Comparison of Isokinetic Muscle Strength and Clinical Outcomebetween Isolated and Combined PCL Reconstruction

Abstract

The purposes of this study was to 1) compare the functional result and muscle strength between patients who underwent reconstruction by isolated posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and combined PCLposeterolateral corner sling (PLCS) reconstruction. Nineteen (Group I: isolated PCL reconstruction) and 30 (Group II: combined PCL-PLCS reconstruction) were compared. The clinical results and isokinetic muscle strength were compared between groups. The clinical results were comparable between groups and posterior stability was not different between the two groups, either. The isokinetic strength test result was not significantly different between the two groups, although absolute values of the flexion strength in Group I was higher than those in Group II. The HQ ratio of the affected side in Group I was similar to that of the contralateral side. Isokinetic muscle strength, especially flexion, was not fully recovered as compared with the contralateral side in both groups, although clinical and stability results were improved. However, the isolated PCL reconstruction group that was managed with the accelerated rehabilitation protocol showed an HQ ratio similar to that of the contralateral side. Therefore, an earlier active strengthening program would be also necessary in PCL-PLCS reconstructed groups, and justification for prevention of early weight bearing in PCL-PLCS reconstruction should be re-evaluated because weight bearing is helpful for muscle strengthening.