Predictors of Quadriceps Strength Asymmetry after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection Decision Tree Analysis.

INTRODUCTION

The influence of graft type on the restoration of quadriceps strength symmetry after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) has been widely studied. However, an important consideration when evaluating quadriceps symmetry is the fact that this measure can be influenced by numerous factors beyond graft type. This study sought to determine if graft type is predictive of quadriceps strength asymmetry during the first 12 months post-ACLR taking into consideration potentially influential factors (i.e., age, sex, body mass index, time post-ACLR).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed quadriceps strength data from 434 patients (303 female patients and 131 male patients) who had previously undergone ACLR with an autograft (hamstring tendon, quadriceps tendon [QT], patellar tendon [PT]) or allograft. Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection decision tree analysis was used to evaluate if graft type is predictive of quadriceps strength asymmetry during the first 12 months post-ACLR taking into consideration age, sex, body mass index, and time post-ACLR.

RESULTS

The best predictor of quadriceps strength asymmetry was graft type. Specifically, three graft categories were identified: 1) allograft and hamstring tendon autograft, 2) PT autograft, and 3) QT autograft. The average quadriceps strength asymmetry for each of the three identified categories was 0.91, 0.87, and 0.81, respectively, and differed statistically from each other ( P < 0.001). The second-best predictor of quadriceps strength asymmetry was sex, albeit only in the PT and QT groups (with female patients having increased asymmetry). Female patients post-ACLR with a QT autograft were at highest risk for quadriceps strength asymmetry.

CONCLUSIONS

Graft type and sex are important predictors of quadriceps strength asymmetry after ACLR. Clinicians should take these factors into consideration when designing rehabilitation protocols to restore quadriceps strength symmetry during the postoperative period.