Comparing the Rate of Torque Development of the Hamstrings between Graft Types after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

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Nicholas Duke
Thomas Herrmann

Abstract

By Nicholas Duke, Health Sciences


Advisor: Thomas Herrmann


Presentation ID: PM_B40


Abstract: Annually, there are more than 200,000 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the United States. Outcomes in young athletes receiving ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and returning to sport (RTS) are poor, as about 25% sustain a second ACL injury after RTS. One risk factor for second injury is graft type. Current evidence shows that hamstring grafts (HA) have a higher failure rate than bone-patellar-tendon-bone grafts (BPTB). Many question if there are potential deleterious effects of taking a HA. Hamstring musculature serves as a secondary restraint to anterior translation, so it has potential to decrease stress on the ACL. Therefore, an efficiently functioning hamstring tendon has potential to protect a reconstructed ACL. Current evidence suggests following ACLR with HA, there is no difference in the hamstring peak torque measures compared to other graft types, at the time of RTS. A current gap in the literature is that the lack of evidence surrounding the effect of HA harvesting on the rate of torque development (RTD) of the hamstrings after ACLR. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in hamstring RTD after ACLR for those who had a HA versus BPTB. The study population is aged 13-25 years, who have undergone primary ACLR. Data was collected using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Subjects had hamstrings and quadriceps flexion and extension strength tested at 180?/sec and 300 ?/sec. We hypothesize that patients who underwent ACLR with HA produce a slower RTD when compared to patients who underwent ACLR with BPTB.

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Section
PM Poster Session -- Great Hall -- B: Health & Body