Effects of using different autografts on muscle architecture and strength in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Effects of using different autografts on muscle architecture and strength in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the muscle architecture and strength parameters of patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using different autografts. Material and Method: Patients who were operated on using semitendinosus (ST), ST+gracilis (ST+GC) and peroneus longus (PL) autografts at Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine Orthopedics Clinic were divided into three groups. Using ultrasound, images of the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris longus (BFL), gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) muscles were taken on both sides. Using these images, pennation angle, muscle thickness and fiber length parameters were calculated. Strength measurements of the knee extensor and flexor muscle groups at angular velocities of 60/sec and 180/sec were obtained using an isokinetic device. Results: Pennation angle of the surgical side GM muscle was significantly higher in the PL group compared to the ST group (p=0.025). Apart from this, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of muscle architecture evaluations (p>0.05). The peak torque flexion/extension parameter at an angular speed of 60/sec and the peak torque and peak work flexion/extension parameters at an angular velocity of 180/sec of the surgical side were significantly higher in the ST group compared to the PL group (p<0.05). VL, RF and GM muscle thickness in the ST group; VL and GM muscle thickness in ST+GS group; TA muscle thickness in the PL group was higher on the healthy side compared to the surgical side (p<0.05). Peak torque flexion and extension parameters at an angular velocity of 60/sec were higher on the healthy side compared to the surgical side in all groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Patients undergoing ACLR using ST, ST+GS and PL autografts have similar results in terms of muscle architecture and strength parameters. Due to the deficits on the surgical side compared to the healthy side, an effective physiotherapy and rehabilitation program is needed after ACLR.