Does length of thigh affect quadriceps strength after surgery?
Quadriceps strength is essential for a good result after surgery on your knee such as anterior cruciate ligament surgery. At Fysio Fitaal in Tilburg, we also measure quadriceps strength in an objective manner. Reduced quadriceps strength has a negative impact on running pattern, sports performance, and ultimately return to play(sports resumption). It can also potentially lead to early osteoarthritis symptoms or other injuries such as a new injury of the anterior cruciate ligament.Â
There are many factors that contribute to muscle strength:
- Genetic predisposition
- Hormonal status
- Daily physical activitiesÂ
- Developmental Disabilities
Some factors such as physical activity and hormonal status can change over a person's lifetime. Upper leg length or length of the entire leg when people are fully grown are not susceptible to change. Research shows that quadriceps strength depends in part on people's height and weight, among other factors. But what is the actual influence of the length of, say, the bone of the upper leg where the quadriceps has its course?
The longer the stronger?Â
Research shows that there is a relationship between people's height and upper leg strength in people without knee problems. The taller people are, the stronger the quadriceps. We see this even in individuals with a leg length difference. The shorter leg is less strong in both bending and extending the knee. Unfortunately, we do not see in the study whether the volume of the muscle also played a role in this. But when we look purely at length of the upper leg, we see that people without injury with a longer upper leg are generally stronger.Â
Quadriceps strength after surgery and thigh length
The length of the thigh thus the femur affects strength on the non-operated side. When we look at individuals after anterior cruciate ligament surgery we see that people with longer legs regain quadriceps strength relatively faster. This possibly leads us to new insights into how to deal with anatomical variation in people after knee surgery such as anterior cruciate ligament surgery. This information tells us that morphological characteristics affect quadriceps strength. Physical therapists and medical specialists can use this knowledge to tailor rehabilitation after surgery even more specifically to the individual, and could potentially help in evaluation moments where strength differences are discussed or certain activities such as running can be resumed.Â
When we map quadriceps strength, we often relate it to body weight, left-right difference but also strength in relation to another important muscle group in the upper leg, namely the hamstring. Perhaps in the future we will also include femur length in the evaluation of quadriceps strength as an additional variable to consider. As with many new findings, further research is often needed to make a good statement on this. But at Fysio Fitaal in Tilburg, we are always looking to better guide our people in the rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament surgery.Â
Ruben Luijkx
Owner Physio Vital
Physical therapist, MSC. Manuel therapy
With a solid foundation in scientific knowledge, Ruben combines the latest insights with his practical experience to ensure the best results. As owner of Physio Fitaal, Ruben has created a patient-centered environment that works with innovative techniques and a data-driven approach. Whether you are an elite athlete looking to return to the field or someone recovering from knee surgery, Ruben will guide you to a full recovery, with attention to your individual needs and goals.
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