Rehabilitation after damage to the anterior cruciate ligament for persons actively participating in sport.

Background. The goal of our research was to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation in cases of major damage to the anterior cruciate ligament. Material and methods. The research involved a group of 80 persons in rehabilitation who had previously been active in sports, and had incurred damage to the anterior cruciate ligament. The examinations covered the circumference of the knee and hip, the range of flexion and extension, the momentum of strength in the flexor and extensor muscle groups, and the stability of the knee joint. The tests were performed twice, once before and once after rehabilitation, and then compared with the results for the healthy limb. Results. Significant improvement was obtained in the circumference of the knee and hip, the range of flexion and extension, and the momentum of strength in the flexor and extensor muscle groups. However, the improvement in the stability of the knee joint was not statistically significant. Conclusions. Rehabilitation after major damage to the anterior cruciate ligament has a significant impact on the range of movement, reduces exudate, and increases the mass and strength of the muscles that stabilize the knee, thus improving the dynamic stability of the joint. There is no significant impact on impaired passive stability, other than slowing the appearance of degenerative changes. In active individuals participating in sport, the treatment of choice after total ACL damage should be surgery.