Effects on knee kinematics following anterior cruciate ligament repair using semitendinosus and gracilis tendon grafts

Semitendinosus and gracilis tendons are the most commonly used autografts in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. In this study, we researched the effects of these grafts on knee kinematics. Seventeen patients who had ACL surgery at the GATA Orthopaedics Clinic between 2010 and 2011 were included in this study. The flexion, extension, internal and external rotation of the operated knee and the contralateral healthy knee peak moments were measured and evaluated with Cybex Dynamometer device. Results were evaluated using the paired t-test in SPSS 15.0 and p ≤ 0.05 was considered to be significant. The flexion, extension, internal and external rotation peak moments were decreased in ACL reconstructed knees compared with contralateral healthy knees. Decrease in knee flexion and extension at 60° and 180°/second was found statistically significant compared with the contralateral healthy knee (p < 0.05) in the postoperative first year. Also internal and external rotation of the reconstructed knee declined compared to healthy knee it was found statistically significant. After the use of STG autograft in ACL reconstruction, the knee flexion, extension, internal and external rotation moments decreases. İn the postoperative period, rehabilitation programs should be redesigned using this knowledge. Especially in athletes postoperative physical therapy should be applied in meticulously

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