Robert Csapo1, Christian Hoser2, Peter Gföller2, Christian Raschner3, Christian Fink2. 1. University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Institute for Sports Medicine, Alpine Medicine & Health Tourism (ISAG), Research Unit for Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Injury Prevention, Austria. Electronic address: robert.csapo@umit.at. 2. Gelenkpunkt - Sports and Joint Surgery, Austria. 3. University of Innsbruck, Department of Sport Science, Austria.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To assess the fitness of elite alpine skiers during recovery from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and changes in performance level after return to competition. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: The database of a specialized sports clinic was screened for professional alpine skiers with a history of ACL rupture and reconstruction. Strength and further functional tests as well as questionnaire data reflecting the athletes' subjective perception of pain, function in activities of daily living and physical activity levels were extracted. The website of the International Ski Federation (FIS) was used to obtain FIS points reflecting the competition performance level prior to injury, after return to competition as well as one year later. RESULTS: Questionnaire data revealed the highest patient satisfaction. Measurements performed 161.5±24.2days after surgery showed persistent muscle strength and power deficits, which primarily affected the knee extensor muscles and were more pronounced following reconstruction using quadriceps as compared to hamstring tendon grafts. FIS points increased immediately after return to competition (364.3±142.5days post-reconstruction) but dropped below pre-injury levels within the first year. CONCLUSIONS: ACL injuries sustained by professional skiers entail muscle strength and power deficits that persist for more than five months after surgery. The rate of recovery of knee extensor muscle function may be slower following ACL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon grafts. On average, athletes returned to competition within one year after surgery and succeeded in surpassing their baseline performance level within the first year after return to competition.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the fitness of elite alpine skiers during recovery from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and changes in performance level after return to competition. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: The database of a specialized sports clinic was screened for professional alpine skiers with a history of ACL rupture and reconstruction. Strength and further functional tests as well as questionnaire data reflecting the athletes' subjective perception of pain, function in activities of daily living and physical activity levels were extracted. The website of the International Ski Federation (FIS) was used to obtain FIS points reflecting the competition performance level prior to injury, after return to competition as well as one year later. RESULTS: Questionnaire data revealed the highest patient satisfaction. Measurements performed 161.5±24.2days after surgery showed persistent muscle strength and power deficits, which primarily affected the knee extensor muscles and were more pronounced following reconstruction using quadriceps as compared to hamstring tendon grafts. FIS points increased immediately after return to competition (364.3±142.5days post-reconstruction) but dropped below pre-injury levels within the first year. CONCLUSIONS: ACL injuries sustained by professional skiers entail muscle strength and power deficits that persist for more than five months after surgery. The rate of recovery of knee extensor muscle function may be slower following ACL reconstruction using quadriceps tendon grafts. On average, athletes returned to competition within one year after surgery and succeeded in surpassing their baseline performance level within the first year after return to competition.
Authors: Fahed Herbawi; Mario Lozano-Lozano; Maria Lopez-Garzon; Paula Postigo-Martin; Lucia Ortiz-Comino; Jose Luis Martin-Alguacil; Manuel Arroyo-Morales; Carolina Fernandez-Lao Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-06-01 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Mitchell C Tarka; Annabelle Davey; Geordie C Lonza; Casey M O'Brien; John P Delaney; Nathan K Endres Journal: Sports Health Date: 2019-01-28 Impact factor: 3.843