Topic

Orthopaedic research

Everything we have read on orthopaedic. Each paper is summarised from the full article rather than its abstract, so the limitations and the funding are in there too.

8 papers

• Journal of rehabilitation medicine · 2026 · Meta-AnalysisThe short-term efficacy of heat therapy for osteoarthritis of the hands: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Heat therapy for hand osteoarthritis reduces short-term pain and improves grip strength, but does not improve overall hand function scores. Multimodal approaches (paraffin, mud baths) outperformed simple heat. Based on 9 trials with 627 patients.
• International journal of sports physical therapy · 2026 · CohortIsokinetic Quadriceps and Hamstring Peak Torque in Athletes Aged 10-50+: Preoperative Uninvolved Limb Reference Values for ACL Reconstruction.In 321 athletes scheduled for ACL surgery, quadriceps and hamstring strength (adjusted for body weight) declined with age, but the hamstring-to-quadriceps ratio stayed stable. The widely used 3.0 Nm/kg strength target may not fit patients outside their 20s.
• International journal of sports physical therapy · 2026 · OtherShoulder Internal and External Rotator Strength Reliability and Validity in Healthy Adolescent Athletes.Handheld dynamometry gives a usable number for shoulder internal rotator strength in teen athletes (prone or supine), but its external rotator readings are unreliable in every position tested. Do not use HHD external-rotator numbers to clear a young athlete back to throwing.
• International journal of sports physical therapy · 2026 · Narrative ReviewReturn to Golf Rehabilitation Progression after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using an Evidence-Based Foundation.A proposed six-phase return-to-golf framework after ACL reconstruction, built from biomechanics and rehab literature. It is not validated — the authors call for a prospective pilot study before it can guide practice.
• International journal of sports physical therapy · 2026 · Case ReportCalcific Patellar Tendinopathy. A Case Report Integrating Diagnostic Ultrasound Throughout a Multi-Modal Treatment Approach.One 46-year-old woman with calcific patellar tendinopathy improved in pain, function, and tendon ultrasound appearance over 11 months using dry needling, spinal manipulation, and progressive exercise together. This is a single case, not proof the approach works, and no component can be isolated.
• International journal of sports physical therapy · 2026 · QualitativePatients' Mental Barriers in Rehabilitation after ACL Reconstruction: A Qualitative Interview Study.Nine patients 5–9 months post-ACL surgery describe readiness as a shifting process, not a fixed milestone. Their physical therapist is the main psychological anchor, yet they don't recognise that support as psychological. Ask about fear and confidence, not just strength.
• Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liao · 2026 · Systematic ReviewFunctional rehabilitation strategies for enhancing neuromuscular control after ACL reconstruction: A systematic review.Nine small trials suggest jump training and aquatic exercises improve muscle coordination after ACL surgery, and blood flow restriction may protect early strength. Most findings rest on a single trial, so treat these as promising, not proven.
• JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologies · 2026 · PilotIntelligent Robot-Aided, Task-Oriented Physiotherapy Method for Upper Limb Rehabilitation: Development and Usability Study.A robot that adjusts its help based on your performance produced at least as much muscle activation as a fixed-assistance robot, and more than a physiotherapist's hands. But this was one session in 34 mixed patients — no proof yet it improves recovery.