Clinical Decision Algorithm Associated With Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Assessing the Predictive Value of Preoperative Knee Function Tests and Self-Report Scores in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Recovery

BACKGROUND

The ability to identify patients with long-term poor outcomes using clinical and functional information is limited. Identifying prognostic factors to improve long-term outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can influence and inform targeted interventions for this population.

HYPOTHESIS

Preoperative functional tests and patient-reported outcome measures are predictive of postoperative functional recovery and satisfaction in patients undergoing first-time ACL repair, second-time ACL repair on the same knee, and bilateral ACL repair.

STUDY DESIGN

Quasi-experimental prospective study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3.

METHODS

A total of 88 patients with ACL reconstruction were included. Subjective knee scoring systems and functional performance tests were used for evaluation and analyzed for correlation with results.

RESULTS

The first time ACL injury group had lower scores in the various self-report scales: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm Rating Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS).

CONCLUSION

Reduction in self-reported knee function and Y balance test performance after ACL injury are predictive factors for recovery. Estimates exceeded clinically important thresholds. Those who had already undergone surgery had clinically better thresholds, highlighting the assessing these measures when designing presurgical rehabilitation programs.

Y-Balance Test after ACL Reconstruction: The relationship with knee and hip muscle strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and postural stability

BACKGROUND

Y-Balance Test (YBT) assesses postural stability. When is applied to patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), it is not clear which variables influence its result.

OBJECTIVE

To connect YBT and postural stability, quadriceps, hamstring, and gluteus complex muscle strength, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ADFROM).

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

METHODS

Fifty-nine participants (52 males and 7 females) with ACLR ≥6 months were evaluated. YBT anterior, posterolateral, posteromedial, and composite, isokinetic peak torque of the knee, strength of the gluteal complex with Hip Stability Isometric Test, ADFROM with Weight-Bearing Lunge Test, postural stability with Stability Index of Biodex Balance System® were applied.

RESULTS

In the ACLR limb, the multivariate regression linear models pointed out an association between the quadriceps muscle strength and ADFRM with anterior, posteromedial and composite reaches (R2 = 0.30; 0.23; 0.26). Hamstring muscle strength and ADFRM with posterolateral (R2 = 0.13). In the uninjured limb, overall stability index and ADFRM with anterior reach (R2 = 0.25), strength of gluteal complex with posteromedial (R2 = 0.31), hamstring muscle strength, Overall and lateromedial stability indexes with posterolateral (R2 = 0.20), hamstring muscle strength, Overall stability index, ADFRM and strength of gluteal complex with composite (R2 = 0.32).

CONCLUSIONS

The quadriceps muscle strength and ADFRM are important variables for YBT performance in the ACLR limb. In the uninjured limb, ADFROM, the strength of the gluteal complex and hamstring, overall and lateromedial stability indexes are associated with YBT performance. We question the utility of the YBT to measure postural stability given the lack of association with other postural stability measures.

Lower extremity return to sport testing: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Lower extremity injuries account for an enormous portion of sports medicine cases in the United States each year. Unfortunately, there are no uniform criteria for athletes to complete prior to returning to sport (RTS) following a lower extremity injury. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to review current literature for joint-specific and global lower extremity testing to determine the most valid functional test that can be utilized to reduce the risk of re-injury as athletes RTS.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, OVID, and Embase databases was conducted for studies prior to May 2024 following PRISMA guidelines. ROBINS-I Tool was utilized for the risk of bias assessment.

RESULTS

Of 19,189 studies, 114 (0.6%) studies published prior to May of 2024 met inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Eighty five percent of articles discussed RTS for individuals with knee pathology. Furthermore, 82% specifically analyzed RTS following ACL reconstruction. The most common RTS test was isokinetic dynamometry testing which is seen in 73% of studies. Only 6.2% of studies analyzed RTS for individuals with hip pathology and only two studies analyzed RTS for patients with ankle injuries.

CONCLUSION

Even with the enormous amount of literature that exists regarding ACL injuries and testing there is no standardized criterion for RTS clearance. The suggested test batteries from this review can serve as a framework for future research and validation for joint-specific RTS functional testing.

Psychosocial interventions seem redact kinesiophobia after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction but higher level of evidence is needed: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Psychosocial interventions have shown potential in reducing the fear of re-injury after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but this has not been systematically reviewed. The aim of this study was to assess the available evidence on the effect of psychosocial interventions on kinesiophobia after ACLR.

METHODS

Two independent researchers conducted a systematic search in the electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, and CINAHL from their inception until May 2022. They included studies that utilised a randomised controlled study design with a control group, and measured kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale for kinesiophobia in patients who underwent primary ACLR. The outcome of interest was the mean and standard deviation of kinesiophobia. Extracted data were analysed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, version 3.0 (CMA.V2), employing a random-effects model to calculate the overall effect estimates of psychosocial interventions on Kinesiophobia. The standardised mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was computed based on the mean and standard deviation in each group.

RESULTS

This systematic review and meta-analysis included 5 randomised controlled trials with a total of 213 patients who underwent ACLR. The results of the meta-analysis showed that psychosocial intervention was more effective than non-psychosocial comparators in reducing kinesiophobia among patients who underwent a primary ACLR (5 trials, MD 0.56, 95% CI 0.28-0.83, p < 0.001). The heterogeneity score was zero (I2 = 0%; n.s. for Cochran's Q test), indicating no significant variation among the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychosocial interventions can alleviate kinesiophobia in patients with primary ACLR. Although the limited number of reviewed studies and their methodological limitations precludes drawing a definitive conclusion regarding the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on kinesiophobia, these promising findings can serve as a basis for developing psychological strategies to manage kinesiophobia in patients with primary ACLR and can also guide future research this issue.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered in PROSPERO on December 2021 (CRD42021282413).

Combining return to sport, psychological readiness, body mass, hamstring strength symmetry, and hamstring/quadriceps ratio increases the risk of a second anterior cruciate ligament injury

PURPOSE

To investigate the combinations of variables that comprise the biopsychosocial model domains to identify clinical profiles of risk and protection of second anterior cruciate ligament injury.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-five patients for return-to-sport testing after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) were contacted, and 97 were deemed eligible. All were evaluated between 6 and 24 months and followed up for 2 years. Participants answered the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury Scale (ACL-RSI), performed the postural stability assessment using the Biodex Balance System, and assessed muscle strength at 60° and 300°/s on the isokinetic dynamometer. Personal factors (age, gender, body mass index), body structures (graft type and concomitant injuries), and environmental factors (time between surgery and evaluation) were also collected. The participants were asked about the occurrence of a second ACL injury and return to sport after 2 years of follow-up. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to determine predictors of a second ACL injury. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to verify the accuracy of the CART analysis, in addition to the sensitivity, specificity, and relative risk (RR) of the model.

RESULTS

Of the initial 97 participants, 88 (89.8%) responded to follow-up and 14 (15.9%) had a second ACL injury (11 graft ruptures and three contralateral ACL). CART analysis identified the following variables as predictors of second ACL injury: return to sport, hamstring strength symmetry at 300°/s, ACL-RSI score, hamstrings/quadriceps ratio at 60°/s, and body mass index (BMI). CART correctly identified 9 (64.3%) of the 14 participants who were reinjured and 71 (95.9%) of the 74 participants who were not. The total correct classification was 90.9%. The area under the ROC curve was 0.88 (95% CI 0.72-0.99; p < 0.001), and the model showed a sensitivity of 75% (95% CI 42.8-94.5), specificity of 93.4% (95% CI 85.3-97.8), and RR of 15.9 (95% CI 4.9-51.4; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The combination of hamstring strength symmetry, hamstring/quadriceps ratio (body functions); return to sport (activity and participation); psychological readiness; and BMI (personal factors) could identify three clinical risk profiles for a second ACL injury with good accuracy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Gender does not impact clinical outcomes following SLAP repair

Background

The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether pain, function, satisfaction, return to play (RTP), or psychological readiness to RTP differ between sexes post-operatively following SLAP repair.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of a SLAP tear was performed. The American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), patient satisfaction, willingness to undergo surgery again, revisions, and return to play (RTP) were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were compared between male and female patients.

Results

Our study included 169 patients treated with SLAP repair, 133 of them male (78.7%) and 36 of them female (21.3%), with an average age of 32.3 ± 8.3 and 33.4 ± 6.8 respectively. The mean follow-up duration was 5.8 years. At final follow up, there was no difference between treatment groups in any of the functional outcome measures assessed (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

There is no difference in clinical outcomes, function, satisfaction, or revision procedures in mid- to long-term follow-up after SLAP repair between male and female patients. This data is useful in the preoperative counselling of patients undergoing arthroscopic management of symptomatic superior labral pathology.

Level of evidence

III.

[Return to sports WeChat applet for evaluating the rehabilitation effects after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction]

Objective

To clarify the intervention guidance of return to sports WeChat applet and evaluate the rehabilitation effectiveness after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods

Between September 2020 and September 2022, 80 patients who met the selection criteria and underwent ACL anatomical single bundle reconstruction were selected as the research objects. According to the double-blind random method, they were divided into the applet group and the regular group, with 40 cases in each group. Patients in the applet group were rehabilitated under the guidance of the return to sports WeChat applet, and the patients were asked to perform the test once a month after operation, including patients' subjective scores [Tegner score, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score], psychological assessment [ACL recovery sports injury scale (ACL-RSI) score], jumping test, balance test, bending angle test. Patients in the regular group were followed up by doctors and nurses regularly by telephone every month. All the patients were reexamined at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after operation, and the range of motion of the knee joint with 6 degrees of freedom (flexion and extension angle, varus and valgus angle, internal and external rotation angle, anteroposterior displacement, superior and inferior displacement, and internal and external displacement) recorded by Opti_Knee three-dimensional knee joint motion measurement gait analysis system was observed. The anterior tibial translation difference (ATTD) was measured by Ligs knee measuring instrument when a forward thrust of 120 N was applied to the posterior part of the proximal tibia. Tegner score, IKDC score, KOOS score (including KOOS-Pain score, KOOS-Symptoms score, KOOS-Activities of daily living score, KOOS-Sport score, and KOOS-Quality of life score), HSS score, ACL-RSI score, jumping ability, balance ability, patients' satisfaction with the rehabilitation process, and ACL healing grading according to ACL continuity and signal intensity shown by MRI.

Results

There were significant differences in various indicators between different time points after operation in the two groups ( P<0.05). At 3 months after operation, except that the ACL-RSI score of the applet group was significantly higher than that of the regular group ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the other indicators between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 6 months after operation, the ACL-RSI score, IKDC score, Tegner score, KOOS scores of different items, HSS score, balance and jumping ability of the applet group were significantly higher than those of the regular group ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the other indicators between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 9 months after operation, there was no significant difference in all indicators between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 12 months after operation, 27 cases (67.5%) in the applet group and 21 cases (52.5%) in the regular group returned to sport, with a significant difference of the return to sports incidence between the two groups [ RR(95% CI)=1.50 (1.00, 2.25), P=0.049]. In the applet group, 27 cases were very satisfied with the rehabilitation process, 10 cases were satisfied, 2 cases were basically satisfied, and 1 case was not satisfied, while 19, 13, 5, and 3 cases in the regular group, respectively. The satisfaction degree of the applet group was significantly better than that of the regular group ( P=0.049). MRI examination of the two groups showed that the ACL was continuous without secondary rupture or necrosis. The ACL healing grade of the applet group was 31 cases of grade 1 and 9 cases of grade 2, and that of the regular group was 28 cases of grade 1 and 12 cases of grade 2, there was no significant difference in ACL healing grade between the two groups ( P=0.449).

Conclusion

The application of return to sports WeChat applet in the rehabilitation of patients after ACL reconstruction can significantly reduce the fear of return to sports and improve the rate of return to sports. The return to sports WeChat applet is convenient to operate, with high utilization rate and high patient compliance, which significantly improves the satisfaction.

Association of Psychological Readiness to Return to Sports With Subjective Level of Return at 12 Months After ACL Reconstruction

Background

Return-to-sports (RTS) rates after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) differ according to the level at which patients return. It is unclear whether the level of RTS is affected by psychological readiness to return.

Purpose

To examine the association between psychological readiness to RTS and subjective RTS level 12 months after ACLR.

Study Design

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

A total of 47 patients who underwent unilateral primary ACLR surgery were enrolled. Assessments at 6 and 12 months postoperatively consisted of knee strength testing (isokinetic quadriceps and hamstring strength), the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form (IKDC-SKF), and the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale to measure psychological readiness to RTS. Patients were assigned to 1 of 3 subgroups based on their subjective assessment of RTS level at 12 months postoperatively: RTS at or above preinjury level (RTS≥Pre; n = 19), RTS below preinjury level (RTS

Results

Significant differences were found among the RTS≥Pre, RTS

Conclusion

The ACL-RSI score was significantly different among the study groups, and the ACL-RSI score at 12 months postoperatively and younger age were associated with RTS at or above preinjury level.

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Key Words

• ACL-RSI
• knee strength
• patient-reported knee function
• performance

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MESH Headings Collapse

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Affiliation(s)

Makoto Suzuki Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan Department of Rehabilitation, Hokushin Orthopaedic Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
Tomoya Ishida Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan Department of Rehabilitation, Hokushin Orthopaedic Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
Hisashi Matsumoto Department of Rehabilitation, Hokushin Orthopaedic Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
Satoru Kaneko Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hokushin Orthopaedic Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
Chiharu Inoue Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hokushin Orthopaedic Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
Yoshimitsu Aoki Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hokushin Orthopaedic Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
Harukazu Tohyama Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
Mina Samukawa Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan

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Patients Who Return to Sport After Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Have Significantly Higher Psychological Readiness: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 3744 Patients

BACKGROUND

Although objective outcomes assessing knee function are essential measurements for return to sport, psychological factors have become increasingly recognized as equally important parameters for determining an athlete's ability to return to sport after surgery.

PURPOSE

To systematically review the literature to determine whether patients who returned to sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction had improved psychological scores (as measured with validated questionnaires) compared with patients who did not return to sport.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and was preregistered on PROSPERO. Four databases were searched for level 1 to 3 studies that compared at least 1 psychological outcome measured by a validated questionnaire for patients who did and did not return to sport after primary ACL reconstruction. The following data were recorded: study and patient characteristics; psychological metrics (ACL-Return to Sport Injury [ACL-RSI] scale, Knee Self-Efficacy Scale [K-SES], and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia [TSK/TSK-11]); International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score; and clinical metrics. Study methodological quality was analyzed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS), and the mean difference (MD) and 95% CI were calculated for each psychological outcome score using the inverse variance method.

RESULTS

We included and analyzed 16 articles (3744 patients; 38.9% female; mean age range, 17-28.7 years; mean MINORS score, 19.9 ± 1.4). Overall, 61.8% of athletes returned to sport (66.8% of male patients; 55.4% of female patients). Patients who returned scored significantly higher on the ACL-RSI scale (MD, 20.8; 95% CI, 15.9 to 25.7; P < .001), significantly higher on the K-SES (MD, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.2 to 2.3; P = .036), and significantly lower on the TSK/TSK-11 (MD, 10.1%; 95% CI, -12.1% to -8.2%; P = .004). Those returning to sport did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference for IKDC score versus those not returning to sport.

CONCLUSION

Patients who returned to sport after primary ACL reconstruction had significantly higher psychological readiness, higher self-efficacy, and lower kinesiophobia compared with those who did not return to sport, despite having clinically similar knee function scores. Evaluation of psychological readiness, in combination with other objective measurements, is a critical component of return-to-sport evaluation in athletes after primary ACL reconstruction.

REGISTRATION

CRD42021284735 (PROSPERO).

The Relationship of Knee-related Quality of Life With Function, Psychological Factors, Strength, Performance, and Postural Stability After ACL Reconstruction: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) have decreased health-related quality of life (QoL) compared with healthy control participants. Few studies have verified the predictors of QoL using Quality of Life Outcome Measure Questionnaire for Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency (ACL-QoL), and no study has verified the relationship of psychological factors and knee function with ACL-QoL in patients after ACLR.

HYPOTHESIS

Knee functional status, muscle strength, performance in hop tests, postural stability, and psychological factors would be the predictors of QoL after ACLR.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4.

METHODS

A total of 131 participants who had undergone ACLR at least 6 months previously were evaluated. QoL was assessed using ACL-QoL; knee functional status, using International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee (IKDC) and global rating scale (GRS); psychological readiness, using Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury Scale (ACL-RSI); kinesiophobia, using Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-17); knee strength, using isokinetic dynamometer; performance, using single-leg hop tests; and postural stability, using Biodex Balance System. Pearson's linear correlation and stepwise hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses were performed to verify the predictors of QoL.

RESULTS

ACL-QoL showed a moderate correlation with IKDC (r = 0.69), GRS (r = 0.55), ACL-RSI (r = 0.50), and TSK-17 (r = -0.49). ACL-QoL presented none to low correlations with the variables of muscle strength, postural stability, and performance in hop tests. The variables related to the knee functional status and psychological factors (IKDC, GRS, ACL-RSI, and TSK-17) were found to be the predictors of QoL (R2 = 0.56; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Knee functional status, psychological readiness, and kinesiophobia were the predictors of knee-related QoL in patients after ACLR.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results can assist clinicians in the therapeutic monitoring of the factors that may interfere with QoL in patients after ACLR.

Low percentage of patients passed the 'Back in Action' test battery 9 months after bone-patellar tendon-bone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is recommended in patients who intend to return to high-level sports. However, there is only a 55-80% return to pre-injury level of sports after ACL reconstruction, with a re-injury rate up to 20%. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of patients passing the Back in Action (BIA) test 9 months after primary bone-patellar-tendon-bone (BPTB) ACL reconstruction, and evaluate the association between passing the BIA test and patient reported outcome measurements (PROMs).

Methods

Patients underwent the BIA test 9 months after BPTB ACL reconstruction. In total 103 patients were included. Passing the BIA test (PASSED-group) was defined as a normal or higher score at all sub-tests with limb symmetry index (LSI) ≥90% for the dominant leg and LSI >80% for the non-dominant leg. Patients who did not meet these criteria were defined as the FAILED-group. PROMs included the International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury.

Results

Eighteen patients (17.5%) passed the BIA test 9 months after BPTB ACL reconstruction. PROMs were not statistically significant different between the PASSED- and FAILED-group.

Conclusion

Low percentage of patients passed the BIA test 9 months after BPTB ACL reconstruction. Although current PROMs cut-off values were met, the BIA test results show persistent functional deficits. Therefore, the BIA test could be of additional value in the decision-making process regarding return to sport (RTS). This study highlights the need for additional rehabilitation as RTS in a condition of incomplete recovery may increase the risk of re-injury.

Level of evidence

II.

Evaluation of factors associated with successful 5-year outcomes following arthroscopic Bankart repair in athletes

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of athletes 5-years post-operatively following arthroscopic Bankart repair, and to evaluate factors associated with satisfaction and shoulder function, as defined by subjective shoulder value.

METHODS

A retrospective review of athletes who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair, with a minimum of 5-year follow-up was performed. Recurrence, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), satisfaction, and whether they would undergo the same surgery again, and rate, level and timing of return to play, and Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport after Injury (SIRSI) score were evaluated. Multi-linear regression models were used to evaluate factors affecting postoperative Satisfaction, and SSV level.

RESULTS

Overall, 144 athletes who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair were included, with a mean age of 26.9 years (SD: 8.1), 132 (91.7%) were males, and mean follow-up of 75.7 months. At final follow up, 82.6% were satisfied/very satisfied, and the mean SSV was 85.8 (SD: 14.4). Overall, the rate of return to play was 80.5%, with 63.9% returning at the same level at a mean of 6.2 months (SD: 2.7). Overall, there was 18 (12.5%) had recurrent instability, and a further procedure was performed in 15 (10.4%) patients. Linear regression revealed that the SIRSI score (p < 0.0001), SSV (p < 0.0001), VAS (p < 0.0031), no sleep trouble (p = 0.0129) was associated with satisfaction. Logistic regression revealed whether a patient required revision surgery (p = 0.0029), or had re-dislocation (p = 0.0031) was also associated with satisfaction. Linear regression revealed that the SIRSI score (p < 0.0001), VAS score (p < 0.0001), and no sleep trouble (p < 0.0001), were associated with SSV score.

CONCLUSION

There was a high rate of satisfaction at 5-year follow-up, with excellent patient-reported outcomes and a high rate of return to play among athletes. However, there was a moderate rate of recurrent instability and further revision surgery. This study identified that the SIRSI score, VAS score, no sleep trouble and ability to return to play at the same level were associated with both satisfaction and SSV score.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Characteristics of Complex Systems in Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Examples and Implications for Practice

Complex systems are open systems consisting of many components that can interact among themselves and the environment. New forms of behaviours and patterns often emerge as a result. There is a growing recognition that most sporting environments are complex adaptive systems. This acknowledgement extends to sports injury and is reflected in the individual responses of athletes to both injury and rehabilitation protocols. Consequently, practitioners involved in return to sport decision making (RTS) are encouraged to view return to sport decisions through the complex systems lens to improve decision-making in rehabilitation. It is important to clarify the characteristics of this theoretical framework and provide concrete examples to which practitioners can easily relate. This review builds on previous literature by providing an overview of the hallmark features of complex systems and their relevance to RTS research and daily practice. An example of how characteristics of complex systems are exhibited is provided through a case of anterior cruciate ligament injury rehabilitation. Alternative forms of scientific inquiry, such as the use of computational and simulation-based techniques, are also discussed-to move the complex systems approach from the theoretical to the practical level.

Analysis of Athletes Who Did Not Return to Play After Open Latarjet

Background:

The Latarjet procedure is indicated in patients with risk factors for postoperative recurrence, including collision and competitive athletes. However, the factors that prevent athletes from being able return to play (RTP) after the open Latarjet procedure are still unclear and have not been fully elucidated in the literature.

Purpose:

To evaluate patient-reported outcomes and psychological and psychosocial factors associated with athletes who did not RTP after the open Latarjet procedure compared with patients who did RTP.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of athletes who underwent the open Latarjet procedure and subsequently did not RTP after a minimum of 12 months. These patients were pair matched in a 2:1 ratio for age, sex, sport, and level of preoperative play with a control group who returned to play. Patients were evaluated for their psychological readiness to return to sport using the Shoulder Instability–Return to Sport after Injury (SIRSI); other measures included the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV). Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate factors affecting RTP.

Results:

Included were 35 patients in the no-RTP group and 70 patients in the RTP group. In the no-RTP group, 7 patients (20%) passed the SIRSI benchmark of 56, with a mean overall score of 41.5 ± 21.9; in the RTP group, 57 patients (81.4%) passed the SIRSI benchmark, with a mean overall score of 74.5 ± 19.8 (P < .0001 for both). Patients in the RTP group had better SSV (88.0 vs 75.7; P <.0001) and VAS pain (1.7 vs 2.9; P = .0046) scores. Of the athletes who did not return, 18 felt persistent pain/apprehension and 17 felt that it was a natural end to their career or that their lifestyle had changed. Multiple logistic regression revealed that thoughts of having to go through surgery and rehabilitation again was significantly associated with lower RTP (P < .05).

Conclusion:

Patients who did not RTP after open Latarjet exhibited poor psychological readiness to RTP and worse pain VAS and SSV scores compared with patients who did RTP.

Open Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis May Be an Alternative to Arthroscopic Repair for SLAP Tears in Patients Under 30

PURPOSE

The purpose of the current study is to compare the outcomes of open subpectoral biceps tenodesis (BT) to arthroscopic repair (AR) for SLAP tears in patients under the age of 30 years.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients under the age of 30 years who underwent either isolated BT or AR for a diagnosis of a SLAP tear between 2011 and 2019 was performed. Patients were included if they were >16 years old at the time of surgery, had an isolated SLAP tear involving instability of the biceps-labral anchor (types II-IV), were skeletally mature, and had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons score, visual analog scale, Subjective Shoulder Value, patient satisfaction, willingness to undergo surgery again, revisions, and return to play (RTP) were evaluated. A P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Our study included 103 patients in total; 29 patients were treated with BT, and 74 were treated with AR. The mean age was 24.8 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 60 months. At final follow-up, there was no difference between treatment groups in any of the functional outcome measures assessed (P > .05). Overall, there was no significant difference in the total rate of RTP (BT: 76.3%, AR: 85%; P = .53), timing of RTP (BT: 8.8 months, AR: 9.4 months; P = .61), and total rate of RTP among overhead athletes (BT: 84.2%, AR: 83.3%; P > .99). Among those undergoing AR, 9 required a revision procedure (11.5%) compared to none treated with BT (P = .11).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients under the age of 30 years with a symptomatic isolated SLAP tear, BT may be a reliable alternative to AR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Return to play testing following anterior cruciate reconstruction - A systematic review & meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to systematically review the evidence regarding return to sport evaluation following ACL reconstruction and evaluate the relationship between testing and secondary ACL injury.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature with PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Reviews, was performed on June, 2020 based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were included if they compared outcomes following passing and failing RTP testing subsequent to ACLR. Clinical outcomes were compared, with all statistical analysis performed using Review Manager Version 5.3. Correlation was calculated with Spearman testing.

RESULTS

Overall, 8 studies with 1224 patients were included in the analysis. Overall, 34.3% (420/1224) patients passed the RTP testing. Those who passed the RTP testing had a statistically significant 47% lower rate of ACL graft re-rupture compared to those who did not pass the RTP testing (p = 0.03). However, there was a slightly higher, albeit not statistically significant, rate of contralateral ACL rupture in those who passed the RTP testing compared to those who did not (p = 0.42). There was a strong positive correlation between a high rate of patients passing the ACL RTP testing in studies and ACL graft rupture rate in those who failed (0.80).

CONCLUSION

Passing RTP testing following ACLR results in a lower rate of ACL graft rupture, but not contralateral ACL injury. Further evaluation and standardization of RTP testing is necessary in order to increase reliability in identifying patients at risk for re-injury after ACLR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level of Evidence III.

Postoperative Rehabilitation and Return to Sport Following Multiligament Knee Reconstruction

Multiligament knee injuries (MLKIs) are debilitating injuries that increasingly occur in young athletes. Return to sport (RTS) has historically been considered unlikely due to the severity of these injuries. Reporting in the literature regarding objective outcomes following MLKI, including RTS, is lacking, as are clear protocols for both rehabilitation progressions and RTS testing. RTS following MLKI is a complex process that requires an extended recovery duration compared to other surgery types. Progressions through postoperative rehabilitation and RTS should be thoughtful, gradual, and criterion based. After effective anatomic reconstruction to restore joint stability, objective measures of recovery including range of motion, strength, movement quality, power, and overall conditioning guide decision-making throughout the recovery process. It is important to frame the recovery process of the athlete in the context of the severity of their injury, as it is typically slower and less linear. Improved reporting on objective outcomes will enhance our understanding of recovery expectations within this population by highlighting persistent deficits that may interfere with a full recovery, including RTS.

Effect of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture on Knee Proprioception Within 2 Years After Conservative and Operative Treatment: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a major role in knee proprioception and is thus responsible for maintaining knee joint stability and functionality. The available evidence suggests that ACL reconstruction diminishes somatosensory feedback and proprioceptive functioning, which are vital for adequate joint positioning and movement control.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of an ACL rupture on knee proprioception after arthroscopic ACL repair surgery or conservative treatment.

METHODS

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Guidelines for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The literature search was performed in the following databases from inception to 10th October 2020: PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library and Scopus. Randomized and non-randomized studies that evaluated proprioception using the joint position sense (JPS) and threshold to detection of passive motion (TTDPM) techniques at 15°-30° knee flexion with an external healthy control group in a time period between 6 and 24 months post injury or operation were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 4857 studies were identified, from which 11 were included in the final quantitative analysis. The results demonstrated that proprioception after arthroscopic ACL repair surgery was significantly lower than in the healthy control group (JPS: standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27-0.87, p < 0.01, n = 6 studies; TTDPM: SMD 0.77, 95% CI 0.20-1.34, p < 0.01, n = 4 studies). There were no significant differences in proprioception between the conservative treatment group and the healthy control group (JPS: SMD 0.57, 95% CI - 0.69 to 1.84, p = 0.37, n = 4 studies; TTDPM: SMD 0.82, 95% CI - 0.02 to 1.65, p = 0.05, n = 2 studies), although measures for TTDPM were close to statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that knee proprioception is persistently compromised 6-24 months following surgical treatment of ACL tears compared with healthy controls. The reduced kinesthetic awareness after ACL surgery is of high relevance for optimizing individual treatment plans in these patients. As the current literature is still scarce about the exact underlying mechanisms, further research is needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The present systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021198617).

Quantitative assessment of postural balance in patients with chronic anterior cruciate ligament injury- A controlled study

PURPOSE

Evaluation of single and double limb support postural balance in patients with Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)injury and comparison of the postural strategy adopted after ACL injury/deficiency(ACLD) with that of an age-matched healthy individual.

METHODS

The study group that included 33 subjects confirming inclusion criteria had undergone postural balance assessment using the HUMAC Balance system. The parameters of the center of pressure excursion were recorded on a force plate and compared with age, BMI matched 66 healthy volunteers of control group. The center of pressure excursions was monitored using dependable variables such as sway path length(cm), the average velocity of sway(cm/sec), and the mean COP stability score(%). The mobility component was recorded as the percentage (%) of time spent on each target.

RESULT

A decrease in postural balance in the injury group was evidenced by a statistically significant decrease of stability score(p = 0.015), increase in path length(p = 0.002) and decrease on time on target mean score (p= <0.001),. Although, the stability score path length and average sway velocity scores in the sound limb of the ACLD group showed impaired balance, the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.180, p = 0.561, and p = 0.639 respectively) when compared with the dominant limb of the control group.

CONCLUSION

HUMAC balance system is an effective and simplified measure for quantifying postural balance. Although overall postural stability in ACL injury is impaired, static postural balance is maintained by the compensatory of strategy of sound limb. However, the quantitative parameters of postural stability for the sound limb, despite of a lower mean value, did not show statistically significant differences from the dominant limb of the controlled group.

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Versus Open Latarjet for Recurrent Shoulder Instability in Athletes

Background:

In athletes with recurrent shoulder instability, arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) and the open Latarjet procedure (OL) are commonly indicated to restore stability and allow them to return to play (RTP).

Purpose:

To compare the outcomes of ABR and OL in athletes with recurrent shoulder instability.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of patients with recurrent shoulder instability who underwent ABR and OL and had a minimum 24-month follow-up. Indications for OL over ABR in this population were those considered at high risk for recurrence, including patients with glenohumeral bone loss. The patients were pair-matched in a 1:1 ratio (OL and ABR) by age, sex, sport, and level of preoperative play. We evaluated the rate, level, and timing of RTP, and the Shoulder Instability–Return to Sport after Injury (SIRSI) score between procedures. Additionally we compared the recurrence rate, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Rowe score, satisfaction, and whether patients would undergo the same surgery again.

Results:

Participants included 62 athletes who underwent ABR and 62 who underwent OL, with a mean follow-up of 47.7 months. There was no significant difference between ABR and OL in rate of RTP, return to preinjury level, time to return, SIRSI score, VAS score, SSV, or patient satisfaction. OL resulted in a significantly lower recurrence rate (1.6% vs 16.1% for ABR; P = .009) and a significantly higher Rowe score (mean ± SD, 90.5 ± 12.2 vs 82.2 ± 20.8 for ABR; P = .008). In collision athletes, there was no significant difference between ABR and OL regarding RTP rate (89.1% vs 94.5%; P = .489) or SIRSI score (70.4 ± 24.8 vs 73.8 ± 19.6; P = .426), but OL resulted in a lower recurrence rate (14.5% vs 1.8%; P = .031).

Conclusion:

ABR and OL resulted in excellent clinical outcomes, with high rates of RTP in athletes. However, lower recurrence rates were seen with OL.

Analysis of patients unable to return to play following arthroscopic Bankart repair

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyze patients that did not return to play (RTP) following arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) compared to those who did RTP, and analyze factors associated with not returning to play.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent ABR, and subsequently did not RTP after a minimum of 24-month follow-up was performed. Additionally, these were pair matched in a 3:1 ratio for age, gender, sport and level of pre-operative play with a control group who RTP. Patients were evaluated for their psychological readiness to return to sport using the SIRSI score. Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate factors affecting RTP.

RESULTS

The study included a total of 52 patients who were unable to RTP and 156 who returned to play. Ten patients (19.2 %) who did not RTP passed the SIRSI benchmark of 56 with a mean overall score of 39.8 ± 24.6, in those who returned 73.0 % passed the SIRSI benchmark of 56 with a mean overall score of 68.9 ± 22.0 (p < 0.0001 for both). The most common primary reasons for not returning were 27 felt physically unable to return, whilst 21 felt it was a natural end to their career or their lifestyle had changed. Multi-logistic regression revealed that 4 of the 12 components of the SIRSI score (p < 0.05 for all) and SSV (p = 0.0049), were the factors that were associated with RTP.

CONCLUSION

Following ABR, those that do not return to play exhibit poor psychological readiness to return to play, with multi-linear regression revealing the SIRSI questions associated with fear of re-injury were associated with a lower rate of RTP. Additionally, functional limitations were found to be associated with a lower rate of RTP.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III; Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study.

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Versus Open Latarjet for First-Time Dislocators in Athletes

BACKGROUND

In athletes with a first-time shoulder dislocation, arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) and the open Latarjet procedure (OL) are the most commonly utilized surgical procedures to restore stability and allow them to return to play (RTP).

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of ABR and OL in athletes with a first-time shoulder dislocation.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients with first-time shoulder dislocation who underwent primary ABR and OL and had a minimum 24-month follow-up. Indications for OL over ABR in this population were those considered at high risk for recurrence, including patients with glenohumeral bone loss. Patients who underwent ABR were pair-matched in a 2:1 ratio with patients who underwent OL by age, sex, sport, and level of preoperative play. The rate, level, and timing of RTP, as well as the Shoulder Instability-Return to Sport after Injury (SIRSI) score were evaluated. Additionally, we compared recurrence, visual analog scale pain score, Subjective Shoulder Value, Rowe score, satisfaction, and whether patients would undergo the surgery again.

RESULTS

Overall, 80 athletes who underwent ABR and 40 who underwent OL were included, with a mean follow-up of 50.3 months. There was no significant difference between ABR and OL in rate of RTP, return to preinjury level, time to return, or recurrent dislocation rate. There were also no differences between ABR and OL in patient-reported outcome scores or patient satisfaction. When collision athletes were compared between ABR and OL, there were no differences in RTP, SIRSI score, or redislocation rate.

CONCLUSION

ABR and OL resulted in excellent clinical outcomes, with high rates of RTP and low recurrence rates. Additionally, there were no differences between the procedures in athletes participating in collision sports.