Development of a test program to assess rehabilitation after surgical repair of ACL ruptures

After injury and rupture the ACL is commonly being replaced by lig. patellae (PSP) and lig. semitendinosus/gracilis (SGS) respectively. Though surgery improves significantly and considerable therapeutic measures are taking place rehabilitation is often complicated. Impartial assessment of the course of rehabilitation would therefore be of great value. 34 patients (PSP = 17, SGS = 17) were followed up over the period of one year after surgery, tested both clinically and functionally as well as in terms of structured interviews. After extracting 7 factors out of the test-items, a MANOVA was performed (covariants "surgery technique", "test date"). Post-hoc-tests showed significant differences in terms of "test date" for the factors maximum force/speed (p < 0.05), jumping-power (p < 0.01) and range of motion (p < 0.01). Quick-Feet-test, isometric maximum power in relation to the uninvolved leg, single counter-movement and drop jump turned out as the determining test items to assess the course of rehabilitation after ACL-surgery. Current clinical tests (e. g. Lachmanntest) can give no substantial conclusion about functional recreation in the proposed time interval.