Manual Therapy Monday:

 Alterations in knee joint kinematics have been suggested as a potential mechanism that influences the development of osteoarthritis of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Whilst previous study has shown changes in internal–external tibial rotation during level walking, many patients aim to return to high impact activities following surgery. This study examined tibial rotation during single limb hop and drop landings in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed knees compared to a control group, and also evaluated the influence of graft type (hamstring or patellar tendon). Conclusion: The results of this study showed clear differences in internal–external knee rotation during single limb hop and drop landing tasks between ACL reconstructed knees compared to both a separate control group as well as to the uninjured contralateral knee. These changes were seen for both hamstring and patellar tendon graft reconstructions. The landing tasks used in this study were chosen to represent sports movements that are demanding on the knee joint. Whilst the long term consequences for patients returning to sport participation with altered joint kinematics is unclear, changes that potentially alter the normal cartilage load distribution may lead to the development of osteoarthritis and should therefore be monitored over time in future research > from Webster et al.; Clinical Biomechanics 27 (2012) 475–479. All rights reserved to Elsevier Ltd. Courtesy of Marc Schmitz (A&P)