Gait analysis of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed subjects with a combined tendon obtained from hamstring and peroneus longus

Background: Stability of the knee joint is achieved by a complex process in which the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays an important role. The rupture of this ligament is quite frequent especially in athletic young subjects. Various methods have been used to reconstruct the ACL One of the new methods is to use a graft combined from peroneus loops and hamstring. As there is no evidence regarding this method, it was aimed to evaluate the efficiency of this method. Method: Two groups of normal and those with ACL injury, in whom their ACLs were reconstructed with the new method, participated in this study. The kinematic and kinetic parameters during walking on level surface were evaluated by a motion analysis system (Qualysis) and a Kistler force plate. The difference between the parameters of operated and non-operated sides and also between patients and normal subjects was evaluated by use of a two sample t test (p-value was 0.05). Results: The results of this study showed that the pattern and magnitude of the loads transmitted by lower extrimity joints differed between normal and ACL reconstructed subjects. The sound side pattern and magnitude of motion were also influenced by ACL insufficiency. Conclusions: The results of the current study showed that the reconstructed ACL by use of this method did not have enough performance to restore the function of the leg. As the knee joint is unstable following the use of this method, it is recommended to find a new method of ACL reconstruction to improve the function of this ligament after reconstruction. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.