The Calf Raise App shows good concurrent validity compared with a linear encoder in measuring total concentric work.

PURPOSE: The linear encoder and the Calf Raise App have been shown to be valid for measurements of plantar flexor muscular endurance in the heel raise test when compared with gold standard equipment. However, the validity of the Calf Raise App has not yet been compared with a linear encoder, an instrument commonly used in clinical and research settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the concurrent validity of the Calf Raise App compared with a linear encoder for the measurement of average heel raise height and total concentric work in the heel raise test. METHODS: Fifty TeamGym athletes (82% females) from an on-going prospective study were included (mean [SD] age: 20 [7] years; body mass index (BMI) = 21.3 [2.5]). Concurrent validity was analysed with single measures intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) using a two-way mixed effects, consistency model. RESULTS: Ninety-eight samples were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) average heel raise height and total concentric work measured by the linear encoder and Calf Raise App were 9.9 (1.4) and 7.5 (1.2) cm, and 1728 (584) and 1291 (450) J, respectively. The mean (SD) number of unilateral heel raises was 30 (7.5). The results showed poor to moderate concurrent validity for the measurement of average heel raise height (ICC: 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.48-0.73). Good to excellent concurrent validity was shown for the measurement of total concentric work (ICC: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.84-0.93). CONCLUSION: The Calf Raise App shows good concurrent validity in the heel raise test compared with a linear encoder in measuring total concentric work but not average height. While caution is recommended when comparing results from the different instruments, each instrument can be used separately to compare between-limb differences or changes over time in plantar flexor muscular endurance in clinical and research settings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

No major difference in perceived quality of care in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis assessed in a physical therapy-led triage compared with standard care: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical therapy-led orthopedic triage is a care model used to optimize pathways for patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis. However, scientific evidence of the effectiveness of this model of care is still limited and only a few studies report patients' perception of it. The aim of this study was to compare patients' perceived quality of care after physical therapy-led triage with standard practice in a secondary care setting for patients with primary hip or knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: In this randomized study, patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis referred for an orthopedic consultation received either physical therapy-led triage (n = 344) or a standard care assessment by an orthopedic surgeon (n = 294). To evaluate the patients' perceived quality of care, a short version of the Quality from the Patient's Perspective (QPP) questionnaire was sent to the patients within a week after their assessment. The primary outcome was the statement "I received the best examination and treatment" on QPP. RESULTS: A total of 348 patients (70%, physical therapy-led triage: n = 249, standard care: n = 199) answered the questionnaire. No significant difference was found in the primary outcome between the groups (p = 0.6). Participants in the triage group perceived themselves to have received significantly better information about how to take care of their osteoarthritis (p = 0.017) compared with the standard care group. The standard care group reported that they participated in the decision-making process to a greater extent (p = 0.005), that their expectations were met to a greater degree (p = 0.013), and that their care depended more on their need for care rather than the caregivers' routines (0.007). CONCLUSION: Both groups report high perceived quality of care. Significant differences were found in four of 14 questions, one in favor of the physical therapist and three in favor of the standard care group. The findings of this study are in line with previous research and support the use of this care model for patients with hip or knee OA in secondary care. However, due to the dropout size, the results should be interpreted with caution. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT04665908, registered 14/12/2020.

Greater self-efficacy, psychological readiness and return to sport amongst paediatric patients compared with adolescents and young adults, 8 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in rehabilitation-specific outcomes between paediatric patients, adolescents and young adults within the first 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A further aim was to determine whether patient age was associated with an increased risk of not achieving symmetrical muscle function within the first 2 years after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: The patient data in the present study were extracted from the rehabilitation outcome registry, Project ACL. Patients aged 11-25 years registered for primary ACL reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft between April 1, 2013 and November 23, 2020 were included. A total of 691 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study; 41 paediatric patients (females 11-13, males 11-15 years), 347 adolescents (females 14-19, males 16-19 years) and 303 young adults (females 20-25, males 20-25 years). RESULTS: The comparison between groups revealed that 70% of paediatric patients, 39% of adolescents and 35% of young adults had returned to knee-strenuous sport at 8 months and that 90% of paediatric patients, 71% of adolescents and 62% of young adults had returned to sport at 12 months. Paediatric patients also reported higher scores compared with both the other patient groups on the Knee Self-Efficacy Scale (K-SES) and the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury scale (ACL-RSI) at 8 and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: A larger proportion of paediatric patients had returned to sport compared with adolescents and young adults 8 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Paediatric patients also reported higher self-efficacy and greater psychological readiness to return to sport at 8 and 12 months than the other two groups. No differences in terms of muscle function tests when comparing paediatric patients, adolescents and young adults were found. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Greater Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport, as Well as Greater Present and Future Knee-Related Self-Efficacy, Can Increase the Risk for an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Re-Rupture: A Matched Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To determine the psychological characteristics and strength outcomes of patients who sustained an early anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) re-rupture after their primary ACL reconstruction and cross-sectionally compare them with a matched cohort of patients who did not sustain a reinjury during the first 2 years after primary ACL reconstruction. METHODS: In this matched cohort study, data for quadriceps and hamstring strength and 3 hop tests and answers to standardized patient-reported outcomes (the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury scale and a short version of the Knee Self-Efficacy Scale) were extracted from a rehabilitation outcome registry. Data for patients suffering a re-rupture were extracted, and patients were matched in terms of sex, age, and activity level with patients not suffering an ACL re-rupture within 2 years of primary reconstruction. The groups were compared 10 weeks and 4, 8, and 12 months after the primary reconstruction. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients suffering an ACL re-rupture were matched with 108 patients not suffering a re-rupture after ACL reconstruction. Patients who suffered an ACL re-rupture had greater psychological readiness, that is, greater confidence in performance, lesser negative emotions, and lesser risk appraisal, to return to sport (RTS) at 8 months (81.2 vs 67.9 [95% Δconfidence interval {CI} 2.7-23.8) P = .014) and at 12 months (95.2 vs 67.1, (95% ΔCI 14.3-41.8) P ≤ .001), and greater knee-related self-efficacy at 8 months (8.6 vs 8.0 [95% ΔCI 0.1-1.2], P = .021) and 12 months (9.4 vs 8.1, [95% ΔCI 0.3-2.2] P = .012) after primary ACL reconstruction, compared with the matched group. CONCLUSIONS: A stronger psychological profile, defined by a greater psychological readiness to RTS and knee-related self-efficacy, may be associated with an ACL re-rupture within 2 years of the primary reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Matched cohort study, level III.

Generalized joint hypermobility does not influence 1-year patient satisfaction or functional outcome after ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) influences postoperative results, including return to sport, patientreported outcomes, functional performance (hop tests), muscular strength, and the occurrence of ACL re-injury, in patients 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: Data was extracted from a regional rehabilitation-specific registry containing information on patients with ACL injury. Patients between the ages of 16-50 years previously undergoing ACL reconstruction with available 1 year follow-up data were eligible for inclusion. Generalized joint hypermobility was assessed using the Beighton score (BS). Patients were examined one year postoperatively in terms of return to sport, patient-reported outcome, hop tests, muscular strength and the occurrence of reinjury. For purpose of analysis, patients were allocated into two groups, depending on the existence of GJH. The KOOS subscale of sports and recreation was considered the primary outcome. Analyses were performed both dichotomously and by using adjusted logistic regression, to consider potential confounders. RESULTS: A total of 356 patients (41% males) were included, of which 76 (24% male) were categorized as having GJH. Patients with GJH had an inferior limb symmetry index preoperatively in terms of knee extension (mean 81.6 [SD 16.4] vs. 91.4 [SD 15.9], p = 0.02) and flexion strength (mean 91.9 vs. 99.1, p = 0.047) compared to patients without GJH. There was no difference between the groups in terms of the primary outcome, nor in any of the other postoperative outcomes. Nine patients (11.8%) in the group with GJH suffered ACL re-injury, compared with 13 patients (4.6%) in the control group (n.s.). CONCLUSION: One year after ACL reconstruction the existence of GJH did not affect postoperative patient satisfaction, strength or functional outcome. No conclusive statements can be made regarding the influence of GJH on the risk of ACL re-injury in this particular study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Superior knee self-efficacy and quality of life throughout the first year in patients who recover symmetrical muscle function after ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to (1) describe psychological outcomes during the first year after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and (2) compare psychological outcomes in patients who recover symmetrical muscle function with patients who do not. METHODS: The included patients had undergone a unilateral ACL reconstruction. Patients with a re-rupture and contralateral ACL injury were excluded. Three groups, based on the results from 5 tests of muscle function 12 months after reconstruction, were created. Three validated questionnaires (the Knee Self-Efficacy Scale; the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscale "Quality of Life"; the ACL Return to Sport after Injury scale) and a single question "Have you achieved your goal with rehabilitation?" were analysed in 4 different follow-ups after ACL reconstruction (10 weeks, 4, 8 and 12 months). Means and standard deviations were analysed with standard t tests and reported with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 328 patients (120 men, 37%), mean age 27.8 ± 10 years, were included. Patients who did not recover symmetrical muscle function (n = 56; 17%) at the 12-month follow-up reported inferior knee-related self-efficacy and quality of life than patients who recovered symmetrical muscle function (n = 96; 29%) at all follow-ups, except quality of life at 4 months. The proportion of patients who stated they achieved their rehabilitation goal at 12 months was 17% for the entire cohort, 24% for patients who recovered muscle function and 5% for patients who did not recover muscle function. CONCLUSION: Patients who recovered strength and hop symmetry 12 months after ACL reconstruction had superior knee-related self-efficacy and greater quality of life during the whole first year after ACL reconstruction. These results can aid clinicians in the decision-making process by providing knowledge of patients who might need further attention during rehabilitation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Young athletes return too early to knee-strenuous sport, without acceptable knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the return to knee-strenuous sport rate, muscle function and subjective knee function among adolescent patients (15-20 years of age) and adult patients (21-30 years of age) 8 and 12 months, respectively, after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It was hypothesised that no differences in outcome would be found between age groups at 8 or 12 months after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from five tests of muscle function, from the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the Tegner Activity Scale (Tegner), performed at 8 and 12 months after a primary ACL reconstruction, were extracted from a rehabilitation outcome register. A total of 270 (51% women) athletes, aged 15-30 years, who were all involved in knee-strenuous sport prior the injury, were included at 8 months after ACL reconstruction. At 12 months 203 (51% women) were included. The return to knee-strenuous-sport rates and the rate of achieving a limb symmetry index of ≥ 90% in all five tests of muscle function, defined as recovery of muscle function, and subjective knee function scores, as measured with the KOOS, were compared between age groups. RESULTS: The adolescent patients had a higher (50%) return to knee-strenuous sport rate compared with the adult patients (38%) 8 months after ACL reconstruction (p = 0.04). At the 12-month follow-up, no difference was found between the age groups; 74 and 63%, respectively. At the 8-month follow-up, 29% of the patients, in both age groups, who had returned to sport had recovered their muscle function in all five tests of muscle function. At the 12-month follow-up, the corresponding results were 20% for the adolescents and 28% for the adult patients. No difference in mean KOOS scores was found between the age groups at 8 or at 12 months after ACL reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The majority of young athletes make an early return to knee-strenuous sport after a primary ACL reconstruction, without recovering their muscle function. To set realistic expectations, clinicians are recommended to ensure that young athletes receive information about not to return before muscle function is recovered and that this may take longer time than 12 months. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Correction to: Young athletes return too early to knee-strenuous sport, without acceptable knee function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The author claims that his name is incorrectly listed on PubMed. The first name should be Eric and the last name should be Hamrin Senorski. On SpringerLink the name is listed correctly, but on PubMed he is listed as Senorski EH.

Concomitant injuries may not reduce the likelihood of achieving symmetrical muscle function one year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective observational study based on 263 patients.

PURPOSE: A better understanding of patient characteristics and the way common concomitant injuries affect the recovery of muscle function after surgery should help providers to treat patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The aim of this study was to determine whether patient characteristics, concomitant injuries and graft choice at ACL reconstruction were associated with symmetrical knee muscle function at one year. The hypothesis was that the presence of concomitant injuries would negatively influence the opportunity to achieve symmetrical knee function at the one-year follow-up. METHODS: Data was extracted from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register and a rehabilitation outcome register between August 2012 and December 2016. The patients had been evaluated with a battery of tests comprising knee extension and flexion strength, vertical jump, hop for distance and the side-hop test one year after ACL reconstruction. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed with achieving a limb symmetry index (LSI) of ≥ 90% in all tests of muscle function as primary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 263 patients with a mean age of 26.7 ± 10.3 years were included in the study (47% females). No patient demographic or intra-operative predictors were found to be significant when attempting to predict the achievement of a symmetrical muscle function. Lateral meniscus injury and a patellar tendon autograft reduced the odds of achieving an LSI of ≥ 90% in knee extension strength, OR = 0.49 [(95% CI 0.25-0.97), p = 0.039] and OR = 0.30 [(95% CI 0.14-0.67), p = 0.0033] respectively. In addition, reduced odds of recovering knee extension strength were found in older patients, OR = 0.76 [(95% CI 0.60-0.98), p = 0.034]. A higher pre-injury level of physical activity increased the odds of recovering knee flexion strength, OR = 1.14 [(95% CI 1.01-1.29), p = 0.037]. CONCLUSION: Intra-operatively identified concomitant injuries or graft choice did not affect the likelihood of recovering symmetrical performance in five different tests of muscle function one year after ACL reconstruction. However, fewer than one in four patients achieved an LSI of ≥ 90% in all tests. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective observational study: Level 2.

Return to knee-strenuous sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a report from a rehabilitation outcome registry of patient characteristics.

PURPOSE: To characterise patients who returned to knee-strenuous sports after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: Data from isotonic tests of muscle function and patient-reported outcome measures, Tegner activity scale (Tegner and Lysholm in Clin Orthop Relat Res 198:43-49, 1985), physical activity scale, knee injury and osteoarthritis scale and knee self-efficacy scale were extracted from a registry. The 157 included patients, 15-30 years of age, had undergone primary ACL reconstruction and were all involved in knee-strenuous sports, i.e. pre-injury Tegner of 6 or higher. Return to sport was studied in two different ways: return to pre-injury Tegner and return to knee-strenuous sport (Tegner 6). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (33 %), who returned to pre-injury Tegner, 10 months after surgery, were characterised by better subjective knee function measured with the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (p < 0.05), compared with patients who did not. These patients also had higher perceived self-efficacy of knee function (p < 0.01), measured with knee self-efficacy scale. Eighty-four patients (54 %) who returned to knee-strenuous sports, i.e. Tegner 6 or higher, were characterised by higher goals for physical activity (p < 0.01) and higher self-efficacy of future knee function (p < 0.05). Strength measurements showed that women who returned to sports were stronger in leg extension than women who did not. No differences were found in Limb Symmetry Index for knee strength or jumping ability. CONCLUSION: Patients who returned to sports after ACL reconstruction had better subjective knee function and higher self-efficacy of knee function. Results highlight that further emphasis should be placed at psychological factors during rehabilitation of patients after ACLR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Only 10% of Patients With a Concomitant MCL Injury Return to Their Preinjury Level of Sport 1 Year After ACL Reconstruction: A Matched Comparison With Isolated ACL Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for an increased understanding of the way a concomitant medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury may influence outcome after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. HYPOTHESIS: Patients with a concomitant MCL injury would have inferior clinical outcomes compared with a matched cohort of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction without an MCL injury. STUDY DESIGN: Matched registry-based cohort study; case-control. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry and a local rehabilitation outcome registry were utilized. Patients who had undergone a primary ACL reconstruction with a concomitant nonsurgically treated MCL injury (ACL + MCL group) were matched with patients who had undergone an ACL reconstruction without an MCL injury (ACL group), in a 1:3 ratio. The primary outcome was return to knee-strenuous sport, defined as a Tegner activity scale ≥6, at the 1-year follow-up. In addition, return to preinjury level of sport, muscle function tests, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The ACL + MCL group comprised 30 patients, matched with 90 patients in the ACL group. At the 1-year follow-up, 14 patients (46.7%) in the ACL + MCL group had return to sport (RTS) compared with 44 patients (48.9%) in the ACL group (P = 0.37). A significantly lower proportion of patients in the ACL + MCL group had returned to their preinjury level of sport compared with the ACL group (10.0% compared with 25.6%, adjusted P = 0.01). No differences were found between the groups across a battery of strength and hop tests or in any of the assessed PROs. The ACL + MCL group reported a mean 1-year ACL-RSI after injury of 59.4 (SD 21.6), whereas the ACL group reported 57.9 (SD 19.4), P = 0.60. CONCLUSION: Patients with a concomitant nonsurgically treated MCL injury did not return to their preinjury level of sport to the same extent as patients without an MCL injury 1 year after ACL reconstruction. However, there was no difference between the groups in terms of return to knee strenuous activity, muscle function, or PROs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients with a concomitant nonsurgically treated MCL injury may reach outcomes similar to those of patients without an MCL injury 1 year after an ACL reconstruction. However, few patients return to their preinjury level of sport at 1 year.

Physical inactivity 5-8 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is associated with knee-related self-efficacy and psychological readiness to return to sport.

Objectives: To investigate whether patient demographics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), respectively, are associated with physical inactivity (PI) 5-8 years after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: This case control observational study included individuals who had undergone primary ACLR between the ages of 15 and 65 years and had responded to PROs 18 months postoperatively. These individuals were asked to answer a questionnaire regarding their present level of physical activity (PA) at 5-8 years after ACLR. Patient-demographic data and results from the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Knee Self-Efficacy Scale and the ACL Return to Sport (RTS) after Injury scale from 18 months after ACLR were extracted from a rehabilitation-specific register. Univariable logistic regression analyses were performed with PI (<150 min PA per week/≥150 min PA/week) as the dependent variable. Results: Of 292 eligible participants, 173 (47% women; mean±SD age = 31±11 years) responded to the PA questionnaire. In all, 14% (n=25; 28% women) were classified as physically inactive. Participants with lower levels of present and future self-efficacy, OR 1.35 (CI 1.05 to 1.72) and OR 1.20 (CI 1.12 to 1.45), and lower levels of psychological readiness to RTS, OR 1.19 (CI 1 to 1.43), at the 18-month follow-up, had higher odds of being physically inactive 5-8 years after ACLR. None of the patient demographic variables was able to predict PI. Conclusion: Lower levels of knee-related self-efficacy and psychological readiness to RTS, 18 months after ACLR, were associated with PI 5-8 years after surgery.

Persistent knee flexor strength deficits identified through the NordBord eccentric test not seen with "gold standard" isokinetic concentric testing during the first year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a hamstring tendon autograft.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the recovery of knee flexor muscle strength evaluated with a Nordic hamstring eccentric test (NordBord) compared with an isokinetic concentric test (Biodex) during the first year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a hamstring tendon autograft. DESIGN: Prospective observational registry study; level of evidence, 3. SETTING: Primary care. PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional data of 127 patients (45% women, mean age 24.9 ± 8.1 years) were extracted from a rehabilitation outcome registry at 10 weeks and 4, 8 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All patients performed a concentric Biodex test, and an eccentric NordBord test on the same occasion or within seven days of the concentric test. The primary outcome was the limb symmetry index between the respective tests. RESULTS: A greater knee flexor symmetry deficit was observed with the eccentric test compared with the concentric test at all follow-ups with clinically relevant differences at 4 (11.8% ± 12.7% [CI 7.8-15.8%]) and 8 months (13.4 ± 11.9 [CI 9.7-17.2%]. CONCLUSION: The eccentric NordBord test was able to identify clinically relevant deficits in knee flexor strength symmetry that were not identified by gold standard isokinetic concentric testing during the first year among patients treated with an ACL reconstruction using a hamstring tendon autograft.

Hop tests and psychological PROs provide a demanding and clinician-friendly RTS assessment of patients after ACL reconstruction, a registry study.

BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in assessing psychological well-being in patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It is unknown whether an assessment of psychological outcome in addition to tests of muscle function can facilitate decisions on return to sport (RTS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate passing rates in different physical RTS test batteries, with and without the inclusion of psychological outcome measures 1 year after ACL reconstruction. METHOD: In this cross-sectional cohort study a total of 320 patients (51% men) aged 18-65 years were included 1 year after ACL reconstruction. Passing rates on different muscle function (MF) test batteries (with results presented as Limb Symmetry Index (LSI)), consisting of knee extension and flexion strength tests, 3 hop tests, and 2 psychological patient-reported outcomes (PROs); Quality of Life subscale from the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS QoL) and ACL Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI), were evaluated 1 year after ACL reconstruction. Muscle function test batteries comprised: 2 MF tests (vertical hop and hop for distance; pass = 90% LSI); 2 MF tests and 2 PRO (pass = 90% LSI, 62.5 points on KOOS QoL and 76.6 points on ACL-RSI), 5 MF tests (2 strength and 3 hop tests, pass = 90% LSI), and 5 MF tests and 2 PRO (pass = 90% LSI, 62.5 points on KOOS QoL and 76.6 points on ACL-RSI). RESULTS: Passing rates in the different test batteries were 47% for 2 MF tests, 19% for 2 MF tests and 2 PROs, 29% for 5 MF tests and 13% for 5 MF tests and 2 PROs. The use of psychological PROs together with tests of muscle function gave the lowest passing rate (13%). There was a very strong correlation between passing 2 hop tests and 2 PROs and passing 5 MF tests (rφ = 0.41) as well as passing 5 MF tests and 2 PROs (rφ = 0.79). CONCLUSION: The use of hop tests together with psychological PROs provides a clinician-friendly RTS test battery for assessment 1 year after ACL reconstruction as the passing rate was 19% when using 2 hop-tests combined with 2 PROs, compared with 29% when using 5 tests of MF requiring advanced testing equipment.

Recovery of preoperative absolute knee extension and flexion strength after ACL reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The recovery of muscle function after an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is most commonly reported as limb-to-limb differences using the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI), which is not free from limitations. The purpose of this study was to compare the proportion of patients who recover their Preoperative Absolute Muscle Strength (PAMS) 8 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction with the proportion of patients who recover their symmetrical knee strength. A secondary aim was to assess the relationship between psychological Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) and recovering PAMS at 8 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation. METHOD: Preoperative, 8- and 12-month results from quadriceps and hamstring strength tests and PROs for 117 patients were extracted from a rehabilitation registry. Individual preoperative peak torques from strength tests were compared with results from the 8- and 12-month follow-ups respectively. Patients were defined as having recovered their PAMS upon reaching 90% of their preoperative peak torque for both quadriceps and hamstring strength. Patients were defined as having recovered their LSI upon reaching a value ≥90% when comparing the results for their injured knee with those of their healthy knee. Correlations between the recovery of PAMS and PROs at 8 and 12 months were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no difference in the proportion of patients who recovered their PAMS compared with patients who recovered their LSI. In all, 30% and 32% of the patients who recovered their LSI had not recovered their PAMS at 8 months and 12 months respectively. In the patients who had recovered their PAMS, 24% and 31% had not recovered their symmetrical LSI at 8 months and 12 months respectively. There was no significant correlation between the recovery of PAMS and psychological PROs. CONCLUSION: The use of both PAMS and LSI provides more detailed information on the recovery of muscle strength after ACL reconstruction. The recovery of PAMS was not correlated with psychological traits, which implies that both PROs and PAMS are important when evaluating patients after ACL reconstruction. TRIAL REGISTRATION:  This trial was not registered.

Young Athletes Who Return to Sport Before 9 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Have a Rate of New Injury 7 Times That of Those Who Delay Return.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between sustaining a second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and (1) time to return to sport, (2) symmetrical muscle function, and (3) symmetrical quadriceps strength at the time of return to sport in young athletes after primary ACL reconstruction. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Patient demographics and results from 5 tests of muscle function (2 strength tests and 3 hop tests) were extracted from a rehabilitation registry. A questionnaire was sent to athletes (15-30 years old) who were involved in knee-strenuous sport before the injury and had undergone primary ACL reconstruction to determine time of return to knee-strenuous sport (preinjury Tegner Activity Scale score of 6 or greater). We used the Cox proportional hazard regression model to analyze time to event. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-nine (32% of the initial sample) athletes (mean ± SD age, 21.5 ± 4.4 years; 64% female) were included. Athletes with a higher preinjury Tegner Activity Scale score had a higher rate of second ACL injury (hazard ratio = 2.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 3.6; P<.01). Athletes who returned to knee-strenuous sport before 9 months after reconstruction had a higher rate of second ACL injury (hazard ratio = 6.7; 95% confidence interval: 2.6, 16.7; P<.001). There was no association between symmetrical muscle function or quadriceps strength and second ACL injury. CONCLUSION: Returning to knee-strenuous sport before 9 months after ACL reconstruction was associated with an approximately 7-fold increased rate of sustaining a second ACL injury. Achieving symmetrical muscle function or quadriceps strength was not associated with new ACL injury in young athletes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2020;50(2):83-90. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.9071.

Knee strength, hop performance and self-efficacy at 4 months are associated with symmetrical knee muscle function in young athletes 1 year after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether patient demographics, 4-month patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and muscle function predicted young athletes regaining symmetrical muscle function in five tests of muscle function 1 year after ACL reconstruction. METHODS: We extracted data on patient demographics, PROs and the results of five tests of muscle function from a rehabilitation-specific register. Athletes were 15-30 years of age, involved in knee-strenuous sport and had undergone a primary ACL reconstruction. The primary outcome was achieving a Limb Symmetry Index of ≥90% for the battery of tests 1 year after ACL reconstruction. Patient demographics, muscle-function data and results for PROs at the 4-month follow-up were analysed. RESULTS: In all, 237 athletes (59% female; mean age 22±4 years) were included in the study. One year after ACL reconstruction, 26% (62/237) of the included athletes had achieved symmetrical muscle function. Univariable analysis showed that symmetrical muscle function was associated with present self-efficacy, OR 1.28 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.58, p=0.011), knee-extension strength, OR 1.73 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.34), knee-flexion strength, OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.81), vertical hop, OR 1.77 (95% CI 1.27 to 2.45), single-leg hop for distance, OR 1.98 (95% CI 1.24 to 3.17) and side hop, OR 1.64 (95% CI 1.15 to 2.33). CONCLUSION: Symmetrical knee-extension and knee-flexion strength, a more symmetrical hop performance and higher present self-efficacy at an early stage all increased the odds of achieving symmetrical muscle function in young athletes 1 year after ACL reconstruction.

How Is Psychological Outcome Related to Knee Function and Return to Sport Among Adolescent Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?

BACKGROUND: Adult patients who succeed in returning to their preinjury levels of sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been characterized by a more positive psychological response. It is not known whether this relationship is valid for adolescent athletes. PURPOSE: To investigate psychological readiness to return to sport, knee-related self-efficacy, and motivation among adolescent (15-20 years old) and adult (21-30 years old) athletes after ACL reconstruction. A further aim was to compare athletes (15-30 years old) who had recovered their muscle function and returned to sport with athletes who had not. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Data were extracted from a rehabilitation-specific register 8 and 12 months after ACL reconstruction. Athletes previously involved in knee-strenuous sport who had undergone primary ACL reconstruction were included. Data comprised psychological patient-reported outcomes and results from 5 tests of muscle function. Comparisons were performed between age groups, between athletes who had and had not recovered their muscle function, and between patients who had returned to sport and not. RESULTS: In all, 384 (50% females) and 271 athletes (52% females) were included at the 8- and 12- month follow-ups, respectively. Enhanced self-efficacy was reported at both follow-ups by adolescents and by athletes who had recovered their muscle function. Athletes who had recovered their muscle function reported higher ( P = .0007) motivation to achieve their goals. Subgroup analyses on patient sex revealed findings similar to those in the main analyses for females but not for males. Moreover, adolescent and adult athletes who had returned to sport reported significantly higher levels on the Knee Self-Efficacy Scale and the ACL-Return to Sport After Injury scale at both follow-ups. CONCLUSION: Adolescent athletes, especially females, perceived enhanced self-efficacy, had a higher return-to-sport rate, and were more motivated to reach their goals after ACL reconstruction compared with adults. Regardless of age, athletes who had returned to sport and athletes with more symmetrical muscle function had a stronger psychological profile.

Factors Affecting the Achievement of a Patient-Acceptable Symptom State 1 Year After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Cohort Study of 343 Patients From 2 Registries.

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient knowledge regarding the influence of concomitant injuries on the recovery of short-term subjective knee function after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. PURPOSE: To determine whether patient characteristics, concomitant injuries, and graft choice during ACL reconstruction can predict which patients achieve acceptable knee function 1 year after reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Data from 1 physical therapist-specific and 1 surgeon-specific register were used. Patients who had completed the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 1-year follow-up were included. Additional intraoperative information was extracted from a database. The primary outcome was achieving a patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) for each subscale of the KOOS. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used, with patient sex, age, and preinjury level of physical activity as covariates. RESULTS: A total of 343 patients (51% females) were included. The proportion of patients achieving PASS 1 year after ACL reconstruction varied between 40% and 85% among the KOOS subscales. Younger age at reconstruction and male sex provided favorable odds of achieving acceptable knee function across the KOOS subscales. Patients without cartilage injury had increased odds of achieving PASS in the KOOS sport and recreation subscale; the increase was 1.63-fold (95% CI, 1.01-2.64; P = .045). Patients receiving patellar tendon autograft had a 0.41-fold (95% CI, 0.19-0.85; P = .017) decrease in odds of achieving PASS on the KOOS quality of life (QoL) subscale. In the multivariable analysis, increased odds of achieving PASS on the KOOS QoL subscale were associated with the absence of meniscal injury (odds ratio, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.04-2.54; P = .035), and increased odds were found for hamstring tendon autograft (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.25-5.56; P = .011). CONCLUSION: More than half of the patients reported an acceptable symptom state on 4 of the 5 KOOS subscales 1 year after ACL reconstruction. A lack of consistency was noted related to the effect of concomitant knee injuries and graft choice on acceptable knee function. However, younger age and male sex were favorable, nonmodifiable characteristics that increased the odds of early acceptable function.

Low 1-Year Return-to-Sport Rate After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Regardless of Patient and Surgical Factors: A Prospective Cohort Study of 272 Patients.

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient knowledge about the way that concomitant injuries affect the short-term likelihood of a return to a knee-strenuous sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Hypotheses/Purpose: The purpose was to study whether patient characteristics, concomitant injuries, and graft choice at primary ACL reconstruction can predict return to sport (RTS) 1 year after surgery. The hypotheses were that younger age at the time of ACL reconstruction would positively affect RTS, while the presence of concomitant injuries would negatively affect RTS 1 year after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Data were extracted from a rehabilitation-specific register and the Swedish National Knee Ligament Register. Twelve months after surgery, all patients were evaluated for RTS via the Tegner Activity Scale. The primary outcome was a return to knee-strenuous sport, defined as a Tegner Activity Scale ≥6. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed with patient characteristics, concomitant knee injuries, and graft choice as independent variables. RESULTS: A total of 272 patients (51% female) with a mean ± SD age of 25.0 ± 9.2 years were included. In the multivariable analysis, a favorable odds ratio (OR) for returning to sport was found for patients of male sex (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.43-4.65; P = .0016), younger age at the time of ACL reconstruction (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.59-3.33; P < .0001), a higher preinjury score on the Tegner Activity Scale (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13-1.87; P = .0038), and an absence of injury to the meniscus (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.10-3.36; P = .023) and medial collateral ligament (OR, 7.61; 95% CI, 1.42-40.87; P = .018). In addition, the absence of cartilage injury was favorable in terms of RTS in the univariable analysis (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.40-4.39; P = .0018). CONCLUSION: Positive predictors of a return to knee-strenuous sport 1 year after ACL reconstruction were male sex, younger age, a high preinjury level of physical activity, and the absence of concomitant injuries to the medial collateral ligament and meniscus.