Analyzing Foot Contact Area and Pressure Post Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Comparative Study between Peroneus Longus and Hamstring Autografts

Abstract Introduction: The role of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in gait balancing and lower limb kinematics is very crucial. It is believed that using the peroneus longus (PL) to reconstruct the ACL will cause ankle instability, which could result in poor gait and postural instability. The stability and biomechanics of lower limb after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) can be measured by foot pressure analysis, gait analysis, and percentage contact area of the foot. Aim: The purpose of this study is to analyze postural stability and the kinematic difference via foot pressure and contact area of the foot after ACLR using two different autologous grafts (PL and hamstring [HM] tendons). Materials and Methods: Quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Sports Medicine from January 15, 2022, to October 31, 2024. Ten patients each in the PL tendon and HM tendon groups were included. Postoperative (at 6 months and 1 year) foot pressure and contact area of the foot were calculated. Data analysis was done using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Science, Version 26. Results: No significant difference was observed postoperatively in the foot pressures (6 months: P = 0.687, and 1 year: P = 0.301) and percentage contact area (6 months: P = 0.159 and 1 year: P = 0.513) between the PL and HM group. Conclusion: There is neither a significant difference in the value of foot pressure and percentage contact area of the foot nor any postural instability or kinematics while running and walking after ACLR groups using PL and HM at 6 months and 1 year.