A prospective outcome study of rehabilitation programs and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

• Published in: Arthroscopy Vol. 13; no. 3; p. 285
• Main Authors: Schenck, Jr, R C, Blaschak, M J, Lance, E D, Turturro, T C, Holmes, C F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-06-1997
• Subjects: Adult; Ambulatory Care; Anterior Cruciate Ligament - surgery; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Exercise Therapy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Home Care Services; Humans; Knee Injuries - physiopathology; Knee Injuries - rehabilitation; Knee Injuries - surgery; Knee Joint - physiopathology; Male; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); Pain Measurement; Patient Satisfaction; Postoperative Care; Range of Motion, Articular; Sickness Impact Profile; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0749-8063
• DOI: 10.1016/s0749-8063(97)90022-0

We evaluated the outcome of and compared two rehabilitation programs (clinic-based versus home) after a mid-third patellar autograft reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Thirty-seven patients (28 male, 9 female; average age, 24.1 years) completed the study. Fifteen of these patients received clinic-based rehabilitation (three visits per week for 6 weeks prescribed), and 22 patients received home-based physical therapy (number of visits determined by patient response). Knee ROM, Lysholm, Visual Analogy Scale, (VAS) pain rating, hop test, KT-1000, and Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. All patients reported good satisfaction with the function of their knee at average follow-up of 21.6 months (range, 12 to 48). Patients managed by home rehabilitation averaged 2.85 visits as compared with 14.2 for clinic-centered patient (P < .05). There were no differences in functional or subjective outcomes in the different postoperative rehabilitation regimens, with both groups reporting high satisfaction and improved quality of life. Cost savings in the home rehabilitation group were significant.