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Purpose: Postoperative physical therapy (PT) is a cornerstone of orthopedic and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, proven to provide various positive clinical benefits. However, there is a paucity of literature evaluating the utility of preoperative rehabilitation specific to spine surgery. Thus, this review article aims to provide an overview of previously published studies discussing the efficacy of preoperative rehabilitation programs and its role in spinal surgery. Special emphasis was given to preoperative frailty assessments, physical performance tests, interventional strategies, feasibility, and future directions., Methods: We performed a literature review using PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and PubMed Central (PMC) using directed search terms. Articles that examined preoperative rehabilitation in adult spine surgery were compiled for this review. Prehabilitation programs focused on exercise, flexibility, and behavioral modifications have been shown to significantly improve pain levels and functional strength assessments in patients undergoing elective spine surgery. In addition, studies suggest that these programs may also decrease hospital stays, return to work time, and overall direct health care expenditure costs. Screening tools such as the FRAIL scale can be used to assess frailty while physical function tests like the timed-up-and go (TUGT), 5 repetition sit-to-stand test (5R-STST), and hand grip strength (HGS) can help identify patients who would most benefit from prehabilitation., Conclusions: This review illustrates that prehabilitation programs have the potential to increase quality of life, improve physical function and activity levels, and decrease pain, hospital stays, return to work time, and overall direct costs. However, there is a paucity of literature in this field that requires further study and investigation., (© 2024. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)

Background: In recent decades, early rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) repair has been proposed. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to compare different immobilisation durations in order to determine the optimal duration after open surgery for ATR repair., Methods: This study included 1088 patients (mean age, 34.9 ± 5.9 years) who underwent open surgery for acute ATR repair. The patients were categorised into four groups (A, B, C, and D) according to postoperative immobilisation durations of 0, 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively. All patients received the same suture technique and a similar rehabilitation protocol after brace removal,; they were clinically examined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 weeks postoperatively, with a final follow-up at a mean of 19.0 months. The primary outcome was the recovery time for the one-leg heel-rise height (OHRH). Secondary outcomes included the time required to return to light exercise (LE) and the recovery times for the range of motion (ROM). Data regarding the surgical duration, complications, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS), and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score were also collected., Results: The recovery times for OHRH, LE, and ROM were significantly shorter in groups A and B than in groups C and D (P < 0.001). The VAS scores decreased over time, reaching 0 in all groups by 10 weeks. The mean scores in groups A and B were higher than those in the other groups at 2 and 4 weeks (P < 0.001), whereas the opposite was true at 8 weeks (P < 0.001). ATRS and the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot scale score increased across all groups over time, showing significant between-group differences from weeks 6 to 16 (P < 0.001) and weeks 6 to 12 (P < 0.001). The mean scores were better in groups A and B than in groups C and D. Thirty-eight complications (3.5%) were observed, including 20 re-ruptures and 18 superficial infections. All complications were resolved at the last follow-up, with no significant between-group differences., Conclusions: Immobilisation for 2 weeks after open surgery for ATR repair may be the optimal strategy for early rehabilitation with relatively minimal pain and other complications., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04663542)., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Competing Interests: Disclosure: The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest forms are provided with the online version of the article ( http://links.lww.com/JBJS/H245 ).

Objective: To synthesize evidence on physical activity interventions that used wearables, either alone or in combination with education or rehabilitation, in adults following orthopaedic surgical procedures., Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and EMBASE were searched for randomized controlled trials of wearable-based interventions from each database's inception to August 2021 in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Relevant outcomes included physical activity, physical function, pain, psychological distress, or general health. PEDro scale scoring ranges from 0 to 10 and was used to appraise studies as high (≥7), moderate (5-6), or poor (<5) quality., Results: Of 335 articles identified, 6 articles met eligibility criteria. PEDro scores ranged from 2 to 6, with 3 studies of moderate quality and 3 of poor quality. Studies included patients undergoing total knee (number; n = 4) or total knee or hip (n = 1) arthroplasty and lumbar disc herniation surgery (n = 1). In addition to wearables, intervention components included step diary (n = 2), motivational interviewing (n = 1), goal setting (n = 2), tailored exercise program (n = 2), or financial incentives (n = 1). Interventions were delivered in-person (n = 2), remotely (n = 3) or in a hybrid format (n = 1). Intervention duration ranged from 6 weeks to 6 months. Compared to controls, 3 moderate quality studies reported greater improvement in steps/day; however, 1 moderate and 2 poor quality studies showed no between-group difference in physical function, pain, or quality of life. No serious adverse events related to the use of wearable were reported., Conclusions: The effects of physical activity interventions using wearables, either delivered in-person or remotely, appear promising for increasing steps per day after joint arthroplasty; however, this finding should be viewed with caution since it is based on 3 moderate quality studies. Further research is needed to determine the therapeutic effects of using wearables as an intervention component in patients undergoing other orthopaedic surgical procedures., Trial Registration: PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42020186103., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

The modified Broström procedure (MBP) is an initial treatment for symptomatic chronic ankle instability (CAI) patients. This study aimed to compare the proprioception and neuromuscular control ability of both affected and unaffected ankles at the time of return to sports after MBP for patients with scores of normal controls. 75 individuals (40 who underwent MBP, 35 normal controls) participated. The dynamic balance test scores were significantly higher in the affected ankle of the patients than in the controls (1.5 ± 0.6° vs. 1.1 ± 0.4°, p < 0.003). The time to peak torque for dorsiflexion (60.8 ± 13.9 ms vs. 52.2 ± 17.5 ms, p < 0.022) and eversion (68.9 ± 19.1 ms vs. 59.3 ± 21.1 ms, p < 0.043) was significantly delayed in the affected ankle of the patients than in the controls. The dynamic balance test and time to peak torque in CAI patients remained significantly reduced at the time of return-to-sport after MBP. Clinicians and therapists should be aware of potential deficits in proprioception and neuromuscular control when determining the timing of return to sports after MBP., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Abstract: Since its application in medical institutions in China, quality control circle (QCC) has gained achievements in medical care and thus earned more attention from the administrative department of health. This paper focuses on the application of QCC (bone-strength test circle) as a new management concept and tool circle in improving the implementation rate of functional exercise in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, which further effectively improve the accuracy and compliance of functional exercise in patients undergoing surgery, and further effectively promote the rehabilitation of patients.From July 2018 to November 2018, the management tools and statistical methods of QCC were used to compare the promotion effect of functional exercise execution rate of orthopedic surgery patients before and after QCC activities.The checklist investigated 6 key causes of functional exercise in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, the operative rate of orthopaedic surgery in all aspects changed significantly. Among them, the factors of inadequate propaganda and education were compared before and after the improvement, which decreased by 71% after the improvement. The incorrect factors of exercise decreased by 69% after improvement, the effect was more obvious, the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The improvement rate was 59.4%.Through this activity, functional exercise education process and functional exercise paths, and corresponding standards for various orthopedic diseases were established. At the same time, the measures such as health education for patients were strengthened, and the expected goals were effectively achieved., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2021 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Background: Tension band plating for temporary hemiepiphysiodesis has been reported by several authors as simple and effective for treating angular deformities of the lower limb. Anecdotally, patients have reported higher pain levels than expected given the small size of incision and relatively minimal amount of dissection, and we sought to investigate this further., Methods: Patients 16 years old or less with lower extremity angular deformities or limb length inequality were prospectively enrolled before tension band plating from 2 pediatric institutions from July 2016 to December 2018. Participants completed postoperative questionnaires regarding their pain and activity level. Pain was assessed using the FACES Pain Scale. Patients were included if they completed the 1 month survey., Results: Of the 48 patients that met inclusion criteria (mean age at surgery: 13.1 y; range: 7 to 16 y), 39 patients completed the survey at 3 months postoperatively. There was a significant change in pain level between 1 week and 1 month postoperatively (P<0.001). Eighty-three percent (34/41) of patients were still taking pain medication at 1 week, which decreased to 38% (18/48) at 1 month. At 3 months, 21% (8/39) patients reported they were still using pain medication. At 1 month, 65% of patients (31/48) had not returned to their prior activity level. Of the 39 patients who played sports, 59% (23/39) still had not fully returned to sports at 1 month., Conclusion: At 1 month following tension band plating, 65% of patients had not returned to their preoperative activity level, and 38% were taking pain medications. Although the tension band plate and surgical incision is small in size, patients and parents should be counseled that there are significant activity limitations and pain levels for a month or longer in many patients., Level of Evidence: Level II., Competing Interests: D.L.S. reports he is a board or committee member for the CHLA Foundation, Growing Spine Foundation, and Growing Spine Study Group; a paid consultant for Grand Rounds; has stock or stock options in Green Sun Medical; is on the editorial or governing board for the Journal of Children’s Orthopaedics, Orthopedics Today, Spine Deformity; receives research support from Nuvasive (Co-PI, Paid to Growing Spine Foundation), is a paid consultant, is on the editorial or governing board, and has stock or stock options in Orthobullets; receives publishing royalties, financial, or material support from Wolters Kluwer Health; receives IP royalties, other financial or material support, is a paid consultant, paid presenter, or speaker at Zimmer Biomet; has stock or stock options in Zipline Medical Inc. P.M.S. receives IP royalties from Orthofix Inc. and orthopediatrics. L.M.A. is a paid consultant, paid presenter, or speaker at Biomet and Nuvasive; has stock or stock options in Eli Lilly; is on the editorial or governing board for the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics; receives publishing royalties, financial or material support from Orthobullets; is a board or committee member for the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, Scoliosis Research Society; is a paid consultant at Zimmer. The remaining authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The choice of the best therapeutic regimen for Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture (AATR) remains controversial. Our study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapeutic regimens in AATR patients using a network meta-analysis of data from clinical randomized controlled trials., Material/methods: The studies were abstracted from Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. RCTs meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata software, version 14.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA)., Results: 38 randomized controlled trials involving 2480 participants were included. The studies were published between 1981 and 2019. A total of 6 therapeutic regimens -open repair (OR), minimally invasive repair (MIR) and nonoperative treatment (non) combined with traditional standard rehabilitation (TSR) and accelerated functional rehabilitation (AFR) - were included in the literature. The treatments were ranked based on the Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking Curve (SUCRA) probability. In terms of the re-rupture rate, the therapeutic regimens were ranked as follows: OR&AFR, OR&TSR, MIR&AFR, MIR&TSR, nonoperative treatment &AFR and nonoperative treatment &TSR. In terms of the wound-related complication, the therapeutic regimens were ranked as follows: MIR&AFR, nonoperative treatment &AFR, MIR&TSR, nonoperative treatment &TSR, OR&AFR and OR&TSR. In terms of the sural nerve injury, the therapeutic regimens were ranked as follows: non, OR and MIR. In terms of the deep venous thrombosis, the therapeutic regimens were ranked as follows: MIR&AFR, OR&AFR, nonoperative treatment &AFR, OR&TSR, MIR&TSR and nonoperative treatment &TSR. In terms of the returning back to sport, the therapeutic regimens were ranked as follows: MIR&TSR, OR&AFR, OR&TSR, nonoperative treatment &AFR, nonoperative treatment &TSR and MIR&AFR., Conclusions: MIR can repair the ruptured Achilles tendon and narrow the tendon gap with low risk of complications. AFR is superior to TSR without increasing the risk of rerupture. MIR&AFR is the best therapeutic regime for AATR. More RCTs focused on AATR are needed to further indicate this conclusion., (Copyright © 2020 European Foot and Ankle Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a massive impact on individuals globally. The Chinese government has formulated effective response measures, and medical personnel have been actively responding to challenges associated with the epidemic prevention and control strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the implementation of a care transition pathway on patients that underwent joint replacement during the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: A quasi-experimental study was designed to evaluate the effect of implementing a care transition pathway for patients who underwent joint replacement during the COVID-19 pandemic in the orthopedic department of a tertiary care hospital in Beijing, China. Using a convenient sampling method, a total of 96 patients were selected. Of these, 51 patients who had undergone joint replacement in 2019 and received treatment via the routine nursing path were included in the control group. The remaining 45 patients who underwent joint replacement during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020 and received therapy via the care transition pathway due to the implementation of epidemic prevention and control measures were included in the observation group. The quality of care transition was assessed by the Care Transition Measure (CTM), and patients were followed up 1 week after discharge., Results: The observation group was determined to have better general self-care preparation, written planning materials, doctor-patient communication, health monitoring, and quality of care transition than the control group., Conclusions: A care transition pathway was developed to provide patients with care while transitioning through periods of treatment. It improved the patient perceptions of nursing quality. The COVID-19 pandemic is a huge challenge for health professionals, but we have the ability to improve features of workflows to provide the best possible patient care.

Competing Interests: Disclosure: The author indicated that no external funding was received for any aspect of this work. The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest form is provided with the online version of the article (http://links.lww.com/JBJS/G53).

Objective: Decisions concerning the rehabilitation process and return to play (RTP) after cervical spine surgery in a general sporting population can be difficult and may be influenced by several factors. Moreover, no clear guidelines for this are currently available. The aim of this study was to create tentative guidelines for rehabilitation and RTP after cervical surgery in a general sporting population., Design: Five-step Delphi analysis., Settings: Primary, secondary, and tertiary medical practitioners., Participants: Panel of Belgian neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, and physical and rehabilitation medicine practitioners., Assessment: Round 1 (R1) was a brainstorm phase. A comprehensive list of answers from R1 was validated in round 2 (R2). In round 3 (R3), experts ranked these items in a chronological order. Contraindications and criteria to start each rehabilitation step were linked in round 4 (R4). In round 5 (R5), panelists ranked theses about contraindications and criteria on a 5-point Likert scale., Main Outcome Measures: Theses scoring ≥10% "oppose" or "strongly oppose" were rejected., Results: The response rate was 100% (n = 15) for R1, 93% (n = 14) for R2, 73% (n = 11) for R3, 53% (n = 8) for R4, and 67% (n = 10) for R5. In R5, 25 theses on absolute and relative contraindications and criteria were endorsed., Conclusions: This Delphi analysis resulted in contraindications and criteria for the rehabilitation process and RTP after cervical surgery in a general athletic population. Tentative guidelines and timetable are proposed. Key messages from these guidelines are (1) Rehabilitation should start before surgery with education; (2) Rehabilitation should be patient-tailored; and (3) An unstable arthrodesis is an absolute contraindication for RTP., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2019 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Adverse discharge disposition, which is discharge to a long-term nursing home or skilled nursing facility is frequent and devastating in older patients after lower-extremity orthopaedic surgery. Predicting individual patient risk allows for preventive interventions to address modifiable risk factors and helps managing expectations. Despite a variety of risk prediction tools for perioperative morbidity in older patients, there is no tool available to predict successful recovery of a patient's ability to live independently in this highly vulnerable population., Questions/purposes: In this study, we asked: (1) What factors predict adverse discharge disposition in patients older than 60 years after lower-extremity surgery? (2) Can a prediction instrument incorporating these factors be applied to another patient population with reasonable accuracy? (3) How does the instrument compare with other predictions scores that account for frailty, comorbidities, or procedural risk alone?, Methods: In this retrospective study at two competing New England university hospitals and Level 1 trauma centers with 673 and 1017 beds, respectively; 83% (19,961 of 24,095) of patients 60 years or older undergoing lower-extremity orthopaedic surgery were included. In all, 5% (1316 of 24,095) patients not living at home and 12% (2797 of 24,095) patients with missing data were excluded. All patients were living at home before surgery. The mean age was 72 ± 9 years, 60% (11,981 of 19,961) patients were female, 21% (4155 of 19,961) underwent fracture care, and 34% (6882 of 19,961) underwent elective joint replacements. Candidate predictors were tested in a multivariable logistic regression model for adverse discharge disposition in a development cohort of all 14,123 patients from the first hospital, and then included in a prediction instrument that was validated in all 5838 patients from the second hospital by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC-AUC).Thirty-eight percent (5360 of 14,262) of patients in the development cohort and 37% (2184 of 5910) of patients in the validation cohort had adverse discharge disposition. Score performance in predicting adverse discharge disposition was then compared with prediction scores considering frailty (modified Frailty Index-5 or mFI-5), comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index or CCI), and procedural risks (Procedural Severity Scores for Morbidity and Mortality or PSS)., Results: After controlling for potential confounders like BMI, cardiac, renal and pulmonary disease, we found that the most prominent factors were age older than 90 years (10 points), hip or knee surgery (7 or 8 points), fracture management (6 points), dementia (5 points), unmarried status (3 points), federally provided insurance (2 points), and low estimated household income based on ZIP code (1 point). Higher score values indicate a higher risk of adverse discharge disposition. The score comprised 19 variables, including socioeconomic characteristics, surgical management, and comorbidities with a cutoff value of ≥ 23 points. Score performance yielded an ROC-AUC of 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.84 to 0.85) in the development and 0.72 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.73) in the independent validation cohort, indicating excellent and good discriminative ability. Performance of the instrument in predicting adverse discharge in the validation cohort was superior to the mFI-5, CCI, and PSS (ROC-AUC 0.72 versus 0.58, 0.57, and 0.57, respectively)., Conclusion: The Adverse Discharge in Older Patients after Lower Extremity Surgery (ADELES) score predicts adverse discharge disposition after lower-extremity surgery, reflecting loss of the ability to live independently. Its discriminative ability is better than instruments that consider frailty, comorbidities, or procedural risk alone. The ADELES score identifies modifiable risk factors, including general anesthesia and prolonged preoperative hospitalization, and should be used to streamline patient and family expectation management and improve shared decision making. Future studies need to evaluate the score in community hospitals and in institutions with different rates of adverse discharge disposition and lower income. A non-commercial calculator can be accessed at www.adeles-score.org., Level of Evidence: Level III, diagnostic study., Competing Interests: All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request. Each remaining author certifies that neither he or she, nor any member of his or her immediate family, has funding or commercial associations (consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article., (Copyright © 2020 by the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons.)

Competing Interests: Disclosure: The author indicated that no external funding was received for any aspect of this work. The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest form is provided with the online version of the article (http://links.lww.com/JBJS/G41).

The postoperative rehabilitation team plays a crucial role in optimizing outcomes after articular cartilage surgery. A comprehensive approach to postoperative physical therapy that considers the type of surgery, location in the knee, concurrent procedures, and patient-specific factors is imperative. While postoperative rehabilitation protocols should be specific to the patient and type of surgery performed and include phased rehabilitation goals and activities, the key principles for postoperative rehabilitation apply across the spectrum of articular cartilage surgeries and patients. These key principles consist of preoperative assessments that include physical, mental, and behavioral components critical to recovery; education and counseling with respect to expectations and compliance; and careful monitoring and adjustments throughout the rehabilitation period based on consistent communication among rehabilitation, surgical, and imaging teams to ensure strict patient compliance with restrictions, activities, and timelines to optimize functional outcomes after surgery., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of age and body mass index (BMI) on the functional outcomes, satisfaction rates, and recovery time after open debridement and reattachment surgery in non-athletic patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT)., Methods: In this retrospective study, 33 non-athletic patients (34 ankles) in whom open debridement and reattachment surgery was performed for IAT from 2006 to 2016 were included. Change in pain intensity was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Functional assessment was done by preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and final follow-up Victorian Institute of Sport Tendon Study Group-Achilles Tendinopathy score (VISA-A). Patient satisfaction was evaluated by Roles - Maudsley score (RMS). The recovery time was defined as the time interval from the first appearance to postoperative relief of symptoms and recording. In addition, the recurrent Haglund's deformity was determined by postoperative control radiographs., Results: The mean age at the time of the operation was 51.19 years. The mean follow-up was 61.75±8.49 months. According to BMI, 5 patients were determined as morbid obese, 19 as obese, 3 as overweight, and 6 as normal. The mean VAS score significantly decreased from 8.5 preoperatively to 1.3 postoperatively (p<0.001). The mean AOFAS score significantly improved from 55.8 preoperatively to 92 postoperatively (p<0.001). Postoperative VISA-A score was 86% (range=32%-100%). According to RMS, 22 patients reported the result as excellent, 8 as good, 2 as fair, and 1 as poor. The mean recovery time was 11.8 (range=2-60) months, but one patient did not reach a symptom free status and thus was not included in the recovery time analysis. Postoperative control radiographs revealed signs of recurrence deformity in four patients. Recovery time showed a negative correlation with the age of the patients (r=-0.65). Postoperative scores and BMI showed no significant correlations with the recovery time on the basis of Spearman's rho test (p=0.196)., Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that open debridement and reattachment surgery may be an effective surgical method in relieving pain and improving functional status with high satisfaction rate and acceptable recovery time in the management of non-athletic patients with IAT., Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a strong impact on the care of orthopedic patients. This impact has been particularly difficult in New York State, which experienced the largest number of COVID-19 cases and led to a state- mandated pause on all elective surgeries. As a result, physical and occupational therapists became the principal providers of care and had to adjust their workflow to ensure quality care. Understanding the perspectives and needs of therapists relative to the circumstances created by COVID-19 is critical to safe and effective care. The goal of this study was to define the perspectives of therapists in New York State regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their work. An email-based 20-question survey was distributed to 250 therapists from all 10 regions of New York State who treated outpatient orthopedic patients during the peak of the pandemic in early April 2020. The survey collected demographic and practice information as well as responses regarding several clinical practice issues. The results provide insight into the concerns of therapists regarding the delivery of care, and responses clarify indications for therapy and for the use of telemedicine to achieve goals during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is profoundly impacting the work of therapists worldwide. Therapists responded to this survey expressing concerns about the safe delivery of care, access to personal protective equipment, use of telemedicine, and their role within health care during the pandemic. The results of this study can be used to establish guidelines for safe, effective, and efficient therapy during the pandemic. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(5):292-294.]., (Copyright 2020, SLACK Incorporated.)

Background: As the number of patients with orthopaedic conditions has risen continuously, hospital-based healthcare resources have become limited. Delivery of additional services is needed to adapt to this trend., Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the current literature of computer- and telephone-delivered interventions on patient outcomes and resource utilization in patients with orthopaedic conditions., Methods: The systematic review was conducted in January 2019. The standardized checklist for randomized controlled trials was used to assess the quality of the relevant studies. A meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneity in the included studies, and a narrative synthesis was conducted to draw informative conclusions relevant to current research, policy, and practice., Results: A total of 1,173 articles were retrieved. Six randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, providing evidence from 434 individuals across four countries. Two studies reported findings of computer-delivered interventions and four reported findings of telephone-delivered interventions. The patients who received both computer- and telephone-delivered interventions showed improvements in patient outcomes that were similar or better to those of patients receiving conventional care. This was without any increase in adverse events or costs., Conclusion: Computer- and telephone-delivered interventions are promising and safe alternatives to conventional care. This review, however, identifies a gap in evidence of high-quality studies exploring the effects of computer- and telephone-delivered interventions on patient outcomes and resource utilization. In future, these interventions should be evaluated from the perspective of intervention content, self-management, and patient empowerment. In addition, they should consider the whole care journey and the development of the newest technological innovations. Additionally, future surgery studies should take into account the personalized needs of special, high-risk patient groups and focus on patient-centric care to reduce postdischarge health problems and resource utilization in this population.

A cross-sectional analysis of data derived from patients undergoing knee surgery at a single institution was conducted. The objectives of the study were to (1) compare how the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System physical function (PROMIS PF) computer adaptive test performs against the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form in evaluating functional status, and (2) to determine demographic, clinical, and psychosocial correlates of each outcome measure in an urban population undergoing a variety of knee surgeries. We hypothesized that there would be a strong correlation between PROMIS PF and IKDC, with minimal floor and ceiling effects, and similar clinical correlates. The sample consisted of 412 patients undergoing knee surgery. Bivariate and multivariable statistical analyses were performed to identify significant independent predictors. The PROMIS PF and IKDC scores were strongly correlated ( r s  = 0.71, p  < 0.001), and neither exhibited floor nor ceiling effects. Lower body mass index, no preoperative opioid use, lower Charlson comorbidity index score, employment, and lower income were found to be significant independent predictors for better scores on both PROMIS PF and IKDC. Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty had significantly lower PROMIS PF and IKDC scores ( p  < 0.05). Potential explanations for these findings are presented, and clinical implications are discussed., Competing Interests: C. H. B. reports research support, consulting and speaker payments from Arthrex, Inc, outside the submitted work. R. F. H. reports research support from Arthrex, Inc, outside the submitted work., (Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.)

Background: This long-term consecutive, retrospective single-center cohort study evaluates long-term outcomes of single-event multilevel surgery in diplegic cerebral palsy with respect to functional status, gait, and patient satisfaction., Methods: All patients with diplegic cerebral palsy who underwent single-event multilevel surgery >10 years previously were included. Retrospective gait assessment was performed using the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) and Gillette Functional Assessment Questionnaire Walking Scale (FAQWS) preoperatively and at midterm postoperative follow-up (median 2.6 y) and prospectively at most recent review [median 18 y, interquartile (IQ) range: 14.4 to 20.5 y]. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used prospectively to evaluate outcome compared with population norms for adults from the UK., Results: The complete assessment was possible in 26 of 39 patients who met the inclusion criteria. There was a statistically significant improvement at most recent follow-up compared with the preoperative assessment for EVGS and FAQWS [Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Signed Rank test -4.42 (P<0.0001) and 3.98 (P=0.0001), respectively]. The median Physical Health and Mental Health Component Summary scores for the SF-36 were 43.0 (IQ range: 32.8 to 46.8) and 55.3 (IQ range: 46.1 to 61.1), respectively., Conclusions: This study demonstrates significant long-term improvements in function, independence and patient satisfaction that continue into adulthood. This will inform discussions with patients and families considering this treatment option., Level of Evidence: Level IV-Retrospective cohort study.

Study Design: A retrospective chart review., Objectives: Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) has been reported to decrease the rate of local recurrence and increase survival. Although it is important to achieve early recovery of physical functions after surgery, no studies have evaluated rehabilitation outcomes during the acute phase after TES. This study evaluated ambulatory functions and activities of daily living (ADLs) after surgery and analyzed the prognostic significance of variables affecting rehabilitation outcomes at 1 month after TES., Setting: University hospital in Kanazawa, Japan., Methods: This study included 140 patients with spinal tumors who underwent TES between April 2010 and April 2017. Demographic characteristics, neurological functions, perioperative complications functional status as measured by the Functional Independent Measure, and independent indoor walking based on the Spinal Cord Independent Measure were extracted from medical records. Multivariate analyses were performed to assess factors associated with the recovery of ambulation and ADL at 1 month after TES., Results: Preoperative neurological deficits were observed in 51 patients (36%), and postoperative neurological deterioration was found in 41 patients (29%). Multivariate analyses indicated that preoperative neurological deficits (odds ratio [OR], 5.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.07-15.99), postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage (OR, 13.42; 95% CI, 2.93-78.82), surgical site infections (OR, 15.27; 95% CI, 2.26-127.7), and postoperative neurological deterioration (OR, 4.86; 95% CI, 1.33-19.99) were risk factors for walking ability and recovery of ADL (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: This study identified preoperative neurological dysfunction and perioperative complications as independent risk factors for poor recovery of ambulation and ADL early after TES.

Safe and effective care for the elderly or physiologically frail patient in cases of trauma requires a multidisciplinary perioperative approach. This article expands upon the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics guidelines for the management of the older or frail orthopaedic trauma patient. Optimisation of the patient is key to a successful surgical outcome, because these patients often have significant comorbidities involving bone health, nutrition, cognitive function and cardiovascular stability. This article discusses the evidence base for tailoring the management of these patients and the importance of doing so in an ageing population. It considers the requisite preoperative procedures and investigations, guidelines for specific cases such as comatose patients or those with complex fractures, and ceiling of care discussions, and then focuses on the postoperative period, including physiotherapy, rehabilitation goals and medical management.

Background: Early weightbearing protocols after Achilles tendon repair promote mobilization, yet little is known about their effect on tendon lengthening., Purpose: To evaluate tendon lengthening after Achilles tendon repair with accelerated rehabilitation., Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1., Methods: Patients undergoing primary repair for acute Achilles tendon ruptures consented to have tantalum beads placed within the tendon. Patients were randomized into either a traditional (weightbearing at 6 weeks) or accelerated (graduated weightbearing at 2 weeks) rehabilitation group. The primary outcome of the study was postoperative tendon elongation as measured by radiostereometric beads. Secondary outcomes included Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference Short Form (PROMIS PI-SF) score., Results: All 18 patients included in the final analysis were found to have significant tendon lengthening after surgery, with a mean lengthening of 15.9 mm. No significant differences were found in overall lengthening between the traditional and accelerated rehabilitation groups (15.3 ± 4.5 vs 16.4 ± 4.7 mm, respectively; P = .33) at final follow-up. The repair site in each group was found to lengthen more than the intratendinous site (traditional group, 13.2 vs 2.1 mm; accelerated group, 16.8 vs -0.4 mm); however, no difference in lengthening was seen between groups ( P = .82 and P = .31, respectively). The greatest amount of lengthening occurred between 2 and 6 weeks, and the least amount of lengthening occurred between 6 and 12 weeks, with no difference between the traditional and accelerated groups at these time points ( P = .84 and P = .38, respectively). No differences were noted in ankle range of motion (dorsiflexion, P = .16; plantarflexion, P = .08) or outcome scores (ATRS, P = .56; PROMIS PI-SF, P = .54)., Conclusion: This study's findings demonstrate that all patients undergoing operative repair of Achilles tendon ruptures had lengthening after surgery. No difference was found in tendon lengthening (repair site or intratendinous) at any time point between patients undergoing traditional versus accelerated rehabilitation postoperatively. The greatest amount of lengthening was found to occur between 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively, and tendon lengthening decreased significantly after 6 weeks., Registration: NCT04050748 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Physical therapy and rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery in companion animals have become more common and new advancements in this field have been made in recent years. Surgery alone may not return the animal to its previous physical activity or work-related tasks, whether due to concurrent soft tissue trauma, arthrogenic muscle inhibition or osteoarthritis. Rehabilitation therapies following surgery can restore function as well as strength, coordination and balance. Many simple techniques such as cryotherapy and passive range of motion exercises have been shown to improve outcomes following musculoskeletal procedures and may help restore function as well as reduce pain and facilitate healing. Some techniques are more useful during different stages in order to achieve optimum tissue healing and recovery of function. During the first 72 hours, rehabilitation should focus on reduction of inflammation and pain, maintaining joint nutrition and range of motion, and stimulating vascularisation and healing; and may include cryotherapy, passive range of motion exercises, massage and therapeutic exercises. Following the initial recovery period, the goals of rehabilitation also include restoring strength, balance and normal gait patterns, as well as recovery of function. During this period the focus of therapy may shift toward therapeutic exercises, aquatic therapy and increasing activity in the animal. Therapeutic modalities such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation, photobiomodulation (laser therapy), therapeutic ultrasound and extracorporeal shock wave therapy have been reported to reduce pain and inflammation, enhance healing and reduce recovery time in the early and late stages following orthopaedic surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of training in the Practical Life Room on patients experience during hospitalization., Methods: Subjects submitted to orthopedic surgeries were randomized to two groups (Control and Intervention) in the postoperative period. The Control Group received only the printed guidelines regarding the postoperative period, and the Intervention Group received the printed guidelines and a demonstration and training session with a physical therapist, in an environment created to simulate a house and its rooms (living room, bedroom, kitchen, laundry and bathroom). The participants of both groups answered the questionnaire Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems on the day of discharge., Results: Sixty-eight subjects were included in the study, 30 (44.1%) in the Control Group and 38 (55.9%) in the Intervention Group. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems questionnaire score showed no significant difference between the groups (p=0.496)., Conclusion: There was no influence of the proposed intervention on the results of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems questionnaire, perhaps because of the limitation of the instrument or due to the fact it was employed when patients were still hospitalized. However, by reports from patients in the Intervention Group about felling better prepared and safer for performing daily activities, it is believed that patient education approaches through demonstration should be included as part of the process to prepare for discharge, whenever possible.

Purpose: The hypothesis was that early functional mobilization would reduce the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) during leg immobilization after Achilles tendon rupture surgery. A secondary aim was to evaluate if the amount of weightbearing and daily steps influenced the risk of sustaining a DVT., Methods: One-hundred and fifty patients with Achilles tendon rupture repair were randomized to treatment with early functional mobilization, encouraging full weightbearing and ankle motion in orthosis, or treatment-as-usual, i.e., 2 weeks of unloading in plaster cast followed by 4 weeks weightbearing in orthosis. At 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively, all patients were screened for DVT using compression duplex ultrasound. During the first 2 weeks postoperatively, patient-reported loading, pain and step counts were assessed., Results: At 2 weeks, 28/96 (29%) of the patients in early functional mobilization group and 15/49 (31%) in the control group (n.s) had sustained a DVT. At 6 weeks, the DVT rate was 35/94 (37%) in the early functional mobilization and 14/49 (29%) in the control group (n.s). During the first postoperative week, the early functional mobilization group reported low loading and higher experience of pain vs. the control group (p = 0.001). Low patient-reported loading ≤ 50% (OR = 4.3; 95% CI 1.28-14.3) was found to be an independent risk factor for DVT, in addition to high BMI and higher age., Conclusions: Early functional mobilization does not prevent the high incidence of DVT during leg immobilization in patients with Achilles tendon rupture as compared to treatment-as-usual. The low efficacy of early functional mobilization is mainly explained by postoperative pain and subsequent low weightbearing. To minimize the risk of DVT, patients should be encouraged to load at least 50% of body weight on the injured leg 1 week after surgery., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, level 1.

Background: Longer term outcomes after matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) are lacking, while early postoperative weightbearing (WB) management has traditionally been conservative., Purpose: To investigate the longer term clinical and radiological outcomes after an 8-week (vs 12-week) WB protocol after MACI., Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1., Methods: A randomized study design allocated 70 patients to an 8- (n = 34) or 12-week (n = 36) approach to full WB after MACI of the medial or lateral femoral condyle. Patients were evaluated preoperatively; at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery; and at 5 and 10 years after surgery. At 10 years (range, 10.5-11.5 years), 60 patients (85.7%; 8 weeks: n = 29; 12 weeks: n = 31) were available for review. Clinical outcomes included patient-reported outcomes, maximal isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength, and functional hop capacity. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was undertaken to assess the quality and quantity of repair tissue per the MOCART (magnetic resonance observation of cartilage repair tissue) system. A combined MRI composite score was also evaluated., Results: Clinical and MRI-based scores for the full cohort significantly improved ( P < .05) over the 10-year period. Apart from the Tegner activity score, which improved ( P = .041), as well as tissue structure ( P = .030), which deteriorated, there were no further statistically significant changes ( P > .05) from 5 to 10 years. There were no 10-year differences between the 2 WB rehabilitation groups. At 10 years, 81.5% and 82.8% of patients in the 8- and 12-week groups, respectively, demonstrated good-excellent tissue infill. Graft failure was observed on MRI at 10 years in 7 patients overall, which included 4 located on 10-year MRI (8 weeks: n = 1; 12 weeks: n = 3) and a further 3 patients (8 weeks: n = 1; 12 weeks: n = 2) not included in the current analysis who proceeded to total knee arthroplasty. At 10 years, 93.3% of patients were satisfied with MACI for relieving their pain, with 83.3% satisfied with their ability to participate in sport., Conclusion: MACI provided high satisfaction levels and tissue durability beyond 10 years. The outcomes of this randomized trial demonstrate a safe 8-week WB rehabilitation protocol without jeopardizing longer term outcomes.

Background: A 2014 Cochrane review evaluating the effect of anabolic steroids after hip fracture concluded that the quality of the studies was insufficient to draw conclusions on the effects and recommended further high-quality trials in the field. Therefore, the aim of this pilot trial is to determine the preliminary effect and feasibility of a 12-week multimodal intervention consisting of physiotherapy (with strength training), protein-rich nutritional supplement and anabolic steroid on knee-extension muscle strength and function 14 weeks after hip fracture surgery., Methods: We plan to conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial with 48 patients operated for acute hip fracture. The patients are randomized (1:1) to either (1) physiotherapy with protein-rich nutritional supplement plus anabolic steroid or (2) physiotherapy with protein-rich nutritional supplement plus placebo. Outcome assessments will be carried out blinded at baseline (3-10 days after surgery) and at 14 weeks after entering the trial. Primary outcome is the change from baseline to follow-up in maximal isometric knee-extension muscle strength in the fractured limb. Secondary outcomes are physical performance test, patient-reported outcomes, and measures of body composition., Discussion: If the trial is found feasible and the results show an indication of anabolic steroid being a relevant addition to further enhance the recovery of muscle strength and function in an enhanced recovery after surgery program, this trial will constitute the basis of a larger confirmatory trial., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03545347. Preregistered on 4 June 2018.

Purpose: The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a widely used 20-item patient-reported outcome instrument with five response categories. We investigated the measurement properties of the Finnish version of the LEFS among foot and ankle patients to refine the scale to measure more accurately what is relevant for patients. Materials and methods: Data were obtained from 182 patients who had undergone foot and ankle surgery for various reasons. The Rasch Measurement Theory and Cronbach's alpha were employed for analyses of model and item fit, response category thresholds, targeting, person separation index, and internal consistency. Results: Threshold misfit was noted in 13 of the 20 items. After collapsing the response categories 1 ("Quite a bit of difficulty") and 2 ("Moderate difficulty"), five items were removed one by one to make the scale fit the model. This new 15-item scale with four response categories had a unidimensional structure with good item fit, ordered thresholds, and good coverage/targeting. The person separation index and Cronbach's alpha were 0.85 and 0.95, respectively. Conclusions: This study provides a new 15-item LEFS with four response categories for clinicians and researchers to measure function in foot and ankle patients in a relevant way.Implications for rehabilitationAssessing foot and ankle function and rehabilitation effectiveness is of high importance.The Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) is a widely used 20-item patient-reported outcome instrument with five response categories.The Finnish LEFS was revised to better fit into the Rasch model.The new LEFS with 15 items and four response categories for foot and ankle patients is a psychometrically sound, meaningful, and operable instrument.

Introduction: Undergoing major surgery can induce physical and functional decline. Prehabilitation programmes aim to improve physical fitness and function preoperatively and could enhance postoperative recovery and outcomes. Prehabilitation interventions have been utilised across a range of orthopaedic populations of all ages and can be multimodal in nature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of prehabilitation for patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery including day surgery procedures. It will also investigate the components of prehabilitation to understand optimum duration and frequency of programmes., Methods/design: Systematic review and meta-analysis designed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. A comprehensive electronic search will be performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, PEDro and Cochrane CENTRAL databases in order to identify randomised control trials published between January 2000 to 25 March 2019. ISI Web of Science, System for information on grey literature and the European Union clinical trials registry will identify studies that are underway or unpublished. Two independent reviewers will carry out the searches, study selection (title and abstract and full text stages), data extraction, risk of bias assessment (Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0) and evaluation of overall strength of evidence. Meta-analyses will be used for data which demonstrates homogeneity, otherwise a narrative synthesis will be performed for groups of studies of high heterogeneity (I 2 >50%). The overall strength of the body of evidence will be assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation., Ethics and Dissemination: This study raises no ethical issues. This study aims to identify the effectiveness of prehabilitation interventions and may assist clinicians in determining which components, duration, frequency and the method of delivery would form the most effective prehabilitation intervention for patients undergoing an orthopaedic surgical procedure. The findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and conference presentations., Prospero Registration Number: CRD42019123268., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures vary more than expected based on underlying pathology, in part due to the substantial influence of mood and coping strategies. Methods: This study addressed the primary null hypothesis that the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function score 1 month (range, 3-8 weeks) after hand surgery is not associated with PROMIS Depression and PROMIS Pain Interference scores prior to surgery, accounting for other factors. Using an institution-wide database of routinely collected patient-reported outcomes, we identified adult patients who underwent wrist ganglion excision, trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty, hand ganglion excision, trigger digit, De Quervain, and carpal tunnel release. Measures collected included the PROMIS Physical Function Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT), PROMIS Pain Interference CAT, and PROMIS Depression CAT. We sought factors associated with postsurgical PROMIS Physical Function scores and change between preoperative and postoperative score using multivariable linear regression, accounting for age, sex, surgery type, provider, and time from surgery to postsurgical measurement. Results: Higher postoperative PROMIS Physical Function score was independently associated with lower PROMIS Pain Interference scores, lower PROMIS Depression scores, younger age, and treatment by provider team 3. Greater change in PROMIS Physical Function score was independently associated with greater PROMIS Pain Interference scores, greater time from surgery, and treatment by provider team 3. Conclusions: Mood and effective coping strategies affect the level of symptoms and limitations during recovery from hand surgery and represent important treatment opportunities for enhancing recovery.

Background: Upper-limb injuries and musculoskeletal disorders represent a major economic burden for both patients and society, largely due to limitations in returning to work. We hypothesized that a positive patient-surgeon relationship may facilitate patients' recovery and lead to a faster return to work., Methods: This longitudinal observational study comprised 219 patients, from 8 French hand trauma centers, who were 18 to 55 years of age and were on sick leave from work because of an injury or musculoskeletal disorder of the upper limb. In addition to instruments measuring patients' functional scores and quality of life, the quality of the patient-surgeon relationship was assessed at enrollment using a specific questionnaire (Q-PASREL [Quality of PAtient-Surgeon RELationship]). Six months after enrollment, the return-to-work status was assessed. Logistic and Cox regression models were developed to identify predictors of return to work (yes/no) and the time off from work in days., Results: Overall, 74% of the patients who returned to work within 6 months after enrollment had a high or medium-high Q-PASREL score, whereas 64% of the patients who were still on sick leave had a low or medium-low Q-PASREL score. The odds of patients with a low or medium-low Q-PASREL score returning to work were, respectively, 95% and 71% lower than the odds of patients with a high score doing so, with a percent difference of 56% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 40% to 71%) for low versus high (odds ratio [OR] = 0.05 [95% CI = 0.02 to 0.13]) and 25% (95% CI = 6% to 44%) for medium-low versus high (OR = 0.29 [95% CI = 0.11 to 0.76]). All Q-PASREL items and scores were significantly associated with return to work., Conclusions: Patients with a lower Q-PASREL score and more severe disability were less likely to return to work within 6 months and had a longer time off from work. Efforts to improve the quality of patient-surgeon relationships may minimize the duration of sick leaves and accelerate patient recovery., Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Objective: Evidence about the role of nutritional status (NS) on functional outcomes (FO) after rehabilitation in older adults is scarce. Our aim was to analyze the association between NS and FO in older adults admitted to geriatric rehabilitation units. Methods: The Sarcopenia And Function in Aging Rehabilitation (SAFARI) multicenter study enrolled patients aged ≥65 years admitted to geriatric rehabilitation units in Italy and Spain. FO were absolute and relative functional gain (AFG-RFG) in Barthel Index (BI) at 1 and 3 months after admission. The association between NS (Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form) and FO was explored using linear regression and mixed models, adjusted for potential confounders. Analyses were then stratified for diagnosis at admission. Results: We included 415 patients (mean age 81.4 years [SD: 7.7]; 67% female; 9.4% malnourished [MN], 42.7% at risk of malnutrition [RM], and 48% well nourished [WN]). Admission diagnoses were hip fracture (39.5%), elective orthopedic surgery (EOS) (29.5%), and stroke (31%). In an adjusted linear mixed model, MN and RM participants had lower BI compared to WN (MN: β: -8.47, p  = 0.023; RM: β: -5.22, p  = 0.031), and differences between groups remained stable over time. After stratification for admission diagnosis, only MN patients admitted after EOS had worse FO, both at 30 days (AFG: β adjusted: -13.54, p  < 0.001; RFG: β: -32, p  < 0.001) and 3 months (AFG: β adjusted: -17.79, p  < 0.001; RFG: β: -26.77, p  = 0.002). Conclusions: In our sample, poor NS is associated with worse BI in older adults admitted to geriatric rehabilitation units; in patients undergoing EOS, MN is associated with worse FO. Our results documented for the first time the importance of assessing nutritional status before EOS.

Background: Return to school among adolescents is often overlooked in orthopaedic outcome studies. The purpose was to measure the time missed from school after 10 common orthopedic surgeries., Methods: Patients, 5 to 19 years old enrolled in elementary, middle, or high school, who underwent treatment for fixation of type III supracondylar humerus fracture, midshaft femur fracture fixation, isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, isolated partial menisectomy, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis fusion, closed reduction of both-bone forearm fracture, arthroscopic Bankart repair, hip arthroscopy with femoroacetabular impingement correction, limb length discrepancy correction, or surgical fixation of slipped capital femoral epiphysis during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 school years were identified for this Institutional Review Board-approved study. All patients were contacted after surgery to determine date of return to school, number of days in session, and number of school days missed., Results: Two hundred six patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. Mean age at time of surgery was 13.0±3.8 years. There were 105 males (51%). Mean time to return to school overall was 13.0±15.2 days. Very few students (n=9; 4%) did not miss any school days during recovery from the procedure of interest. The average number of days missed from school for males was 6.6 days compared with 8.4 days in females (P=0.20). There was no difference between patients aged 5 to 12 years compared with those aged 13 to 19 years (7.1 vs. 7.7 d, respectively; P=0.69). On average, patients who underwent closed reduction of a both-bone forearm fracture returned to school the quickest following surgery (3.4±1.2 d) and missed the least amount of in-session school days (1.9±0.9 d), and those who underwent adolescent idiopathic scoliosis fusion were out of school the longest (42.3±21.4 d) and missed the greatest number of in-session school days (27.6±14.7 d)., Conclusions: Information regarding average time missed from school for 10 common orthopaedic surgeries can be used by clinicians to counsel patients and their families regarding expected recovery time., Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Introduction: Total femoral replacement (TFR) is a limb salvage procedure performed for large bony defects. However, it is often associated with major complications and reduced function. Data on limb preservation rates and functional outcomes after TFR are limited. The primary objective of this study is to assess indications, functional outcomes, and complications after TFR., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients after TFR between 2006 and 2016. All patients received a modular mega endoprosthesis (MUTARS ® ). Patients were grouped according to their initial indication for TFR: (1) fracture, (2) tumor, or (3) infection. We evaluated (i) patient survival, (ii) postoperative function with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS), knee strength, range of motion, and (iii) complications., Results: Between 2006 and 2016, TFR was performed in 22 patients with a mean age of 64 +/-17 years. Indications for TFR were tumor (n = 6), infection (n = 8) and fracture (n = 8). The mean follow-up (f/up) was 18 months. At final follow-up, mean MSTS was 24%. Mean knee flexion strength was reduced 63% compared to the contralateral leg (p = 0.004). At time of final f/up, 5 patients (22%) died, 5 (22%) underwent secondary hip exarticulation, and 12 (54%) suffered a major complication. At f/up, 11 patients had infections. Of these 11 patients, 5 died, 4 were treated with debridement, and 5 were treated with hip exarticulation. Fifteen patients survived with preserved limbs at f/up., Conclusion: TFR is a salvage procedure with limited functional outcome and high complication rates. Nevertheless, the majority of our cohort could be treated successfully with limb salvage.

This study assesses the association between heterotopic ossification and upper extremity contracture by comparing goniometric measured active range of motion outcomes of patients with and without heterotopic ossification. Data were obtained from the Burn Model System National Database between 1994 and 2003 for patients more than 18 years with elbow contracture at acute discharge. Absolute losses in elbow range of motion were compared for those with and without radiologic evidence of heterotopic ossification (location undefined) and were further examined by burn size subgroups using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Differences in elbow range of motion were estimated using regression models, adjusted for demographic and clinical variables. Loss of range of motion of shoulder, wrist, forearm, and hand were also compared. From 407 instances of elbow contracture, the subjects with heterotopic ossification were found to have greater median absolute loss of elbow flexion among all survivors (median 50° [IQR 45°] vs 20° [30°], P < .0001), for the 20 to 40% total body surface area burn subgroup (70° [20°] vs 20° [30°], P = .0008) and for the >40% subgroup (50° [45°] vs 30° [32°], P = .03). The adjusted estimate of the mean difference in the absolute loss of elbow flexion between groups was 23.5° (SE ±7.2°, P = .0013). This study adds to our understanding of the potential effect of heterotopic ossification on upper extremity joint range of motion, demonstrating a significant association between the presence of heterotopic ossification and elbow flexion contracture severity. Further study is needed to determine the functional implications of heterotopic ossification and develop treatment protocols., (© American Burn Association 2019. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency is associated with poor physical performance; little is known about its impact on geriatric rehabilitation. We found a positive non-linear relationship between 25(OH)D and functional gain, stronger in levels < 16 ng/ml (below the cutoff for "deficiency"). An early 25(OH)D dosage may be advisable for this population., Introduction: Vitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency is highly prevalent in older people, and it is associated with poor muscular strength and physical performance. Its impact on functional outcomes during geriatric rehabilitation has been poorly studied. We aim to analyze the association between 25(OH)D and functional recovery in geriatric rehabilitation units., Methods: We conducted a prospective multi-center cohort study including patients ≥ 65 years old admitted to 3 geriatric rehabilitation units in Italy and Spain, after orthopedic events or stroke. Outcomes were absolute functional gain (AFG, discharge-admission Barthel index) and ability to walk (AW) at 3 months after admission. The association between 25(OH)D quartiles (Q1-Q2-Q3-Q4) and outcomes was explored using linear or logistic regression models., Results: We included 420 patients (mean age = 81.2 years [SD = 7.7], 66.4% females, mean 25(OH)D concentration = 13.5 ng/ml [SD = 8.7]) (to convert to nmol/l multiply by 2.496). A non-linear relationship between 25(OH)D and AFG was found, with a stronger association for 25(OH)D levels < 16 ng/ml. Compared to Q1 (25(OH)D ≤ 6 ng/ml), participants in Q3 (25(OH)D 11.5-18.2 ng/ml) had the best AFG and AW (mean AFG [SD], Q1 = 28.9 [27.8], Q2 = 32.5 [23.5], Q3 = 43.1 [21.9], Q4 = 34.5 [29.3], R 2  = 7.3%; AW, Q1-Q2 = 80%, Q3 = 91%, Q4 = 86%). Regression models adjusted for potential confounders confirmed these results (AGF Q2, β = 2.614, p = 0.49; Q3, β = 9.723, p < 0.01; Q4, β = 4.406, p = 0.22; AW Q2, OR [95% CI] = 1.84 [0.67-5.33]; Q3, OR [95% CI] = 4.01 [1.35-13.48]; Q4, OR [95% CI] = 2.18 [0.81-6.21])., Conclusions: In our study, 25(OH)D concentration showed a positive association with functional outcomes at 3 months. The association is stronger below the usual cutoff for "deficiency." Dosage of 25(OH)D concentration may help identify geriatric rehabilitation patients at risk for a worse functional recovery.

Background: Rehabilitation is crucial for postoperative patients with low back pain (LBP). However, the implementation of traditional clinic-based programs is limited in developing countries, such as China, because of the maldistribution of medical resources. Mobile phone-based programs may be a potential substitute for those who have no access to traditional rehabilitation., Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of mobile phone-based rehabilitation systems in patients who underwent lumbar spinal surgery., Methods: Patients who accepted spinal surgeries were recruited and randomized into 2 groups of rehabilitation treatments: (1) a mobile phone-based eHealth (electronic health) program (EH) or (2) usual care treatment (UC). The primary outcomes were (1) function and pain status assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and (2) the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were (1) general mental health and (2) quality of life (Likert scales, EuroQol-5 Dimension health questionnaire, and 36-item Short-Form Health Survey). All the patients were assessed preoperatively and then at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively., Results: A total of 168 of the 863 eligible patients were included and randomized in this study. Our analysis showed that the improvement of primary outcomes in the EH group was superior to the UC group at 24 months postoperatively (ODI mean 7.02, SD 3.10, P<.05; VAS mean 7.59, SD 3.42, P<.05). No significant difference of primary outcomes was found at other time points. A subgroup analysis showed that the improvements of the primary outcomes were more significant in those who completed 6 or more training sessions each week throughout the trial (the highest compliance group) compared with the UC group at 6 months (ODI mean 17.94, SD 5.24, P<.05; VAS mean 19.56, SD 5.27, P<.05), 12 months (ODI mean 13.39, SD 5.32, P<.05; VAS mean 14.35, SD 5.23, P<.05), and 24 months (ODI mean 18.80, SD 5.22, P<.05; VAS mean 21.56, SD 5.28, P<.05)., Conclusions: This research demonstrated that a mobile phone-based telerehabilitation system is effective in self-managed rehabilitation for postoperative patients with LBP. The effectiveness of eHealth was more evident in participants with higher compliance. Future research should focus on improving patients' compliance., Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-TRC-13003314; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=6245 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/766RAIDNc)., (©Jingyi Hou, Rui Yang, Yaping Yang, Yiyong Tang, Haiquan Deng, Zhong Chen, Yanfeng Wu, Huiyong Shen. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 20.02.2019.)

Introduction: Patients suffering from remaining disability after anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) surgery for cervical disc disease may be prescribed physical activity (PPA) or neck-specific exercises (NSEs). Currently, we lack data for the success of either approach. There is also a knowledge gap concerning the use of internet-based care for cervical disc disease. The scarcity of these data, and the high proportion of patients with various degrees of incapacity following ACDF, warrant increased efforts to investigate and improve cost-effective rehabilitation. The objective is to compare the effectiveness of a structured, internet-based NSE programme, versus PPA following ACDF surgery., Methods and Analysis: This is a prospective, randomised, multicentre study that includes 140 patients with remaining disability (≥30% on the Neck Disability Index, NDI) following ACDF for radiculopathy due to cervical disc disease. Patient recruitment occurs following attendance at routine clinical appointments, scheduled at 3 months postsurgery. Patients are then randomised to one of two groups (70 patients/group) for a 3-month treatment programme/period of either internet-based NSE or PPA. Questionnaires on background data, pain and discomfort, physical and mental capacity, satisfaction with care, and health and workplace factors are completed, along with physical measures of neck-related function conducted by independent test leaders blinded to randomisation. Measures are collected at inclusion, after the 3-month treatments (end of treatment) and at a 2-year follow-up. Radiography will be completed at the 2-year follow-up. Preoperative data will be collected from the Swedish Spine Registry. Data on healthcare consumption, drug use and sick leave will be requested from the relevant national registers., Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Linköping Ref. 2016/283-31 and 2017/91- 32. The scientists are independent with no commercial ties. Patients are recruited after providing written informed consent. Patient data are presented at group level such that no connection to any individual can be made. All data are anonymised when reported, and subject to the Swedish Official Secrets Health Acts. The test leaders are independent and blinded for randomisation. Exercises, both general and neck-specific, have been used extensively in clinical practice and we anticipate no harm from their implementation other than a risk of muscle soreness. Both randomisation groups will receive care that is expected to relieve pain, although the group receiving NSE is expected to demonstrate a greater and more cost-effective improvement versu s the PPA group. Any significant harm or unintended effects in each group will be collected by the test leaders. All questionnaires and test materials are coded by the research group, with code lists stored in locked, fireproof file cabinets, housed at the university in a room with controlled (card-based) access. Only individuals in receipt of a unique website address posted by the researchers can access the programme; patients can neither communicate with each other nor with caregivers via the programme.Study participation might lead to improved rehabilitation versus non-participation, and might therefore be of benefit. The results of this study should also contribute to more effective and flexible rehabilitation, shorter waiting times, lower costs and the possibility to implement our findings on a wider level., Dissemination: If effective, the protocols used in this study can be implemented in existing healthcare structures. The results of the study will be presented in scientific journals and popular science magazines of relevance to health. The findings will also be presented at local, regional, national and international conferences and meetings, as well as in the education of university students and at public lectures. Information about the results will be communicated to the general population in cooperation with patient organisations and the media., Trial Registration: NCT03036007., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Introduction: Focal cartilage defects are an increasingly relevant clinical problem especially in athletes. Cartilage regenerative surgery (CRS) including microfracture and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) to treat such isolated cartilage defects in the knee joint has been well established in the last two decades. In contradiction to high-level evidence concerning the surgical technique, cell-related issues, and clinical results, the knowledge about the optimal rehabilitation process is still sparse although the importance of optimizing the rehabilitation process has recently led to new research focus in this field. The preoperative time frame may be used to start rehabilitation which may fasten the postoperative recovery and optimize clinical outcome ("Prehabilitation"-PREHAB). The aim of this article, therefore, was to review the available literature on prehabilitation concepts and to present a prehabilitation guideline for CRS patients based on the best evidence available., Methods: A systemic literature research was conducted on rehabilitation for cartilage regenerative surgery as well as prehabilitation in knee joint procedures. From the available literature a prehabilitation concept was generated and tested in 10 ACI patients., Results: As the literature search found no studies addressing prehabilitation in CRS patients, an evidence-based PREHAB program has been compiled based on the available evidence from (a) studies addressing postoperative rehabilitation in CRS patients and (b) PREHAB studies on other knee procedures including TKA. This presented prehabilitation guideline has been tested in > 50 CRS patients and was found to be feasible as all of the patients showed a good compliance and were able to perform the protocol as suggested., Conclusion: The presented PREHAB regimen may serve clinicians as a guideline for early rehabilitation of their CRS patients. Obviously, further research is mandatory to quantify its clinical effect and to demonstrate its cost-effectiveness and benefits in surgically treated patients.

Foot and ankle surgery can impose significant hardship on a patient when carrying out their essential activities of daily living including mobility, sourcing and preparing food, as well as maintaining personal hygiene. Pre-operative planning between the surgeon, patient and caregivers can circumvent most of the challenges imposed by the post-operative restrictions of foot and ankle surgery. Depending on the weight bearing status of the operated extremity, a wide array of durable medical equipment devices are available to provide mobility and safety for the patient. Various devices are also available to protect the patient and the operative site during bathing. Pre-operative gait training can be valuable in selecting the most appropriate mobility aid for the patient, assuring safe ambulation while keeping the operated extremity protected., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine the effects of cryotherapy on quadriceps electromyographic (EMG) activity and isometric strength in early postoperative knee surgery patients., Methods: Twenty-two volunteers with recent knee surgeries were included. EMG readings of the vastus medialis (VM), rectus femoris (RF), and vastus lateralis (VL) from the surgical leg were collected during a maximal voluntary quadriceps setting (QS) activity. Maximum isometric knee extension force measurements were also recorded. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive an ice bag or a sham room-temperature bag to the front of their postsurgical knee for 20 min. After treatment, the subjects repeated the above mentioned maximum QS and isometric knee extension force measurements. The subjects returned 24 h later to conduct the same test protocol but received the treatment (ice or sham) not applied during their first test session., Results: A 38% increase in VM EMG activity during QS and a 30% increase in maximum isometric knee extension strength were found after cryotherapy treatment. No significant differences were found in RF or VL EMG activity during QS after cryotherapy. No significant differences were found in any measurements after the sham treatment., Conclusion: Clinicians should consider applying ice to knee joints prior to exercise for patients following knee surgery with inhibited quadriceps.

Synopsis Restoration of skeletal muscle mass and strength is critical to successful outcomes following orthopaedic surgery. Blood flow restriction (BFR) resistance exercise has emerged as a promising means of augmenting traditional low-intensity physical rehabilitation exercise and has yielded successful outcomes in a wide range of applications. Though BFR is well tolerated and safe for most individuals, patients who have undergone orthopaedic surgery may be an exception, due to their heightened risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). While the pathogenesis of VTE is multifactorial and specific to the individual, it is commonly described as a combination of blood stasis, endothelial injury, and alterations in the constituents of the blood leading to hypercoagulability. The collective literature suggests that, given the pathogenic mechanisms of VTE, limited use of a wide, partially occluding cuff during resistance exercise should be low risk, and the likelihood that BFR would directly cause a VTE event is remote. Alternatively, it is plausible that BFR may enhance blood flow and promote fibrinolysis. Of greater concern is the individual with pre-existing asymptomatic VTE, which could be dislodged during BFR. However, it is unknown whether the direct risk associated with BFR is greater than the risk accompanying traditional exercise alone. Presently, there are no universally agreed-upon standards indicating which postsurgical orthopaedic patients may perform BFR safely. While excluding all these patients from BFR may be overly cautious, clinicians need to thoroughly screen for VTE signs and symptoms, be cognizant of each patient's risk factors, and use proper equipment and prescription methods prior to initiating BFR. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(1):17-27. Epub 12 Sep 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8375.

Introduction: Sexual function is an important determinant of quality of life, and factors such as surgical approach, performance of fusion, neurological function and residual pain can affect it after spine surgery. Our aim was to perform a systematic review to collate evidence regarding the impact of spine surgery on sexual function., Methods: A systematic review of studies reporting measures of sexual function, and incidence of adverse sexual outcomes (retrograde ejaculation) after major spine surgery was done, regardless of spinal location. Pubmed (MEDLINE) and Google Scholar databases were queried using the following search words "Sex", "Sex life", "Sexual function", "Sexual activity", "retrograde ejaculation", "Spine", "Spine surgery", "Lumbar surgery", "Lumbar fusion", "cervical spine", "cervical fusion", "Spinal deformity", "scoliosis" and "Decompression". All articles published between 1997 and 2017 were retrieved from the database. A total of 81 studies were included in the final review., Results: Majority of the studies were retrospective case series and were low quality (Level IV) in evidence. Anterior lumbar approaches were associated with a higher incidence of retrograde ejaculation, especially with the utilization of transperitoneal laparoscopic approach. There is inconclusive evidence on the preferred sexual position following fusion, and also on the impact of BMP-2 usage on retrograde ejaculation/sexual dysfunction., Conclusion: Despite limited evidence from high-quality articles, there is a general trend towards improvement of sexual activity and function after spine surgery. Future studies incorporating specific assessments of sexual activity will be required to address this important determinant of quality of life so that appropriate pre-operative counselling can be done by providers. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Purpose: The aim of this investigation was to assess resilience within an elderly population during postacute rehabilitation for orthopedic surgery and to identify the role of resilience on rehabilitation outcomes by comparing hip fracture and elective patients (total knee and hip arthroplasty)., Design: We conducted a prospective study in an orthopedic rehabilitation department., Methods: On admission and on discharge, 80 patients aged over 60 years underwent a multidimensional evaluation with the Resilience Scale, the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Multidimensional Prognostic Index, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF., Findings: Hip-fractured patients had a lower level of resilience. High-resilient fracture patients achieved higher FIM scores. For elective patients, no differences on FIM score occurred for different resilience levels., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Resilience plays a significant role in reaching optimal functional recovery in hip-fractured elderly people. Results suggest the introduction of early routine assessment of resilience in future outcome studies in rehabilitation.

Background: Haglund's syndrome involves a prominent posterior superior prominence of the calcaneus. If nonoperative management fails, operative management with calcaneoplasty is often needed. No study has assessed Achilles tendon pullout strength after an open calcaneoplasty for Haglund's syndrome. The purpose of this study was to investigate those changes in a cadaveric model and provide objective data upon which to base postoperative recovery., Methods: Seven matched pairs of cadaveric specimens (mid-tibia to toes) were divided into 2 cohorts: (1) intact/untreated and (2) open resection. The open resection group was treated with an open calcaneoplasty through a posterior approach using a microsagittal saw. We compared Achilles pullout strength between the 2 groups through the use of a mechanical testing system. Specimens were then loaded to failure. Lateral radiographs were obtained before and after surgery to quantify bone removal. Outcome measures included height of bony resection, angle of bone resection, and load to failure., Results: The mean maximum pullout strength was significantly higher in the intact specimens (1300 ± 500 N) compared to the open resection group (740 ± 180 N) ( P < .01), representing a 45% reduction in pullout force in the open resection group. Pullout force was significantly correlated to bone mineral density (BMD) ( P < .05). Pullout force was negatively correlated to both radiographic measures of resection level, angle, and height, but neither of these were significant., Conclusion: Open calcaneoplasty demonstrated a significant weakness of the Achilles tendon insertion. Pullout strength of the Achilles was also positively correlated with BMD., Clinical Relevance: Biomechanical evidence presented above supports the practice of protected weightbearing and cautious return to activity after open calcaneoplasty for Haglund's syndrome.