Abstract details
| Abstract-ID: | 1930 |
| Title of the paper: | The anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the semitendinosus tendon may adversely affect sprint running kinematics even several years after surgery |
| Authors: | Umeda, T., Kawama, R.2,3, Takahashi, K.2, Wakahara, T.1, Arai, A.2, Hojo, T.1 |
| Institution: | 1,2 Doshisha University |
| Department: | 1 Grduate School of Sports & Health Science; 2 Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Doshisha University; 3 Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science |
| Country: | Japan |
| Abstract text | INTRODUCTION: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the Semitendinosus (ST) tendon is a common surgery. This surgery is called the ST method. It has been reported that 2 to 4 years after harvesting the ST tendon for the ACL reconstruction, the length and volume of the ST in the operated leg are shorter and smaller than those in the healthy leg 1). Previous research has shown that the ST method reduces knee flexion strength 2). Another study reported that knee flexion and extension torque correlate with sprint running velocity 3). Additionally, Sprint velocity is correlated with the volume of the ST in sprinters 4). However, there are no reports on sprint running kinematics after the ST tendon harvesting. This study aimed to investigate the ST morphology, knee flexion/extension torque, and sprint running kinematics of athletes who have undergone the ACL reconstruction using the ST methods and have returned to sports. METHODS: Nine male patients (mean age ± SD: 21.4 ± 1.4 years old, 37.3 ± 17.2 months after surgery) participated. All patients underwent isolated unilateral the ACL reconstruction, using the ST method. Length and volume of the bilateral the ST were measured using MRI. Maximal isometric knee flexion and extension torque was measured in supine positions at every 10° from 60° to 120° of knee flexion angle using a dynamometer. Step frequency, step length, and knee flexion angle were measured in the 40-50 m interval of the 50 m sprint using high-speed cameras. These variables were calculated using KINOVEA software. Paired-sample t-test was used to analyze the differences in the ST length, the ST volume, step frequency and step length between the operated and healthy leg. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the differences in knee flexion torque between operated and healthy legs and between every knee flexion angle. RESULTS: Length and volume of the ST muscle belly were significantly shorter and smaller in the operated leg than in the healthy leg (p < 0.05). Isometric knee flexion torque was significantly lower in the operated leg than in the healthy leg in all knee flexion angles (p < 0.05). Isometric knee extension torque was not significantly different between the healthy and operated legs at all knee flexion angles. During sprint running step frequency and step length were not significantly different between the healthy and operated legs. During sprint running the maximum knee flexion angle in the backward swing phase and minimum knee flexion angle in the forward swing phase were significantly smaller in the operated leg than in the healthy leg (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Even 37.3 months after the ACL reconstruction using the ST method, there was still the ST atrophy and decreased knee flexion torque. These factors may adversely affect sprint running kinematics. The ST methods should be used with caution. |
| Topic: | Sports Medicine and Orthopedics |
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