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Orthopaedic research

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

2,015 PAPERS · PAGE 26 OF 41 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOther2024Management of low back pain and lumbosacral radicular syndrome: the Guideline of the Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy (KNGF).European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineScreen low back pain patients for factors that predict slow recovery, match treatment intensity to risk, use exercise therapy, and use mobilization or manipulation only as add-ons, not stand-alone care.
• PTOTSLPCase Report2024Rehabilitation and functional outcomes for thoraco-omphalo-ischiopagus conjoined twins five years after separation: A case report.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicineFive years after separation, the twins walked in the community without assistive devices, after needing total assistance during inpatient rehabilitation. This is a case report, not proof that a treatment works.
• PTOTRCT2024Follow-up of individualised physical activity on prescription and individualised advice in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis: A randomised controlled trial.Clinical rehabilitationOne hour of tailored advice matched a more intensive prescription programme for long-term activity and function in hip or knee osteoarthritis. Advice users reported more weekly activity, but pain improved more in the prescription group. Neither approach clearly beat the other on overall outcomes.
• PTCohort2024Financial impact associated with implementation of the low back pain clinical practice guideline in outpatient physical therapist practice at a large academic medical center.Physiotherapy theory and practiceImplementing a low back pain guideline in outpatient physical therapy was associated with lower direct and downstream medical costs, including reduced spending on imaging, pharmacy, and surgery. Total costs did not significantly decrease, and the number of physical therapy visits remained unchanged.
• PTOTQualitative2024'If he thought that I was going to go and hurt myself, he had another thing coming': Treatment experiences of those with large to massive rotator cuff tears and the perspectives of healthcare practitioners.Clinical rehabilitationPatients with large to massive rotator cuff tears valued clear pain control, simple functional exercises, and clear timelines. They felt worse when pain relief was inadequate, exercises were too much too soon, or clinicians gave mixed messages.
• PTOTCohort2023A Clinical Measure of Trunk Neuromuscular Function Predicts Falling in Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain.Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001)Older adults with chronic low back pain who show aberrant lumbopelvic movements during forward bending have a 24.9% higher risk of falling for each additional movement observed. Screening for these movements can help identify patients at higher fall risk beyond standard factors.
• PTSurvey2023Orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists differ regarding rehabilitative needs after lower extremity fracture repair.Physiotherapy theory and practiceSurgeons refer most patients for peri-articular fractures and stiffness, but rarely consider pain severity. Physical therapists, however, frequently adjust care based on pain and psychosocial factors, creating a gap between surgical referral priorities and actual therapy practice.
• PTOTCohort2022Trajectories of Physical Function and Disability Over 12 Months in Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain.Journal of geriatric physical therapy (2001)Older adults with chronic low back pain followed different courses. Some stayed stable, some improved, and some worsened. The classes also differed in activity, pain, fear, catastrophizing, mood and comorbidities.
• PTOTQualitative2023"Restoring That Faith in My Shoulder": A Qualitative Investigation of How and Why Exercise Therapy Influenced the Clinical Outcomes of Individuals With Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain.Physical therapyPatients described exercise helping their shoulder pain only when they trusted their clinician, received a tailored plan, and saw progress quickly. They attributed benefits to getting stronger and regaining confidence in the shoulder. These are patient perspectives, not proof that exercise works.
• PTOther2023Expert Consensus for the Use of Outpatient Rehabilitation Visits After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Delphi Study.The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapyUS experts reached consensus on outpatient knee replacement rehab visit schedules, including starting within one week and not recommending telerehabilitation for slow recovery. These are expert recommendations, not tested interventions.
• PTRCT2023Comparison of Joint Mobilization and Movement Pattern Training for Patients With Hip-Related Groin Pain: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.Physical therapyThis pilot trial found no significant difference between hip joint mobilization and movement pattern training for groin pain. Both groups improved similarly, but the study was not powered to prove efficacy. It confirms a larger trial is feasible but offers no guidance on which treatment works better.
• PTOther2023Comparison of Kaltenborn mobilization technique and muscle energy technique on range of motion, pain and function in subjects with chronic shoulder adhesive capsulitis.Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liaoBoth groups improved shoulder movement, pain and function after 10 sessions. With heat, supervised exercises and home exercises, muscle energy technique gave better pain and function scores than Kaltenborn mobilization; movement scores were similar.
• PTRCT2023Immediate effect of craniocervical flexion exercise and Mulligan mobilisation in patients with mechanical neck pain - A randomised clinical trial.Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liaoBoth craniocervical flexion exercises and Mulligan mobilisation reduced pain and improved neck movement immediately after one session. Neither technique was superior to the other. Clinicians can choose either approach for acute mechanical neck pain, but this trial does not show if benefits last.
• PTOTRCT2024Evaluation of treatment parameters for focused-extracorporeal shock wave therapy in knee osteoarthritis patients with bone marrow lesions: a pilot study.Journal of rehabilitation medicineIn this small pilot, knee osteoarthritis pain and function improved most with 3000 shocks over 6 sessions, while 4-session groups showed worsening or inconclusive trends. However, bone marrow lesions, bone density, and inflammatory blood markers did not change. This suggests symptom relief without altering underlying joint pathology.
• PTRCT2023Trajectories of Adherence to Home-Based Exercise Recommendations Among People With Low Back Pain: A Longitudinal Analysis.Physical therapyAdherence to home exercises in low back pain varied across three distinct trajectories, but baseline patient characteristics could not predict which group a patient would join. Clinicians should monitor adherence during treatment rather than attempting to predict it at the start.
• PTOTCohort2024Predicting Delayed In-Hospital Recovery of Physical Function After Total Knee Arthroplasty.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationA prediction model for delayed recovery after knee replacement performed poorly. Preoperative walking aid use and mobility scores were associated with recovery time, but the model could not reliably distinguish high-risk patients from low-risk patients.
• PTOther2023Effect of experimentally induced plantar pain on trunk posture during gait.Journal of physical therapy scienceExperimentally induced right plantar pain made healthy young men lean their head, chest and pelvis forward during right stance while walking. The neck and trunk angles did not change.
• PTCohort2023Empowerment and enablement and their associations with change in health-related quality of life after a supported osteoarthritis self-management programme - a prospective observational study.Archives of physiotherapyPatients after participating in a Swedish osteoarthritis self-management programme reported higher average health-related quality of life scores at three and nine months. Empowerment and enablement scores were not associated with those changes in the main analyses.
• PTOTCase Report2023Kinematic effects of lateral wedged insoles in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis.Journal of physical therapy scienceLateral wedged insoles did not restore normal knee rotation in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis. Instead of correcting the abnormal movement, the insoles increased external rotation of the tibia, potentially placing more strain on the knee joint during standing.
• PTOTOther2023Individual endogenous pain modulation profiles within a multidimensional context of people with cervicogenic headache - A retrospective exploratory study.Musculoskeletal science & practiceMost people with cervicogenic headache showed altered pain sensitivity or psychosocial factors, not just neck mechanics. Half had widespread pressure sensitivity. This suggests a one-size-fits-all manual therapy approach may miss the mark for many patients.
• PTCase Report2023Serratus anterior fascia plane block for pain control in patients with multiple rib fractures.Journal of physical therapy scienceThree patients with multiple rib fractures received intermittent serratus anterior fascia plane blocks. Pain scores dropped from severe to mild or absent, allowing them to get out of bed and perform respiratory physiotherapy. No adverse effects were reported.
• PTOther2024If You Build It, Will They Come? Patient and Provider Use of a Novel Hybrid Telehealth Care Pathway for Low Back Pain.Physical therapyReferral rates for this hybrid low back pain pathway varied widely across clinics, ranging from 37.8% to 72.1% of those referred enrolling. In-person site visits significantly increased referrals, while most patients preferred telephone over video for telehealth components.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Cognitive assessment to optimize prediction of functional outcome in subacute hip fracture: a short-term prospective study.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineIn hip fracture patients who passed a basic cognitive screen, a more detailed MoCA test predicted discharge independence. Patients with a seven-point lower MoCA score had about half the odds of reaching a successful rehabilitation outcome. Adding other cognitive tests did not improve this prediction.
• PTOther2023Development and External Validation of Individualized Prediction Models for Pain Intensity Outcomes in Patients With Neck Pain, Low Back Pain, or Both in Primary Care Settings.Physical therapyPrediction models using routine questionnaire data failed to accurately forecast pain intensity at the point of consultation. They systematically overpredicted pain at 6 months and underpredicted it at 2 months. These tools are not accurate enough for clinical use yet.
• PTOTOther2023Does the painDETECT questionnaire identify impaired conditioned pain modulation in people with musculoskeletal pain? - a diagnostic accuracy study.Archives of physiotherapyPainDETECT scores below 19 correctly ruled out impaired pain modulation in most people. However, the questionnaire failed to identify those with the impairment, showing low sensitivity and accuracy. It screens for neuropathic symptoms but does not detect pain modulation deficits.
• PTOTOther2023Longitudinal Invariance Testing Of The Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score For Joint Replacement Scale (KOOS-JR).International journal of sports physical therapyThe KOOS-JR is valid for comparing knee health between groups, but its stiffness item causes measurement bias over time. Use the six-item version (KOOS-JR-6) to track patient recovery longitudinally. The full seven-item scale should not be used to measure change.
• PTSystematic Review2023Biomechanical Basis of Interval Throwing Programs for Baseball Pitchers: A Systematic Review.International journal of sports physical therapyInterval throwing programs raised elbow stress as distance and effort increased, but the distance where long toss matched full-effort pitching stress varied. Partial-effort mound throws stayed below full-effort pitching stress, and mechanics were not identical.
• PTCohort2023Kinematics, Kinetics and Muscle Activity Analysis during Single-leg Drop-jump Landing Followed by an Unanticipated Task: Focusing on Differences in Neurocognitive Function.International journal of sports physical therapyFemale athletes with lower processing speed scores rotated their trunk more toward the landing leg during a drop-jump. However, knee angles, forces and muscle activity did not differ between groups, so this test alone did not identify the classic ACL injury mechanics.
• PTOther2023The MyJump App is a Valid Method of Assessing and Classifying Limb Symmetry During Recovery from Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.International journal of sports physical therapyThe MyJump app accurately classifies limb symmetry in ACLR patients, matching force plate results for jump height and reactive strength index. It slightly underestimates values but provides valid pass/fail data for return-to-sport decisions at a low cost.
• PTNarrative Review2023The Use of Elastic Resistance Bands to Reduce Dynamic Knee Valgus in Squat-Based Movements: A Narrative Review.International journal of sports physical therapyElastic bands around the thighs increased hip muscle activity during squats, but they did not reduce inward knee movement during the squat. Lighter bands may help train the muscles; stronger bands can increase inward knee movement. No chronic evidence shows correction.
• PTCohort2023Hop to It! The Relationship Between Hop Tests and The Anterior Cruciate Ligament - Return to Sport Index After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in NCAA Division 1 Collegiate Athletes.International journal of sports physical therapyAfter ACL reconstruction in collegiate athletes, hop symmetry scores moved with psychological readiness scores, especially single hop and crossover hop. The timed 6-meter hop did not move with them. This is association, not proof a hop test predicts safe return.
• PTNarrative Review2023Ligament Healing After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: An Important New Patient Pathway?International journal of sports physical therapyNo new patient outcomes or study findings are reported here. This narrative review summarizes ACL healing evidence but does not provide a basis to change practice.
• PTOTOther2024Deep learning model for classifying shoulder pain rehabilitation exercises using IMU sensor.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA deep learning model correctly identified 11 different shoulder exercises from wrist sensor data in patients with shoulder pain. It achieved 92.5% accuracy on new data, though it occasionally confused similar band exercises. This suggests automated monitoring is possible, but clinical validation is still needed.
• PTQualitative2023Physical therapists' perspectives of patient values and their place in clinical practice: a qualitative study.Brazilian journal of physical therapyExperienced Dutch physical therapists said they often account for patient values without a written process, through the relationship. They described this as tacit, humane and responsive, but choices, boundaries, diverseness and trust can make it harder.
• PTOther2023Reliability and Measurement Error of the Qualitative Analysis of Single Leg Loading (QASLS) Tool For Unilateral Tasks.International journal of sports physical therapyThe QASLS tool showed good reliability when the same rater scored the same dancer twice. However, different raters disagreed frequently on single-leg squats. Clinicians should use it for tracking individual progress over time, but be cautious about comparing scores between different practitioners.
• PTOTOther2024Graph modeling of relational structures among functioning variables with low back pain: an exploratory analysis based on International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineA network analysis of low back pain patients identified lifting and carrying objects and temperament functions as central hubs. Dysfunction in these areas correlates strongly with issues in emotional stability, joint stability, and self-care, suggesting these are key targets for comprehensive management.
• PTOTCohort2024Quadriceps femoris muscle ultrasound in sarcoidosis: an observational case-control study.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineWomen with stable sarcoidosis had thinner thigh muscles than healthy controls, but their hand grip strength was normal. Fatigue and lower leg function were linked, suggesting early muscle loss may not show up in standard strength tests.
• PTCohort2023Symptom recurrence and associated factors in postoperative patients with lumbar degenerative disease.Journal of physical therapy scienceAfter lumbar degenerative disease surgery, 12 of 160 patients needed reoperation, and the mean recurrence period was 15.3 months. Patients in the reoperation group had more preoperative back pain and lower 3-month objective findings.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2024"I'm pulling through because of you": injured workers' perspective of workplace factors supporting return to work under the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board scheme.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesInjured workers who sustained return to work described pushing through pain and fatigue because they had no choice. They valued supervisors who checked in, trusted their pace, and modified duties, while feeling abandoned by managers who ignored their struggles.
• PTOTSystematic Review2024Evidence-based recommendations for the rehabilitation and management of the ageing population with spinal cord injury: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicineMost spinal cord injury guidelines lack specific advice for older adults. The few recommendations that exist are mostly low-quality evidence, leaving major gaps in managing mobility, pain, and social participation for patients ageing with or acquiring SCI.
• PTCohort2023Self-reported knee function and activity level are reduced after primary or additional anterior cruciate ligament injury in female football players: a five-year follow-up study.Brazilian journal of physical therapyFemale football players who had another ACL injury after reconstruction reported a decrease of 11.4 points on a 100-point knee function scale over five years; those without another injury did not change. Activity and satisfaction also fell.
• PTCohort2023Which Tests Predict 6-Month Isokinetic Quadriceps Strength After ACL Reconstruction? An Examination of Isometric Quadriceps Strength and Functional Tests at 3 Months.International journal of sports physical therapyThree-month isometric quadriceps strength predicted 36.6% of six-month isokinetic strength in adolescents after ACL reconstruction. The Y-Balance Test and step-down test were poor predictors. Clinicians should not rely on these functional tests as proxies for isolated quadriceps strength.
• PTOTCohort2024Identifying changes in dynamic plantar pressure associated with radiological knee osteoarthritis based on machine learning and wearable devices.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationWearable insoles and machine learning correctly distinguished between people with radiological knee osteoarthritis and those without in 82.61% of cases. The key differences were lower peak pressures in the big toe and heel, and greater variability in foot balance during walking.
• PTOTSLPCohort2023Is There an Association Between Injury History and Lower Extremity Joint Injury During Canada Games Competition?International journal of sports physical therapyAthletes with a history of neck or back injuries were six times more likely to sustain ankle or knee injuries during competition. A history of joint or bone trauma was associated with patellofemoral injuries, and ligament or tendon issues linked to hip injuries.
• PTSystematic Review2023What do people believe to be the cause of low back pain? A scoping review.Brazilian journal of physical therapyCurrent research cannot quantify how specific beliefs about the cause of low back pain affect patient outcomes. Studies use inconsistent measures, making it impossible to separate causal beliefs from other factors or determine their true clinical impact.
• PTCohort2023Training Load and Current Soreness Predict Future Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in Collegiate Female Soccer Athletes.International journal of sports physical therapyDaily wearables tracking decelerations, high-intensity heart rate minutes, and accelerations predicted next-day lower extremity soreness in collegiate soccer players. These specific training load metrics, combined with current soreness reports, offer practical guidance for managing athlete recovery and adjusting practice intensity.
• PTCase Series2023The Basas Spanish Squat: Superimposition of Electrical Stimulation to Optimize Patellar Tendon Strain: A Case Series.International journal of sports physical therapyAdding electrical stimulation to the Basas Spanish Squat roughly doubled patellar tendon strain in three of four healthy participants compared to the squat alone. This mechanical change was measured in healthy legs, so it does not prove the method relieves pain or heals tendons in patients.
• PTNarrative Review2023Utilizing MSK Ultrasound for Comprehensive Assessment of the Femoral Trochlea: A Game Changer in Sports Medicine.International journal of sports physical therapyThis paper describes the technique for using ultrasound to image the femoral trochlea. It lists advantages and future technologies but reports no patient data or outcomes. There is no evidence here to change clinical practice.
• PTOTSystematic Review2023A scoping review of prehabilitation interventions for arthroplasty patients.The South African journal of physiotherapyPrehabilitation before joint replacement showed mixed results across 34 studies. Most included strengthening exercises, but few targeted balance, proprioception, or foot pain, which are common issues in patients waiting for surgery.
• PTOther2023Safety Considerations When Dry Needling the Multifidi in the Thoracolumbar Region: A Cadaveric Study.International journal of sports physical therapyA dry needle placed 1.0 cm lateral to the T12 spinous process at a 22-degree angle penetrated the ligamentum flavum and entered the spinal canal in a cadaver. This suggests potential risk when needling the upper lumbar multifidi.