Abstract
Background: Despite the plethora of published articles relating to anterior cruciate ligament injuries, little evidence exists regarding the subject of simultaneous bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (SBACLR) and its rehabilitation challenges. Case Report: This case study presents a 17-year-old female athlete who underwent a rare surgical procedure: a SBACLR and suturing of the medial collateral ligament of one knee. A relatively new innovative computerized air-insole auditory biofeedback system (Smartstep™) was used as an adjunct in the evaluation and promotion of weight-bearing in the early stages of rehabilitation. Results: Following intensive rehabilitation over a seven-week period, the athlete progressed in all functional activities of daily living, with a gradual bilateral improvement in weight-bearing abilities. After completion of her rehabilitation program, she returned symptom-free to all previous functional and sporting activities. Conclusions: This case study highlights the fact that although a SBACLR is still a relatively uncommon knee surgical procedure, the possibility exists for an athlete to return to full functional activities of daily living. The Smartstep™ system proved to be a useful objective and accurate adjunct during the rehabilitation process.
Highlights
One of the more common injuries in sports that involve sudden directional changes is the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) within the knee
Without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), there tends to be a significant increase in the risk for further meniscal damage [6] and a decrease in the proprioceptive function of the knee joint [4]
Asymmetric gait patterns persist up to one year post-ACLR and are more pronounced during stair ascent and descent than in level walking. These results indicate that clinicians should include specific interventions aimed at improving knee function during stair use in order to restore normal function after ACLR [20]
Summary
One of the more common injuries in sports that involve sudden directional changes is the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) within the knee. ACLR results in changes in lower extremity joint kinetics, including in the normal gait pattern [9]. These changes include an abnormal lower leg movement pattern, a stiffening strategy of the knee and a reduced knee range of movement [9,10,11,12]. Despite the plethora of published articles relating to anterior cruciate ligament injuries, little evidence exists regarding the subject of simultaneous bilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (SBACLR) and its rehabilitation challenges. A relatively new innovative computerized air-insole auditory biofeedback system (SmartstepTM) was used as an adjunct in the evaluation and promotion of weight-bearing in the early stages of rehabilitation
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