Post-surgery rehabilitation

Over the last few years, we have been monitoring several professional athletes during the rehabilitation process after knee joint surgery. We found out that not all quadriceps muscles are affected by the operation and immobilization to the same extent. By detecting the weakest muscles, we were able to significantly shorten the rehabilitation process.

Lateral asymmetry of the knee 4 days after the operation (operation of the crucial ligaments was performed on the right knee joint):



Right RF Tc = 49 ms (black)
Left RF Tc = 24 ms (red)

A noticeable difference between contraction times indicates a 59% lateral asymmetry, which is already critical.

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Right VL Tc = 17 ms (black)
Left VL Tc = 18 ms (red)

Vastus lateralis was not significantly affected by the operation. Contraction times for both muscles are nearly the same. There is a small difference in the displacement (the operated muscle has a much lower activation level). Lateral asymmetry is 79%, which is at an acceptable level.






Right VM Tc = 22 ms (black)
Left VM Tc = 24 ms (red)

There is almost no difference between contraction times but a considerable difference in the displacement (activation level). The graph shows that vastus medialis in the operated leg has a much lower activation level (shows severe muscle atrophy). Lateral asymmetry is 53% and is the highest compared to the other two muscles that were measured.




Conclusion:

In the rehabilitation process, particular attention has to be given to the vastus medialis muscle. To effectively monitor the improvement, the measurements should be taken once every two days.