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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 -
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery &... Oct 2019Knee brace has been commonly used as a device to protect the graft after reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Studies have focused on the effects of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effect of knee bracing on the knee function and stability following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Knee brace has been commonly used as a device to protect the graft after reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Studies have focused on the effects of braces after ACL reconstruction, and controversial results were reported. The current meta-analysis was conducted to identify whether knee braces could provide superior clinical outcomes on knee functional scores and stability evaluations.
HYPOTHESIS
Knee braces could not provide superior clinical outcomes on knee functional scores and stability evaluations.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Two reviewers independently retrieved the literature on PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Data related to the knee functional scores and stability evaluations, including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) evaluation, Lachman test, manual anterior drawer test, single leg hop test, pivot shift test, side-to-side difference, Lysholm score and Tegner score, were extracted and pooled using meta-analysis with fixed or random- effect models when applicable.
RESULTS
A total of 7 studies with 440 participants were finally included. The IKDC objective score was pooled using the odds ratio (OR) as effect size, which was demonstrated to be non-significantly different between the brace and no brace groups. All of the other clinical outcomes, including Lysholm score, Tegner score, side-to-side difference, single-leg hop test and VAS pain score, were pooled using the standard mean difference (SMD) as effect size. At final follow up, the aforementioned clinical outcomes were demonstrated to be similar between the brace and non-brace groups.
DISCUSSION
Knee bracing does not appear to improve the clinical outcomes on the function and stability for ACL-reconstructed knees. Thus, bracing for patients treated with ACL reconstruction should not be recommended routinely.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
I, Meta-analysis.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Braces; Humans; Knee Joint; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Range of Motion, Articular
PubMed: 31279767
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2019.04.015 -
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies Dec 2022Clinicians rely on certain physical examination tests to diagnose and potentially grade ankle sprains and ankle instability. Diagnostic error and inaccurate prognosis...
INTRODUCTION
Clinicians rely on certain physical examination tests to diagnose and potentially grade ankle sprains and ankle instability. Diagnostic error and inaccurate prognosis may have important repercussions for clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Therefore, it is important to recognize the diagnostic value of orthopaedic tests through understanding the reliability and validity of these tests.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review and report evidence on the reliability and validity of orthopaedic tests for the diagnosis of ankle sprains and instability.
METHODS
PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to December 2021. In addition, the reference list of included studies, located systematic reviews, and orthopaedic textbooks were searched. All articles reporting reliability or validity of physical examination or orthopaedic tests to diagnose ankle instability or sprains were included. Methodological quality of the reliability and the validity studies was assessed with The Quality Appraisal for Reliability studies checklist and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 respectively. We identified the number of times the orthopaedic test was investigated and the validity and/or reliability of each test.
RESULTS
Overall, sixteen studies were included. Three studies assessed reliability, eight assessed validity, and five evaluated both. Overall, fifteen tests were evaluated, none demonstrated robust reliability and validity scores. The anterolateral talar palpation test reported the highest diagnostic accuracy. Further, the anterior drawer test, the anterolateral talar palpation, the reverse anterior lateral drawer test, and palpation of the anterior talofibular ligament reported the highest sensitivity. The highest specificity was attributed to the anterior drawer test, the anterolateral drawer test, the reverse anterior lateral drawer test, tenderness on palpation of the proximal fibular, and the squeeze test.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the diagnostic accuracy, reliability, and validity of physical examination tests for the assessment of ankle instability were limited. Physical examination tests should not be used in isolation, but rather in combination with the clinical history to diagnose an ankle sprain. Preliminary evidence suggests that the overall validity of physical examination for the ankle may be better if conducted five days after the injury rather than within 48 h of injury.
Topics: Humans; Ankle; Reproducibility of Results; Ankle Joint; Physical Examination; Joint Instability; Ankle Injuries
PubMed: 36536446
DOI: 10.1186/s12998-022-00470-0 -
International Journal of Sports... Aug 2018With the increasing number of individuals participating in sports every year, injury - specifically anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury - remains an inherent risk...
BACKGROUND
With the increasing number of individuals participating in sports every year, injury - specifically anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury - remains an inherent risk factor for participants. The majority of ACL injuries occur from a non-contact mechanism, and there is a high physical and financial burden associated with injury. Understanding the risk factors for ACL injury may aid in the development of prevention efforts.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this review was to synthesize and appraise existing literature for risk factors associated with non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in both sexes.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
An electronic literature search was conducted utilizing the MEDLINE database and The Cochrane library for articles available through February 2016. All titles and abstracts were reviewed and full text articles meeting eligibility criteria were assessed in detail to determine inclusion or exclusion. Articles reviewed in full text were reviewed for scientific evidence of risk factors for ACL injury. Results from studies were extracted and initially classified as either intrinsic or extrinsic risk factors, and then further categorized based upon the evidence presented in the studies meeting inclusion criteria. Data extracted from eligible studies included general study characteristics (study design, sample characteristics), methodology, and results for risk factors included.
RESULTS
Principal findings of this systematic review identified the following risk factors for ACL injury in both sexes: degrading weather conditions, decreased intercondylar notch index or width, increased lateral or posterior tibial plateau slope, decreased core and hip strength, and potential genetic influence.
CONCLUSIONS
Neuromuscular and biomechanical risk factors may be addressed through neuromuscular preventative training programs. Though some extrinsic and other inherent physiological factors tend to be non-modifiable, attempts to improve upon those modifiable factors may lead to a decreased incidence of ACL injury.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
2a.
PubMed: 30140551
DOI: No ID Found -
Sports Health 2023The risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear for athletes participating in pivoting sports includes young age and female sex. A previous meta-analysis has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
CONTEXT
The risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear for athletes participating in pivoting sports includes young age and female sex. A previous meta-analysis has reported a reinjury rate of 15% after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) for athletes across all sports. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature reporting outcomes after ACLR in soccer players.
OBJECTIVE
To review and aggregate soccer-specific outcomes data after ACLR found in current literature to help guide a more tailored discussion regarding expectations and prognosis for soccer players seeking operative management of ACL injuries.
DATA SOURCES
A comprehensive search of publications was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SPORTDiscus databases.
STUDY SELECTION
Inclusion criteria consisted of original studies, level of evidence 1 to 4, studies reporting clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after primary ACLR in soccer players at all follow-up length.
STUDY DESIGN
The primary outcomes of interest were graft failure/reoperation rates, ACL injury in contralateral knee, return to soccer time, and PROs.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 4.
DATA EXTRACTION
Search of literature yielded 32 studies for inclusion that involved 3112 soccer players after ACLR.
RESULTS
The overall graft failure/reoperation rate ranged between 3.0% and 24.8% (mean follow-up range, 2.3-10 years) and the combined ACL graft failure and contralateral ACL injury rate after initial ACLR was 1.0% to 16.7% (mean follow-up range, 3-10 years); a subgroup analysis for female and male players revealed a secondary ACL injury incidence rate of 27%, 95% CI (22%, 32%) and 10%, 95% CI (6%, 15%), respectively. Soccer players were able to return to play between 6.1 and 11.1 months and the majority of PROs showed favorable scores at medium-term follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Soccer players experience high ACL injury rates after primary ACLR and demonstrated similar reinjury rates as found in previous literature of athletes who participate in high-demand pivoting sports.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Soccer; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Reinjuries; Knee Joint; Return to Sport
PubMed: 36988238
DOI: 10.1177/19417381231160167 -
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Apr 2022The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries represents a large burden of knee injuries in both the general and sporting populations, often requiring...
BACKGROUND
The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries represents a large burden of knee injuries in both the general and sporting populations, often requiring surgical intervention. Although there is much research on complete ACL tears including outcomes and indications for surgery, little is known about the short- and long-term outcomes of non-operative, physiotherapy led intervention in partial ACL tears. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate studies looking at the effectiveness of physiotherapy led interventions in improving pain and function in young and middle-aged adults with partial ACL tears. Additionally, the secondary aim was to evaluate the completeness of exercise prescription in randomised trials for physiotherapy led interventions in the management in partial ACL tears.
METHODS
A comprehensive and systematic search was performed on six databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Cochrane). The search strategy consisted of two main concepts: (i) partial ACL tears, and (ii) non-operative management. 7,587 papers were identified by the search. After screening of eligible articles by two independent reviewers, 2 randomised studies were included for analysis. The same two reviewers assessed the completeness of reporting using the Toigio and Boutellier mechanobiological exercise descriptions and Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist. Group mean standard deviations (SD) for the main outcomes was extracted from both papers for analysis. Prospero Registration Number: CRD42020179892.
RESULTS
The search strategy identified two studies; one looking at Tai Chi and the other Pilates. The analysis indicated that Tai Chi was significant in reducing pain scores and both Tai Chi and Pilates were found to increase Muscle Peak Torque Strength (MPTS) at 180 degrees. Furthermore, Tai Chi showed a significant increase in proprioception.
CONCLUSIONS
Physiotherapy led interventions such as Pilates, and Tai Chi may improve pain, proprioception and strength in young and middle-aged adults with partial ACL tears, however full scale, high-quality randomised studies are required with long term outcomes recorded.
Topics: Adult; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Exercise Movement Techniques; Humans; Middle Aged; Pain; Physical Therapy Modalities; Proprioception; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tai Ji; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35395764
DOI: 10.1186/s12891-022-05278-w -
Sports Health 2022Only 55% of the athletes return to competitive sports after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Athletes younger than 25 years who return to sports have a second...
CONTEXT
Only 55% of the athletes return to competitive sports after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Athletes younger than 25 years who return to sports have a second injury rate of 23%. There may be a mismatch between rehabilitation contents and the demands an athlete faces after returning to sports. Current return-to-sports (RTS) tests utilize closed and predictable motor skills; however, demands on the field are different. Neurocognitive functions are essential to manage dynamic sport situations and may fluctuate after peripheral injuries. Most RTS and rehabilitation paradigms appear to lack this aspect, which might be linked to increased risk of second injury.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic and scoping review aims to map existing evidence about neurocognitive and neurophysiological functions in athletes, which could be linked to ACL injury in an integrated fashion and bring an extensive perspective to assessment and rehabilitation approaches.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched to identify relevant studies published between 2005 and 2020 using the keywords , , , , , , , and .
STUDY SELECTION
Studies investigating either neurocognitive or neurophysiological functions in athletes and linking these to ACL injury regardless of their design and technique were included.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 3.
DATA EXTRACTION
The demographic, temporal, neurological, and behavioral data revealing possible injury-related aspects were extracted and summarized.
RESULTS
A total of 16 studies were included in this review. Deficits in different neurocognitive domains and changes in neurophysiological functions could be a predisposing risk factor for, or a consequence caused by, ACL injuries.
CONCLUSION
Clinicians should view ACL injuries not only as a musculoskeletal but also as a neural lesion with neurocognitive and neurophysiological aspects. Rehabilitation and RTS paradigms should consider these changes for assessment and interventions after injury.
Topics: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Athletes; Humans; Reinjuries; Return to Sport
PubMed: 34236003
DOI: 10.1177/19417381211029265 -
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine May 2019Variables affecting return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are multifactorial. The nonphysical factors germane to successful return to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Variables affecting return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are multifactorial. The nonphysical factors germane to successful return to play (RTP) are being increasingly recognized.
PURPOSE
To (1) evaluate the available evidence base for psychological factors relating to RTP after ACLR, (2) identify psychological factors affecting RTP after ACLR, and (3) understand currently available metrics used to assess psychological RTP readiness.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.
METHODS
A review of the MEDLINE database was performed for studies reporting RTP after ACLR. Studies reporting on the psychological determinants of RTP were included. Demographic, methodological, and psychometric properties of the included studies were extracted. Weighted analysis was performed after patients were pooled across included studies.
RESULTS
Of 999 studies identified in the initial search, 28 (2.8%) studies, comprising 2918 patients, were included; 19 studies (n = 2175 patients) reported RTP rates. The mean time for RTP was 17.2 months. There was a 63.4% rate of RTP, and 36.6% of patients returning to sport were not able to perform at their prior level of play. Of the 795 patients who did not achieve RTP, 514 (64.7%) cited a psychological reason for not returning. Fear of reinjury was the most common reason (n = 394; 76.7%); other psychological factors included lack of confidence in the treated knee (n = 76; 14.8%), depression (n = 29; 5.6%), and lack of interest/motivation (n = 13; 2.5%). The Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the ACL-Return to Sport after Injury scale, and the Knee Self-Efficacy Scale were reported measures for assessing the influence of psychology on RTP.
CONCLUSION
Psychological factors play an important role in RTP after ACLR. Among studies evaluating the impact of psychology on RTP, there was a delay in returning as well as lower RTP rates compared with the previously reported normative literature. Fear of reinjury was the most commonly reported impediment to RTP. The psychosocial measures identified in this review may have a role in RTP protocols for assessing mental resiliency; however, their roles need to be further investigated and validated in patients who have undergone ACLR.
PubMed: 31205965
DOI: 10.1177/2325967119845313 -
Acta Ortopedica Brasileira 2022This study proposes to systematically review the literature and compare data on (1) function, (2) pain, (3) return to sport, and (4) complications after anterior... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This study proposes to systematically review the literature and compare data on (1) function, (2) pain, (3) return to sport, and (4) complications after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with quadriceps tendon autograft (QT) and hamstring tendon autograft (HT).
METHODS
In June 2021, a systematic review of the EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and LILACS databases was performed, based on PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy included the keywords: "Previous Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction," "ACL reconstruction," "quadriceps tendon autograft," "quadriceps graft," "Hamstring-Tendon Autografts." Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager software (RevMan Web).
RESULTS
There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding function according to Lysholm score (MD 3.01; CI-0.30, 6.33, p = 0.08), the presence of pain (RR 0.89; CI-0.57, 1.39, p = 0.60), and re-rupture (RR 0.60; IC-0.19, 1.88, p = 0.38).
CONCLUSION
QT and HT autografts show comparatively good results in ACL reconstruction without significant differences regarding function, pain, and rupture after surgical intervention.
PubMed: 36561474
DOI: 10.1590/1413-785220223006e256048 -
Journal of Neurological Surgery. Part... Apr 2022Given the limitations in the available literature, the precise indications, techniques, and outcomes of anterior skull base free flap reconstruction remain...
Given the limitations in the available literature, the precise indications, techniques, and outcomes of anterior skull base free flap reconstruction remain uncertain. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of published literature and evaluate indications, methods, and complications for anterior skull base free flap reconstruction. A systematic review of the literature was performed using a set of search criteria to identify patients who underwent free flap reconstruction of the anterior skull base. Articles were reviewed for inclusion based on relevance, with the primary outcome being surgical complications. After a comprehensive search, 406 articles were obtained and 16 articles were ultimately found to be relevant to this review-79 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction were identified. Overall complication rates were 17.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.6-33.1%) for major complications and 19.0% (95% CI: 17.8-35.5%) for minor complications. Microvascular reconstruction of the anterior skull base is feasible with high reliability reported in the literature.
PubMed: 35433189
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718909