Differential Quadriceps Muscle Activation Preoperatively and at the Time of Return to Sport After Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction

The authors aimed to investigate limb-to-limb asymmetries in quadriceps muscle activation in adolescents with patellofemoral instability, both preoperatively and at the time of return to sport after medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. The study found significant reductions in muscle activity, specifically a 40% decrease in rectus femoris activity preoperatively and a 73% decrease in vastus medialis activity at return to sport, suggesting ongoing muscle imbalances that may require targeted rehabilitation strategies.