Examination of ankle function in individuals with a history of ACL reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between self-reported ankle and knee function, and to examine differences in ankle function between healthy and injured limbs in individuals with a history of ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

DESIGN: Cross-sectional.

SETTING: Laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 18 adults with a history of ACLR.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed four patient-reported outcomes: the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome (KOOS), the Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire, the modified Disablement in the Physically Active Scale, and the Quick-Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (Quick-FAAM). Additional ankle function measures collected bilaterally included plantar cutaneous sensation, dorsiflexion range of motion and dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength.

RESULTS: Three KOOS-subscales were significantly, moderately correlated to the Quick-FAAM for the injured limb. There were differences in the uninjured and injured Quick-FAAM scores. No other differences were observed in ankle function measures.

CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported ankle and knee function are correlated in participants with a history of ACLR. Clinicians should be made aware of the influence of this health condition on the distal joint, and treatment strategies to address these perceived impairments should be considered.