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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 27 OF 41 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTOther2024Effectiveness of a classification-based approach to low back pain in primary care - a benchmarking controlled trial.Journal of rehabilitation medicineClassification-based care for low back pain did not improve physical functioning at 12 months. However, patients in the intervention group recovered sooner, used less healthcare, had fewer imaging scans, and took fewer sick days than those receiving usual care.
• PTCase Report2023Reduction of thoraco-lumbar kyphosis results in the alleviation of low back pain in an adolescent basketball player: a Chiropractic Biophysics® (CBP®) case report.Journal of physical therapy scienceA 17-year-old basketball player reported pain dropping from 6/10 to 0/10 after four months of chiropractic care. The clinic measured a 12-degree reduction in spinal curvature. Because multiple techniques were used together, no single part can be credited.
• PTOTCohort2024Diabetes is associated with longitudinal declined physical performance measures in persons with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicinePeople with knee osteoarthritis and diabetes lost walking speed and took longer to stand up five times over eight years compared to those without diabetes. This suggests diabetes accelerates physical decline in this population, warranting regular mobility checks.
• PTOTSLPOther2024Nutrition and Food Security Among Veterans: Operationalizing Nutritional Functioning.Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitationVeterans with polytrauma face nutritional barriers rooted in psychosocial and cognitive factors, not just food access. Many view food assistance as a "handout" and struggle with meal planning due to PTSD and pain, requiring tailored rehabilitation interventions that address these specific psychological and functional obstacles.
• PTRCT2024Percutaneous tendon dry needling and thrust manipulation as an adjunct to multimodal physical therapy in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A multicenter randomized clinical trial.Clinical rehabilitationAdding electrical dry needling and thrust manipulation to standard physical therapy reduced tennis elbow pain and disability significantly more than standard therapy alone at 3 months. The difference was large enough to be clinically meaningful, with most patients in the combined group reporting moderate to large recovery.
• PTOTCohort2023Smoothness of gait in healthy older females and patients with postoperative proximal femur fracture.Journal of physical therapy scienceWomen recovering from hip fractures had smoother gait measured by one-step analysis (HR) than stride analysis (mHR), unlike healthy controls. This mismatch suggests they rely on compensatory strategies per stride rather than stable single-step control, indicating residual instability despite being independent.
• PTCohort2024Short-term fear of movement improves less after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with concomitant meniscus repair.Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports MedicineFear of movement improved less after ACL reconstruction with concomitant meniscus repair than after isolated ACL reconstruction by 6 months. Readiness to return to sport did not differ. Expect slower fear reduction after meniscus repair.
• PTOTOther2024Assessment of a novel Ehlers-Danlos syndromes disability index.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesA new Ehlers-Danlos disability index grouped 222 patients' responses into symptom and daily-function areas. Over follow-up, sleep, fatigue, concentration, and sitting improved, but daily-function scores did not show a clear change. It is early-stage, not ready to guide treatment alone.
• PTOTSLPCase-Control2024Physically Active Adults with Low Back Pain do not Demonstrate Altered Deadlift Mechanics: A Novel Application of Myotonometry to Estimate Inter-Muscular Load Sharing.International journal of sports physical therapyPhysically active adults with low back pain showed no significant differences in muscle stiffness during standing or deadlift positions compared to healthy controls. The study found no evidence that pain alters inter-muscular load sharing or mechanics during this movement.
• PTOther2024Sensorimotor Dysfunction Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction- an Afferent Perspective: A Scoping Review.International journal of sports physical therapyPeople after ACL reconstruction show altered brain processing of sensation and vision. Tests of knee position and motion gave mixed small differences, and clinic tools are limited, so these deficits may not be reliably measured.
• PTSurvey2024Validity and reliability of the 2-min step test in individuals with stroke and lower-limb musculoskeletal disorders.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesThe 2-minute step test can be used as a space-saving endurance measure in stroke and lower-limb musculoskeletal disorders. Its scores were moderately related to 6-minute walk distance, but people with stroke took more steps at retest.
• PTOTOther2024Walking with unilateral ankle-foot unloading: a comparative biomechanical analysis of three assistive devices.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationThe ZeroG orthosis let healthy adults walk faster and feel more stable than crutches or the iWalk, but it caused the most shank pain. Crutches were the slowest and hardest work. Do not assume this applies to injured patients.
• PTNarrative Review2024MSK Diagnostic Ultrasound for the Assessment of the Acromioclavicular Joint.International journal of sports physical therapyNo patients or outcomes are reported. This review argues ultrasound can assess acromioclavicular joint injuries, but it provides no evidence to change practice.
• PTOTSLPCohort2024Changes in physical activity level during hospitalization in patients with stroke and those with fracture: a prospective longitudinal study.Journal of physical therapy scienceDuring rehabilitation, both stroke and fracture patients spent less time sitting and more time moving. The biggest gain was in light activity during non-therapy hours. However, total activity remained far below WHO guidelines, suggesting the hospital environment itself limits movement regardless of diagnosis.
• PTCase Report2024Failed back surgery syndrome successfully ameliorated with Chiropractic Biophysics® structural rehabilitation improving pain, disability as well as sagittal and coronal balance: a Chiropractic Biophysics® case report with a 6 year follow-up.Journal of physical therapy scienceA 27-year-old with failed back surgery reported 50% less pain after 36 chiropractic sessions. Six years later, he reported 70% improvement and no numbness. This is a single case, so it does not prove the treatment works for others.
• PTCase Report2024Effect of heel lift insertion on gait function in a patient with total hip arthroplasty with patient-perceived leg length difference: a case report.Journal of physical therapy scienceIn one patient with perceived leg length difference after hip replacement, adding a heel lift improved gait symmetry and reduced the perceived difference. Standard therapy alone improved speed and stride length. This single case does not prove the lift caused the improvement.
• PTOTOther2024Virtual reality skateboarding training for balance and functional performance in degenerative lumbar spine disease.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationA six-week VR skateboarding program reduced pain and improved walking, strength, and balance in older adults with degenerative lumbar spine disease. Participants used handrails for safety, and the study lacked a control group receiving usual care.
• PTOther2024Hip and Trunk Variables in University Students with and without Recurrent Low Back Pain.International journal of sports physical therapyStudents with recurrent low back pain had tiny hip motion differences versus controls. The differences were too small to matter clinically, and strength and endurance did not differ.
• PTCohort2024Non-invasive evaluation of autonomic responses in patients with rotator cuff tear-related nocturnal pain.Journal of physical therapy sciencePulse rate did not differ between groups, but patients with persistent rotator cuff tear pain showed abnormal pulse rhythm patterns before, during, and after a hand squeeze test.
• PTCase Report2024Combining Static and Dynamic Myofascial Dry Cupping Therapy to Improve Local and Regional Symptoms in Individuals with Low Back Pain: A Case Series.International journal of sports physical therapyThree people with chronic low back pain reported zero pain and less disability after three cupping sessions. However, with no control group and static and dynamic cups applied together, it is impossible to know if cupping caused these changes or if they would have happened anyway.
• PTNarrative Review2024Manual therapy and exercise effects on inflammatory cytokines: a narrative overview.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesRegular moderate exercise may lower pro-inflammatory cytokines, while acute intense exercise may raise them. Manual therapy evidence is too mixed and sparse to show a consistent cytokine effect.
• PTNarrative Review2024Enhancing the Diagnosis of Lateral Ankle Sprains: The Role of MSK Diagnostic Ultrasound in Evaluating ATFL and CFL.International journal of sports physical therapyA technique guide for ultrasound of lateral ankle ligaments. It describes probe positions and tear appearances, but reports no patient outcomes or diagnostic accuracy.
• PTSurvey2024Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychological Outcomes in Participants with Symptomatic and Non-Symptomatic Knees after ACL Reconstruction.International journal of sports physical therapyAfter ACL reconstruction, people with symptomatic knees reported worse quality of life, more fear of activity, and lower resilience than people with non-symptomatic knees. Physical activity levels did not differ.
• PTOTOther2024An enhancement of the Genium™ microprocessor-controlled knee improves safety and different aspects of the perceived prosthetic experience for unilateral and bilateral users.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesAn upgraded microprocessor knee reduced stumbles by 85% and pain scores overall, but did not change standard mobility or balance test results. Bilateral users reported significantly greater ease and safety in daily activities than unilateral users, though no physical performance gap closed.
• PTOTCohort2024Lumbopelvic movement coordination during walking improves with transfemoral bone anchored limbs: Implications for low back pain.Gait & postureSelf-reported low back pain disability dropped significantly 12 months after bone-anchored limb implantation. Walking coordination between the trunk and pelvis also changed, moving toward patterns seen in able-bodied people. The study was small and lacked a control group.
• PTOther2024Implementing Velocity-Based Training to Optimize Return to Sprint After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Soccer Players: A Clinical Commentary.International journal of sports physical therapyThis commentary outlines a velocity-based training framework for returning soccer players to sprinting after ACL reconstruction. It details using force-velocity and acceleration-speed profiles to individualize loading, aiming to target specific mechanical deficits rather than relying on generic strength training.
• PTOTQualitative2024"I Feel Like I Have Lost Part Of My Identity" - A Qualitative Study Exploring The Impact Of Chronic Ankle Instability.International journal of sports physical therapyNine patients with chronic ankle instability described fear of re-spraining, confusion from conflicting advice, and a loss of identity when sport stopped. They wanted clear explanations, realistic goals, and rehab that fit daily life.
• PTSurvey2024The knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of physiotherapists and chiropractors in South Africa.The South African journal of physiotherapySouth African physiotherapists and chiropractors mostly rated each other competent and effective. Chiropractors more often knew physiotherapy qualifications and course length than physiotherapists knew chiropractic qualifications and course length. Referral to physiotherapy was more common than referral to chiropractic.
• PTNarrative Review2024Why Your Patient May Need an ACL Reconstruction Plus Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis Procedure.International journal of sports physical therapyThis paper argues that adding a lateral extra-articular tenodesis to ACL reconstruction helps prevent graft failure in high-risk athletes. It reviews existing evidence and offers expert recommendations on patient selection, but presents no new clinical data or trial results.
• PTPilot2024Development and Feasibility of an Adolescent Dancer Screen.International journal of sports physical therapyA dance screening protocol was feasible in 32 adolescent dancers, but technique scoring varied widely between raters. It can flag impairments for wellness advice. It does not show that screening prevents injuries.
• PTNarrative Review2024MSK Ultrasound: A Powerful Tool for Evaluating and Diagnosing Pectoralis Major Injuries in Healthcare Practice.International journal of sports physical therapy
• PTCohort2024Asymmetric running is associated with pain during outdoor running in individuals with Achilles tendinopathy in the return-to-sport phase.Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports MedicineRunners with Achilles pain who shifted load to the healthy leg reported more pain, especially on consecutive run days. However, the total number of runs over two weeks did not worsen symptoms. Recovery days may help manage pain, but run frequency itself was not harmful.
• PTOther2024Functional electrostimulation therapy for vastus medialis decreases the varus thrust during gait.Journal of physical therapy scienceFunctional electrical stimulation to the vastus medialis during walking reduced varus thrust by 0.5 degrees in 10 patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, knee adduction moment increased, and the small change fell within measurement error limits.
• PTCohort2024Establishing Normal Variances and Expectations for Quadriceps Limb Symmetry Index Benchmarks Based on Time from Surgery After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.International journal of sports physical therapyAfter autograft ACL reconstruction, estimated quadriceps strength benchmarks came later than after allograft, and the male-female difference was not clear. Use graft-specific timelines for counseling, not fixed calendar expectations.
• PTOther2024Reliability of an Instrumented Pressure Walkway for Measuring Walking and Running Characteristics in Young, Athletic Individuals.International journal of sports physical therapyThree one-way passes over a pressure walkway gave consistent walking and running measurements in 38 young, active adults; stride width was the least repeatable walking measure across days.
• PTOTOther2024Utilizing Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and Ulnar Nerve Pathology.International journal of sports physical therapyMusculoskeletal ultrasound provides a non-invasive, real-time view of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, helping clinicians visualize structural issues like nerve instability or compression. It serves as a useful adjunct to physical exams and nerve conduction studies, particularly when the diagnosis is unclear or anatomical variations are suspected.
• PTCohort2024Quadriceps and Hamstrings Activation Peaks Earlier as Athletes Repeatedly Hop, but There are Differences Depending on ACL Reconstruction Technique.International journal of sports physical therapyDuring 30-second maximal single-leg hopping, quadriceps and hamstring activation peaks moved earlier in the hop cycle as athletes repeated hops. Injured legs after ACL reconstruction also showed lower peak quadriceps activation, with both graft types.
• PTOther2024Developing and assessing the measurement properties of an instrument to assess the impact of musculoskeletal pain in children aged 9 to 12-the pediatric musculoskeletal pain impact summary score.Brazilian journal of physical therapyA four-item pain impact score in children aged 9 to 12 did not hold together well enough to recommend it for clinical use. It did separate children with frequent pain from those with infrequent pain, but the evidence for it was limited.
• PTOTSystematic Review2024Psychometric properties of body structures and functions measures in non-surgical thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: A systematic review.Journal of hand therapy : official journal of the American Society of Hand TherapistsFor non-surgical thumb arthritis, only a few objective tests have proven reliability. Use the Kapandji index for opposition, the intermetacarpal distance method for abduction, and three pain-free trials with standard dynamometers for grip and pinch. Avoid unvalidated dexterity or sensory measures.
• PTOTSLPRCT2024Effect of oculomotor exercises in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain and associated visual complaints.Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liaoAdding oculomotor exercises to conventional physiotherapy for chronic neck pain improved gaze stability and reduced visual complaints. Pain and disability improved in both groups, but adding eye exercises did not provide extra benefit for these primary outcomes.
• PTOther2024Individualized Technique Feedback for Instant Technique Improvements and Knee Abduction Moment Reductions - A New Approach for 'Sidestepping' ACL Injuries?International journal of sports physical therapyImmediate visual feedback, explanations and verbal instructions improved cutting technique in elite female handball players. Foot strike and knee valgus feedback lowered knee abduction moment by 13.4% and 17.1%; vertical velocity feedback did not lower it.
• PTOTOther2024Musculoskeletal complaints, physical work demands, and functional capacity in individuals with a brachial plexus injury: An exploratory study.Work (Reading, Mass.)For people with one working arm, four video-based ergonomic tools agreed on workload scores, but their risk ratings did not. A self-report questionnaire did not match any tool. Pain in the healthy arm was not linked to workload or measured capacity, so these tools cannot explain who develops pain.
• PTRCT2024Prognostic Factors and Treatment Effect Modifiers for Physical Health, Opioid Prescription, and Health Care Utilization in Patients With Musculoskeletal Disorders in Primary Care: Exploratory Secondary Analysis of the STEMS Randomized Trial of Direct Access to Physical Therapist-Led Care.Physical therapyThe STEMS trial did not find a meaningful physical health advantage from adding an offer of direct access to physical therapy to GP care. Belief in managing pain predicted better health, fewer opioid prescriptions, and less care use. Severe pain predicted the opposite.
• PTCase Report2024Clinical Progression and Load Management For Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy In A Long-Distance Runner: A Case Report.International journal of sports physical therapyA runner with severe buttock pain from hamstring tendon injury reported pain dropping from 7/10 to 1/10 after 12 weeks of progressive loading exercises. The plan increased difficulty only when daily pain stayed at 4/10 or less, moving from isometric holds to running.
• PTCase Report2024Treatment of developmental hip dysplasia with manual therapy following Pavlik harness failure: a case report with long-term follow-up.The Journal of manual & manipulative therapyIn a child whose hip dysplasia persisted after a Pavlik harness, daily manual therapy was followed by less limping, normal walking, and later X-ray findings. This describes a case, not proof the therapy works.
• PTOTSystematic Review2024Validity and Reliability of Dynamic and Functional Balance Tests in People Aged 19-54: A Systematic Review.International journal of sports physical therapyThe Y-Balance Test, Star Excursion Balance Test, and one-arm Functional Reach Test are valid and reliable for assessing dynamic balance in healthy adults aged 19-54. Different tests measure distinct skills, so scores cannot be directly compared between them.
• PTOther2024Evaluation of the accuracy of ChatGPT's responses to and references for clinical questions in physical therapy.Journal of physical therapy scienceOverall, ChatGPT's answer content was rated almost correct, but 40.5% of references were fictitious. Check every reference before using it.
• PTNarrative Review2024Associations Between Hip Pathology, Hip and Groin Pain, and Injuries in Hockey Athletes: A Clinical Commentary.International journal of sports physical therapyHip and groin pain in hockey athletes is linked to a cycle of structural changes, not just one injury. Cam morphology may lead to labral tears, which cause ligament lengthening and hip instability. This triggers muscle guarding, reduced range of motion, and compensatory movements that increase the risk of core muscle and adductor injuries.
• PTCase Report2024Triceps Tendon Avulsion in a Soldier: A Case Report.International journal of sports physical therapyIn one soldier with intact elbow extension strength, ultrasound showed a high-grade partial triceps tendon tear. This led to MRI and repair within three weeks. He returned to full duty at eleven months.
• PTOTOther2024Precision Rehabilitation After Neurostimulation Implantation for Multifidus Dysfunction in Nociceptive Mechanical Chronic Low Back Pain.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationExpert rehabilitation guidance after multifidus neurostimulation for chronic mechanical low back pain protects the implant, often starts formal rehab around six weeks, and restricts manual therapy, ultrasound, diathermy, and dry needling near leads. These are expert recommendations, not a tested protocol.