Two different techniques for the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. Which is better concerning postural control?

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are among the most common knee injuries. These injuries compromise stability and function, frequently requiring surgical reconstruction. Understanding how postural control of the lower limb is affected in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with different techniques, under the same rehabilitation protocol, is essential for optimizing recovery and improving functional outcomes after physical therapy. Objective: Compare the rehabilitation protocol effectiveness on postural control between the ACLR technique Bone-Tendon-Bone (BTB) and graft extracted from the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles (STG). Methodology: Posturographic evaluation was performed 16 weeks after surgery with a 16-week standardized rehabilitation protocol in a BTB group (n=30, age=32,16±8,73 years, weight=78,03±9,53 kg, height=1,69±0,06 m) and another STG group (n=38; age=34,84±9,4 years; weight=76,47±9,27 kg; height=1,67±0,05 m). Results: The investigation shows that there are no statistically significant differences in unilateral velocity (p>0.05) and unilateral area of the center of pressure (p>0.05) in subjects with ACLR using the BTB technique. Discussion: Two ACLR techniques were compared under the same 16-week rehabilitation protocol, evaluating balance and postural stability. The results showed that the BTB technique presented less difference between the injured and healthy limbs, demonstrating better results than the STG graft. However, methodological limitations were identified, as well as the need to consider factors such as limb dominance in future research. Conclusions: The BTB reconstruction technique presents better postural control results in patients undergoing 16 weeks of physiotherapy.