Does Gabapentin Reduce Quadriceps Muscle Weakness After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common sport injury in both professional and recreational athletes. Furthermore, persistent quadriceps weakness and wasting are frequently observed after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Several studies have demonstrated that muscular rehabilitation to normal strength is difficult, protracted, and often not achieved due to the inability to fully activate the quadriceps voluntarily. Pain and disuse are often blamed for the inhibition of muscle activation following joint injury. However, arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) is often overlooked and not addressed. Thus, the magnitude of strength restoration of the quadriceps is frequently restricted despite solid rehabilitation protocols. As AMI is a reflex inhibition of musculature involving the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyrate (GABA), Gabapentin may have a potential role in modulating AMI, therefore limiting muscle weakness after ACLR.