Introduction. Patellar instability in younger patients is a common injury (3.3% of all knee injury episodes) and the most frequent dislocation of the knee observed. The sensitivity and reliability of clinical diagnostic tests after medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction remain unclear and biased. The primary aim of the present study was thus to detect, using wavelet analysis, differences in the rearfoot loading of the operated limb of patients after MPFL reconstruction. The authors hypothesised that applying this specific examination technique would allow for more accurate and less biased clinical results evaluation.
Material and Methods. The study involved a group of 15 female subjects (age: 22.8 ± 6.3 years; weight: 58.5 ± 5.1 kg) after MPFL reconstruction and a control group of 29 healthy females (23.2 ± 2.8 years; 61.1 ± 7.7 kg). The subjects performed a 30-second classic Romberg test on a treadmill (Noraxon FDN-T) equipped with a matrix of baroresistive sensors to measure ground reaction forces. Time-frequency analysis of the signal originating from the treadmill was done using an analytic Morse wavelet.
Results. The results indicate differences in visual control and vestibular stability in patients before and 3 months after a surgery. They are characterised by a deficit of energy attributed to visual control in favour of an excess of energy associated with vestibular control. Patellar instability patients show greater energy expenditure to maintain body balance for at least 6 months after MPFL reconstruction.
Conclusions. Patellar instability patients have increased vestibular control while maintaining balance. Our results suggest an extended rehabilitation period for patients after MPFL reconstruction beyond 6 months.
