Examination of ankle function in individuals with a history of ACL reconstruction

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between self-reported ankle and knee function, and to examine differences in ankle function between healthy and injured limbs in individuals with a history of ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Laboratory.

Participants: A total of 18 adults with a history of ACLR.

Main outcome measures: Participants completed four patient-reported outcomes: the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS), the Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire, the modified Disablement in the Physically Active Scale, and the Quick-Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (Quick-FAAM). Additional ankle function measures collected bilaterally included plantar cutaneous sensation, dorsiflexion range of motion and dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength.

Results: Three KOOS-subscales were significantly, moderately correlated to the Quick-FAAM for the injured limb. There were differences in the uninjured and injured Quick-FAAM scores. No other differences were observed in ankle function measures.

Conclusions: Self-reported ankle and knee function are correlated in participants with a history of ACLR. Clinicians should be made aware of the influence of this health condition on the distal joint, and treatment strategies to address these perceived impairments should be considered.

Keywords: Patient-reported outcomes; Rehabilitation; Self-reported function.