Mechanical Properties of the Femur and Tibia are Impaired in the Reconstructed Leg 1-6 Years Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis affects approximately 50% of individuals following an anterior cruciate ligament tear and reconstruction (ACLR). Bone tissue is essential for joint function, as it helps to distribute loading during locomotion. However, evidence is limited regarding whether the bone tissues in the reconstructed leg have a diminished ability to transfer forces during weight-bearing activities post-ACLR. Using peripheral quantitative computerised tomography imaging to infer mechanical properties of the bone, our findings indicate that at 66% of the tibia, and at 20% and 50% of the femur, the resistance to rotational and compressive forces is reduced in the reconstructed leg. These results may have implications for how forces are distributed at the knee joint, potentially contributing to the deterioration of joint health following ACLR.