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Fältström A, Gustafsson T, Wärnsberg N, Sonesson S, Hermansen A. Athletes' perspectives on return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and their strategies to reduce reinjury risk: a qualitative interview study. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2024; 16:131. [PMID: 38877564 PMCID: PMC11177358 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00920-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insights derived from athletes who have completed the final phase of rehabilitation and successfully returned to their respective sports after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction could potentially contribute to the enhancement of therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore athletes' experiences, thoughts, and behaviours of final phase rehabilitation and return to sport after ACL reconstruction and to describe their thoughts about the risk of reinjury. METHODS This qualitative interview study included individual semi-structured interviews with 15 athletes after ACL reconstruction. All athletes were aged between 15 and 35 years (median, 23 years), had returned to their preinjury contact sport at elite or recreational competitive level, rehabilitated with different physioterapists (working in hospital, primary care or sport clinics), and had undergone primary ACL reconstruction between 14 and 59 months (median, 23 months) before the interviews. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS Analysis of the data resulted in the following 4 main categories related to athletes' experiences of the return to sport process and their thoughts about the risk of reinjury: Athletes' strategies for safe return to sport; Support during rehabilitation and return to sport; The rehabilitation journey was worthwhile to be able to play again; and Reinjury is beyond one's control. CONCLUSIONS Athletes described strategies for a safe return to sport after ACL reconstruction, emphasizing continuous increased load, not forcing return to sport, injury prevention exercises, and seeking support from professionals and coaches. Despite loving their sport, the athletes had mixed feelings about undergoing additional rehabilitation if reinjured. The athletes recognized the high reinjury risk, attributing it to fate. These findings enhance understanding of athletes' return to sport experiences after ACL reconstruction, their strategies to minimize reinjury risk, which might help optimizing care for this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Fältström
- Region Jönköping County, Rehabilitation Centre, Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping, 551 85, Sweden.
- Unit of Physiotherapy, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Timmy Gustafsson
- Unit of Physiotherapy, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Nils Wärnsberg
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Futurum - the Academy for Health and Care, Region Jönköping County, Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping, 551 85, Sweden
| | - Sofi Sonesson
- Unit of Physiotherapy, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna Hermansen
- Unit of Physiotherapy, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Kvist J, Pettersson M. Knee-Related Quality of Life Compared Between 20 and 35 Years After an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Treated Surgically With Primary Repair or Reconstruction, or Nonsurgically. Am J Sports Med 2024; 52:311-319. [PMID: 38230888 PMCID: PMC10838479 DOI: 10.1177/03635465231218237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality of life (QoL) is affected up to 5 years after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Knee impairment and osteoarthritis (OA) development increase over time, and this may affect QoL at a long-term follow-up. PURPOSE To investigate changes in health- and knee-related QoL between 20 and 35 years after ACL injury and compare it between patients treated with or without ACL surgery, as well as to study how symptomatic OA (SOA) is associated with change in QoL. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS Between 1980 and 1983, 139 patients with acute ACL rupture were allocated to surgical or nonsurgical treatment of the ACL. Both groups completed a structured rehabilitation program. Of those patients, 59 were followed for 20 and 35 years after ACL rupture. After 10 crossovers, 33 patients were treated with primary repair or ACL reconstruction, and 26 were treated without ACL surgery. Combined radiographic OA and knee symptoms at 35 years was defined as SOA. QoL was assessed at 20 and 35 years after injury with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score QoL (KOOS-QoL) subscale (range, 1-100), ACL-QoL questionnaire (total score and 5 subscales; range, 1-100), European QoL-5 Dimensions Questionnaire, and visual analog scale. Results were analyzed with paired and independent-sample t tests and chi-square tests. RESULTS Knee-related QoL was impaired at both 20 and 35 years after ACL injury, and differences were dependent on the measurement outcome. In the total cohort, KOOS-QoL did not change but both total ACL-QoL score (7.1 points; 95% CI, 2.2-11.9) and 4 of 5 subscales (5-10 points) decreased (P < .05). No differences were found between treatment groups. QoL decreased overall in patients with SOA, with a 21-point difference within-group change in KOOS-QoL (SOA or non-SOA) between 20 and 35 years of follow-up (P = .001; Cohen d = 1.0). CONCLUSION An ACL injury impairs knee-related QoL for up to 35 years, with no difference between treatment approaches (initial repair or later reconstruction compared with nonsurgical treatment). The deterioration decreases with longer follow-up. Clinicians should be aware of differences in QoL depending on the measurement outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kvist
- Unit of Physiotherapy, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Stockholm Sports Trauma Research Center, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Vasiliadis AV, Giovanoulis V. "Hippokampos" sign of posterior cruciate ligament: an indirect sign of anterior cruciate ligament injury on magnetic resonance imaging. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2023; 63:1366-1368. [PMID: 37695566 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.23.15320-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo V Vasiliadis
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Trauma Unit, St. Luke's Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece -
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Croix-Rousse Hospital, Lyon, France -
| | - Vasileios Giovanoulis
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Groupe Hospitalier Diaconesses Croix Saint-Simon, Paris, France
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Holm PM, Simonÿ C, Brydegaard NK, Høgsgaard D, Thorborg K, Møller M, Whittaker JL, Roos EM, Skou ST. An early care void: The injury experience and perceptions of treatment among knee-injured individuals and healthcare professionals - A qualitative interview study. Phys Ther Sport 2023; 64:32-40. [PMID: 37696196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To better comprehend the initial injury experience and care requirements of knee-injured individuals, as well as healthcare professionals' interactions with early care. DESIGN Qualitative interviews. SETTING Public healthcare in Denmark. PARTICIPANTS Ten individuals (6 women) with major knee injuries (6 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscal tears, 2 isolated ACL tears, 1 isolated meniscal tear, 1 patella dislocation), aged 16-33 years (median 19 years), 1-26 months post-injury (median 3 months). Thirteen HCPs (5 physiotherapists, 5 orthopedic surgeons, 3 general practitioners). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Semi-structured individual and focus group interviews, transcribed verbatim and with latent thematic analysis. RESULTS The three main themes were: 1) Emotional struggles in solitude - knee-injured individuals dealing with emotions alone due to limited HCP resources for emotional support. 2) Blurry beginning - knee-injured individuals finding initial care frustrating, a sentiment shared by HCPs. 3) A journey with no map - knee-injured individuals holding varied outcome expectations, while HCPs hesitate to discuss long-term knee health. CONCLUSION Early care for knee-injured individuals is filled with worries and unmet emotional and information support needs. HCPs need more support and training to deliver timely and appropriate care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pætur M Holm
- The Research and Implementation Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark; Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Charlotte Simonÿ
- The Research and Implementation Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Nadia K Brydegaard
- The Research and Implementation Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Ditte Høgsgaard
- The Research and Implementation Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark; Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kristian Thorborg
- Sports Orthopaedic Research Center-Copenhagen (SORC-C), Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Research-Copenhagen (PMR-C), Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager-Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Merete Møller
- Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jackie L Whittaker
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ewa M Roos
- Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Søren T Skou
- The Research and Implementation Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark; Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Islam MS, Ahmed AFU, Goni MO, Islam MR, Rahman MM, Bari SU, Rahman Khan MM, Rashid MMO, Hossain GJ, Kamruzzaman M. Anthropometry in predicting Semitendinosus and Gracilis graft diameter for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction among the Bengali population. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35402. [PMID: 37800843 PMCID: PMC10552991 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Semitendinosus and Gracilis autografts are commonly used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, its main drawback is individual variation in the tendon diameter. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the anthropometric measurements for the prediction of Semitendinosus and Gracilis combined (quadrupled) strands graft diameter in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction among the Bengali population. Sixty consecutive patients who underwent ACL reconstruction between July 2019 to June 2020 were observed in this cross-sectional study. In all cases, the doubled (2 strands) Gracilis and Semitendinosus tendons were combined to get the final quadrupled (combined 4 strands) graft for use. Anthropometries such as body mass index (BMI), body weight, and height were recorded preoperatively and quadrupled combined tendon diameter was measured at the operating theater. The relationship between these parameters was statistically determined using the Pearson correlation coefficient, and scatter diagrams were plotted. Among the study subjects, most (54) were male, and the mean age of all subjects was 24 ± 6.92 years. The average graft diameter was 7.20 ± 0.76 mm. Correlations between the mean graft diameter with BMI (r = 0.018, and P = .891), body height (r = 0.011 and P = .933), and weight (r = 0.028 and P = .832) were not significant. Scatter diagrams also showed that the variables were not correlated. Anthropometries like BMI, body weight, or body height cannot be used in predicting Semitendinosus and Gracilis tendon graft diameter for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction among the Bengali population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Samiul Islam
- National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - A.M. Forid Uddin Ahmed
- National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Muhammad Rafiqul Islam
- National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mofizur Rahman
- National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shaukat-Ul- Bari
- National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md. Mamun-Or- Rashid
- National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - G.M. Jahangir Hossain
- National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Kamruzzaman
- National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Faleide AGH, Inderhaug E. It is time to target psychological readiness (or lack of readiness) in return to sports after Anterior Cruciate Ligament tears. J Exp Orthop 2023; 10:94. [PMID: 37728618 PMCID: PMC10511393 DOI: 10.1186/s40634-023-00657-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional recovery has for long been the focus of rehabilitation after an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. It is now increasingly recognized that more attention should be given to patients` mental recovery, their psychological readiness for returning to sport, after such an injury. Within this relatively new field of science, clinicians need clarity on when and how psychological factors should be monitored and how inexpedient psychological responses may be addressed during rehabilitation. In this Expert Opinion suggestions on how targeting psychological readiness may improve rehabilitation and return-to-sport evaluations are made based on current evidence-and issues in need of further clarification are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gro Heyn Faleide
- Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Ulriksdal 8, 5009, Bergen, Norway.
- The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Eivind Inderhaug
- Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Ulriksdal 8, 5009, Bergen, Norway
- The University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Ringberg M, Eldh AC, Ardern CL, Kvist J. Athletes' experiences of using a self-directed psychological support, the BAck iN the Game (BANG) smartphone application, during rehabilitation for return to sports following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2023; 15:113. [PMID: 37726848 PMCID: PMC10507891 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00731-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), many athletes do not return to their sport, often driven by concerns about re-injury. Psychological support strategies might help, but are not routinely included in rehabilitation after ACLR. The BAck iN the Game (BANG) intervention is a 24-week eHealth program delivered via smartphone application (app), beginning directly after ACLR, with a self-directed approach that aims to target the specific challenges athletes encounter in rehabilitation. AIM To describe athletes' experiences of using the BANG app during rehabilitation, to support returning to sport following ACLR. METHOD Participants were athletes, in contact and/or non-contact pivoting sports, who had ACLR with the goal to return to sports. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted 6-10 months after their ACLR; all had access to the BANG intervention. Verbatim transcripts were analysed with a qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The 19 participants were 17-30 years, mean 21.6 years (SD 3.5); 7 men and 12 women. The analysis generated three main categories. (A) Interacting with the app illustrated how, when, or why the participants engaged with the app. The app was helpful because of its varying content, the notifications served as reminders and participants stopped using the app when no longer needing it. (B) Challenging experiences with the app illustrated that the app itself came with some difficulties e.g., content not appearing with the right timing and material not tailored to their sport. (C) Supportive experiences with the app reflected how the app facilitated the participants' rehabilitation progress; it included positive aspects of the app content and navigation, boosting their confidence to return to sport, and motivated them to continue with rehabilitation. CONCLUSION The analysis of the interviews illustrates athletes' awareness in interacting with, and the challenging and supportive experiences of using the app. The BANG app might provide support for returning to sport, primarily psychological support, as an adjunct to regular physiotherapy-guided rehabilitation. Athletes' experiences of the BANG app could be improved by healthcare professionals providing additional advice about when to use which content and why. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03959215. Registered 22 May 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Ringberg
- Unit of Physiotheray, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Science, Linköping University, Linköping, SE-581 83 Sweden
| | - Ann Catrine Eldh
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, Box 564, Uppsala, SE-751 22 Sweden
- Division of Nursing Sciences and Reproductive Health, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Clare L Ardern
- Unit of Physiotheray, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Science, Linköping University, Linköping, SE-581 83 Sweden
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9 Canada
- Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086 Australia
| | - Joanna Kvist
- Unit of Physiotheray, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Science, Linköping University, Linköping, SE-581 83 Sweden
- Stockholm Sports Trauma Research Center, Dept of Molecular Medicine & Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, SE-171 77 Sweden
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