No abstract

Initially, RPD patients had lower knee extension moments during gait compared with controls, but by 1 year after MPFL reconstruction, knee kinematics and kinetics of gait in the RPD patients had returned to normal. These observations indicate that MPFL reconstruction may help to delay prospective knee OA as long as possible by restoring the conformation of the patellofemoral joint and gait biomechanics by surgery.

III.

Purpose. The present study sought to determine the influences of single-bundle (SB), single-bundle augmentation (SBA), and double-bundle (DB) reconstructions on balance ability and proprioceptive function. Methods. 67 patients who underwent a single- or double-bundle ACL reconstruction or a SBA using multistranded autologous hamstring tendons were included in this study with a 1-year follow-up. Body sway and knee kinesthesia (using the threshold to detect passive motion test (TTDPM)) were measured to indicate balance ability and proprioceptive function, respectively. Additionally, within-subject differences in anterior-posterior stability of the tibia and lower extremity muscle strength were evaluated before and after surgery. Results. At 6 and 12 months after surgery, DB reconstruction resulted in better balance and proprioceptive function than SB reconstruction (P < 0.05). Although no significant difference was observed in balance ability or proprioceptive function between the SBA and DB reconstructions, knee stability was significantly better with SBA and DB reconstructions than SB reconstruction (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in quadriceps and hamstrings strength among the three reconstruction techniques. Conclusions. Our findings consider that joint stability, proprioceptive function, and balance ability were superior with SBA and DB reconstructions compared to SB reconstruction at 6 and 12 months after surgery.

An impaired joint position sense (JPS) causes activity limitations, postural imbalance, and falls. This study compares the reliability of knee JPS measurements between the iPhone’s “Measure” application and VICON motion capture system. Eleven healthy participants were recruited for the study. To conduct the study measures, the blindfolded participant, with an iPhone fixed to the lower non-dominant leg, was seated with their lower limbs in a relaxed position. The examiner held the participant’s leg at the target angle (30°/60° from initial position) for 5 s before releasing it. The participant was then instructed to move the leg to the same target angle and hold it for 5 s (replicated angle). Absolute angular error (AAE), i.e., the difference between the target and replicated angles, was measured. Intraclass and Pearson correlation coefficients established statistically significant relationships. The study comprised 6 males and 5 females of mean age 27.6±5.6 years, mean height 1.67±0.10 m, and mean body weight 60.7±10.3 kg. Strong correlations existed between iPhone and VICON 30° (ICC = 0.969, r = 0.960, P < 0.001) and 60° AAEs (ICC 0.969, r = 0.960, P < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots showed a mean difference of 0.43° and 0.20° between the AAE measurements at 30° and 60°, respectively. The iPhone’s “Measure” application is a simple and reliable method for measuring JPS in clinical practice and sports/fitness settings.