TOPIC

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 33 OF 41 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTNarrative Review2025Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Median Nerve.International journal of sports physical therapyNo study results are reported. This narrative review describes median nerve ultrasound anatomy and diagnostic thresholds.
• PTOTOther2025Differences in cervical mobility and pain sensitivity between patients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain and asymptomatic subjects: a cross-sectional study.Archives of physiotherapyPatients with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain showed lower neck pain thresholds on both sides and reduced neck rotation toward the painful shoulder compared to healthy controls. Neck strength did not differ. These associations do not prove the neck causes the shoulder pain.
• PTRCT2025Effect of extension on stiffness of the teres minor muscle following extracorporeal shock wave therapy for frozen shoulder: a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.Journal of physical therapy scienceApplying shock wave therapy to the teres minor muscle while the shoulder was stretched reduced muscle stiffness more than when the shoulder was relaxed. This suggests positioning the muscle in a lengthened state before treatment may improve the immediate reduction of stiffness.
• PTOther2025Comparison of subject-specific musculoskeletal model calibration strategies on muscle force and fatigue estimation.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationFor computer models estimating elbow muscle force and fatigue, calibrating the model using dynamic movements works better than using static holds. This dynamic calibration reduced estimation error to 4.5 percent. Adding patient-specific fatigue settings did not improve accuracy further.
• PTCohort2025The intermetacarpal distance method for assessment of active thumb radial abduction has excellent test-retest agreement, reliability, and precision in persons with non-operative thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.Journal of hand therapy : official journal of the American Society of Hand TherapistsMeasuring thumb abduction with a digital caliper is highly reliable in people with thumb arthritis. Using the average of two trials provides better precision than a single trial, requiring only ten extra seconds to ensure accurate tracking of patient progress.
• PTOTRCT2025Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with acupuncture therapy on brain network functional connectivity in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a single-center randomized controlled trial.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationCombining brain stimulation with acupuncture reduced knee pain and stiffness more than either treatment alone after two weeks. All three groups improved, but the combined group had significantly lower pain scores than the acupuncture or stimulation groups.
• PTOther2025A toolbox for the identification of foot-floor contact sequences to analyze atypical gait cycles in a real-life scenario: application on patients after proximal femur fracture and healthy elderly.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationPressure insoles worn during daily walking showed people after proximal femur fracture had more unusual foot-floor contact patterns and more uneven flat-foot and swing timing than healthy older adults.
• PTRCT2025Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation combined with the enhanced recovery after surgery regimen on motor function recovery following total knee arthroplasty.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationAfter total knee replacement, patients receiving electroacupuncture plus enhanced recovery measures had lower pain, shorter hospital stay, and better knee function. The care also included analgesia and exercise, so electroacupuncture alone cannot be credited.
• PTProtocol2025A protocol for delivery of prehabilitation in lower limb arthroplasty in South Africa.The South African journal of physiotherapyNo hip or knee replacement outcomes are reported. This paper describes a planned prehabilitation protocol in South Africa, so it cannot change current practice yet.
• PTCase Report2025Quantifying At-Home Physiotherapy Participation: SPARS vs Self-Reported Diaries.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationSmartwatch data agreed closely with patient diaries on home exercise participation during the first two weeks of shoulder rehab. Diaries reported slightly more days than the watch, but the high agreement suggests wearable sensors are a viable alternative to self-report.
• PTCase Report2025Postoperative Physical Therapy for Cervical Total Disc Replacement: A Case Report.International journal of sports physical therapyA single athlete returned to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 12 weeks after two-level cervical disc replacement. He completed 14 physical therapy sessions over 16 weeks, focusing on gradual strength and mobility. While he reported no pain and full function at one year, this is one case, not proof of efficacy.
• PTOTOther2025Spinal movement impairments in people with acute low back pain.Musculoskeletal science & practicePeople with acute low back pain showed spinal movement impairments as often as those with chronic pain. Modifying these impairments during the exam immediately reduced symptoms in the majority of acute cases, suggesting movement patterns are a relevant target even early in the condition.
• PTOTOther2025Causes of Adolescent Low Back Pain: A Retrospective Study.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationIn adolescents with low back pain, most cases had no specific cause (42.81%). Disc disease was the second most common (27.64%), more frequent in women. Spondylolysis was third (14.54%), more frequent in men. This challenges assumptions about the primary driver of adolescent back pain.
• PTOTSurvey2025Exploring musculoskeletal pain among Italian olive pickers: A cross-sectional investigation into prevalence, attitudes, expectations, and beliefs.Work (Reading, Mass.)84.8% of 127 Italian olive pickers reported musculoskeletal pain in the last year, mainly lower back, shoulders and neck. Many avoided movement and expected manual treatment, while 44% did nothing to prevent pain.
• PTCase Report2025Patellar Tendinopathy Responding to Spinal Treatment: A Case Report Using Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy.International journal of sports physical therapyOne marathon runner with a referred diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy reported pain-free running and a knee function score of 100/100 at six months, following a lumbar-focused assessment and treatment program. This is one person, not a pattern.
• PTOther2025Treatment of Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy with Individualized Physiotherapy: A Clinical Commentary.International journal of sports physical therapyNo patient outcomes are reported. This commentary describes a staged physiotherapy protocol for proximal hamstring tendinopathy, so it does not show whether the approach works.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2025Lived Experiences of Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain and Implications on Their Daily Life: A Metasynthesis of Qualitative Research.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationOlder adults with chronic low back pain often hide their struggles to avoid burdening family, leading to isolation and despair. They actively seek explanations for their pain to gain credibility with clinicians. Therapists should validate invisible pain and involve families in care plans.
• PTCase Report2025The Immediate Effects on Shoulder Internal Rotation Motion and External Rotation Strength Following a Muscle Energy Technique in a Young Overhead Thrower: A Case Report.International journal of sports physical therapyIn one asymptomatic pitcher, a single muscle energy technique immediately increased shoulder internal rotation motion and external rotation strength at 0 degrees of abduction. This describes a response in one person, not proof that the technique works for others.
• PTMeta-Analysis2025Comparing Dry Needle Therapy and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translationNeedling alone and shockwave therapy alone gave similar pain relief in tendinopathy. Adding needling to shockwave therapy was associated with less pain than shockwave alone at later follow-up, but evidence covers 9 trials and 528 patients.
• PTCohort2025Administering the ACL-RSI Before or After ACL Functional Testing: Does It Matter?International journal of sports physical therapyOverall ACL-RSI scores did not change after return-to-sport testing. The emotions subscale decreased, while confidence and risk appraisal did not.
• PTNarrative Review2025Is it all About the Quads? Implications of the Calf Musculature Post-ACL Injury in Return to Sport Rehab.International journal of sports physical therapyThis is a clinical commentary on calf muscles after ACL reconstruction. It reviews ideas and gives rehabilitation suggestions, but reports no original methods or results, so there is no finding to act on.
• PTOther2025Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Triceps Tendon.International journal of sports physical therapyThis paper describes how to scan the triceps tendon with ultrasound. It does not report patient outcomes or test diagnostic accuracy, so there is no evidence here to guide treatment decisions.
• PTOther2025The Clinical Utility of Thigh Circumferential Measurement in Association with Quadriceps Limb Symmetry.International journal of sports physical therapyAfter knee ligament surgery, side-to-side thigh circumference difference and quadriceps limb symmetry moved together, but not strongly. Thigh bulk includes tissues other than quadriceps muscle.
• PTRCT2025Internet-Based Telerehabilitation Versus in-Person Therapeutic Exercises in Young Adult Females With Chronic Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture: Randomized Controlled Trial.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesInternet-based telerehabilitation was as effective as in-person therapy for young women with chronic neck pain and forward head posture. Both groups improved similarly in pain, posture, and range of motion over 6 weeks. Remote supervision is a valid alternative to clinic visits for this population.
• PTOTCohort2025Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy combined with physical therapy on improving outcomes in chronic low back pain.Journal of physical therapy scienceAdding six cognitive behavioral therapy sessions to standard physical therapy for chronic low back pain produced greater reductions in pain, disability, and fear of movement than physical therapy alone after 12 weeks.
• PTOTOther2025Effects of whole-body cryostimulation on spinal and shoulder range of motion in individuals with obesity.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesAdding whole-body cryostimulation to a 4-week rehabilitation program improved spinal and shoulder range of motion in people with obesity compared to rehabilitation alone. The control group saw no significant change in these measures.
• PTOTCase Report2025Focal muscle vibration and neurocognitive exercise improve function and reduce neuropathic pain after sciatic nerve injury: a case report assessment through gait analysis.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesOne patient with chronic sciatic nerve pain improved after combining focal vibration with neurocognitive rehab. Pain dropped from 6 to 3 on a 0-10 scale, and gait speed increased. This is a single case, so it does not prove the treatment works for others.
• PTQualitative2025The feasibility of M-health for people with chronic low back pain in Shanghai, China: A qualitative study.Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liaoPatients and physiotherapists in Shanghai found mobile health acceptable for chronic low back pain, citing convenience and better exercise adherence. However, they rejected it as a standalone solution due to the inability to perform physical exams, lack of insurance coverage, and poor real-time feedback.
• PTSystematic Review2025Evaluation and Synthesis of Physiotherapy Protocols for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS): A Scoping Review.Archives of physiotherapyPhysiotherapy protocols for FAIS often lack enough detail to use directly. Across 31 protocols, reporting was often incomplete, with missing session counts, progression, or adherence checks.
• PTOTCase Report2025Gait function progress in a patient with a femoral neck fracture who underwent rehabilitation during prolonged surgical waiting time: a case study.Journal of physical therapy scienceA woman in her 80s with a hip fracture waited 27 days for surgery. Using a soft lumbar orthosis to reduce pain, she walked with a walker before surgery and was discharged home on day 63.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2025Effectiveness of combined regenerative medicine and exercise therapy for patients with knee osteoarthritis: a scoping review.Frontiers in rehabilitation sciencesThree small studies found that adding exercise to platelet-rich plasma injections for knee osteoarthritis improved pain and function more than injections alone. The evidence is too limited to confirm this works, as the studies were small, varied in design, and had high risk of bias.
• PTOTSLPCohort2025What patient-specific factors can potentially affect physiotherapy attendance of patients with knee OA at a local hospital in Singapore?Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liaoStandard-care knee OA patients attended an average of 2.7 sessions. Females, those with higher BMI, previous injections, or more pain during tests attended less. Conversely, those with higher anxiety or depression scores attended more. This helps identify patients at risk of low adherence.
• PTSurvey2025Exploring the Quality of Physical Therapy in Patients With Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis in Germany: A Cross-Sectional, Vignette-Based Study.Physical therapyGerman physical therapists mostly chose exercise, education and self-management for hip or knee osteoarthritis cases, but many also chose non-recommended treatments. Guideline familiarity was low, and non-academic or more experienced therapists scored lower on guideline alignment.
• PTOther2025Effectiveness of therapeutic exercise and platelet-rich plasma in the case of knee osteoarthritis.Journal of physical therapy scienceIn mild knee OA, adding one PRP injection to supervised exercise gave better pain and function scores than exercise alone at eight weeks. The study was small and reported results only at eight weeks.
• PTOTOther2025Evidence for return to work following complex orthopaedic injury - a scoping review.Work (Reading, Mass.)Return to work after complex orthopaedic injury has limited, inconsistent evidence. Studies mostly examined open tibia fractures, not upper limb fractures, and predictors varied by injury type and time after injury. No consistent predictors emerged.
• PTOTCohort2025Predictors of walking ability at discharge post proximal femoral fracture in an acute care hospital.Journal of physical therapy scienceOnly 28.7% of patients regained walking ability by discharge from acute care after hip fracture surgery. Pre-injury cognitive function was the only independent predictor. Low scores suggest a need for early transfer planning rather than assuming home discharge is feasible.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Validity & Reliability of Using Musculoskeletal Ultrasound to Measure Cervical Disc Height.International journal of sports physical therapyMusculoskeletal ultrasound measured cervical disc height with good to excellent reliability and validity compared to MRI in healthy young adults. Ultrasound readings averaged slightly lower than MRI, but the difference fell within expected measurement error. This supports ultrasound as a safe, accessible tool for research and clinical assessment.
• PTCohort2025Investigation of Force Plate Jump Testing Metrics Relevant to Return to Play Decision Making in Basketball Athletes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.International journal of sports physical therapyBasketball players with weaker quadriceps showed significant jump asymmetries in double-leg and repeated hop tests, but not in single-leg countermovement jumps. Relying on one jump type misses deficits. Use a battery of tests and check variability, not just a 90% symmetry score.
• PTOTQualitative2025Understanding School Presenteeism and Absence in Adolescents Affected by Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Qualitative Study.Child: care, health and developmentAdolescents with chronic musculoskeletal pain and their parents described being at school and taking part as shaped by being believed by staff, having trusted friends, and managing transitions. Walking aids sometimes drew stigma. Adjustments were described as making it easier to stay in school.
• PTNarrative Review2025Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Plantar Fascia.International journal of sports physical therapyThis paper describes how to image the plantar fascia with ultrasound and what normal anatomy looks like on the scan. It does not test whether this imaging helps diagnose foot pain or improves treatment, so it offers no evidence to change how you assess patients.
• PTCase Report2025A Comprehensive Biomechanical and Clinical Analysis of a Youth Ambidextrous Baseball Pitcher: A Case Report.International journal of sports physical therapyOne youth ambidextrous pitcher’s shoulder motion and throwing mechanics changed differently on each side over three years. Right-arm strength and speed improved, while left-arm motion lagged. This describes one athlete’s development, not evidence that any treatment works.
• PTOTOther2025Cross-sectional differences of physical and psychosocial measures in low back pain according to pain chronification risk groups.Journal of rehabilitation medicinePatients with low back pain at high risk of chronification had significantly worse physical strength and higher pain than those at low risk. High-risk patients were also more likely to refuse or be excluded from strength testing, suggesting physical deconditioning and fear are linked.
• PTOTCohort2025Trajectories of Physical Disabilities Over 6 Months in Patients With Long COVID.Physical therapyOver six months, adults with long COVID saw small improvements in fatigue and walking distance that did not reach clinical significance. Their physical capacity remained substantially lower than controls. Baseline fatigue and daily step count predicted quality of life six months later.
• PTCase Report2025Rehabilitation of a Professional Ballerina Post-Traumatic Fourth Toe Fracture: A Case Report.International journal of sports physical therapyA professional ballerina with a toe fracture returned to full pointe work after 18 physical therapy visits. The plan combined manual therapy, progressive loading, and modified pointe shoe use. This describes one person's recovery, not a proven protocol for others.
• PTNarrative Review2025Current Concept Review: Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: From Rehabilitation to Return to Sport.International journal of sports physical therapyThis review proposes a four-phase rehabilitation protocol for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. It outlines specific milestones for range of motion, quadriceps strength, and hop tests to guide return to sport. No single component of the protocol was tested against another.
• PTCohort2025Proprioception and Central Nervous Excitability: Implications for Return-to-Play in Athletes with Ligament or Meniscal Injuries.International journal of sports physical therapyAthletes with prior knee injuries showed higher central nervous system excitability when using visual feedback to maintain knee torque. This suggests visual cues may override proprioceptive control, potentially hindering the automatic movement patterns needed for safe return to sport.
• PTRCT2025Telerehabilitation versus face-to-face physical therapy for middle-aged patients with degenerative meniscal tear in China: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial.Journal of rehabilitation medicineTelerehabilitation matched face-to-face physical therapy for knee function and pain in middle-aged patients with degenerative meniscal tears. Home-based care cost significantly less, though patients needed to be comfortable using a smartphone app.
• PTOTQualitative2025Peer-mentorship among people with lower limb amputations living in small communities.Australian occupational therapy journalEight people with lower limb amputations in small Canadian communities described peer mentorship as filling a gap clinical care could not. Mentors provided practical strategies for daily tasks and emotional validation through shared lived experience. The relationship often evolved into a lasting friendship that supported long-term adjustment and resource navigation.
• PTNarrative Review2025Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of the Brachialis.International journal of sports physical therapyThis paper describes how to scan the brachialis muscle with ultrasound. It details probe placement, normal appearance, and dynamic testing but reports no patient outcomes, diagnostic accuracy, or treatment results.
• PTOther2025Kinematic control differs in walking speed adjustment to different velocities.Journal of physical therapy scienceIn healthy adults, rhythmic sound cues produced different step-length and step-time patterns when people sped up or slowed down to different target speeds. This describes gait control, not a therapy effect.