Background: This study was intended to provide quantitative assessment of quadriceps muscle recovery in adolescent athletes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
Methods: Quadriceps peak torque values from 55 athletes who underwent ACL reconstruction were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 15.93+/-1.65 years (40 girls, 15 boys). Isokinetic data were obtained using the Biodex System 3. Quadriceps muscle recovery was defined as achieving >or=85% peak torque for side-to-side comparison.
Results: Time-to-quadriceps muscle recovery was as follows: 15% by the end of 3 months, 11% by 4 months, 13% by 5 months, and 20% by 6 months. Overall, 32 patients (59%) achieved >or=85% quadriceps strength within 6 months of their surgery date. Of those patients, 16 (50%) patients returned to full activity within 6 months of the date of surgery. Sex was not found to be a significant difference in regard to strength outcomes.
Conclusions: Quadriceps muscle recovery is one criterion considered when allowing return to unrestricted activities after ACL reconstruction. On the basis of results of this study, middle and high school age athletes have the ability to regain the necessary quadriceps muscle strength required to return to sport within 6 months.
Significance: Using objective measures of quadriceps muscle return after ACL reconstruction can pinpoint timing of recovery, aid in specific training of deficient muscle groups, and guide return-to-play recommendations for those treating athletes with ACL reconstruction.