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British Journal of Sports Medicine Dec 2016The Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy (KNGF) instructed a multidisciplinary group of Dutch anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) experts to develop an evidence... (Review)
Review
AIM
The Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy (KNGF) instructed a multidisciplinary group of Dutch anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) experts to develop an evidence statement for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.
DESIGN
Clinical practice guideline underpinned by systematic review and expert consensus.
DATA SOURCES
A multidisciplinary working group and steering group systematically reviewed the literature and wrote the guideline. MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library were searched for meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies published between January 1990 and June 2015.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Included literature must have addressed 1 of 9 predetermined clinical topics: (1) preoperative predictors for postoperative outcome, (2) effectiveness of physical therapy, (3) open and closed kinetic chain quadriceps exercises, (4) strength and neuromuscular training, (5) electrostimulation and electromyographic feedback, (6) cryotherapy, (7) measurements of functional performance, (8) return to play and (9) risk for reinjury.
SUMMARY
Ninety studies were included as the basis for the evidence statement. Rehabilitation after ACL injury should include a prehabilitation phase and 3 criterion-based postoperative phases: (1) impairment-based, (2) sport-specific training and (3) return to play. A battery of strength and hop tests, quality of movement and psychological tests should be used to guide progression from one rehabilitation stage to the next. Postoperative rehabilitation should continue for 9-12 months. To assess readiness to return to play and the risk for reinjury, a test battery, including strength tests, hop tests and measurement of movement quality, should be used.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Consensus; Evidence-Based Medicine; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postoperative Care; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Recovery of Function; Return to Sport
PubMed: 27539507
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2015-095898 -
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.... Oct 2012Rigorous rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is necessary for a successful surgical outcome. A large number of clinical trials continue... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
BACKGROUND
Rigorous rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is necessary for a successful surgical outcome. A large number of clinical trials continue to assess aspects of this rehabilitation process. Prior systematic reviews evaluated fifty-four Level-I and II clinical trials published through 2005.
METHODS
Eighty-five articles from 2006 to 2010 were identified utilizing multiple search engines. Twenty-nine Level-I or II studies met inclusion criteria and were evaluated with use of the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) criteria. Topics included in this review are postoperative bracing, accelerated strengthening, home-based rehabilitation, proprioception and neuromuscular training, and six miscellaneous topics investigated in single trials.
RESULTS
Bracing following ACL reconstruction remains neither necessary nor beneficial and adds to the cost of the procedure. Early return to sports needs further research. Home-based rehabilitation can be successful. Although neuromuscular interventions are not likely to be harmful to patients, they are also not likely to yield large improvements in outcomes or help patients return to sports faster. Thus, they should not be performed to the exclusion of strengthening and range-of-motion exercises. Vibration training may lead to faster and more complete proprioceptive recovery but further evidence is needed.
CONCLUSIONS
Several new modalities for rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction may be helpful but should not be performed to the exclusion of range-of-motion, strengthening, and functional exercises. Accelerated rehabilitation does not appear to be harmful but further investigation of rehabilitation timing is warranted.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Braces; Exercise Therapy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Knee Injuries; Male; Pain Measurement; Postoperative Care; Radiography; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Range of Motion, Articular; Recovery of Function; Risk Assessment; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 23032584
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.K.01246 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine Nov 2022Compare the effectiveness of primarily surgical versus primarily rehabilitative management for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Compare the effectiveness of primarily surgical versus primarily rehabilitative management for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.
DESIGN
Living systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Six databases, six trial registries and prior systematic reviews. Forward and backward citation tracking was employed.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials that compared primary reconstructive surgery and primary rehabilitative treatment with or without optional reconstructive surgery.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Bayesian random effects meta-analysis with empirical priors for the OR and standardised mean difference and 95% credible intervals (CrI), Cochrane RoB2, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to judge the certainty of evidence.
RESULTS
Of 9514 records, 9 reports of three studies (320 participants in total) were included. No clinically important differences were observed at any follow-up for self-reported knee function (low to very low certainty of evidence). For radiological knee osteoarthritis, we found no effect at very low certainty of evidence in the long term (OR (95% CrI): 1.45 (0.30 to 5.17), two studies). Meniscal damage showed no effect at low certainty of evidence (OR: 0.85 (95% CI 0.45 to 1.62); one study) in the long term. No differences were observed between treatments for any other secondary outcome. Three ongoing randomised controlled trials were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
There is low to very low certainty of evidence that primary rehabilitation with optional surgical reconstruction results in similar outcome measures as early surgical reconstruction for ACL rupture. The findings challenge a historical paradigm that anatomic instability should be addressed with primary surgical stabilisation to provide optimal outcomes.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021256537.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Bayes Theorem; Humans; Knee Joint; Osteoarthritis, Knee
PubMed: 36038357
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-105359 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine May 2023This guideline was developed to inform clinical practice on rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and was performed in accordance with...
This guideline was developed to inform clinical practice on rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and was performed in accordance with the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch & Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument and used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. A Guideline Development Group systematically searched and reviewed evidence using randomised clinical trials and systematic reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions and guide clinicians and patients on the content of the optimal rehabilitation protocol after ACLR.The guideline targets patients during rehabilitation after ACLR and investigates the effectiveness of the available interventions to the physiotherapist, alone or in combination (eg, exercise, modalities, objective progression criteria). Exercise interventions should be considered the mainstay of ACLR rehabilitation. However, there is little evidence on the dose-response relationship between volume and/or intensity of exercise and outcomes. Physical therapy modalities can be helpful as an adjunct in the early phase of rehabilitation when pain, swelling and limitations in range of motion are present. Adding modalities in the early phase may allow earlier pain-free commencement of exercise rehabilitation. Return to running and return to training/activity are key milestones for rehabilitation after ACLR. However, there is no evidence on which progression or discharge criteria should be used.While there is a very low level of certainty for most components of rehabilitation, most of the recommendations provided in this guideline were agreed to by expert clinicians. This guideline also highlights several new elements of ACLR management not reported previously.
Topics: Humans; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Exercise Therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Exercise; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
PubMed: 36731908
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-106158 -
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 -
The Journal of Arthroplasty Mar 2015The objective of this study is to compare the clinical, radiographic and surgical outcomes among patients undergoing primary THA performed via the anterior versus... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
The objective of this study is to compare the clinical, radiographic and surgical outcomes among patients undergoing primary THA performed via the anterior versus posterior approach. We searched numerous sources and eventually included 17 studies, totaling 2302 participants. In terms of post-operative pain and function, the anterior approach was significantly favored in 4 studies at short-term follow-up. Pooled estimates showed a significant difference in favor of the anterior approach in terms of length of stay and dislocations. Current evidence comparing outcomes following anterior versus posterior THA does not demonstrate clear superiority of either approach. Until more rigorous, randomized evidence is available, we recommend choice of surgical approach for THA be based on patient characteristics, surgeon experience and surgeon and patient preference.
Topics: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Humans; Osteoarthritis, Hip
PubMed: 25453632
DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2014.10.020 -
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 -
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 -
Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review Jun 2021Recent studies have investigated the various components of postoperative rehabilitation protocols following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The...
Recent studies have investigated the various components of postoperative rehabilitation protocols following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The objective of this article was to access and summarize the latest evidence for postoperative rehabilitation protocols following ACLR to evaluate common timeframes, number of phases, exercises, as well as the length of rehabilitation protocol. Common interventions include vibration training, open-chain and closed-chain exercises, electrical stimulation, postoperative bracing, and aquatic therapy. The eligibility criteria included English-language articles published from 2000 to 2019 pertaining to rehabilitation following ACLR, excluding addresses, commentaries, and editorials. Two blinded reviewers screened, graded, and extracted data from articles. Recommendations on various aspects of rehabilitation were summarized. A total of 3651 articles were retrieved from the database search, and 62 level 1 to 2 studies were available for extraction. On the basis of the evidence, vibration training can be safely incorporated into the postoperative rehabilitation protocol following ACLR. Accelerated rehabilitation may give patients short-term functional benefits. Open kinetic chain exercises may have additional strength and endurance benefits. Postoperative bracing does not confer additional benefits. Long-term use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation seems to be more beneficial than short-term use. Aquatic rehabilitation may be beneficial in the early phases of anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Athletic Injuries; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Postoperative Care; Return to Sport
PubMed: 33972483
DOI: 10.1097/JSA.0000000000000314 -
PloS One 2016Hamstring strain and anterior cruciate ligament injuries are, respectively, the most prevalent and serious non-contact occurring injuries in team sports. Specific... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The Effectiveness of Injury Prevention Programs to Modify Risk Factors for Non-Contact Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Hamstring Injuries in Uninjured Team Sports Athletes: A Systematic Review.
BACKGROUND
Hamstring strain and anterior cruciate ligament injuries are, respectively, the most prevalent and serious non-contact occurring injuries in team sports. Specific biomechanical and neuromuscular variables have been used to estimate the risk of incurring a non-contact injury in athletes.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidences for the effectiveness of injury prevention protocols to modify biomechanical and neuromuscular anterior cruciate and/or hamstring injuries associated risk factors in uninjured team sport athletes.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Cochrane Libraries, U.S. National Institutes of Health clinicaltrials.gov, Sport Discuss and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant journal articles published until March 2015. A manual review of relevant articles, authors, and journals, including bibliographies was performed from identified articles.
MAIN RESULTS
Nineteen studies were included in this review. Four assessment categories: i) landing, ii) side cutting, iii) stop-jump, and iv) muscle strength outcomes, were used to analyze the effectiveness of the preventive protocols. Eight studies using multifaceted interventions supported by video and/or technical feedback showed improvement in landing and/or stop-jump biomechanics, while no effects were observed on side-cutting maneuver. Additionally, multifaceted programs including hamstring eccentric exercises increased hamstring strength, hamstring to quadriceps functional ratio and/or promoted a shift of optimal knee flexion peak torque toward a more open angle position.
CONCLUSIONS
Multifaceted programs, supported by proper video and/or technical feedback, including eccentric hamstring exercises would positively modify the biomechanical and or neuromuscular anterior cruciate and/or hamstring injury risk factors.
Topics: Adolescent; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Athletes; Female; Hamstring Muscles; Humans; Male; Motor Activity; Muscle Strength; Quality Assurance, Health Care; Risk Factors; Sports; Young Adult
PubMed: 27171282
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155272