Rehabilitation Protocols After Isolated Meniscal Repair: A Systematic Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 1687-1697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin O’Donnell ◽  
Kevin B. Freedman ◽  
Fotios P. Tjoumakaris

Background: Current postoperative rehabilitation protocols after isolated meniscal repair vary widely. No consensus exists with regard to the optimal amount of weightbearing, range of motion, or speed at which the patient progresses through the rehabilitation phases. Confounding factors including concomitant ligamentous or cartilaginous injuries have made studying isolated meniscal tears problematic. Purpose: To systematically review and evaluate the influence of range of motion and weightbearing status during the postoperative rehabilitation period after isolated meniscal repair on clinical efficacy and outcome scores. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted. The selection criteria for inclusion were English-language in vivo clinical studies reporting on isolated meniscal repairs utilizing an arthroscopically assisted technique that outlined the postoperative rehabilitation protocol and included at least a 2-year follow-up. Titles, abstracts, and articles were reviewed, and data concerning patient demographics, tear type, repair technique, postoperative protocol details, clinical failures, and outcome scores were extracted from the eligible studies. Rehabilitation protocols were divided into “accelerated,” “motion restricted,” “weight restricted,” and “dual restricted” according to the limitations placed on the treatment groups. Results: Fifteen studies, containing 17 different treatment groups, met the inclusion criteria. The 2 accelerated groups, 2 motion-restricted groups, 4 weight-restricted groups, and 9 dual-restricted groups showed similar efficacy in terms of clinical success and postoperative outcome scores. Early range of motion and weightbearing status showed no influence over clinical outcomes. Of the 17 groups, 13 reported a greater than 70% clinical success rate with significant variation in the tear type, fixation technique, and postoperative restrictions. Conclusion: Early range of motion and immediate postoperative weightbearing appear to have no detrimental effect on the chances for clinical success after isolated meniscal repair. Significant variation exists between postoperative protocols, with no current consensus on the ideal parameters for weightbearing and range of motion. Studies reporting outcomes regarding isolated meniscal repair are limited. Future research should include determining the ideal combination of weightbearing and range of motion for specific tear types.

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert C Spang III ◽  
Michael C Nasr ◽  
Amin Mohamadi ◽  
Joseph P DeAngelis ◽  
Ara Nazarian ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo review existing biomechanical and clinical evidence regarding postoperative weight-bearing and range of motion restrictions for patients following meniscal repair surgery.Methods and data sourcesFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline, we searched MEDLINE using following search strategy: ((((“Weight-Bearing/physiology”[Mesh]) OR “Range of Motion, Articular”[Mesh]) OR “Rehabilitation”[Mesh])) AND (“Menisci, Tibial”[Mesh]). Additional articles were derived from previous reviews. Eligible studies were published in English and reported a rehabilitation protocol following meniscal repair on human. We summarised rehabilitation protocols and patients’ outcome among original studies.ResultsSeventeen clinical studies were included in this systematic review. There was wide variation in rehabilitation protocols among clinical studies. Biomechanical evidence from small cadaveric studies suggests that higher degrees of knee flexion and weight-bearing may be safe following meniscal repair and may not compromise the repair. An accelerated protocol with immediate weight-bearing at tolerance and early motion to non-weight-bearing with immobilising up to 6 weeks postoperatively is reported. Accelerated rehabilitation protocols are not associated with higher failure rates following meniscal repair.ConclusionsThere is a lack of consensus regarding the optimal postoperative protocol following meniscal repair. Small clinical studies support rehabilitation protocols that allow early motion. Additional studies are needed to better clarify the interplay between tear type, repair method and optimal rehabilitation protocol.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 5745
Author(s):  
Shivan S. Jassim ◽  
Lukas Ernstbrunner ◽  
Eugene T. Ek

Background: Prosthesis selection, design, and placement in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) affect post-operative results. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the influence of the humeral stem version and prosthesis design (inlay vs. onlay) on shoulder function following RTSA. Methods: A systematic review of the literature on post-operative range of motion (ROM) and functional scores following RTSA with specifically known humeral stem implantations was performed using MEDLINE, Pubmed, and Embase databases, and the Cochrane Library. Functional scores included were Constant scores (CSs) and/or American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores. The patients were organised into three separate groups based on the implanted version of their humeral stem: (1) less than 20° of retroversion, (2) 20° of retroversion, and (3) greater than 20° of retroversion. Results: Data from 14 studies and a total of 1221 shoulders were eligible for analysis. Patients with a humeral stem implanted at 20° of retroversion had similar post-operative mean ASES (75.8 points) and absolute CS (68.1 points) compared to the group with humeral stems implanted at less than 20° of retroversion (76 points and 62.5 points; p = 0.956 and p = 0.153) and those implanted at more than 20° of retroversion (73.3 points; p = 0.682). Subjects with humeral stem retroversion at greater than 20° tended towards greater active forward elevation and external rotation compared with the group at 20° of retroversion (p = 0.462) and those with less than 20° of retroversion (p = 0.192). Patients with an onlay-type RTSA showed statistically significantly higher mean post-operative internal rotation compared to patients with inlay-type RTSA designs (p = 0.048). Other functional scores and forward elevation results favoured the onlay-types, but greater external rotation was seen in inlay-type RTSA designs (p = 0.382). Conclusions: Humeral stem implantation in RTSA at 20° of retroversion and greater appears to be associated with higher post-operative outcome scores and a greater range of motion when compared with a retroversion of less than 20°. Within these studies, onlay-type RTSA designs were associated with greater forward elevation but less external rotation when compared to inlay-type designs. However, none of the differences in outcome scores and range of motion between the humeral version groups were statistically significant.


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 513-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Karpinski ◽  
Syena Moltaji ◽  
Charmaine Baxter ◽  
Jessica Murphy ◽  
Jo-Anne Petropoulos ◽  
...  

This systematic review summarizes the outcome reporting standards in Dupuytren’s disease treatment research. A search of Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, and CINAHL was conducted. Randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series published between 1997 and 2017, investigating treatment of Dupuytren’s disease with fasciectomy, fasciotomy, or collagenase, were eligible for inclusion. Range of motion was the most commonly reported outcome, appearing in 77% of included studies. Outcomes, such as range of motion, recurrence, and clinical success, were frequently defined, however many different definitions were used. We identified 37 unique measurement methods for range of motion, 28 for recurrence, and 25 for clinical success. Most outcomes were assessed at multiple time points, and only a few studies reported results according to established clinical significance thresholds. Development of a core outcome set will help standardize outcome reporting, and ensure future research in this field is relevant, interpretable, and amenable to systematic review and/or meta-analysis.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596711875511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry M. Lightsey ◽  
David E. Kantrowitz ◽  
Hasani W. Swindell ◽  
David P. Trofa ◽  
Christopher S. Ahmad ◽  
...  

Background: The optimal postoperative rehabilitation protocol following repair of complete proximal hamstring tendon ruptures is the subject of ongoing investigation, with a need for more standardized regimens and evidence-based modalities. Purpose: To assess the variability across proximal hamstring tendon repair rehabilitation protocols published online by United States (US) orthopaedic teaching programs. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Online proximal hamstring physical therapy protocols from US academic orthopaedic programs were reviewed. A web-based search using the search term complete proximal hamstring repair rehabilitation protocol provided an additional 14 protocols. A comprehensive scoring rubric was developed after review of all protocols and was used to assess each protocol for both the presence of various rehabilitation components and the point at which those components were introduced. Results: Of 50 rehabilitation protocols identified, 35 satisfied inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Twenty-five protocols (71%) recommended immediate postoperative bracing: 12 (34%) prescribed knee bracing, 8 (23%) prescribed hip bracing, and 5 (14%) did not specify the type of brace recommended. Fourteen protocols (40%) advised immediate nonweightbearing with crutches, while 16 protocols (46%) permitted immediate toe-touch weightbearing. Advancement to full weightbearing was allowed at a mean of 7.1 weeks (range, 4-12 weeks). Most protocols (80%) recommended gentle knee and hip passive range of motion and active range of motion, starting at a mean 1.4 weeks (range, 0-3 weeks) and 4.0 weeks (range, 0-6 weeks), respectively. However, only 6 protocols (17%) provided specific time points to initiate full hip and knee range of motion: a mean 8.0 weeks (range, 4-12 weeks) and 7.8 weeks (range, 0-12 weeks), respectively. Considerable variability was noted in the inclusion and timing of strengthening, stretching, proprioception, and cardiovascular exercises. Fifteen protocols (43%) required completion of specific return-to-sport criteria before resuming training. Conclusion: Marked variability is found in both the composition and timing of rehabilitation components across the various complete proximal hamstring repair rehabilitation protocols published online. This finding mirrors the variability of proposed rehabilitation protocols in the professional literature and represents an opportunity to improve patient care.


Joints ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 05 (04) ◽  
pp. 217-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Cucchi ◽  
Antongiulio Marmotti ◽  
Silvana De Giorgi ◽  
Alberto Costa ◽  
Rocco D'Apolito ◽  
...  

AbstractShoulder stiffness is a condition of painful restriction of the glenohumeral range of motion. Numerous risk factors for primary and postoperative shoulder stiffness have been described. This article summarizes the known aspects of the pathophysiology of shoulder stiffness, with special attention to elements of molecular biology and genetics, which could influence the risk of developing shoulder stiffness. Furthermore, the role of hormonal and metabolic factors, medical disorders, drugs, and of other published risk factors for primary and postoperative shoulder stiffness is reviewed and discussed. Finally, aspects related to shoulder surgery and postoperative rehabilitation protocols, which could influence the development of postoperative stiffness are presented.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 232596712096613
Author(s):  
Rishi Chatterji ◽  
Alex E. White ◽  
Christopher J. Hadley ◽  
Steven B. Cohen ◽  
Kevin B. Freedman ◽  
...  

Background: Recurrent patellar instability can be treated nonoperatively or surgically, and surgical management may vary based on the causative pathology in the structures surrounding the patella. Although isolated soft tissue reconstruction is among the most common operative treatments, certain patient populations require bony realignment for adequate stabilization. Purpose: To evaluate postoperative guidelines, including return to play and rehabilitation, after bony procedures involving the tibial tubercle for patellar instability. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review on return-to-play guidelines was conducted with studies published from 1997 to 2019 that detailed procedures involving bony realignment by tibial tubercle osteotomies and tibial tubercle transfers with or without soft tissue reconstruction. Exclusion criteria included animal or cadaveric studies, basic science articles, nonsurgical rehabilitation protocols, and patients with mean age <18 years. Studies were assessed for return-to-play criteria, rehabilitation protocols, and bias. Results: Included in the review were 39 studies with a total of 1477 patients and 1598 knees. Mean patient age ranged from 17.5 to 34.0 years, and mean follow-up ranged from 23 to 161 months. All 39 studies described postoperative rehabilitation; however, only 16 studies specifically outlined return-to-play criteria. The most commonly cited return-to-play criterion was quadriceps strength (62.5%). Range of motion (50.0%), physical therapy protocols (18.8%), and radiographic evidence of healing (18.8%) were other cited objective criteria for return-to-play. Four of 16 (25.0%) studies described subjective criteria for return to play, including pain, swelling, and patient comfort and confidence. Of the 11 studies that described a timeline for return to play, the range was between 2 and 6 months. Conclusion: The results revealed that 100% of papers evaluated lacked adequate return-to-play guidelines. Moreover, timelines significantly varied among studies. More clearly defined return-to-play guidelines after tibial tubercle transfer for patellar instability are required.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Wu Chean Lee ◽  
Tong Leng Tan ◽  
Ying Ho Chan

Introduction. Ochronosis arthropathy (OcA) is a rare condition which may be treated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at the end stage. The condition is often discovered only intraoperatively and the ideal choice of TKA is unknown. Case Presentation. A 54-year-old male with worsening chronic bilateral mechanical knee pain had failed conservative therapy. Posterior stabilised (PS), cemented TKA and patella resurfacing was performed. Intraoperatively, collagenous structures such as the menisci and cartilage were noted to be black. Histological examination showed deposition of large amorphous brown material suggestive of ochronosis. He recovered well and underwent TKA of the contralateral knee the following year. At 2 years postindex TKA, his outcome scores improved and he was satisfied. Discussion and Conclusion. With increasing TKA performed worldwide, a surgeon may eventually be surprised by the above findings once in their lifetime. However, OcA may be considered a likely diagnosis and it is safe to proceed with TKA. There is no particular TKA design that proved to be superior in our systematic review of 19 publications regarding TKA as all reported good outcomes. However, as the pathogenesis of OcA appears to be inflammatory in nature, we suggest using cemented PS TKA with resurfacing of the patella.


2020 ◽  
pp. 175857322095763
Author(s):  
Michael Catapano ◽  
Nikola Pupic ◽  
Iqbal Multani ◽  
David Wasserstein ◽  
Patrick Henry

Purpose This systematic review aims to elucidate a non-operative rehabilitation program that optimizes recovery based on published approaches and outcomes. Methods Searches of four databases from inception to 1 January 2020 were performed to identify clinical studies addressing the non-operative management of simple elbow dislocations. Results Of 2435 studies that were eligible for title screen, 15 studies satisfied inclusion criteria. Three randomized control studies demonstrated that early mobilization expedited the return of range of motion, function and return to work or activities, however, resulted in increased pain within the six-week rehabilitation period compared to Plaster of Paris casting for 21 days. Patients returned to work sooner after early mobilization (10 vs. 18 days; p = 0.02) compared to Plaster of Paris casting. In all studies, early mobilization resulted in similar re-dislocation rates of 1.3% (3/237) versus 2.2% (12/549) in those with Plaster of Paris casting as well as lower incidence of heterotopic ossification (36% vs. 54%). No significant differences between rehabilitation protocols were determined; however, the large majority of recent papers utilized rehabilitation protocols. Conclusion Early mobilization of simple elbow dislocations results in early return of Range-of-Motion, function and return to work with no increase in complication rates; however, increased pain during the rehabilitation period.


2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (06) ◽  
pp. 544-549
Author(s):  
David P. Trofa ◽  
Robert L. Parisien ◽  
Manish S. Noticewala ◽  
Peter C. Noback ◽  
Christopher S. Ahmad ◽  
...  

AbstractThe ideal meniscal repair postoperative rehabilitation protocol has yet to be determined. Further, patients are attempting to access health care content online at a precipitously increasing rate given the efficiency of modern search engines. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the quality and variability of meniscal repair rehabilitation protocols published online with the hypothesis that there would be a high degree of variability found across available protocols. To this end, Web-based meniscal repair physical therapy protocols from U.S. academic orthopaedic programs as well as the first 10 protocols identified by the Google search engine for the term “meniscal repair physical therapy protocol” were reviewed and assessed via a custom scoring rubric. Twenty protocols were identified from 155 U.S. academic orthopaedic programs for a total of 30 protocols. Twenty-six protocols (86.6%) recommended immediate postoperative bracing. Twelve (40.0%) protocols permitted immediate weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) postoperatively, while the remaining protocols permitted WBAT at an average of 4.0 (range, 1–7) weeks. There was considerable variation in range of motion (ROM) goals, with most protocols (73.3%) initiating immediate passive ROM to 90°. The types and timing of strength, proprioception, agility, and pivoting exercises advised were extremely diverse. Only five protocols (16.7%) employed functional testing as a marker for return to athletics. The results of this study indicate that only a minority of academic orthopaedic programs publish meniscal repair physical therapy protocols online and that within the most readily available online protocols there are significant disparities in regards to brace use, ROM, weight-bearing, and strengthening and proprioception exercises. These discrepancies reflect the fact that the best rehabilitation practices after a meniscal repair have yet to be elucidated. This represents a significant area for improved patient care through standardization.


Author(s):  
Jordan W. Fried ◽  
Amit K. Manjunath ◽  
Eoghan T. Hurley ◽  
Laith M. Jazrawi ◽  
Eric J. Strauss ◽  
...  

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