Limb symmetry index and pre-injury performance level after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A case report on a female gymnast

Christiane Wilke, Giordano Scinicarelli*, Daria Sophia Schoser, Christoph Offerhaus, Ingo Froböse

*Corresponding author for this work

Publication: Contribution to journalJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Functional performance tests serve to monitor the injured leg's resilience after anterior cruciate ligament injuries. The limb symmetry index greater than or equal to 90% represents an objective criterion to evaluate the knee function restoration and to return to sports.
Aims: The aim was to detect the point in time when limb symmetries and pre-injury levels of performance were restored, during the first year after surgery. Based on the data obtained, the proper moment for return to sport readiness was identified.
Methods: A 25-year-old female competitive gymnast performed a single-leg functional test battery. The study was conducted over 24 months and included one pre-injury and seven post-injury sessions.
Results: Inter-limb symmetries were restored at eight-ten months in all tests. Pre-injury performance levels were achieved at six months in two out of four tests. The single-leg hop for distance showed a performance decrease greater than 20% in the injured leg at twelve months.
Conclusion: Return to sport readiness was identified at ten months after surgery. Nevertheless, the restored inter-limb symmetry does not take into account performance decreases in the single-leg hop for distance and y-balance tests. Therefore, regular baseline assessments are recommendable to provide data for comparison and to optimise the decision-making process after injury.
Translated title of the contributionLimb Symmetry Index und pre-injury performance level nach Rekonstruktion des vorderen Kreuzbandes bei einer Turnerin: ein Fallbericht
Original languageEnglish
JournalSports Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Pages (from-to)1-8
Number of pages8
ISSN0949-328X
DOIs
Publication statusElectronically/ online published ahead of print - 13.03.2021

Research areas and keywords

  • Dynamic balance control
  • Hop tests
  • Knee injuries
  • Limb asymmetry
  • Return to sport readiness

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