Abstract
Physiological joint laxity is an important element of normal knee joint function, providing smooth joint movement. However, the objective evaluation of post-operative results after knee ligament surgery is usually based primarily on stability and range of motion, and joint laxity has been ignored. In this study, we measured the joint stiffness of 82 knees undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with the Leeds-Keio artificial ligament, before the operation, immediately after the operation, and finally when the full range of motion was achieved postoperatively; changes in joint laxity after the ACL reconstruction were investigated. Before the operation, joint laxity was greater than that of the normal side (P < 0.01), but immediately after the operation it diminished compared not only with that observed preoperatively, but also with that of the normal side. When the full range of motion was achieved, joint laxity was lower than that observed immediately after the operation (P < 0.01), but still remained higher than that of the normal side (P < 0.01). In other words, stability was achieved, but joint laxity was diminished through the operation. In this series, a stiffer artificial ligament than the natural ACL was used, and maximum tension was applied during the operation, aiming at better stability, but this may cause diminution of joint laxity.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
