I just came back from testing at my doctor’s office. I had an anterior cruciate ligament repair with hamstring tendon graft six months ago. The tests show the strength of my operated leg hasn’t returned to normal yet. And the nonoperative side is stronger than it was before surgery. Does this make any sense?

Most likely your nonoperative side has been compensating for the weak side during the last six months. This would account for it gaining strength since the operation. Over time both legs should even out to a more normal strength pattern.

You didn’t give any specifics about the test results of the operated leg. How close to normal was the strength? Research shows hamstring strength will return to almost normal (what it was just before surgery). Most patients won’t have any problems in daily
activities.

Athletes using specific movements may have some trouble with deep knee flexion. It doesn’t sound like this is a problem for you. Ask your doctor to explain the results of your tests. Be prepared with any specific questions you may have, and ask for his or her
opinion about your knee.