This prospective longitudinal observational cohort study will characterize recovery of donor-ankle sensorimotor function in adults who have undergone primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a peroneus longus tendon autograft. Twenty participants aged 18 to 55 years will be evaluated at postoperative 6-8 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. The donor limb and the contralateral non-donor limb will be compared using surface electromyography of the peroneus longus, force-platform measures of postural control, inertial-sensor gait analysis, active ankle joint-position sense testing, and clinical and patient-reported foot and ankle function measures. The study does not assign the surgical procedure or rehabilitation treatment.
Age 18 to 55 years.
Unilateral primary anterior cruciate ligament tear confirmed by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging.
Primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction performed using a peroneus longus tendon autograft.
Able and willing to attend the postoperative assessments at 6-8 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.
Multiligament knee injury.
Previous surgery on the index knee or donor ankle.
Pre-existing ankle instability or major foot or ankle pathology.
Neurological or neuromuscular disease.
Adults aged 18 to 55 years who have undergone primary unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a peroneus longus tendon autograft as part of routine clinical care and are referred to the Sports Health Unit, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gazi University, for postoperative rehabilitation and functional assessment. Eligible participants will be enrolled consecutively during the study period.
Cohort
Prospective
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Peroneus Longus Tendon Autograft
Procedure/SurgeryParticipants undergo primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a peroneus longus tendon autograft as part of their routine clinical care. The graft choice and surgical procedure are determined by the treating orthopedic surgeon independently of study participation. The study does not assign or modify the graft choice, surgical technique, or postoperative rehabilitation. Participants receive routine postoperative rehabilitation according to their clinical needs, while donor-ankle sensorimotor recovery is assessed prospectively at 6-8 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery.
Change in Mean Center of Pressure Velocity During Single-Leg Balance
Mean center of pressure (CoP) velocity during a 10-second single-leg stance, assessed separately with eyes open and eyes closed on KFORCE Plates. Each limb will be tested in three trials, and the mean for each condition will be used. Values are expressed in millimeters per second (mm/s); lower values indicate less postural sway. Change from the postoperative 6-8-week assessment to 3 and 6 months and donor-versus-contralateral limb differences will be evaluated.
Change in CoP Path Length During Single-Leg Balance
Total CoP path length during a 10-second single-leg stance with eyes open and eyes closed on KFORCE Plates, averaged across three valid trials for each limb and condition. Unit: millimeters (mm); lower values indicate less sway.
Change in CoP Ellipse Area During Single-Leg Balance
Ellipse area of CoP excursion during a 10-second single-leg stance with eyes open and eyes closed on KFORCE Plates, averaged across three valid trials. Unit: square millimeters (mm²); lower values indicate less sway area.
Change in Mean CoP Velocity During Double-Leg Balance
Mean CoP velocity during 30-second double-leg quiet stance with eyes open and eyes closed on KFORCE Plates, averaged across three trials per condition. Unit: millimeters per second (mm/s).
Change in CoP Path Length During Double-Leg Balance
Total CoP path length during 30-second double-leg quiet stance with eyes open and eyes closed on KFORCE Plates, averaged across three trials per condition. Unit: millimeters (mm).
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