Walking in anterior cruciate ligament injuries

Ten subjects with symptomatic ACL deficiency and 10 normal subjects were analyzed. Gait analysis was performed by using a 3D optoelectronic system, a force platform and a telemetric electromyograph. The kinematic data were recorded from the hip, knee and ankle joints. The examined muscles were Vastus Lateralis, Rectus Femoris, Biceps Femoris and Semitendinosus. Modifications to external moments in the sagittal plane were apparent at all examined joints. The patterns of the EMGs confirmed these results with altered activity of both flexors and extensors groups. The hip and knee joints also showed modifications to the adduction moment during the stance phase. These changes would affect the loading features of the knee structures and thus could contribute causing joint degenerative changes. Gait analysis is confirmed to be an important tool in treatment planning. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.