Michael Masaracchio1, Sheryl Comet, Ellen Godwin. 1. Department of Physical Therapy (Drs Masaracchio, Comet, and Godwin), Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York; Masefield Cavallaro Physical Therapy (Drs Masaracchio and Comet), Brooklyn, New York.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective case report was to describe clinical decision making during the examination and treatment of a 5-year-old boy with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. KEY POINTS: A paucity of research exists for the management of ACL tears in children. A combination of manual therapy interventions initially, followed by a unique and comprehensive therapeutic exercise program, was implemented during the course of a 3-month treatment period. Improvements in range of motion, quadriceps strength, single-leg stance time, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score were noted. At discharge, the patient safely returned to unrestricted home and school activities. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates successful management of a child after an ACL injury. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians are encouraged to implement sound clinical reasoning in the absence of well-established evidence when treating similar patients in their clinical practice.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this retrospective case report was to describe clinical decision making during the examination and treatment of a 5-year-old boy with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. KEY POINTS: A paucity of research exists for the management of ACL tears in children. A combination of manual therapy interventions initially, followed by a unique and comprehensive therapeutic exercise program, was implemented during the course of a 3-month treatment period. Improvements in range of motion, quadriceps strength, single-leg stance time, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score were noted. At discharge, the patient safely returned to unrestricted home and school activities. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates successful management of a child after an ACL injury. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians are encouraged to implement sound clinical reasoning in the absence of well-established evidence when treating similar patients in their clinical practice.
Authors: Mette K Zebis; Susan Warming; Maria B Pedersen; Marie H Kraft; S Peter Magnusson; Martin Rathcke; Michael Krogsgaard; Simon Døssing; Tine Alkjær Journal: Orthop J Sports Med Date: 2019-07-30