Is Pre-operative Quadriceps Strength a Predictive Factor for the
Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions

Jihong Qiu; Xin He; Sai-Chuen Fu; Michael Tim-Yun Ong; Hio Teng Leong; Patrick Shu-Hang Yung

doi:10.1055/a-1144-3111

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Table of Contents

Int J Sports Med 2020; 41(13): 912-920
DOI: 10.1055/a-1144-3111

Review

Is Pre-operative Quadriceps Strength a Predictive Factor for the Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions

Authors

Jihong Qiu

¹Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Xin He

¹Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Sai-Chuen Fu

¹Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

²Luis Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Michael Tim-Yun Ong

¹Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Hio Teng Leong

¹Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
Patrick Shu-Hang Yung

¹Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

²Luis Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

Abstract

Persistent quadriceps weakness prevents patients from returning to sports after ACL reconstruction. Pre-operative quadriceps strength was indicated as an important factor for the outcomes of ACL reconstruction. However, the existing evidence is controversial. Therefore, this systematic review was conducted to summarize and evaluate the relationship between pre-operative quadriceps strength and the outcomes following ACL reconstruction, and to summarize the predictive value of pre-operative quadriceps strength for satisfactory post-operative outcomes. Pubmed, WOS, Embase, CINAHL and SportDiscus were searched to identify eligible studies according to PRISMA guidelines. Relevant data was extracted regarding quadriceps strength assessment methods, pre-operative quadriceps strength, participants treatment protocols, post-operative outcomes, follow-up time points and the relevant results of each individual study. Twelve cohort studies (Coleman methodology score: 62±10.4; from 44–78) with 1773 participants included. Follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 2 years. Moderate evidence supports the positive association between pre-operative quadriceps strength and post-operative quadriceps strength; weak evidence supports the positive association between pre-operative quadriceps strength and post-operative functional outcomes. By now, there is no consensus on the predictive value of pre-operative quadriceps strength for achieving satisfactory quadriceps strength after ACLR. To conclude, pre-operative quadriceps strength should be taken into consideration when predict patient recovery of ACLR.

Key words

anterior cruciate ligament - quadriceps strength - systematic review

Full Text

References

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