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International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2021Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are the most common ligament injury of the knee, accounting for between 100,000 and 200,000 injuries among athletes per year.... (Review)
Review
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are the most common ligament injury of the knee, accounting for between 100,000 and 200,000 injuries among athletes per year. ACL injuries occur via contact and non-contact mechanisms, with the former being more common in males and the later being more common in females. These injuries typically require surgical repair and have relatively high re-rupture rates, resulting in a significant psychological burden for these individuals and long rehabilitation times. Numerous studies have attempted to determine risk factors for ACL rupture, including hormonal, biomechanical, and sport- and gender-specific factors. However, the incidence of ACL injuries continues to rise. Therefore, we performed a systematic review analyzing both ACL injury video analysis studies and studies on athletes who were pre-screened with eventual ACL injury. We investigated biomechanical mechanisms contributing to ACL injury and considered male and female differences. Factors such as hip angle and strength, knee movement, trunk stability, and ankle motion were considered to give a comprehensive, joint by joint analysis of injury risk and possible roles of prevention. Our review demonstrated that poor core stability, landing with heel strike, weak hip abduction strength, and increased knee valgus may contribute to increased ACL injury risk in young athletes.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Athletes; Biomechanical Phenomena; Female; Humans; Knee Joint; Male
PubMed: 33917488
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073826 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2022Despite the restoration of the mechanical stability of the knee joint after ACL reconstruction (ACLR), patients often experience postoperative limitations. To our... (Review)
Review
Despite the restoration of the mechanical stability of the knee joint after ACL reconstruction (ACLR), patients often experience postoperative limitations. To our knowledge, there are no systematic reviews analyzing additional physiotherapy interventions implementing standard rehabilitation programs in the early postoperative phase after ACLR. The objective of this study was to analyze the additional physiotherapy interventions implemented in standard rehabilitation programs that improve early-stage ACLR rehabilitation. For this systematic review, we followed the PRISMA guidelines. In March 2022 we conducted a literature review using electronic databases. Primary outcomes were pain, edema, muscle strength, ROM, and knee function. The risk of bias and scientific quality of included studies were assessed with the RoB 2, ROBINS-I and PEDro scale. For the review, we included 10 studies that met the inclusion criteria (total = 3271). The included studies evaluated the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping, Whole-body vibration, Local Vibration Training, Trigger Point Dry Needling, High Tone Power Therapy, alternating magnetic field, and App-Based Active Muscle Training Program. Most of the additional physiotherapy interventions improved pain, edema, ROM, knee muscle strength, or knee function in early-stage postoperative ACL rehabilitation. Except for one study, no adverse events occurred in the included studies, which demonstrates the safety of the discussed physiotherapy interventions. Further in-depth research is needed in this area.
Topics: Humans; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Knee Joint; Pain
PubMed: 36497965
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315893 -
Journal of Sport and Health Science May 2023For the past 30 years, the hamstring (H)-to-quadriceps (Q) (H:Q) torque ratio has been considered an important index of muscle strength imbalance around the knee joint.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
For the past 30 years, the hamstring (H)-to-quadriceps (Q) (H:Q) torque ratio has been considered an important index of muscle strength imbalance around the knee joint. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the value of H:Q torque ratio as an independent risk factor for hamstring and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.
METHODS
Database searches were performed to identify all relevant articles in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Prospective studies evaluating the conventional (concentric H:Q), functional (eccentric H: concentric Q), and mixed (eccentric H at 30°/s: concentric Q at 240°/s) H:Q ratios as risk factors for occurrence of hamstring muscle strain or ACL injury were considered. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool.
RESULTS
Eighteen included studies reported 585 hamstrings injuries in 2945 participants, and 5 studies documented 128 ACL injuries in 2772 participants. Best evidence synthesis analysis indicated that there is very limited evidence that H:Q strength ratio is an independent risk factor for hamstring and ACL injury, and this was not different between various ratio types. Methodological limitations and limited evidence for ACL injuries and some ratio types might have influenced these results.
CONCLUSION
The H:Q ratio has limited value for the prediction of ACL and hamstring injuries. Monitoring strength imbalances along with other modifiable factors during the entire competitive season may provide a better understanding of the association between H:Q ratio and injury.
Topics: Humans; Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Hamstring Muscles; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Muscle, Skeletal; Torque; Prospective Studies; Leg Injuries
PubMed: 35065297
DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2022.01.002 -
PloS One 2020Systematic review.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Preoperative neuromuscular function is predictive for knee function and return to sports (RTS) after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The aim of this review was to examine the potential benefits of prehabilitation on pre-/postoperative objective, self-reported and RTS-specific outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted within three databases. From the 1.071 studies screened, two randomized control trials (RCTs), two control trials (CTs) and two cohort studies (CS) met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality rating adopted the PEDro- (RCT, CT) or Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale (CS).
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Methodological quality of the included studies was moderate (PEDro score: 6.5 ± 1.7; range 4 to 9). Two studies reported higher increases of the maximal quadriceps torque from baseline to pre-reconstruction: one study in the limb symmetry index (LSI), and one in both legs of the prehabilitation group compared to the controls. At 12-weeks post-reconstruction, one study (from two) indicated that the prehabilitation group had a lesser post-operative decline in the single-leg-hop for distance LSI (clinically meaningful). Similar findings were found in terms of quadriceps strength LSI (one study). At both pre-reconstruction (three studies) and two-year post-surgery (two studies), the prehabilitation groups reached significantly higher self-reported knee function (clinically meaningful) than the controls. RTS tended to be faster (one study). At two years post-surgery, RTS rates (one study) were higher in the prehabilitation groups. The results provide evidence for the relevance of prehabilitation prior to ACL-reconstruction to improve neuromuscular and self-reported knee function as well as RTS. More high quality confirmatory RCTs are warranted.
REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO 2017: CRD42017065491.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Clinical Trials as Topic; Female; Humans; Male; Postoperative Complications; Preoperative Period; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Recovery of Function; Return to Sport
PubMed: 33112865
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240192 -
The American Journal of Sports Medicine Dec 2019Comprehensive studies evaluating quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are lacking. The optimal choice of graft between... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes for Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Versus Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone and Hamstring-Tendon Autografts.
BACKGROUND
Comprehensive studies evaluating quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are lacking. The optimal choice of graft between bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB), hamstring tendon (HT), and QT is still debatable.
HYPOTHESIS
The current literature supports the use of QT as a strong autograft with good outcomes when used in ACL reconstruction.
STUDY DESIGN
Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 2.
METHODS
A systematic search of the literature was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Ovid databases to identify published articles on clinical studies relevant to ACL reconstruction with QT autograft and studies comparing QT autograft versus BPTB and HT autografts. The results of the eligible studies were analyzed in terms of instrumented laxity measurements, Lachman test, pivot-shift test, Lysholm score, objective and subjective International Knee Documentation committee (IKDC) scores, donor-site pain, and graft failure.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven clinical studies including 2856 patients with ACL reconstruction met the inclusion criteria. Comparison of 581 QT versus 514 BPTB autografts showed no significant differences in terms of instrumented mean side-to-side difference ( = .45), Lachman test ( = .76), pivot-shift test grade 0 ( = .23), pivot-shift test grade 0 or 1 ( = .85), mean Lysholm score ( = .1), mean subjective IKDC score ( = .36), or graft failure ( = .50). However, outcomes in favor of QT were found in terms of less donor-site pain (risk ratio for QT vs BPTB groups, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.18-0.36; < .00001). Comparison of 181 QT versus 176 HT autografts showed no significant differences in terms of instrumented mean side-to-side difference ( = .75), Lachman test ( = .41), pivot-shift test grade 0 ( = .53), Lysholm score less than 84 ( = .53), mean subjective IKDC score ( = .13), donor-site pain ( = .40), or graft failure ( = .46). However, outcomes in favor of QT were found in terms of mean Lysholm score (mean difference between QT and HT groups, 3.81; 95% CI, 0.45-7.17; = .03).
CONCLUSION
QT autograft had comparable clinical and functional outcomes and graft survival rate compared with BPTB and HT autografts. However, QT autograft showed significantly less harvest site pain compared with BPTB autograft and better functional outcome scores compared with HT autograft.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Autografts; Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Grafting; Female; Hamstring Tendons; Humans; Knee Joint; Male; Patellar Ligament; Quadriceps Muscle; Tendons
PubMed: 30790526
DOI: 10.1177/0363546518825340 -
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... 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 -
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 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine Jan 2023The primary aim was to evaluate risk factors for surgical site infections after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The secondary aim was to investigate... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
The primary aim was to evaluate risk factors for surgical site infections after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The secondary aim was to investigate the surgical site infection incidence rate and the mean time to postoperative surgical site infection symptoms.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched from database inception to September 2021 and updated in April 2022.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Quantitative, original studies reporting potential risk factors for surgical site infections after ACLR were included.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies with 3871 infection events from 469 441 ACLRs met the inclusion criteria. Male sex (OR 1.78, p< 0.00001), obesity (OR 1.82, p=0.0005), tobacco use (OR 1.37, p=0.01), diabetes mellitus (OR 3.40, p=0.002), steroid use history (OR 4.80, p<0.00001), previous knee surgery history (OR 3.63, p=0.02), professional athlete (OR 4.56, p=0.02), revision surgery (OR 2.05, p=0.04), hamstring autografts (OR 2.83, p<0.00001), concomitant lateral extra-articular tenodesis (OR 3.92, p=0.0001) and a long operating time (weighted mean difference 8.12, p=0.005) were identified as factors that increased the risk of surgical site infections (superficial and deep) after ACLR. Age, outpatient or inpatient surgery, bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts or allografts and a concomitant meniscus suture did not increase the risk of surgical site infections. The incidence of surgical site infections after ACLR was approximately 1% (95% CI 0.7% to 1.2%). The mean time from surgery to the onset of surgical site infection symptoms was approximately 17.1 days (95% CI 13.2 to 21.0 days).
CONCLUSION
Male sex, obesity, tobacco use, diabetes mellitus, steroid use history, previous knee surgery history, professional athletes, revision surgery, hamstring autografts, concomitant lateral extra-articular tenodesis and a long operation time may increase the risk of surgical site infections after ACLR. Although the risk of surgical site infections after ACLR is low, raising awareness and implementing effective preventions for risk factors are priorities for clinicians to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections due to its seriousness.
Topics: Humans; Male; Surgical Wound Infection; Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Grafting; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Risk Factors; Obesity; Steroids; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Knee Joint
PubMed: 36517215
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105448