Altered Gait After ACL Reconstruction May Contribute to Long-Term Knee Problems

While anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is an effective treatment for restoring joint stability after ACL injury, many patients continue to face long-term knee issues, including osteoarthritis. A new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research links persistent gait abnormalities following ACLR to these complications, highlighting the importance of addressing gait patterns during rehabilitation.

Study Reveals Persistent Gait Abnormalities Post-ACLR

Researchers compared gait biomechanics between the ACLR and uninjured limbs of 58 individuals who underwent ACLR and 58 uninjured control participants. Over the first 12 months after surgery, gait symmetry improved in the ACLR group. However, the study found that both the ACLR-treated and uninvolved limbs exhibited persistent aberrant gait patterns compared to the control group.

“A persistent aberrant gait pattern following ACLR, like that observed in our study, can induce joint loads that may contribute to further long-term knee joint problems,” said Christin Büttner, MS, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Why Early Gait Rehabilitation Is Crucial

The findings underscore the importance of early intervention to normalize gait biomechanics. Büttner emphasized that addressing these gait abnormalities during rehabilitation could help protect knee joint health in both the injured and uninjured limbs. “Implementing early rehabilitative measures to normalize gait following ACLR could help to maintain long-term knee joint health in both the injured and uninjured limb,” Büttner added.

This research highlights the biomechanical challenges that remain even after ACLR and suggests that optimizing rehabilitation strategies may reduce the risk of developing additional knee problems over time. By prioritizing gait normalization in post-ACLR recovery, clinicians can better support long-term joint health and improve outcomes for their patients.