Study of objective radiographic assessment of tibial anterior translation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery

Abstract

The clinical guidance regarding advice to patient about return to activity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery, is a complex one and related literature is not clear on this subject. In general, single leg hop test is included in this process. We evaluated a simple objective stress radiographic technique to measure anterior tibial translation and compared the results with that of single leg hop tests in a male population of 24 patients that underwent ACLR at a tertiary care orthopaedic hospital. Tests were recorded after 9th month of post-operative period. Patients were again evaluated at 12th month of post-operative period to record patient reported outcome. Results show average anterior translation of 2.3mm with range 1-4 mm and average hop index of 0.91 ranging from 0.85-0.95. 15 out of 24 patients recorded satisfactory outcome in both the test results. IKDC subjective evaluation scores at 12th month of post-period were satisfactory with average score 72. In conclusion, this objective radiographic measurement technique can be routinely used as a part of decision-making regarding advice of return to activity after ACLR along with single leg hop test and patient reported outcome tools.