Rehabilitation and return-to-sport after anterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction: Exploring physical therapists' approaches in Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the current clinical practice regarding pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation and return to sport (RTS) criteria following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. Online survey. SETTING: Survey platform. PARTICIPANTS: Argentinian physical therapists (PTs). OUTCOME MEASURES: The survey consisted of a combination of 39 open- and closed-ended questions, divided across 3 sections: (1) demographic and professional information, (2) clinical practice and rehabilitation strategies, and (3) return-to-running (RTR) and RTS. RESULTS: A total of 619 PTs completed the survey. Considerable variability was observed in preoperative rehabilitation, criteria used for rehabilitation progression and RTS decision-making criteria used by PTs. From the total surveyed, 336 (54.3%) carried out RTS assessment in their clinical practice. Most of PTs (53.3%) use visual estimation to assess knee range of motion. Only 20% of the PTs reported incorporating patient-reported outcome measures in their decision-making. From PTs who use strength assessment as a criterion of RTS (68.8%), 16.6% extrapolate this from jump tests and 15.3% use manual muscle testing. Less than the 50% of the PTs recommended nine months or more to allow patients to RTS. CONCLUSIONS: Current rehabilitation practices of Argentinian PTs following ACLR are largely variable and not aligned with current evidence and scientific guidelines. To achieve better rehabilitation and RTS practices better knowledge dissemination and implementation are required.

Are lower limb symmetry and self-reported symptoms associated with functional and neuromuscular outcomes in Brazilian adults with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction? A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: After anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, determining readiness to return to participation is challenging. The understanding of which neuromuscular performance parameters are associated with limb symmetry and self-reported symptoms may be useful to improve monitoring the rehabilitation towards adequate decision-making to return. OBJECTIVES: To compare the ACL-operated and injury-free lower limbs regarding functional performance; and to investigate whether lower limb strength and functional performance are associated with self-reported symptoms and functional lower limb symmetry. METHOD: Thirty-four participants were included. Functional performance was assessed by using the Y-Balance test, Single-leg Hop, and Functional Movement Screen. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to evaluate the strength levels in open and closed kinetic chains. The functional lower limb symmetry was calculated considering the single-leg hop test results for each lower limb. RESULTS: There were no differences in dynamic balance (Y-Balance) between the operated and injury-free limbs. The operated limb presented a worst performance in the single-leg hop. Self-reported symptoms prevalence and lower limb symmetry were associated with knee extension strength and functional performance (Y-Balance). CONCLUSION: Individuals submitted to ACL-reconstruction presented worse functional performance in the operated limb compared to the injury-free limb. Both knee strength and dynamic balance were associated with limb symmetry and self-reported symptoms.

Use of electromyographic biofeedback in rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery is essential to regain functionality and return to previous activity level. Electromyographic biofeedback may be an effective intervention for rehabilitation of patients following ACL surgery. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the available evidence on the effect of electromyographic biofeedback in the treatment of quadriceps strength following ACL surgery. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Epistemonikos were searched. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomized clinical trials with patients undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery comparing biofeedback with a standard rehabilitation control group. DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS: Two authors selected articles and performed data extraction. The analysed outcomes were strength, function, pain, knee extension and balance. The risk of bias of individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Results were combined through random-effects meta-analysis, reporting mean differences. RESULTS: Eight articles were included in the qualitative analysis, and four articles were included in the quantitative analysis. The interventions lasted between 4 and 12 weeks. Three studies evaluated the effect of biofeedback on quadriceps strength; of these, two studies showed a significant difference in favour of the biofeedback group. In addition, biofeedback was found to improve knee extension [standardized mean difference - 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) - 1.74 to -0.86] and balance (one study). There was no significant difference in Lysholm score (mean difference -6.21, 95% CI -17.51 to 5.08; I2 =59%) or pain between the biofeedback group and the control group. CONCLUSION: Electromyographic biofeedback in knee rehabilitation could be useful following ACL reconstruction surgery. KEY MESSAGES: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42020193768).

Early Accelerated versus Delayed Conservative Rehabilitation Protocol after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective Randomized Trial / Protocolo de reabilitação acelerada precoce versus conservadora retardada após reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior: Um ensaio prospectivo randomizado

Abstract Objective To compare the effectiveness of the early accelerated rehabilitation and delayed conservative rehabilitation protocols after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, in terms of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, pain (according to the Visual Analog Scale), laxity, and stiffness one year postoperatively to determine the best outcome. Materials and Methods A total of 80 subjects were divided into 2e groups (early accelerated group and delayed conservative group), which were analyzed by the Pearson Chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results One year postoperatively, knee laxity was significantly higher (p = 0.039) in the early accelerated group compared with the delayed conservative group. Regarding postoperative pain (according to the Visual Analogue Scale) and IKDC scores, both groups presented similar results. The postoperative range of motion was better in the early accelerated group, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.36). Conclusion One year postoperatively, the early accelerated rehabilitation protocol was associated with significant knee laxity compared to the delayed conservative rehabilitation protocol.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a eficácia dos protocolos de reabilitação acelerada precoce e de reabilitação conservadora retardada após reconstrução artroscópica do ligamento cruzado anterior, em termos da escala do International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), da dor (segundo a Escala Visual Analógica), da frouxidão e da rigidez no pós-operatório de um ano para determinar o melhor desfecho. Materiais e Métodos Um total de 80 participantes foram divididos em dois grupos (grupo da acelerada precoce e grupo da conservadora retardada), que foram analisados pelos testes do Qui-quadrado de Pearson e da soma dos postos de Wilcoxon. Resultados A frouxidão do joelho no pós-operatório de 1 ano foi significativamente mais alta (p = 0,039) no grupo da acelerada precoce do que no grupo da conservadora retardada. Em termos de dor pós-operatória (pela Escala Visual Analógica) e pontuações no IKDC, ambos os grupos apresentaram resultados similares. A amplitude de movimento pós-operatória foi melhor no grupo da acelerada precoce, mas isso não foi estatisticamente significativo (p = 0,36). Conclusão O protocolo de reabilitação acelerada precoce foi associado com uma frouxidão significativa do joelho em um ano de pós-operatório em comparação com o protocolo de reabilitação conservadora retardada.

Evidence for isokinetic and functional testing in return to sport decisions following ACL surgery.

The rupture and reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee are associated with an increased risk of functional instability, a reduction in sports performance, and a higher risk of future additional injuries. Competitive athletes who participate in sports that require pivoting, cutting, and jumping are at particularly high risk for ACL rupture. The return to sport progression continuum after surgery includes sports-specific rehabilitation, evaluation of strength and function, gradual participation in exercise training with progressively challenging activities in the field of play, participation in sports at a lower level, and finally a return to preinjury-level sports competition. This narrative review evaluates the evidence that supports the use of quadriceps and hamstrings isokinetic strength testing and sports-specific functional skills assessments to evaluate progress with rehabilitation after ACL surgery. Strength evaluations, hop tests, agility tests, and the limb symmetry index are described, as well as the associations of quadriceps and hamstrings muscle strength and functional test results with successful return to sports and the risk of ACL graft rupture and contralateral knee injuries. Suggestions for future research directions are presented including the importance of presurgery testing, standardization of test batteries, and comparison of test results with normative data.

The use of wearable technology as an assessment tool to identify between-limb differences during functional tasks following ACL reconstruction. A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: To report how wearable sensors have been used to identify between-limb deficits during functional tasks following ACL reconstruction and critically examine the methods used. METHODS: We performed a scoping review of studies including participants with ACL reconstruction as the primary surgical procedure, who were assessed using wearable sensors during functional movement tasks (e.g., balance, walking or running, jumping and landing) at all postsurgical time frames. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority examined jumping-landing tasks and reported kinematic and kinetic differences between limbs (involved vs. unninvolved) and groups (injured vs. controls). Excellent reliability and moderate-strong agreement with laboratory protocols was indicated, with IMU sensors providing an accurate estimation of kinetics, but the number of studies and range of tasks used were limited. Methodological differences were present including, sensor placement, sampling rate, time post-surgery and type of assessment which appear to affect the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Wearable sensors consistently identified between-limb and group deficits following ACL reconstruction. Preliminary evidence suggests these technologies could be used to monitor knee function during rehabilitation, but further research is needed including, validation against criterion measures. Practitioners should also consider how the methods used can affect the accuracy of the outcome.

Should We Trust Perceived Effort for Loading Control and Resistance Exercise Prescription After ACL Reconstruction?

CONTEXT: The rating of perceived effort (RPE) is a common method used in clinical practice for monitoring, loading control, and resistance training prescription during rehabilitation after rupture and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). It is suggested that the RPE results from the integration of the afferent feedback and corollary discharge in the motor and somatosensory cortex, and from the activation of brain areas related to emotions, affect, memory, and pain (eg, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and prefrontal cortex). Recent studies have shown that rupture and ACLR induce neural adaptations in the brain commonly associated with the RPE. Therefore, we hypothesize that RPE could be affected because of neural adaptations induced by rupture and ACLR. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5. RESULTS: RPE could be directly altered by changes in the activation of motor cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and prefrontal cortex. These neural adaptations may be induced by indirect mechanisms, such as the afferent feedback deficit, pain, and fear of movement (kinesiophobia) that patients may feel after rupture and ACLR. CONCLUSION: Using only RPE for monitoring, loading control, and resistance training prescription in patients who had undergone ACLR could lead to under- or overdosing resistance exercise, and therefore, impair the rehabilitation process. STRENGTH-OF-RECOMMENDATION TAXONOMY: 3C.

Clinical Decision Algorithm Associated With Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

CONTEXT: Understanding the factors that predict return to sport (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction facilitates clinical decision making. OBJECTIVE: To develop a clinical decision algorithm that could predict RTS and non-RTS based on the differences in the variables after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University laboratory. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 150 athletes in any sport involving deceleration, jumping, cutting, or turning enrolled in the study. All participants answered the International Knee Documentation Committee and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) questionnaires and performed balance and isokinetic tests. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The classification and regression tree (CART) was used to determine the clinical decision algorithm associated with RTS at any level and RTS at the preinjury level. The diagnostic accuracy of the CART was verified. RESULTS: Of the 150 participants, 57.3% (n = 86) returned to sport at any level and 12% (n = 18) returned to sport at the preinjury level. The interactions among the peak torque extension at 300°/s >93.55 Nm, ACL-RSI score >27.05 (P = .06), and postoperative time >7.50 months were associated with RTS at any level identified by CART and were factors associated with RTS. An ACL-RSI score >72.85% was the main variable associated with RTS at the preinjury level. The interaction among an ACL-RSI score of 50.40% to 72.85%, agonist : antagonist ratio at 300°/s ≤63.6%, and anteroposterior stability index ≤2.4 in these participants was the second factor associated with RTS at the preinjury level. CONCLUSIONS: Athletes who had more quadriceps strength tended to RTS at any level more quickly, even with less-than-expected psychological readiness. Regarding a return at the preinjury level, psychological readiness was the most important factor in not returning, followed by a better agonist : antagonist ratio and better balance.

Reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior con autoinjerto vs aloinjerto / COMPARATION OF THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT WITH AUTOGRAFT VS. ALLOGRAFT

Introducción: La reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) se basa en reemplazar la ruptura del ligamento con un injerto, fijando los extremos de la tibia y fémur, mediante la colocación de un injerto, de tipo autoinjerto o aloinjerto. Objetivo general: Comparar la reconstrucción ligamentaria del cruzado anterior con autoinjerto vs aloinjerto. Material y métodos: Estudio cuasiexperimental, comparativo, longitudinal, prospectivo, heterodémico y unicéntrico, que se realizó en la consulta externa del Hospital Ángeles de Puebla, durante el periodo del 1 de noviembre a abril del 2018, evaluando en el postoperatorio inmediato y a los 9 meses con la escala de Lysholm, escala visual Análoga (EVA) y Escala de Tegner. Resultados: se analizaron a 50 pacientes, 25 pacientes se les realizó autoinjerto en el 80% menores de 29 años y el 20% mayores de 30 años, el 68% fueron del sexo masculino, 32% femenino, el 52% presentaron afectaciones en el lado derecho y el 80% fue por lesión deportiva. Los pacientes con aloinjerto fueron 25, 60% menores de 29 años y 40% mayores de 30 años, el 56% del sexo masculino, el 44% del femenino, 56% con afectación del lado izquierdo y el 60% por accidente. Se empleó la prueba estadística U de Mann Whitney para comparar la funcionalidad articular basal y a los 9 meses con la Escala Funcional de Lysholm, identificando que los pacientes con aloinjerto tuvieron mayor funcionalidad (p=0.0001), menor intensidad de dolor empleando la escala de EVA (p=0.050) y mayor nivel de actividad con la escala de Tegner, pero no significativa (p=0.148). Conclusiones: Se concluye que los pacientes con reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior con aloinjerto, tuvieron mayor funcionalidad articular, evaluado por la escala de Lysholm, menor intensidad de dolor por escala EVA y se recupero el nivel de actividad física con la Escala de Tegner

Introduction: The reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is based on replacing the rupture of the ligament with a graft, fixing the ends of the tibia and the femur, by means of the placement of a graft, autograft or allograft type. Course objective: To compare the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autograft vs allograft. Material and methods: Quasi-experimental, comparative, longitudinal, prospective, heterodémic and unicentric study, which was carried out in the outpatient clinic of Hospital Angeles de Puebla, during the period from November 1 to April 2018, evaluating in the immediate postoperative period and at 9 months with the Lysholm scale, Analog Visual Scale (EVA) and Tegner Scale. Results: 50 patients were analyzed, 25 patients underwent autograft in 80% in 29 years and 20% in 30 years, 68% were men, 32% women, 52% had affectations in the right side and 80% were due to injuries Sports Patients with allograft were 25, 60% younger than 29 years and 40% older than 30 years, 56% men, 44% women, 56% left side and 60% accidental. The Mann Whitney U statistical test was used to compare the baseline joint functionality and at 9 months the Lysholm Functional Scale, identifying that patients with allograft had greater functionality (p=0.0001), less pain intensity using the EVA scale (p=0.050) and higher level of activity with the Tegner scale (p=0.148) Conclusions: It is concluded that patients with reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament with allograft, had greater efficiency in joint functionality, evaluated by the Lysholm scale and with less pain intensity

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries treated with quadriceps tendon autograft versus hamstring autograft: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: One of the most common grafts used to repair anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is the hamstring tendon (HT) autograft. However, another proposed option to repair the ACL is the quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft. This study aimed to compare the pain and clinical results between patients with ACL injury treated with QT autograft and with HT autograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Ethics and Investigation Committee of our institution approved the study. The patients were randomized into two groups: one group was treated with QT autograft and the other group was treated with HT autograft. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using the Lysholm-Tegner score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, and visual analog scale (VAS), at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients with a primary ACL injury were included in the study. No significant differences in VAS pain, Lysholm knee and Tegner activity scale scores, and IKDC score between the HT and QT groups were observed at any time point. All patients had favorable outcomes and significantly improved evaluation scores. CONCLUSION: The patients treated with QT autograft had clinical results and post-operative pain similar to those of patients treated with HT autograft for ACL reconstruction.

ANTECEDENTES: Uno de los injertos más comúnmente usados para la reparación de una ruptura de ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) es el autoinjerto de los tendones isquiotibiales. Sin embargo, otra opción propuesta para la reparación del LCA es el autoinjerto del tendón de cuadríceps. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el dolor y resultados clínicos en pacientes con lesión del LCA tratados con autoinjerto de cuadríceps y con autoinjerto de isquiotibiales. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El Comité de Ética e Investigación de nuestra institución aprobó el estudio. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados en dos grupos: un grupo fue tratado con autoinjerto del cuadríceps y el otro grupo con autoinjerto de isquiotibiales. Los pacientes fueron evaluados preoperatoriamente y postoperatoriamente usando la escala de Lysholm-Tegner, la International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, y la Escala Visual Análoga (EVA), a las dos semanas, a 1, 3, 6 y 12 meses. RESULTADOS: Un total de 28 pacientes con lesión primaria de LCA fueron incluidos en el estudio. No hubo diferencias significativas en EVA, escala de Lysholm-Tengner y en IKDC entre los grupos de isquiotibiales y cuadríceps durante su evaluación. Todos los pacientes tuvieron evoluciones favorables y mejoraron de forma significativa sus escalas. CONCLUSIÓN: Los pacientes tratados con autoinjerto de tendón de cuadríceps tuvieron resultados clínicos y dolor postoperatorio similar a aquellos pacientes traídos con autoinjerto de isquiotibiales en la reconstrucción de LCA.

Effects of inclusion of proprioception training in the recovery of adults submitted to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery: a systematic review / Efeitos da inclusão do treinamento de propriocepção na recuperação de adultos submetidos à cirurgia de reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior: uma revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is an injury in young adults, triggering undesirable neuromuscular effects. A rehabilitation program is structured with exercises that aid in intensive care training, and proprioceptive training has been proposed as one of the training/rehabilitation methods in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. Thus, this study aimed to analyze, through a systematic literature review, the effects of including proprioceptive training on different outcomes (stability/balance, proprioception, strength, functional capacity, coordination) after ACL reconstruction surgery in young adults. The search of the articles included studies in the last ten years, being a search conducted in November 2018. Searches were conducted in the electronic databases of PubMed and Science Direct with a following search methodology: (("Proprioception" [Mesh] ) OR "Proprioception" [Word Text]) AND ("Anterior Cruciate Ligament" [Mesh] OR "Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction" [Mesh] OR "Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury" [Mesh]). Six studies were selected for the analysis and the results obtained there is insufficient scientific evidence showing the positive effects of training in proprioceptive training after ACL reconstruction in adults, in view of a shortage of studies, such as discrepancies in findings, without time of intervention and in the tests contracted in the analysis of the variables.

RESUMO A ruptura do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) é a lesão de joelho mais frenquente em adultos jovens, desencadeando consequências neuromusculares indesejáveis. Um programa de reabilitação bem estruturado com exercícios que ajudem a minimizar os efeitos deletérios dessas consequências são necessários, e o treinamento proprioceptivo tem sido proposto como um dos métodos de treinamento/reabilitação em pacientes submetidos a reconstrução do LCA. Assim, esse estudo teve como objetivo analisar por meio de revisão sistemática de literatura os efeitos da inclusão do treinamento proprioceptivo sobre diferentes desfechos (estabilidade/equilíbrio, propriocepção, força, capacidade funcional, coordenação) após cirurgia de reconstrução de LCA em adultos jovens. A busca dos artigos incluiu estudos produzidos nos últimos dez anos, sendo a busca realizada no mês de novembro de 2018. Foram conduzidas buscas nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed e Science Direct com a seguinte estratégia de busca: (("Proprioception"[Mesh] OR "Proprioception"[Text Word])) AND ("Anterior Cruciate Ligament"[Mesh] OR "Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction"[Mesh] OR "Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries"[Mesh]). Seis estudos foram selecionados para análise e os resultados mostraram que não há evidencias científicas suficientes que mostrem os efeitos positivos da inclusão do treinamento proprioceptivo após cirurgia de reconstrução de LCA em adultos, tendo em vista a escassez de estudos, as discrepâncias nos achados, no tempo de intervenção e nos testes utilizados nas análises das variáveis.

Effect of Academic Grade Level on Return to Athletic Competition After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: After anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, 63% to 87% of high school athletes return to competition. Although physical and psychological factors are known contributors for failure to return to play, little attention has been paid to effect of academic grade level. Our purpose was to determine the influence of effect of academic grade level on return to competitive play. The primary hypothesis is that high school seniors who undergo ACL reconstruction or knee arthroscopy will be less likely to return to competitive play at 1 year than those in grades 9 to 11. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed high school athletes who injured their knee during competitive athletic activity and underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, including ACL reconstruction. We included those 14 to 18 years old at time of surgery and analyzed records for grade level, sporting activity, surgery details, and date of return to play. The definition of return to competitive play was return to same preinjury sport within 1 year of surgery and the sport had to be organized. RESULTS: Our study group included 225 patients that underwent an ACL reconstruction and 74 had knee arthroscopy. Athletes undergoing ACL reconstructions were less likely to return to preinjury sport within 1 year than those undergoing knee arthroscopy (P=0.0163). Seniors were significantly less likely to return to play at 1 year than athletes in grades 9 to 11 after both ACL reconstruction (P<0.0001) and knee arthroscopy (P=0.0335). Although return to competitive play rates remained fairly constant within grades 9 to 11, a precipitous decline by 28.9% and 29.4% in return to play rates occurred in the ACL reconstruction and knee arthroscopy groups, respectively, between the junior and senior years of high school. DISCUSSION: Although return to competition rates were lower for high school athletes undergoing ACL reconstruction than those undergoing knee arthroscopy, both had declines in return when the surgery occurs during their senior season. These data are useful when interpreting return to play rates. Future studies would benefit from further defining this relationship, or at least, noting the number of "senior" athletes studied. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study-Level III.

Correlation between eccentric training and functional tests in subjects with reconstructed acl / Correlação entre treino excêntrico e testes funcionais em sujeitos com lca reconstruído / Correlación entre entrenamiento excéntrico y pruebas funcionales en sujetos con lca reconstruido

INTRODUCTION: Eccentric training and jump tests are widely used to recover and measure deficits in knee strength and functionality after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. OBJECTIVE: To correlate knee extension and flexion torque generated by eccentric isokinetic training, with functional jump tests in subjects with reconstructed ACL. METHOD: Sixteen men with unilateral ACL reconstruction were assessed before and after 12 weeks of eccentric isokinetic training of knee flexors and extensors (3×10 MVC, 2x/week) at 30°/s for extension and flexion torque (isometric; concentric and eccentric at 30 and 120°/s) and functional jump tests (single, triple, cross and figure of 8). Inter- and intra-limb pre- and post-training mean peak torque (MPT), distance and jump test times were compared along with the correlations between these variables, considering P<0.05. RESULTS: The affected limb (AL) showed significant gain of extension and flexion torque (P<0.01) in the different test categories and velocities evaluated. In the non-affected limb (NAL), this only occurred in the eccentric category (30 and 120°/s), in the extension (P<0.01) and flexion (P<0.05 and P<0.01) torques, respectively. In the jumps, there was an increase in distance (single and triple; P<0.05) and a decrease in time (crossed and figure of 8; P<0.01), however, MPT x Jump correlations were weak (r<0.3) in the pre and post-training period in both limbs. CONCLUSION: Despite the gain in knee extension and flexion torque and jumping performance, the expected correlation was not satisfactory, suggesting that knee functionality involves other variables inherent to motor control. Level of Evidence IV; Type of study: Case series.

INTRODUÇÃO: O treino excêntrico e testes de saltos são muito utilizados para recuperar e aferir déficits de força e funcionalidade do joelho, após reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA). OBJETIVO: Correlacionar o torque extensor e flexor do joelho, gerados pelo treino isocinético excêntrico, com testes funcionais de saltos em sujeitos com LCA reconstruído. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados 16 homens, com reconstrução unilateral do LCA, antes e depois de 12 semanas de treino isocinético excêntrico de extensores e flexores do joelho (3 × 10 CEVM, 2x/semana) a 30°/s, quanto ao torque extensor e flexor (isométrico; concêntrico e excêntrico a 30°/s e 120°/s) e aos testes funcionais de saltos (simples, triplo, cruzado e figura em 8). As médias dos picos de torque (MPT), a distância e os tempos dos testes de salto inter e intramembros, pré e pós-treino foram comparados, além das correlações entre essas variáveis, considerando P< 0,05. RESULTADOS: O membro acometido (MA) mostrou ganho significativo de torque extensor e flexor (P< 0,01) nos modos e velocidades avaliados. No membro não acometido (MNA), isso ocorreu apenas para o modo excêntrico (30°/s e 120°/s), do torque extensor (P< 0,01) e flexor (P< 0,05 e P<0,01), respectivamente. Nos saltos, houve aumento da distância (simples e triplo; P< 0,05) e diminuição do tempo (cruzado e figura em 8; P< 0,01), porém, as correlações entre MPT e saltos mostraram-se fracas nos dois membros (r< 0,3) antes e depois do treino. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar do ganho no torque extensor e flexor do joelho e no rendimento dos saltos, a correlação esperada não foi satisfatória, sugerindo que a funcionalidade do joelho envolve outras variáveis inerentes ao controle motor. Nível de evidência IV; Tipo de estudo: Série de casos.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El entrenamiento excéntrico y las pruebas de saltos son muy utilizados para recuperar y medir los déficits de fuerza y funcionalidad de la rodilla, después de la reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA). OBJETIVO: Correlacionar el torque extensor y flexor de la rodilla, generados por el entrenamiento isocinético excéntrico, con pruebas funcionales de saltos en sujetos con LCA reconstruido. MÉTODO: Fueron evaluados 16 hombres, con reconstrucción unilateral del LCA, antes y después de 12 semanas de entrenamiento isocinético excéntrico de extensores y flexores de la rodilla (3x10 CEVM, 2x/semana) a 30°/s, cuanto al torque extensor y flexor (isométrico, concéntrico y excéntrico a 30 y 120°/s) y a las pruebas funcionales de saltos (simple, triple, cruzado y figura en 8). Se compararon promedios de los picos de torque (MPT), distancia y tiempos de las pruebas de salto, inter e intra-miembros, pre y post-entrenamiento, además de las correlaciones entre estas variables, considerando P<0,05. RESULTADOS: El miembro acometido (MA) mostró aumento significativo del torque extensor y flexor (P<0,01) en los modos y velocidades evaluados. En el miembro no acometido (MNA), eso ocurrió sólo para el modo excéntrico (30 y 120°/s), del torque extensor (P<0,01) y flexor (P<0,05 y P<0,01), respectivamente. En los saltos, hubo aumento en la distancia (simple y triple; P<0,05) y disminución del tiempo (cruzado y figura en 8; P<0,01), sin embargo, las correlaciones MPT x saltos se mostraron débiles (r<0,3) en el pre y post-entrenamiento, en los dos miembros. CONCLUSIÓN: A pesar del aumento en el torque extensor y flexor de la rodilla y en el rendimiento de los saltos, la correlación esperada no fue satisfactoria, sugiriendo que la funcionalidad de la rodilla involucra otras variables inherentes al control motor. Nivel de evidencia IV; Tipo de estudio: Serie de casos

Tibial tunnel enlargement and joint instability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A prospective comparison between autograft and allograft

Abstract Purpose: To investigate tibial tunnel widening and knee instability after ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft or irradiated soft tissue allograft. Methods: Eight-two patients were divided into two groups: autograft group and allograft group. Radiographic and clinical evaluations were performed. Results: Seventy patients were followed up with median of 36.3 months (range 36-38 months). Tibial tunnel widening was at or greater than 30% for nine patients in the autograft group and 15 patients in the allograft group (P = 0.0417). The average percentage of tibial tunnel widening was 26.7 ± 4.0 % and 29.7 ± 5.3 % in autograft and allograft groups, respectively (P = 0.0090). Knee range of motion was not affected by the reconstruction operation or different grafts. Thigh atrophy improved significantly within 24 months after ACL reconstructions in both groups. ACL reconstruction with the allograft leaded to less knee stability than that with the autograft from one year after operation (P = 0.0023). There was no significant difference between two groups with respect to Lysholm score (P = 0.1925) and Tegner score (P =0 .0918) at the final follow-up. Conclusion: The allograft group reported significantly more tibial tunnel widening and knee instability compared with the autograft group.

The influence of femoral tunnel length on graft rupture after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: For ACL reconstruction, the minimum length of the femoral tunnel and the flexor tendon graft length needed within the tunnel for proper integration have not been defined. The aim of this study was to assess whether a short tunnel is a risk factor for poor prognosis and re-rupture by comparing the outcomes of patients with short femoral tunnels to those of patients with longer tunnels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study of 80 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using flexor tendons via the medial transportal or transtibial technique was performed. Patients were categorized according to the amount of graft within the tunnel: ≤1.5 versus >1.5 cm; ≤2 versus >2 cm; ≤2.5 versus >2.5 cm; and ≤1.5 versus >2.5 cm. Patients were evaluated 2 years after surgery by performing a physical examination (Lachman, pivot shift and anterior drawer tests), using a KT1000 arthrometer, calculating objective and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee scores, conducting the Lysholm score, and recording re-ruptures. RESULTS: Of the 80 operated patients, nine were lost to follow-up. Comparative assessment of the patients with different amounts of graft within the tunnel indicated no significant differences in the evaluated outcomes, except for positive Lachman test results, which were more frequent in patients with tunnels with ≤2 cm of graft than in those with tunnels with >2 cm of graft. CONCLUSION: The amount of graft within the femoral tunnel does not appear to be a risk factor for clinical instability of the knee or re-rupture of the graft. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: case series, level IV. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, level IV.

Tibial tunnel enlargement and joint instability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A prospective comparison between autograft and allograft.

PURPOSE: To investigate tibial tunnel widening and knee instability after ACL reconstruction with hamstring autograft or irradiated soft tissue allograft. METHODS: Eight-two patients were divided into two groups: autograft group and allograft group. Radiographic and clinical evaluations were performed. RESULTS: Seventy patients were followed up with median of 36.3 months (range 36-38 months). Tibial tunnel widening was at or greater than 30% for nine patients in the autograft group and 15 patients in the allograft group (P = 0.0417). The average percentage of tibial tunnel widening was 26.7 ± 4.0 % and 29.7 ± 5.3 % in autograft and allograft groups, respectively (P = 0.0090). Knee range of motion was not affected by the reconstruction operation or different grafts. Thigh atrophy improved significantly within 24 months after ACL reconstructions in both groups. ACL reconstruction with the allograft leaded to less knee stability than that with the autograft from one year after operation (P = 0.0023). There was no significant difference between two groups with respect to Lysholm score (P = 0.1925) and Tegner score (P =0 .0918) at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: The allograft group reported significantly more tibial tunnel widening and knee instability compared with the autograft group.

Immediate effects of Kinesio Taping(®) on neuromuscular performance of quadriceps and balance in individuals submitted to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Investigate the immediate effects of Kinesio Taping(®) on neuromuscular performance of femoral quadriceps and balance in individuals submitted to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. DESIGN: This is a randomized clinical trial. METHODS: Forty-seven male participants, between 12 and 17 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, underwent initial assessment consisting of postural balance analysis using baropodometry, followed by eccentric and concentric isokinetic assessment at 60°/s of knee extensors, concomitant to electromyographic signals captured from the vastus lateralis muscle. They were then randomly allocated to one of the following groups: control, placebo and Kinesio Taping(®). Kinesio Taping(®) group participants were submitted to Kinesio Taping(®) on the femoral quadriceps of the affected limb, while placebo group subjects used the same procedure without the tension proposed by the method. The control group remained at rest for 10min. All participants were reassessed following the same procedure as the initial evaluation. The following variables were analyzed: peak torque/body weight and muscle potential using dynamometry; amplitude of antero-posterior and latero-lateral displacement from the center of pressure using baropodometry; and amplitude of muscle activation (root mean square) applying surface electromyography. RESULTS: None of the variables analyzed showed significant intergroup or intragroup differences. CONCLUSIONS: Kinesio Taping(®) does not alter the neuromuscular performance of femoral quadriceps or balance of subjects submitted to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, for any of the variables analyzed.

Recuperación de la fuerza muscular del cuádriceps en pacientes post operados de ligamento cruzado anterior, en un plazo de tres meses - Centro Médico Naval Cirujano Mayor Santiago Távara / Recovery of the muscle strength of the quadriceps in patients post operated of anterior cruciate ligament, in a period of three months - Naval Medical Center Surgeon Major Santiago Tavara

Objetivos: Determinar la recuperación de la fuerza muscular del cuádriceps en pacientes post operados de Ligamento cruzado anterior, en un lapso de tres meses. Determinar la variación del trofismo muscular del muslo en pacientes post operados de ligamento cruzado anterior, en un plazo de tres meses. Material y Métodos: El presente estudio es Analítico, Observacional y de tipo Longitudinal. Se realizó en 20 pacientes, entre los 20 y 50 años de edad, con diagnóstico médico de post operado de ligamento cruzado anterior, que se encuentran en el programa de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación del Centro Médico Naval Cirujano Mayor Santiago Távara. La fuerza muscular se evaluó en dos momentos, la primera evaluación se realizó al finalizar la etapa inflamatoria (tercera semana post quirúrgica) y la segunda, tres meses después. El instrumento que se utiliza para la medida de la fuerza, es el test de fuerza máxima o también llamado test de resistencia máxima (1RM), cuyo índice de confiabilidad oscila entre 0.92 a 0.98. La estimación del valor de 1RM fue por medio de la ecuación de Brzycki y para la categorización de la fuerza muscular, se utilizó la escala de Vivian Heyward. Resultados: Los pacientes post operados de ligamento cruzado anterior muestran un 37,5 por ciento de incremento en la fuerza muscular de los cuádriceps después de tres meses de haber iniciado el programa de rehabilitación física. Al iniciar el tratamiento fisioterapéutico el 80 por ciento los pacientes presentan una fuerza muscular que los ubica dentro de una categoría mala; tres meses después de iniciado el tratamiento fisioterapéutico, el 95 por ciento de los pacientes se ubican dentro de la categoría buena.

Objectives: To determine the percentage recovery of quadriceps muscle strength in patients undergoing post anterior cruciate ligament, within three months. Material and Methods: This study is analytical, Longitudinal Observational and type. It was performed in 20 patients, between 20 and 50 years of age with medical diagnosis of post anterior cruciate ligament surgery, found in the program of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Medical Center Naval Surgeon Mayor Santiago Tavara. Muscle strength was assessed in two stages, the first evaluation was conducted at the end of the inflammatory stage (third week post-surgical) and the second, three months later. The instrument used to measure the strength, is the maximum force test also called maximum resistance test (1RM) whose reliability index ranges from 0.92 to 0.98. The estimate of the value of 1RM was through the equation Brzycki and categorization of muscle strength, the scale of Vivian Heyward was used. Results: The patients undergoing post ACL show a 37.5 per cent increase in quadriceps muscle strength after three months of starting the physical rehabilitation program. When you start the physical therapy 80 per cent of patients have a muscular force that falls into a bad category; three months later, 95 per cent of patients are placed in the right category.

Fatores pré-operatórios preditivos de sucesso após a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior

O ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho (LCA) é um dos ligamentos mais frequentemente lesionados. Depois de ocorrida a lesão, uma das opções de tratamento é a reconstrução cirúrgica (RLCA). Apesar de ser considerado um procedimento de sucesso, a taxa de retorno à atividade física prévia após a cirurgia pode variar de 19 a 82%. O objetivo deste estudo foi correlacionar asinformações obtidas na avaliação funcional pré-operatória com a avaliação após um ano de RLCA e, deste modo, analisar quais aspectos pré-operatórios podem influenciar no resultado pós-operatório. Metodologia: 19 pacientes com lesão do LCA foram avaliados no pré-operatório (PRE-OP) e após um ano de RLCA (POS-OP). Foram avaliados o torque muscular (TM) isocinéticode flexão e extensão de joelho (60°/s 180°/s), a translação tibial anterior (KT200) e função subjetiva (IKDC). A partir do TM foi calculado o delta percentual (Δ%) para mensurar o ganho de força do exame PRE-OP até o POS-OP. Estatística: Foi utilizado o teste t Studentpara a comparação entre os membros, etestes de correlaçãoforam aplicadospara estabelecer a existência de relação entre as variáveis.Resultado:Foram encontradas correlações positivas entre o TM extensor do membro não lesado a 60°/s PRE e POS-OP (r = 0,63 e p < 0,01); TM extensor do membro não lesado a 180°/s PRE e POS-OP (r = 0.48 e p = 0.04); TM flexor do membro lesado a 60°/s PRE e POS-OP (r = 0.59 e p < 0.01); TM flexor do membro lesado a 180°/s PRE e POS-OP (r = 0.49 e p = 0.03); TM flexor do membro não lesado a 60°/s PRE e POS-OP (r = 0.59 e p < 0.01). Correlações inversamente significativas foram observadas entre IKDC (POS-OP) e a translação tibial (PRE-OP) do membro não....

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most frequently injured ligaments. After the injury, one of the treatment options is the surgical reconstruction (ACLR). Although it is considered a successful procedure, the rate of return to previous physical activity after surgery can vary from 19 to 82%. The objective of this study was to correlate information obtained in the preoperative (PRE-OP) functional evaluation with the evaluation one yearafter ACLR and analyze which preoperative aspects may influence postoperative (POS-OP) results.Methods: 19 patients with ACL injury were evaluated before ACL reconstruction and after one year. The evaluation was consisted in flexion and extension isokinetcmuscle torque (MT) at 60°/s 180°/s, anterior tibial translation (KT 2000) and a questionnaire of subjective assessment of knee function (IKDC). From the MT was calculated the percentage delta (Δ%) to measure the MT gain up from the PRE-OP test to the POS-OP. Statistics: T Student test was used for comparison among members, andcorrelations tests were used to establish the relationship between the variables. Result: Positive correlations were found between extensor MT of the uninjured limb at 60°/s, PRE and POST-OP (r = 0.63 and p <0.01); extensor MT of the uninjured member at 180°/s PRE and POST-OP (r = 0:48 p = 0:04); flexor MT of the injured limb at 60°/s PRE and POST-OP (r = 0:59 p <0.01); flexor MT of the injured limb at 180°/s PRE and POST-OP (r = 0:49 p = 0:03); flexor MT of member uninjured to 60°/s PRE and POST-OP (r = 0:59 p <0.01). Significant correlations were observed between IKDC (POS-OP) and the tibial translation (PRE-OP) of the uninjured limb (r = -0.46, p = 0.05); Δ% extensor at 180°/s of the injured limb and the IKDC (PRE-OP) (r = -0.60 p <0.01) and Δ% flexor at 180°/s of the injured limb and the IKDC (PRE-OP) (r = -0.60 p <0.01). Conclusion: The results suggest....

Factors affecting return to play after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a review of the current literature.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has been reported to produce normal or near-normal knee results in > 90% of patients. A recent meta-analysis suggested that, despite normal or near-normal knees, many athletes do not return to sports. Rates and timing of return to competitive athletics are quite variable depending on the graft type, the age of the patient, the sport, and the level of play. Even when athletes do return to play, often they do not return to their previous level. Graft failure, subjective physical factors, and psychological factors, including fear of reinjury and lack of motivation, appear to play a large role in patients' ability to return to sporting activities.