Cohort study shows knee extension deficits affect cartilage composition in youth post-ACL reconstruction, suggesting OA risk.
Key Points
This research aims to explore the relationship between early knee extension range of motion (ROM) deficits after ACL reconstruction and cartilage T2 relaxation time changes.
Cohort study with 30 participants aged 15-35 years enrolled preoperatively for ACL reconstruction.
Measured knee extension ROM at 2 months post-ACLR using a goniometer; an extension deficit was defined as >3° less than the uninjured knee.
Quantitative MRI with T2 relaxometry assessed cartilage changes preoperatively and at 6 months post-ACLR.
50% of participants exhibited an extension deficit at 2 months post-ACLR.
Participants with extension deficits had a 10.21% increase in T2 relaxation time in anterior cartilage (P = .003) and a 6.14% increase in weightbearing cartilage (P = .004).
No significant changes in T2 relaxation times were observed in other cartilage regions (P > .05).