Are you ready to play after your ACL reconstruction?
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture is a common injury in the sporting population, especially in contact sports, and sport involving pivoting, cutting and quick deceleration. It occurs most commonly in the 15 to 45 year old age group, and can have devastating short and long term effects on the athlete. Reconstruction of the ACL is one of the most common knee surgeries performed, with the purpose of restoring stability in the knee joint which will hopefully allow the individual to return to their sport.
**Image courtesy of http://fajdalomambulancia.hu/szolgaltatasaink/humac-norm/
But when are you ready to return to play, without a high risk of re-injury?
It is vital that your rehabilitation is gradually progressed to a point where the ACL graft is able to withstand the stresses that will be placed on the tissue. A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/50/15/952) outlines six criteria which has to be reached to mitigate the risk of re-injury:
- Quadriceps deficit of less than 10% on isokinetic testing
- A limb symmetry index of more than 90% on the single hop, triple hop and triple crossover hop test
- Fully completed sports-specific rehabilitation
- Complete the running t test in less than 11 seconds
Not meeting these discharge criteria before returning to professional sport, was associated with a 4 times greater risk of rupturing the ACL graft according to the study.
**You can view a very useful infographic on the criteria mentioned above at:
http://ylmsportscience.blogspot.co.za/2016/05/likelihood-of-acl-graft-rupture-meet.html
This is where we can help you!!
One of the vital tests suggested by the researchers is Isokinetic testing to objectively measure muscle function and limb symmetry after your ACL reconstruction. Accurately determining the muscle ratios and performance is simply not possible without isokinetic testing equipment. Advanced Rehabilitation Parkmore is one of only a few rehabilitation centres in Johannesburg to offer isokinetic testing. Our highly skilled team of biokineticists and physiotherapists can also help you to reach the required strength and function should your test identify any ongoing deficits. Oh, and don't worry if you don't know what the tests listed above are - we do, and will help you through them!
To find out more or to book an appointment, phone or e-mail us today!!
