Lower Extremity & Knee Injuries/Conditions

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Regaining ROM in ACL knee

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: Lower Extremity & Knee Injuries/Conditions
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about lower extremity & knee injuries/conditions.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=487
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Topic: Regaining ROM in ACL knee

Posted By: AngelGirlsKnee
Subject: Regaining ROM in ACL knee
Date Posted: Sep 11 2009 at 7:51pm

Hi...
I am about to have revision surgery - ACL reconstruction on my left knee. I originally injured the knee in 1985 and at that time, they did a direct repair of the ligament (simply sutured back together).

My current range of motion measurements are:

R – 5-10˚ hyperextension (or negative 5-10)
L – 0˚ extension

135-145˚ flexion in L with pain on passive overpressure/hinging
145˚ A flexion in R with no pain on passive overpressure/hinging

My surgeon wants me to work on ROM before surgery. He wants me to get the extension in the left knee closer to the extension in the right. He wants them to match more closely.

I have had this range of motion for over 20 years now, and I am wondering if it's even possible at this point to achieve a hyperextension in that left knee, and if so, how do I go about it?

Replies:

Posted By: Ask a PT
Date Posted: Sep 14 2009 at 3:38pm

Given your current range of motion, I would think your surgeon would be pleased. The average active range of motion in a normal knee is about 0-135 degrees. Hyperextension at the knee is not something that I work on achieving with my patients and is not a common condition. Did the surgeon give you a reason as to what the benefits would be by achieving an additional 5-10 degrees of extension (hyperextension at your knee)? You are correct that if you are trying to achieve additional extension at your knee beyond 0 degrees, that it would be very difficult given your past history.

Posted By: AngelGirlsKnee
Date Posted: Sep 14 2009 at 5:23pm

I would have thought so as well. Maybe he misread my email, I will have to clarify with him. I have an appointment with my PT tomorrow, and will see what she thinks.