Factors That Predict Sagittal Plane Knee Biomechanical Symmetry After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Decision Tree Analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812110049
Author(s):  
Riann M. Palmieri-Smith ◽  
Michael T. Curran ◽  
Steven A. Garcia ◽  
Chandramouli Krishnan
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Sagittal Plane ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Quadriceps Strength ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Knee Biomechanics ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Biomechanical knee asymmetry is commonly present after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Factors that could assist in identification of asymmetrical biomechanics after ACL reconstruction could help clinicians in making return-to-play decisions. The purpose of this study is to determine factors that may contribute to knee biomechanical asymmetry present after ACL reconstruction. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that quadriceps strength and activation and patient-reported function would allow for identification of patients with symmetrical knee biomechanics. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Thirty-one subjects (18 women; time since ACL reconstruction = 284.4 ± 53.6 days) who underwent ACL reconstruction and were to return to activity were recruited. Participants completed bilateral assessments of isokinetic quadriceps strength, quadriceps activation using the superimposed burst technique, and biomechanical function testing during a single-leg forward hop. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form was also completed. Symmetry values were calculated for each variable. Decision trees were utilized to determine which input factors (quadriceps strength symmetry, quadriceps activation symmetry, IKDC score, age, sex, height, mass, graft type) were able to identify participants who had symmetrical knee flexion angles (KFAs) and extension moments. Angles and moments were considered symmetrical if symmetry values were ≥90%. Results: Quadriceps strength and activation symmetry were able to predict whether a patient landed with symmetrical or asymmetrical KFAs, with thresholds of 77.2% strength symmetry and 91.3% activation symmetry being established. Patient-reported function and quadriceps strength were factors that allowed for classification of participants with symmetrical/asymmetrical knee extension moments, with thresholds of 89.1 for the IKDC and 80.0% for quadriceps strength symmetry. Conclusions: Quadriceps strength contributed to both models and appears to be a critical factor for achieving symmetrical knee biomechanics. High patient-reported function and quadriceps activation are also important for restoring knee biomechanical symmetry after ACL reconstruction. Clinical Relevance: Quadriceps strength and activation and patient-reported function may be able to assist clinicians in identifying ACL patients with symmetrical/asymmetrical knee biomechanics.

scholarly journals Return to Play and Performance in the Women’s National Basketball Association After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 232596712094707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph S. Tramer ◽  
Lafi S. Khalil ◽  
Alexander Ziedas ◽  
Nima Mehran ◽  
Kelechi R. Okoroha
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
National Basketball Association ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Women's National Basketball Association ◽  
Playing Time ◽  
Anterior Cruciate ◽  
And Performance

Background: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) athletes continues to increase. There is a paucity of data regarding return-to-play (RTP) rates and performance after ACL reconstruction in these athletes. Purpose: To quantify RTP rates and performance after ACL reconstruction in WNBA athletes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All ACL tears sustained in the WNBA from 1997 through 2018 were identified. Body mass index (BMI), age, and position at the time of injury were collected for each player. RTP rates were calculated, and performance data were collected for each player before and after injury to determine changes in playing time and statistical performance. Players who successfully returned to play after ACL reconstruction were compared with a group of healthy controls who were matched by age, years of experience, position, height, and BMI. Statistics at 1 and 3 years after injury were compared to assess acute and longitudinal changes in performance relative to preinjury baseline. Results: A total of 59 WNBA players sustained ACL tears during the study period, and 41 (69.5%) were able to successfully RTP. Players played a mean of 7.5 ± 12.8 fewer games, played 5.0 ± 9.2 fewer minutes per game, and scored 3.7 ± 5.0 fewer points per game in their first year after RTP compared with the year before injury. Athletes with ACL reconstruction demonstrated significantly decreased performance measures regarding games played, games started, minutes, rebounds, assists, and blocks per game in their first season after RTP compared with control athletes in the same indexed year; however, these differences resolved by year 3 after surgery. Conclusion: WNBA athletes have a high RTP rate after ACL reconstruction. Players may experience an initial decrease in playing time and performance when returning to play; however, these variables were found to return to baseline over time.

scholarly journals Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with LARS Artificial Ligament—Clinical Results after a Long-Term Follow-Up

Joints ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 06 (02) ◽  
pp. 075-079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Parchi ◽  
Gianluca Ciapini ◽  
Carlo Paglialunga ◽  
Michele Giuntoli ◽  
Carmine Picece ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Purpose The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the subjective and functional outcome of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with the synthetic Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) ligament. Methods Twenty-six patients were reviewed at an average follow-up of 11.6 years. Objective clinical evaluation was performed with stability tests. Patient-reported outcomes (Visual Analogue Scale, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and Cincinnati Knee Rating Scale) were used to assess subjective and functional outcomes. Results Overall satisfactory results were obtained in 22 cases (84.6%). Four patients (15.4%) showed mechanical failure of the graft. No cases of synovitis or infection were reported. Conclusion LARS ligament can be considered a safe and suitable option for ACL reconstruction in carefully selected cases, especially elderly patients needing a rapid postoperative recovery. Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective case series.

scholarly journals Prehabilitation: The Void in the Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries—A Clinical Review

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. R. Shaarani ◽  
N. Moyna ◽  
R. Moran ◽  
J. M. O'Byrne
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Quadriceps Strength ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries ◽  
Preoperative Training ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

The rehabilitation of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction requires symmetry in bilateral quadriceps strength and adequate proprioception capabilities prior to return to preoperative level of activity or sport. This is the limiting factor and can delay the time that patients can return to play. There is little literature on pre-operative physiotherapy or prehabilitation of patient with ACL injury. This paper discusses the anatomy, biomechanics, surgical decision making, and the current knowledge of preoperative training or “prehabilitation” in patients awaiting ACL reconstruction.

scholarly journals Return to High School– and College-Level Football After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 2523-2529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirk A. McCullough ◽  
Kevin D. Phelps ◽  
Kurt P. Spindler ◽  
Matthew J. Matava ◽  
Warren R. Dunn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Performance Level ◽  
American Football ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: There is a relative paucity of data regarding the effect of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on the ability of American high school and collegiate football players to return to play at the same level of competition as before their injury or to progress to play at the next level of competition. Purpose: (1) To identify the percentage of high school and collegiate American football players who successfully returned to play at their previous level of competition, (2) to investigate self-reported performance for those players able to return to play or reason(s) for not returning to play, and (3) to elucidate risk factors responsible for players not being able to return to play or not returning to the same level of performance. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of prospective patients taken from the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) cohort who identified football as their primary or secondary sport. Identified patients were then questioned in a structured interview regarding their ACL injury, participation in football before their injury, and factors associated with returning to play. Data were analyzed for player position, concurrent meniscal/ligamentous/chondral injury, surgical technique and graft used for ACL reconstruction, and issues pertaining to timing and ability to return to play. Results: One hundred forty-seven players (including 68 high school and 26 collegiate) met our criteria and were contacted from the 2002 and 2003 MOON cohorts. Return to play rates for all high school and collegiate athletes were similar (63% and 69%, respectively). Based on player perception, 43% of the players were able to return to play at the same self-described performance level. Approximately 27% felt they did not perform at a level attained before their ACL tear, and 30% were unable to return to play at all. Although two thirds of players reported some “other interest” contributing to their decision not to return, at both levels of competition, fear of reinjury or further damage was cited by approximately 50% of the players who did not return to play. Analysis of patient-reported outcome scores at a minimum of 2 years after surgery between patients who returned to play and those who did not demonstrated clinically and statistically significant differences in the International Knee Documentation Committee form, Marx Activity Scale, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score knee-related quality of life subscale in the collegiate players. Similar clinical differences were not statistically significant in the high school students. Player position did not have a statistically significant effect on the ability to return to play for high school players, and 41% of “skilled” position players and 50% of “nonskilled” position players were able to return to play at the same performance level. Conclusion: Return to play percentages for amateur American football players after ACL reconstruction are not as high as would be expected. While technical aspects of ACL reconstruction and the ensuing rehabilitation have been studied extensively, the psychological factors (primarily a fear of reinjury) influencing the ability to return to play after ACL surgery may be underestimated as a critical factor responsible for athletes not returning to play at any level of competition.

Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Outcomes at a Minimum of 5-Year Follow-Up: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (03) ◽  
pp. 218-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lea Johnson ◽  
Robert Brophy ◽  
Ljiljana Bogunovic ◽  
Matthew Matava ◽  
Matthew Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Revision Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

AbstractRevision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction typically has worse outcomes than primary reconstructions. Minimal long-term data exist regarding 5-year results. We chose to perform a systematic review to evaluate midterm (5-year) revision ACL reconstruction outcomes (patient-reported outcomes, reoperation, stability, arthritis) in comparison to primary ACL reconstructions at similar time points. Embase, Cochrane, and PubMed databases were queried, and four studies met the inclusion criteria. Two authors reviewed and performed data extraction. All were level 4 studies. Review of the studies demonstrated that results at 5 years are consistently worse than those noted in primary reconstructions for objective and patient-reported outcomes. Revision ACL reconstruction outcomes remain worse than primary reconstructions at midterm 5-year follow-up. The level of evidence is 4.

Return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: the argument for a multimodal approach to optimise decision-making: current concepts

2021 ◽  
pp. jisakos-2020-000597
Author(s):  
Deepak Chona ◽  
Karl Eriksson ◽  
Simon W Young ◽  
Matteo Denti ◽  
Parag K Sancheti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Existing literature is varied in the methods used to make this determination in the treatment of athletes who have undergone recent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Some authors report using primarily time-based criteria, while others advocate for physical measures and kinematic testing to inform decision-making. The goal of this paper is to elucidate the most current medical evidence regarding identification of the earliest point at which a patient may safely return to sport. The present review therefore seeks to examine the evidence from a critical perspective—breaking down the biology of graft maturation, effect of graft choice, potential for image-guided monitoring of progression and results associated with time-based versus functional criteria-based return to play—to justify a multifactorial approach to effectively advance athletes to return to sport. The findings of the present study reaffirm that time is a prerequisite for the biological progression that must occur for a reconstructed ligament to withstand loads demanded by athletes during sport. Modifications of surgical techniques and graft selection may positively impact the rate of graft maturation, and evidence suggests that imaging studies may offer informative data to enhance monitoring of this process. Aspects of both functional and cognitive testing have also demonstrated utility in prior studies and consequently have been factored into modern proposed methods of determining the athlete’s readiness for sport. Further work is needed to definitively determine the optimal method of clearing an athlete to return to sport after ACL reconstruction. Evidence to date strongly suggests a role of a multimodal algorithmic approach that factors in time, graft biology and functional testing in return-to-play decision-making after ACL reconstruction.Level of evidence: level V.

scholarly journals Performance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in National Basketball Association Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596712098164
Author(s):  
Steven F. DeFroda ◽  
Devan D. Patel ◽  
John Milner ◽  
Daniel S. Yang ◽  
Brett D. Owens
Keyword(s):  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Case Series ◽  
National Basketball Association ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in National Basketball Association (NBA) players can have a significant impact on player longevity and performance. Current literature reports a high rate of return to play, but there are limited data on performance after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose/Hypothesis: To determine return to play and player performance in the first and second seasons after ACLR in NBA players. We hypothesized that players would return at a high rate. However, we also hypothesized that performance in the first season after ACLR would be worse as compared with the preinjury performance, with a return to baseline by postoperative year 2. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: An online database of NBA athlete injuries between 2010 and 2019 was queried using the term ACL reconstruction. For the included players, the following data were recorded: name; age at injury; position; height, weight, and body mass index; handedness; NBA experience; dates of injury, surgery, and return; knee affected; and postoperative seasons played. Regular season statistics for 1 preinjury season and 2 postoperative seasons were compiled and included games started and played, minutes played, and player efficiency rating. Kaplan-Meier survivorship plots were computed for athlete return-to-play and retirement endpoints. Results: A total of 26 athletes underwent ACLR; of these, 84% (95% CI, 63.9%-95.5%) returned to play at a mean 372.5 days (95% CI, 323.5-421.5 days) after surgery. Career length after injury was a mean of 3.36 seasons (95% CI, 2.27-4.45 seasons). Factors that contributed to an increased probability of return to play included younger age at injury (odds ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.47-0.92]; P = .0337) and fewer years of experience in the NBA before injury (odds ratio, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.45-0.93]; P = .0335). Postoperatively, athletes played a significantly lower percentage of total games in the first season (48.4%; P = .0004) and second season (62.1%; P = .0067) as compared with the preinjury season (78.5%). Player efficiency rating in the first season was 19.3% less than that in the preinjury season ( P = .0056). Performance in the second postoperative season was not significantly different versus preinjury. Conclusion: NBA players have a high rate of RTP after ACLR. However, it may take longer than a single season for elite NBA athletes to return to their full preinjury performance. Younger players and those with less NBA experience returned at higher rates.

Twenty-Year Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review of Prospectively Collected Data

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110273
Author(s):  
Joshua S. Everhart ◽  
Sercan Yalcin ◽  
Kurt P. Spindler
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Knee Function ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Several long-term (≥20 years) follow-up studies after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been published in recent years, allowing for a systematic evaluation of outcomes. Purpose: To summarize outcomes at ≥20 years after ACL reconstruction and identify patient and surgical factors that affect these results. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Prospective studies of primary ACL reconstructions with hamstring or bone–patellar tendon—bone (BTB) autograft via an arthroscopic or a mini-open technique and with a mean follow-up of ≥20 years were identified. When possible, the mean scores for each outcome measure were calculated. Factors identified in individual studies as predictive of outcomes were described. Results: Five studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria with a total of 2012 patients. The pooled mean follow-up for patient-reported outcome measures was 44.2% (range, 29.6%-92.7%) and in-person evaluation was 33.2% (range, 29.6%-48.9%). Four studies (n = 584) reported graft tears at a mean rate of 11.8% (range, 2%-18.5%) and 4 studies (n = 773) reported a contralateral ACL injury rate of 12.2% (range, 5.8%-30%). Repeat non-ACL arthroscopic surgery (4 studies; n = 177) to the ipsilateral knee occurred in 10.4% (range, 9.5%-18.3%) and knee arthroplasty (1 study; n = 217) in 5%. The pooled mean of the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee function (IKDC) score was 79.1 (SD, 21.8 [3 studies; n = 644]). In 2 studies (n?= 221), 57.5% of patients continued to participate in strenuous activities. The IKDC-objective score was normal or nearly normal in 82.3% (n = 496; 3 studies), with low rates of clinically significant residual laxity. Moderate-severe radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) (IKDC grade C or D) was present in 25.9% of patients (n = 605; 3 studies). Medial meniscectomy is associated with increased risk of radiographic OA. Radiographic OA severity is associated with worse patient-reported knee function, but the association with knee pain is unclear. Conclusion: Currently available prospective evidence for ACL reconstruction with hamstring or BTB autograft provides several insights into outcomes at 20 years. The rates of follow-up at 20 years range from 30% to 93%. IKDC-objective scores were normal or nearly normal in 82% and the mean IKDC-subjective score was 79 points.

Timeline for Maximal Subjective Outcome Improvement After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 2501-2509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avinesh Agarwalla ◽  
Richard N. Puzzitiello ◽  
Joseph N. Liu ◽  
Gregory L. Cvetanovich ◽  
Anirudh K. Gowd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Anterior Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most common traumatic knee injuries experienced by athletes. Return to sport is considered the pinnacle endpoint among patients receiving ACL reconstruction. However, at the time of return to sport, patients may not be participating at their previous levels of function, as defined by clinical metrics. Purpose: To establish when patients perceive maximal subjective medical improvement according to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: A systematic review of the PubMed database was conducted to identify studies that reported sequential PROMs up to a minimum of 2 years after ACL reconstruction. Pooled analysis was conducted for PROMs at follow-up points of 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Clinically significant improvement was determined between pairs of intervals with the minimal clinically important difference. Results: This review contains 30 studies including 2253 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction. Clinically significant improvement in the KOOS (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) was seen up to 1 year after ACL reconstruction, but no clinical significance was noted from 1 to 2 years. Clinically significant improvement in the IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) and Lysholm questionnaires was seen up to 6 months postoperatively, but no clinical significance was noted beyond that. Conclusion: After ACL reconstruction, maximal subjective medical improvement is established 1 year postoperatively, with no further perceived clinical improvement beyond this time point according to current PROMs. The KOOS may be a more responsive metric to subjective improvements in this patient cohort than other patient-reported outcomes, such as the IKDC and Lysholm. Clinical Relevance: After ACL reconstruction, patients perceive interval subjective improvements until 1 year postoperatively.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document