[The influence of a controlled active motion splint on proprioception after anterior cruciate ligament plasty. A prospective randomized study].

BACKGROUND: A ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) leads to both mechanical and functional instability. Functional instability is caused by proprioceptive deficit. The aim of this study was to determine whether the proprioceptive deficit can be reduced by using a controlled active motion (CAM) splint postoperatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients with ACL rupture were randomized into two groups. After ACL plasty the PT group received postoperative physiotherapy, while the CAM group were managed with a CAM splint and physiotherapy. Proprioceptive ability was measured with a passive angle-reproduction test.
RESULTS: On the day of discharge 80% of the patients in the CAM group and 25% in the PT group had a reduced proprioceptive deficit. Overall the main measured value in the CAM group improved by 83.7%, but deteriorated by 39.3% in the PT group. There was no significant difference between the CAM group and a healthy control group.
CONCLUSION: Using a CAM splint in addition to physiotherapy after ACL plasty in comparison to physiotherapy alone decreases the proprioceptive deficit significantly. We recommend the use of a CAM splint in the postoperative management following ACL plasty.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes