Influence of Graft Type on Muscle Contractile Dynamics After ACL Reconstruction: A 9-Month Tensiomyographic Follow-Up
<b>Background</b>: Persistent neuromuscular deficits following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are frequently attributed to arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). The type of autologous graft used may influence the trajectory of neuromuscular recovery. <b>Objective&l...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Diagnostics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/15/15/1920 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background</b>: Persistent neuromuscular deficits following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are frequently attributed to arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). The type of autologous graft used may influence the trajectory of neuromuscular recovery. <b>Objective</b>: To investigate the influence of graft type—bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB), hamstring tendon (HT), and quadriceps tendon (QT)—on the contractile properties of periarticular knee muscles over a 9-month post-operative period. <b>Hypothesis</b>: Each graft type would result in distinct recovery patterns of muscle contractility, as measured by tensiomyography (TMG). <b>Methods</b>: Thirty-one patients undergoing ACLR with BPTB (<i>n</i> = 8), HT (<i>n</i> = 12), or QT (<i>n</i> = 11) autografts were evaluated at 3, 6, and 9 months post-operatively. TMG was used to measure contraction time (Tc) and maximal displacement (Dm) in the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and biceps femoris. <b>Results</b>: Significant within-group improvements in Tc and Dm were observed across all graft types from 3 to 9 months (Tc: <i>p</i> < 0.001 to <i>p</i> = 0.02; Dm: <i>p</i> < 0.001 to <i>p</i> = 0.01). The QT group showed the most pronounced Tc reduction in RF (from 30.16 ± 2.4 ms to 15.44 ± 1.6 ms, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and VM (from 31.05 ± 2.6 ms to 18.65 ± 1.8 ms, <i>p</i> = 0.004). In contrast, HT grafts demonstrated limited Tc recovery in BF between 6 and 9 months compared to BPTB and QT (<i>p</i> < 0.001), indicating a stagnation phase. BPTB exhibited persistent bilateral deficits in both quadriceps and BF at 9 months. <b>Conclusions</b>: Autograft type significantly influences neuromuscular recovery patterns after ACLR. TMG enables objective, muscle-specific monitoring of contractile dynamics and may support future individualized rehabilitation strategies. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-4418 |