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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology,... Oct 2022The diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for anterior cruciate ligament injury has been reported in previous systematic reviews. Numerous studies in these reviews... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for anterior cruciate ligament tears are comparable but the Lachman test has been previously overestimated: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PURPOSE
The diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for anterior cruciate ligament injury has been reported in previous systematic reviews. Numerous studies in these reviews include subjects with additional knee ligament injury, which could affect the sensitivity of the tests. Meta-analyses have also been performed using methods that do not account for the non-independence of sensitivity and specificity, potentially overestimating diagnostic accuracy. The aim of this study was to report the diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for anterior cruciate ligament tears (partial and complete) without concomitant knee ligament injury.
METHODS
A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses included studies reporting the specificity and/or sensitivity of tests with or without concomitant meniscal injury. Where possible, pooled diagnostic estimates were calculated with bivariate random-effects modelling to determine the most accurate effect sizes. Diagnostic accuracy values are presented for the anterior drawer, Lachman, Lever sign and pivot shift tests overall and in acute or post-acute presentations.
RESULTS
Pooled estimates using a bivariate model for overall sensitivity and specificity respectively were as follows: anterior drawer test 83% [95% CI, 77-88] and 85% [95% CI, 64-95]; Lachman test 81% [95% CI, 73-87] and 85% [95% CI, 73-92]; pivot shift test 55% [95% CI, 47-62] and 94% [95% CI, 88-97]; Lever sign test 83% [95% CI, 68-92] and 91% [95% CI, 83-95]. For specific presentations, the sensitivity and specificity of the Lachman test, respectively, were: complete tears 68% [95% CI, 54-79] and 79% [95% CI, 51-93]; post-acute injuries 70% [95% CI, 57-80] and 77% [95% CI, 53-91].
CONCLUSIONS
The pivot shift and Lever sign were the best tests overall for ruling in or ruling out an anterior cruciate ligament tear, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the Lachman test, particularly in post-acute presentations and for complete tears, is lower than previously reported. Further research is required to establish more accurate estimates for the Lachman test in acute presentations and partial ligament tears using bivariate analysis.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Humans; Knee Injuries; Meniscus; Physical Examination; Rupture
PubMed: 35150292
DOI: 10.1007/s00167-022-06898-4 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Oct 2020To explore the effectiveness of preoperative rehabilitation programmes (PreHab) on postoperative physical and psychological outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament...
BACKGROUND
To explore the effectiveness of preoperative rehabilitation programmes (PreHab) on postoperative physical and psychological outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).
METHOD
A systematic search was conducted from inception to November 2019. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English were included. Risk of bias was assessed using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence.
RESULTS
The search identified 739 potentially eligible studies, three met the inclusion criteria. All included RCTs scored 'high' risk of bias. PreHab in all three RCTs was an exercise programme, each varied in content (strength, control, balance and perturbation training), frequency (10 to 24 sessions) and length (3.1- to 6-weeks). Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were reported for quadriceps strength (one RCT) and single leg hop scores (two RCTs) in favour of PreHab three months after ACLR, compared to no PreHab. One RCT reported no statistically significant between-group difference for pain and function. No RCT evaluated post-operative psychological outcomes.
CONCLUSION
Very low quality evidence suggests that PreHab that includes muscular strength, balance and perturbation training offers a small benefit to quadriceps strength and single leg hop scores three months after ACLR compared with no PreHab. There is no consensus on the optimum PreHab programme content, frequency and length. Further research is needed to develop PreHab programmes that consider psychosocial factors and the measurement of relevant post-operative outcomes such as psychological readiness and return to sport.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO trial registration number. CRD42020162754 .
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Humans; Preoperative Exercise; Return to Sport
PubMed: 33010802
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-020-03676-6 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2021Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most concerning injuries for football players. The aim of this review is to investigate the effects of exercise-based...
Exercise-Based Training Strategies to Reduce the Incidence or Mitigate the Risk Factors of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Adult Football (Soccer) Players: A Systematic Review.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most concerning injuries for football players. The aim of this review is to investigate the effects of exercise-based interventions targeting at reducing ACL injury rate or mitigating risk factors of ACL injury in adult football players. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science. Studies assessing the effect of exercise-based interventions in ACL injury incidence or modifiable risk factors in adult football players were included. 29 studies evaluating 4502 male and 1589 female players were included (15 RCT, 8 NRCT, 6 single-arm): 14 included warm-up, 7 resistance training, 4 mixed training, 3 balance, 1 core stability and 1 technique modification interventions. 6 out of 29 studies investigated the effect of interventions on ACL injury incidence, while the remaining 23 investigated their effect on risk factors. Only 21% and 13% studies evaluating risk of injury variables reported reliability measures and/or smallest worthwhile change data. Warm-up, core stability, balance and technique modification appear effective and feasible interventions to be included in football teams. However, the use of more ecologically valid tests and individually tailored interventions targeting specific ACL injury mechanisms are required.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Athletic Injuries; Core Stability; Incidence; Reproducibility of Results; Risk Factors; Soccer
PubMed: 34948963
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413351 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2022This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the isokinetic strength of the muscular knee joint between quadriceps tendon autografts (QTAs) and hamstring tendon... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Strength Recovery Measured by Isokinetic Dynamometer Technology after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Quadriceps Tendon Autografts vs. Hamstring Tendon Autografts or Patellar Tendon Autografts.
BACKGROUND
This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the isokinetic strength of the muscular knee joint between quadriceps tendon autografts (QTAs) and hamstring tendon autografts (HTAs) or patellar tendon autografts (PTAs) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction by determining the isokinetic angular velocity and follow-up time points. The functional outcomes and knee stability at the same time points were also compared using isokinetic technology.
METHODS
Two independent reviewers searched the Medline (via PubMed search engine), Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases to include full text comparative studies that assessed isokinetic strength test following ACL reconstruction. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used.
RESULTS
In total, ten studies were included; seven compared studies QTAs vs. HTAs, and three compared QTAs vs. PTAs. Five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Isokinetic strength data were reported 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after ACL reconstruction.
CONCLUSIONS
The QTAs showed better and significant results with knee flexion compared with HTAs, similar results to PTAs at 6 and 12 months. While HTAs showed better and significant results with knee extension at 6 months and similar results at 12 months compared to QTAs. Furthermore, a standardized isokinetic strength test must be followed to achieve a more specific conclusion and better clinical comparison among participants.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Autografts; Hamstring Tendons; Humans; Patellar Ligament; Technology; Tendons
PubMed: 35682357
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116764 -
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon) May 2022This systematic review explores the differences in the intrinsic biomechanical properties of different graft sources used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This systematic review explores the differences in the intrinsic biomechanical properties of different graft sources used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction as tested in a laboratory setting.
METHODS
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, two authors conducted a systematic review exploring the biomechanical properties of ACL graft sources (querying PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases). Using the keywords "anterior cruciate ligament graft," "biomechanics," and "biomechanical testing," relevant articles of any level of evidence were identified as eligible and included if they reported on the biomechanical properties of skeletally immature or mature ACL grafts solely and if the grafts were studied in vitro, in isolation, and under similar testing conditions. Studies were excluded if performed on both skeletally immature and mature or non-human grafts, or if the grafts were tested after fixation in a cadaveric knee. For each graft, failure load, stiffness, Young's modulus, maximum stress, and maximum strain were recorded.
FINDINGS
Twenty-six articles were included. Most studies reported equal or increased biomechanical failure load and stiffness of their tested bone-patellar tendon-bone, hamstring, quadriceps, peroneus longus, tibialis anterior and posterior, Achilles, tensor fascia lata, and iliotibial band grafts compared to the native ACL. All recorded biomechanical properties had similar values between graft types.
INTERPRETATION
Most grafts used for ACL reconstruction are biomechanically superior to the native ACL. Utilizing a proper graft, combined with a standard surgical technique and a rigorous rehabilitation before and after surgery, will improve outcomes of ACL reconstruction.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Biomechanical Phenomena; Hamstring Muscles; Humans; Patellar Ligament
PubMed: 35428007
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2022.105636 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine May 2020To summarise recommendations and appraise the quality of international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.
How should clinicians rehabilitate patients after ACL reconstruction? A systematic review of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) with a focus on quality appraisal (AGREE II).
OBJECTIVES
To summarise recommendations and appraise the quality of international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.
DESIGN
Systematic review of CPGs (PROSPERO number: CRD42017020407).
DATA SOURCES
Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, PEDro and grey literature databases were searched up to 30 September 2018.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
English-language CPGs on rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction that used systematic search of evidence to formulate recommendations.
METHODS
We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to report the systematic review. Two appraisers used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument to report comprehensiveness, consistency and quality of CPGs. We summarised recommendations for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.
RESULTS
Six CPGs with an overall median AGREE II total score of 130 points (out of 168) and median overall quality of 63% were included. One CPG had an overall score below the 50% (poor quality score) and two CPGs scored above 80% (higher quality score). The lowest domain score was 'applicability' (can clinicians implement this in practice?) (29%) and the highest 'scope and purpose' (78%) and 'clarity of presentation' (75%). CPGs recommended immediate knee mobilisation and strength/neuromuscular training. Early full weight-bearing exercises, early open and closed kinetic-chain exercises, cryotherapy and neuromuscular electrostimulation may be used according individual circumstances. The CPGs recommend against continuous passive motion and functional bracing.
CONCLUSION
The quality of the CPGs in ACL postoperative rehabilitation was good, but all CPGs showed poor applicability. Immediate knee mobilisation and strength/neuromuscular training should be used. Continuous passive motion and functional bracing should be eschewed.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Cryotherapy; Early Ambulation; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Range of Motion, Articular; Resistance Training
PubMed: 31175108
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100310 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine Dec 2022Critically appraise and summarise the measurement properties of knee muscle strength tests after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and/or meniscus injury using the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Measurement properties for muscle strength tests following anterior cruciate ligament and/or meniscus injury: What tests to use and where do we need to go? A systematic review with meta-analyses for the OPTIKNEE consensus.
OBJECTIVES
Critically appraise and summarise the measurement properties of knee muscle strength tests after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and/or meniscus injury using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments Risk of Bias checklist.
DESIGN
Systematic review with meta-analyses. The modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-guided assessment of evidence quality.
DATA SOURCES
Medline, Embase, CINAHL and SPORTSDiscus searched from inception to 5 May 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Studies evaluating knee extensor or flexor strength test reliability, measurement error, validity, responsiveness or interpretability in individuals with ACL and/or meniscus injuries with a mean injury age of ≤30 years.
RESULTS
Thirty-six studies were included involving 31 different muscle strength tests (mode and equipment) in individuals following an ACL injury and/or an isolated meniscus injury. Strength tests were assessed for reliability (n=8), measurement error (n=7), construct validity (n=27) and criterion validity (n=7). Isokinetic concentric extensor and flexor strength tests were the best rated with sufficient intrarater reliability (very low evidence quality) and construct validity (moderate evidence quality). Isotonic extensor and flexor strength tests showed sufficient criterion validity, while isometric extensor strength tests had insufficient construct and criterion validity (high evidence quality).
CONCLUSION
Knee extensor and flexor strength tests of individuals with ACL and/or meniscus injury lack evidence supporting their measurement properties. There is an urgent need for high-quality studies on these measurement properties. Until then, isokinetic concentric strength tests are most recommended, with isotonic strength tests a good alternative.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Reproducibility of Results; Consensus; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Muscle Strength; Meniscus
PubMed: 36113973
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105498 -
The Knee Mar 2022Primary repair of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures has re-emerged as a treatment option for proximal tears, with internal brace augmentation often utilised. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Primary repair of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures has re-emerged as a treatment option for proximal tears, with internal brace augmentation often utilised. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the current evidence presenting outcomes of ACL repair with internal bracing to assess the safety and efficacy of this technique.
METHODS
All studies reporting outcomes of arthroscopic primary repair of proximal ACL tears, augmented with internal bracing from 2014-2021 were included. Primary outcome was failure rate and secondary outcomes were subjective patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and objective assessment of anteroposterior knee laxity.
RESULTS
Nine studies were included, consisting of 347 patients, mean age 32.5 years, mean minimum follow up 2 years. There were 36 failures (10.4%, CI 7.4% - 14.1%). PROMs reporting was variable across studies. KOOS, Lysholm and IKDC scores were most frequently used with mean scores > 87%. The mean Tegner and Marx scores at follow-up were 6.1 and 7.8 respectively. The mean side to side difference measured for anteroposterior knee laxity was 1.2mm.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review with meta-analysis shows that ACL repair with internal bracing is a safe technique for treatment of proximal ruptures, with a failure rate of 10.4%. Subjective scores and clinical laxity testing also revealed satisfactory results. This suggests that ACL repair with internal bracing should be considered as an alternative to ACL reconstruction for acute proximal tears, with the potential benefits of retained native tissue and proprioception, as well as negating the need for graft harvest.
Topics: Adult; Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Knee Joint; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35366618
DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2022.03.009 -
Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.) May 2021The aim of this literature review was to establish consensus with respect to the anatomic features of the articular branches innervating the hip joint and the...
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this literature review was to establish consensus with respect to the anatomic features of the articular branches innervating the hip joint and the distribution of sensory receptors within its capsule.
METHODS
Five electronic databases were queried, with the search encompassing articles published between January 1945 and June 2019. Twenty-one original articles providing a detailed description of sensory receptors around the hip joint capsule (n=13) and its articular branches (n=8) were reviewed.
RESULTS
The superior portions of the anterior capsule and the labrum were found to be the area of densest nociceptive innervation. Similar to the distribution of nociceptors, mechanoreceptor density was found to be higher anteriorly than posteriorly. Hip joint capsular innervation was found to consistently involve the femoral and obturator nerves, which supply the anterior capsule, and the nerve to the quadratus femoris, which supplies the posterior capsule. The femoral, obturator, and superior gluteal nerves supply articular branches to the most nociceptor-rich region of the hip capsule.
CONCLUSIONS
The femoral and obturator nerves and the nerve to the quadratus femoris were found to consistently supply articular branches to both the anterior and posterior capsule of the hip joint. The anterior capsule, primarily supplied by the femoral and obturator nerves, and the superior labrum appear to be the primary pain generators of the hip joint, given their higher density of nociceptors and mechanoreceptors.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Anatomy study, literature review.
Topics: Hip Joint; Humans; Joint Capsule; Obturator Nerve; Pain
PubMed: 33565587
DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab061 -
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) May 2022The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a major role in knee proprioception and is thus responsible for maintaining knee joint stability and functionality. The... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a major role in knee proprioception and is thus responsible for maintaining knee joint stability and functionality. The available evidence suggests that ACL reconstruction diminishes somatosensory feedback and proprioceptive functioning, which are vital for adequate joint positioning and movement control.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of an ACL rupture on knee proprioception after arthroscopic ACL repair surgery or conservative treatment.
METHODS
A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature search was performed in the following databases from inception to 10th October 2020: PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library and Scopus. Randomized and non-randomized studies that evaluated proprioception using the joint position sense (JPS) and threshold to detection of passive motion (TTDPM) techniques at 15°-30° knee flexion with an external healthy control group in a time period between 6 and 24 months post injury or operation were included in the analysis.
RESULTS
In total, 4857 studies were identified, from which 11 were included in the final quantitative analysis. The results demonstrated that proprioception after arthroscopic ACL repair surgery was significantly lower than in the healthy control group (JPS: standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27-0.87, p < 0.01, n = 6 studies; TTDPM: SMD 0.77, 95% CI 0.20-1.34, p < 0.01, n = 4 studies). There were no significant differences in proprioception between the conservative treatment group and the healthy control group (JPS: SMD 0.57, 95% CI - 0.69 to 1.84, p = 0.37, n = 4 studies; TTDPM: SMD 0.82, 95% CI - 0.02 to 1.65, p = 0.05, n = 2 studies), although measures for TTDPM were close to statistical significance.
CONCLUSION
The findings of the present systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that knee proprioception is persistently compromised 6-24 months following surgical treatment of ACL tears compared with healthy controls. The reduced kinesthetic awareness after ACL surgery is of high relevance for optimizing individual treatment plans in these patients. As the current literature is still scarce about the exact underlying mechanisms, further research is needed.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The present systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021198617).
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Humans; Knee Joint; Proprioception
PubMed: 34854058
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01600-z