torque, either preoperatively or postoperatively. Therefore, maintaining rather than increasing hamstring strength postoperatively should be emphasized as an integral part of rehabilitation.