Some, but not all, patients experience full symptom resolution and a positive rehabilitation process after ACL reconstruction: an interview study

Comparison of a New Radiographic Technique with MRI Measurements for Tibial Tunnel Evaluation in ACL Reconstruction

Background/Objectives: The correct angular placement of the tibial tunnel is crucial to ensure graft tension, maintain knee stability, and ensure optimal clinical outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. While 3D imaging methods such as MRI and CT are the gold standard for evaluating tunnel positioning, their routine use is limited by cost, availability, and time constraints. In clinical practice, 2D radiographs are more accessible but lack established reliability in accurately estimating tunnel angles. The aim of this study was to convert 2D radiographic angular measurements used in the evaluation of patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction into 3D values with a simple method and to compare these measurements with three-dimensional angles calculated using conventional MRI and CT. Methods: This retrospective study included 38 patients who underwent anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Postoperative radiographs and MR images were analyzed to determine the tibial tunnel angles. The angles calculated from 2D radiographs were statistically analyzed for their correlation with the actual 3D angles measured by MRI. Results: The analysis showed a strong correlation between tibial tunnel angles from radiographs and MRI, with minimal, non-significant differences. This suggests that radiographs can provide a reliable estimate of tibial tunnel angles. Conclusions: These findings suggest that radiographs can predict tibial tunnel angles in ACL reconstruction as accurately as MRI. This method can guide the correct tunnel angle and facilitate postoperative evaluation. Further studies are needed to confirm these results across various populations and techniques.

Virtual reality-based therapy after anterior cruciate ligament injury effectively reduces pain and improves knee function, movement patterns, and dynamic balance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Virtual reality-based therapy (VRBT) may be an effective physical therapy complement employed in the rehabilitation of patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of VRBT in improving pain, knee function, strength, proprioception, flexion range of motion (ROM), and dynamic balance after ACL injury.

METHODS

We conducted this systematic review with meta-analysis following PRISMA criteria. Since inception to June 2024, we searched in PubMed Medline, WOS, SCOPUS, CINAHL and PEDro without publication date and language restrictions. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), comprising only patients with ACL injury, that assess the effectiveness of VRBT compared to classical interventions on the outcomes of interest were included. PEDro scale was employed to analyze the methodological quality of the RCTs included. Cohen's standardised mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to calculate the pooled effect in meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Nine RCTs, providing data from 330 participants (26.96 ± 3.11 years, 85% males) were included. The RCTs included showed good methodological quality (PEDro scale = 6.88 points), being, performance and detection biases, the most common biases reported. Meta-analyses showed that VRBT was more effective than classical interventions in reducing pain (SMD = -1.15; 95% CI -1.85 to -0.45; p = 0.001; I2 = 0%), and increasing knee function (SMD = 1.71; 95% CI 0.93 to 2.5; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), strength (SMD = 0.82; 95% CI 0.4-1.23; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%) and flexion ROM (SMD = 0.7; 95% CI 0.37-1.01; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). Additionally, VRBT improved postero-medial (SMD = 0.46; 95% CI 0.01-0.9; p = 0.045; I2 = 15.1%) and postero-lateral CoP excursion (SMD = 0.75; 95% CI 0.3-1.21; p = 0.001; I2 = 0%), being effective in improving dynamic balance.

CONCLUSION

VRBT is an effective physical therapy complement to be included in the ACL's rehabilitation programmes due to reduces pain and increases knee function, strength, ROM and dynamic balance after ACL injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rehabilitation: Decades of change

Current anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) rehabilitation practice guidelines lack updates in key areas: open kinetic chain (OKC) quadriceps strengthening, neurocognitive training and psychological interventions. Recent research shows that OKC exercises, when combined with closed kinetic chain exercises, improve strength without compromising graft integrity, though careful monitoring for knee pain and effusion is essential. Neurocognitive training, targeting reaction times, visual attention and dual-tasking, is promising for reducing reinjury risk but remains underutilized. Similarly, psychological responses, often assessed via patient-reported outcomes, are a critical part of the recovery process after ACLR, but how to address these responses for the individual patient remains unclear, emphasizing the need for individualized support. The European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery, and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) is developing an ACL rehabilitation consensus to integrate these insights into actionable, evidence-based guidelines, ensuring tailored, patient-centered care that optimizes recovery and reduces reinjury risks.

From Fear to Resilience: A Scoping Review of Psychological Components in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation

CONTEXT

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, prevalent in athletic contexts have profound physical and psychological impacts. Despite extensive research on the physiological aspects of ACL recovery, the psychological dimensions of this process have gained increased attention. This scoping review delves into the intricate landscape of psychological factors influencing ACL rehabilitation.

DESIGN

Scoping review.

METHODS

A literature search across multiple databases was conducted to identify relevant published studies that provide insight into the psychological aspects of ACL recovery. This search spanned various study designs, enabling a nuanced understanding of the psychological intricacies surrounding ACL recovery. Overall, a total of 1830 unique articles were screened, of which 66 were included in this review. Our findings are further contextualized through alignment with insights from prior reviews on similar themes. Through a comprehensive analysis of diverse literature, we explore 3 key themes: psychological challenges, current rehabilitation programs, and the integration of psychological support.

RESULTS

Psychological challenges emerged as a pervasive aspect of ACL rehabilitation, encompassing fear, anxiety, motivation, and depression. The nuanced emotional responses, particularly the fear of reinjury, impact treatment adherence and overall well-being. Contemporary rehabilitation programs revealed inconsistencies in incorporating psychological support, emphasizing the need for standardized, multidisciplinary approaches. The alignment with prior reviews in the literature reinforced the importance of psychological traits, such as knee self-efficacy, in predicting positive outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of psychological factors within ACL rehabilitation, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions and standardized approaches. The integration of multidisciplinary expertise emerges as crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. Our findings not only contribute to a nuanced understanding of psychological nuances in ACL rehabilitation but also offer valuable implications for clinical practice and policy development.

Development of the ECLIPSE model of meaningful outcome domains following lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation, through systematic review and best fit framework synthesis

BACKGROUND

Little is known about which outcome domains characterise meaningful recovery following prosthetic rehabilitation and should be measured. Our previous qualitative work developed a conceptual model of outcome domains which are meaningful to patients. This qualitative synthesis aims to develop that model by exploring views and experiences of recovery captured in the limb loss literature, and use these to produce a second iteration of the model describing outcome domains of importance following prosthetic rehabilitation from the patient's perspective.

METHODS

Systematic searches were conducted using CINAHL, Psychinfo and Web of Science from 2011 to early 2023. Studies with a qualitative design focusing on views and experiences of lower limb prosthetic users were eligible for inclusion. Quality was assessed using the CASP tool. 'Best Fit' framework synthesis was used to synthesise the evidence and develop the conceptual model.

RESULTS

40 studies were included, describing the experiences of 539 participants. Data supported the pre-existing conceptual model and led to development of four of the five domains. The newly named ECLIPSE model describes meaningful outcome domains as 1) Being able to participate in important activities and roles, 2) Participating in the way I want to, 3) My prosthesis works for me, 4) If I am in pain, I can manage it, and 5) I am able to accept my new normal. Studies came from 15 countries showing good coverage of high-income settings. Few participants from low-and-middle-income countries were included, it is unclear if the ECLIPSE model describes outcome domains of importance in these settings.

CONCLUSIONS

This synthesis provides a rigorous foundation for understanding outcome domains of importance following lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation from the patient's perspective. The ECLIPSE model is an accessible representation of recovery which could direct rehabilitation programmes, as well as inform the evaluation of prosthetic care through the selection of outcome measures.

To achieve the unachievable-Patients' experiences of opting for delayed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction after trying rehabilitation alone as primary treatment: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

About 50% of patients who sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury are treated without ACL reconstruction (ACL-R). A significant proportion of these patients opt for late ACL-R. Patients' experience of changing treatment has not yet been investigated and presented in the scientific literature.

AIM

To explore patients' experiences before and after changing treatment from ACL rehabilitation alone to ACL-R.

METHOD

Fifteen patients were interviewed in semi-structured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with qualitative content analysis, based on the method described by Graneheim and Lundman. Patients were between 26 and 58 years old, and had tried rehabilitation for a minimum of 9 months prior to ACL-R.

RESULTS

Two themes, "Expecting what could not be achieved: the struggle to recover and not becoming stable", and "Internal completeness: expectations can be achieved", emerged from the analysis. Each theme was supported by three main categories and 5-6 subcategories. The first theme represents the journey before ACL-R, where patients experienced getting stronger, but perceived the knee as unstable. The second theme represents the journey after ACL-R, where patients expressed that they felt whole after their ACL-R, and where able to achieve their expections. Patients experienced a greater support from the healthcare system, and ultimately expressed a feeling of having achieved the unachievable after ACL-R.

SUMMARY

Patients who cross over from ACL rehabilitation to ACL-R experienced rehabilitation alone as insufficient to achieve the desired outcomes, which resulted in a need to opt for delayed ACL-R. Healthcare providers need to support patients, who primarily choose to undergo rehabilitation alone and later opt for ACL-R, throughout the whole rehabilitation process.