Bone Geometric adaptations and functional outcomes after ACL reconstruction: cross-sectional and prospective observations.

Abstract

The main objective of this dissertation is to explore the muscle, bone and functional adaptations after ACL reconstruction via measures of bone volumetric density, geometry and estimates of bone strength. This thesis consists of 3 manuscripts. The first paper, a cross- sectional study, explores the effect of previous ACL reconstruction on bone strength and muscle size of the surgical and non-surgical legs. In the second manuscript, I prospectively observed muscle and bone outcomes before and after ACL reconstruction. The final paper addresses both subjective and clinical functional outcomes in patients with a history of ACL reconstruction; and explores a clinically useful test of function in this population (retro step test).