scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Nonoperative Treatment for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture on Patient-Reported Outcomes and Muscular Strength: A Critically Appraised Topic

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 1032-1037
Author(s):  
Emily R. Hunt ◽  
Cassandra N. Parise ◽  
Timothy A. Butterfield
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Quadriceps Strength ◽  
Nonoperative Treatment ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Hop Tests ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Clinical Scenario: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are one of the most common injuries in young athletic populations. The leading treatment for these injuries is ACL reconstruction (ACL-r); however, nonoperative treatments are also utilized. Following ACL-r, patients experience prolonged muscle weakness and atrophy of the quadriceps muscle group, regardless of rehabilitation. Nonoperative treatment plans following ACL injury exist, but their outcomes are less familiar, in spite of providing insight as a nonsurgical “control” for postsurgical rehabilitation outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this critically appraised topic was to evaluate quadriceps strength and function following nonoperative ACL rehabilitation using objective and subjective measures including isokinetic dynamometry, the single-leg hop test, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form. Focused Clinical Question: What are the effects of nonoperative treatment on peak isokinetic knee-extensor torque, the single-leg hop tests, and the IKDC in patients who have sustained an ACL rupture? Summary of Key Findings: Patients who underwent nonsurgical ACL treatment produced limb symmetry index, with the side-to-side torque difference expressed as a percentage, and values at or above 90% for all 4 single-leg hop tests and strength tests similar to ACL-r patients. All studies showed individuals had higher IKDC scores at baseline collection when compared with patients who underwent ACL-r but showed lower IKDC scores at long-term follow-up compared with ACL-r patients. Clinical Bottom Line: Nonoperative treatments of ACL injuries yield similar long-term results in quadriceps strength as ACL-r. Due to the quality of evidence and the absence of randomized controlled trials on this topic, these outcomes should be considered with caution. Strength of Recommendation: The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine taxonomy recommends a grade of B for level 2 evidence with consistent findings.

scholarly journals The hybrid anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgical technique does permit an accelerated early functional recovery and return to sport.

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (5_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967117S0017
Author(s):  
Peter Annear ◽  
Ebert Jay
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Ligament Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Quadriceps Strength ◽  
Hamstring Graft ◽  
Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ◽  
Hop Tests ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
Tegner Score

Objectives: A major reason for undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) for patients is to return to high demand activity and sport. Published literature supports a return to sport (RTS) at 6-12 months, though the recovery of lower limb strength and functional symmetry is critical and is linked with a patient’s ability to RTS, as well as reducing the incidence of secondary re-tear. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes and RTS between patients undergoing ACLR utilizing a hamstring graft and those undergoing a hybrid technique which augments the hamstring graft with a synthetic LARS ligament. Methods: A non-randomized study design was used to compare clinical outcomes at 10-12 months post-surgery, in 82 patients undergoing conventional ACLR via a hamstring graft (HG) and 35 patients undergoing a hybrid hamstring/LARS graft (HLG). All patients were assessed using a range of patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores (IKDC, KOOS, Cinncinati, Lysholm, SF-36, Tegner, Noyes, Global Rating of Change – GRC). Limb symmetry indices (LSIs) presenting the operated limb as a percentage of the unaffected limb were calculated for several strength/functional assessments (peak isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength, the single, triple and triple crossover hop for distance, and the 6 m timed hop). Results: There were no group differences (p>0.05) in patient demographics and the majority of PROs. The HLG group perceived themselves to be significantly ‘more recovered’ (p=0.046) on the GRC scale (HLG = 3.2, HG = 2.2), and also reported a significantly greater (p=0.004) Tegner score (HLG = 7.2, HG = 5.9). For the HG group, 62% of patients had returned to Noyes Level 1 or 2 activities, versus 80% of the HLG group. For the Tegner score, 57% of patients reported a score >6, versus 77% of the HLG group. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) in LSIs between groups for the strength and functional hop tests. However, the HLG group demonstrated a mean LSI above 90% for all four hop tests, while all four were below 90% in the HG group. Both groups demonstrated mean hamstring strength LSIs above 90%, while the quadriceps strength LSI was 81.9% and 85.8% for the HG and HLG groups, respectively. Conclusion: Patients in the HLG group perceived themselves to be more recovered, and had returned to a higher level of activity/sport, compared with the HG group. While not significant, the HLG group did demonstrate more favorable functional hop and quadriceps strength LSIs, which has been linked with the ability to RTS and the incidence of ACL re-tear. A larger patient cohort and follow-up is required to observe long-term outcomes.

Long-term results after primary augmented repair of proximal tears of the anterior cruciate ligament with the Kennedy-LAD — Does it work?

The Knee ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1115-1121 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Winnisch ◽  
T.M. Tiefenboeck ◽  
M. Steiger ◽  
M. Komjati ◽  
M. Hofbauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Current Evidence in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation: Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Combined With a Strengthening Program: A Critically Appraised Topic

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 5-11
Author(s):  
Michael E. Lynch ◽  
Christine A. Lauber
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation ◽  
Quadriceps Strength ◽  
Sufficient Evidence ◽  
Clinical Question ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Clinical Question:Is it beneficial to add neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to a strengthening program after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery?Clinical Bottom Line:There is sufficient evidence to support the inclusion of NMES in a rehabilitation strengthening program post ACL reconstruction. All three included studies reported significant quadriceps strength gains (p < .05) in favor of the group that completed both NMES and strengthening exercises compared with a strength-only group. Two studies initiated NMES within 4 days of surgery. One study found significant quadriceps strength increases when NMES was implemented 6 months after surgery.

scholarly journals Does Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Improve Functional and Radiographic Outcomes Over Nonoperative Management 5 Years After Injury?

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (9) ◽  
pp. 2103-2112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Wellsandt ◽  
Matthew J. Failla ◽  
Michael J. Axe ◽  
Lynn Snyder-Mackler
Keyword(s):  
Nonoperative Management ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Injury ◽  
Quadriceps Strength ◽  
Nonoperative Treatment ◽  
Joint Effusion ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Current practice patterns for the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury favor surgical reconstruction. However, long-term outcomes may not differ between patients completing operative and nonoperative treatment of ACL injury. Differences in outcomes between operative and nonoperative treatment of patients in the United States is largely unknown, as are outcomes in long-term strength and performance measures. Purpose: To determine if differences exist in 5-year functional and radiographic outcomes between patients completing operative and nonoperative treatment of ACL injury when both groups complete a progressive criterion-based rehabilitation protocol. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: From an original group of 144 athletes, 105 participants (mean ± SD age, 34.3 ± 11.4 years) with an acute ACL rupture completed functional testing (quadriceps strength, single-legged hop, and knee joint effusion testing; patient-reported outcomes) and knee radiographs 5 years after ACL reconstruction or completion of nonoperative rehabilitation. Results: At 5 years, patients treated with ACL reconstruction versus rehabilitation alone did not differ in quadriceps strength ( P = .817); performance on single-legged hop tests ( P = .234-.955); activity level ( P = .349-.400); subjective reports of pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, and knee-related quality of life ( P = .090-.941); or presence of knee osteoarthritis ( P = .102-.978). When compared with patients treated nonoperatively, patients treated operatively did report greater global ratings of knee function ( P = .001), and lower fear ( P = .035) at 5 years but were more likely to possess knee joint effusion ( P = .016). Conclusion: The current findings indicate that favorable outcomes can occur after both operative and nonoperative management approaches with the use of progressive criterion-based rehabilitation. Further study is needed to determine clinical algorithms for identifying the best candidates for surgical versus nonoperative care after ACL injury. These findings provide an opportunity to improve the educational process between patients and clinicians regarding the expected clinical course and long-term outcomes of operative and nonoperative treatment of ACL injuries.

17-Year Results following Transepiphyseal Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Zimmerer ◽  
Marco M. Schneider ◽  
Carina Semann ◽  
Wolfgang Schopf ◽  
Christian Sobau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Knee Joint ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Lysholm Score ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Abstract Objective Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in childhood and adolescence is a serious injury. It is now known that conservative therapy of an unstable knee joint in childhood or adolescence under can lead to poor subjective and objective results. The aim of this study is to record long-term results after transepiphyseal ACL reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendons and extracortical fixation in childhood and adolescence with open physes – at least 15 years after surgery. Methods Our internal registry was used to identify all patients who received surgical treatment of an acl tear during childhood and adolescence by transepiphyseal acl reconstruction more than 15 years previously. In these patients, the International Knee Documentation Committee for Subjective Knee Form (IKDCsubj.), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Tegner Activity Score (TAS) and Lysholm Score were collected, and clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed. Results A total of 22 patients were identified, 5 of whom could not be contacted. The mean age at the time of surgery was 13.1 years, and the mean follow-up time was 17.4 years. In 3 patients, a traumatic tear was observed with subsequent reconstruction of the ACL. None of the included patients showed a growth disorder during the course of the study. The IKDCsubj. was 92.4 ± 14.7 (48 – 100), the Lysholm score was 87.9 ± 16.9 (34 – 100), the TAS was 5.7 ± 2.3 (3 – 9) and the pain level based on VAS was 3.5 ± 2.6 (1 – 8) points. The values showed subjective and objective deterioration compared to the 10-year results, with no statistical significance. The following subscores were reported for the KOOS: KOOSpain 90.9 ± 17.6 (28 – 100); KOOSsymptom 82.9 ± 22.6 (11 – 100); KOOOSADL 94.3 ± 13.7 (44 – 100); KOOSSport 80.3 ± 26.4 (15 – 100); KOOSQOL 80.9 ± 25.8 (0 – 100). 13 of the 17 patients could also be clinically and radiologically examined. In 92% of patients, an intact acl reconstruction was found without evidence of cartilage or meniscus damage. The mean lateral difference in the KT-1000 measurement was 1.5 mm. Conclusion ACL reconstruction in childhood and adolescence provides good functionality and stability of the knee joint over the long term. Secondary signs of osteoarthritis can only be detected in isolated cases by MRI. ACL reconstruction using the transepiphyseal technique can be considered the method of choice for open growth plate knee joints.

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