The relationship between proprioception in the knee and the need for ligament reconstruction in the anterior cruciate ligament deficient knee

The joint position sense was examined using a method similar to that described by Attfield in 17 individuals with normal knees, 10 patients with one anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient knee with a history of recurrent giving-way of the knee. The proprioception of the ACL deficient knees without a history of giving way was similar to the control group, but was significantly (P<0.05) better than both knees of those patients with one unstable ACL deficient knee. A possible constitutional difference in proprioception may permit identification of those patients who will benefit from an ACL reconstruction at an early stage to prevent secondary damage to the knee joints. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.