Alberto Vascellari1, Alberto Grassi2, Alberto Combi3, Luca Tomaello4, Gian Luigi Canata5, Stefano Zaffagnini2. 1. Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, Oderzo Hospital, Oderzo, Treviso, Italy. mascvoz@gmail.com. 2. 2nd Orthopaedic and Traumatology Clinic, Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute, Bologna, Italy. 3. Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy. 4. Isokinetic Medical Group, Turin, Italy. 5. Centre of Sports Traumatology, Koelliker Hospital, Turin, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report Italian orthopaedic surgeons' management of choice for ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation, and to compare surgical applications and rehabilitation approaches of Italian surgeons to the current approaches of "ACL Study Group". A secondary purpose was to compare the preferences of subgroup based on graft choice, surgical techniques and experience. METHODS: A web-based survey was developed to investigate the attitudes of members of a national association specialized in sports traumatology and knee surgery (SIGASCOT) regarding surgical techniques, routine post-operative applications, rehabilitation approaches and starting time of specific activities and exercises following ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: The response rate was 17 % (131 questionnaires). The most popular graft type was hamstring tendon (81 % in male patients, and 91 % in female patients). The rate of continuous passive motion use was 55 %. Half surgeons routinely used a brace (49 %), usually a hinged brace. In total, 33.0 % of surgeons allowed patients to load the operated knee as much as tolerated within the first 2 weeks. Fifty-nine per cent of surgeons did not limit full flexion within the first 2 weeks. Most surgeons advise to wait until 4 months or more (97 %) for return to sports not requiring contact, and 6 months or more for full-contact sport (86 %). CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrates clear trends in the practice of ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation in Italy. The data obtained from the SIGASCOT members revealed a more conservative approach when compared to the current approaches of "ACL Study Group". LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Cross-sectional survey, Level III.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report Italian orthopaedic surgeons' management of choice for ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation, and to compare surgical applications and rehabilitation approaches of Italian surgeons to the current approaches of "ACL Study Group". A secondary purpose was to compare the preferences of subgroup based on graft choice, surgical techniques and experience. METHODS: A web-based survey was developed to investigate the attitudes of members of a national association specialized in sports traumatology and knee surgery (SIGASCOT) regarding surgical techniques, routine post-operative applications, rehabilitation approaches and starting time of specific activities and exercises following ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: The response rate was 17 % (131 questionnaires). The most popular graft type was hamstring tendon (81 % in male patients, and 91 % in female patients). The rate of continuous passive motion use was 55 %. Half surgeons routinely used a brace (49 %), usually a hinged brace. In total, 33.0 % of surgeons allowed patients to load the operated knee as much as tolerated within the first 2 weeks. Fifty-nine per cent of surgeons did not limit full flexion within the first 2 weeks. Most surgeons advise to wait until 4 months or more (97 %) for return to sports not requiring contact, and 6 months or more for full-contact sport (86 %). CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrates clear trends in the practice of ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation in Italy. The data obtained from the SIGASCOT members revealed a more conservative approach when compared to the current approaches of "ACL Study Group". LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Cross-sectional survey, Level III.
Authors: Rick W Wright; Amanda K Haas; Joy Anderson; Gary Calabrese; John Cavanaugh; Timothy E Hewett; Dawn Lorring; Christopher McKenzie; Emily Preston; Glenn Williams Journal: Sports Health Date: 2015-05 Impact factor: 3.843