Article Text

Download PDFPDF
Knee kinematics and joint moments during gait following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  1. Harvi F Hart1,2,
  2. Adam G Culvenor3,
  3. Natalie J Collins1,3,
  4. David C Ackland1,
  5. Sallie M Cowan2,4,
  6. Zuzana Machotka5,
  7. Kay M Crossley3,6
  1. 1Melbourne School of Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  2. 2Melbourne School of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  3. 3School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
  4. 4Physiotherapy Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  5. 5International Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
  6. 6School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  1. Correspondence to Professor Kay M Crossley, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086 Australia; k.crossley{at}latrobe.edu.au

Abstract

Background Abnormal gait after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may contribute to development and/or progression of knee osteoarthritis.

Objective To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of knee kinematics and joint moments during walking after ACLR.

Methods We searched seven electronic databases and reference lists of relevant papers, for cross-sectional, human-based observational studies comparing knee joint kinematics and moments during level walking in individuals with ACLR, with the uninjured contralateral knee or healthy individuals as a control. Two independent reviewers appraised methodological quality (modified Downs and Black scale). Where possible, data were pooled by time post-ACLR (RevMan), otherwise narrative synthesis was undertaken.

Results Thirty-four studies were included. Meta-analysis revealed significant sagittal plane deficits in ACLR knees. We found greater knee flexion angles (standardised mean difference: 1.06; 95% CI 0.39 to 1.74) and joint moments (1.61; 0.87 to 2.35) <6 months post-ACLR, compared to healthy controls. However, lower peak knee flexion angles were identified 1–3 years (−2.21; −3.16 to −1.26) and ≥3 years post-ACLR (−1.38, −2.14 to −0.62), and lower knee flexion moment 6–12 months post-ACLR (−0.76; −1.40 to −0.12). Pooled data provided strong evidence of no difference in peak knee adduction moment >3 years after ACLR (vs healthy controls) (0.09; −0.63 to 0.81). No transverse plane conclusions could be drawn.

Conclusions Sagittal plane biomechanics, rather than the knee adduction moment, appear to be more relevant post-ACLR. Better understanding of sagittal plane biomechanics is necessary for optimal post-operative recovery, and to potentially prevent early onset and progression of knee OA after ACLR.

Trial registration number PROSPERO systematic review protocol registration number CRD4201400882 2.

  • Anterior cruciate ligament
  • Biomechanics
  • Knee

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.