Stephanie R. Filbay

Health-Related Quality of Life After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction A Systematic Review

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLRs) are frequently performed on young, active patients and can result in persistent knee symptoms and activity limitations that may affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). To date, there has been no systematic review of HRQoL outcomes after ACLR. Purpose: The objectives of this study were to report HRQoL ≥5 years after ACLR, compare HRQoL outcomes with available population norms, and describe factors that may affect HRQoL in this population. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: All studies reporting HRQoL ≥5 years after ACLR with hamstring or patellar tendon autografts were eligible for review. Common HRQoL outcomes were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis and compared with published population norms. The Spearman rank correlation coefficient (ρ) was used to identify variables associated with HRQoL outcomes. Where insufficient data were available, outcomes were reported descriptively. Results: Fourteen studies were eligible for review, and HRQoL was reported for 2493 patients at a mean of 9 years (range, 5-16 years) after ACLR. Pooling of knee-related quality of life outcomes (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS]–QOL) found impairments after ACLR when compared with population norms. In comparison, studies using the Short Form–36 (SF-36) reported similar or better HRQoL compared with normative data. The KOOS-QOL subscores correlated strongly with KOOS-sport/recreation (ρ = .70, P = .04) and KOOS-pain (ρ = .85, P = .003) subscores. Severe radiographic osteoarthritis, meniscal injuries sustained after surgery, and revision ACLR were associated with poorer HRQoL outcomes at a minimum 5-year follow-up. The negative influence of concomitant meniscal surgery on HRQoL became apparent more than 10 years after ACLR. Conclusion: This review found that patients assessed using a knee-specific measure (KOOS-QOL) were more likely to report poorer HRQoL values, compared with population norms, than those assessed using a generic HRQoL measure (SF-36). Revision surgeries, meniscal injuries, and severe radiographic osteoarthritis were associated with poorer HRQoL outcomes after ACLR. However, these relationships should be interpreted with caution, as they were only investigated in a small number of studies. Clinical Relevance: These results can be used by clinicians to educate patients about potential long-term outcomes after ACLR and to develop strategies for optimizing postoperative HRQoL.

Quality of life in anterior cruciate ligament-deficient individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Physical and psychological impairments impacting quality of life (QOL) are common following ACL reconstruction. Rehabilitation alone is an effective alternative to reconstruction for some patients, warranting the investigation of QOL in ACL-deficient individuals. Purpose To report and compare QOL in ACL-deficient individuals with population norms and ACL-reconstructed groups, and investigate relationships between participant characteristics and QOL. Study design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods We systematically identified and methodologically appraised all studies reporting QOL in ACL-deficient individuals ≥5 years following ACL rupture. Knee-related and health-related QOL scores in ACL-deficient cohorts were compared to ACL-reconstructed groups using a random-effects meta-analysis. Descriptive comparisons were made with population norms. Results Eleven studies reported QOL in 473 ACL-deficient individuals, a mean of 10 (range 5–23) years following ACL rupture. Eight studies reported knee-related QOL using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score QOL subscale (KOOS-QOL); scores (mean±SD) ranging from 54±17 to 77±22 were impaired compared to population norms. Health-related QOL, measured with the SF-36 domain scores in five studies, was similar to population norms, but impaired compared to physically active populations. Meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in KOOS-QOL (mean difference (95% CI) 2.9 (−3.3 to 9.1)) and SF-36 scores (for all SF-36 domains except Vitality) between ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed groups. Conclusions This systematic review found impaired knee-related QOL in ACL-deficient individuals ≥5 years after ACL rupture, compared to population norms. Meta-analysis revealed similar knee-related QOL in ACL-deficient and ACL-reconstructed groups, and no difference in health-related QOL scores for seven of the eight SF-36 domains.

Physiotherapy for patients following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery: limited uptake of evidence into practice.

The efficacy of physiotherapy techniques used for patients following uncomplicated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is well documented. Previous research showed that some of this evidence was not rapidly adopted into practice by cardiothoracic physiotherapists; however, there has been no recent evaluation of the uptake of evidence. Our aim was to identify current physiotherapy interventions in use for patients following uncomplicated CABG surgery. A survey was sent to senior cardiothoracic physiotherapists from all Australian and New Zealand hospitals that perform CABG surgery. Fifty-four surveys were returned (response rate 88%). The most common treatments used were mobilisation (94% of hospitals), range of motion exercises (79%), deep breathing and/or cough (77%), cardiovascular exercise (42%), and incentive spirometry (40%). Respondents with a bachelor or diploma in physiotherapy were more likely to implement deep breathing exercises or coughing than those who obtained a postgraduate degree (p = 0.045). Respondents perceived personal experience as the most influential factor on postoperative treatment choices. Physiotherapists treating patients following uncomplicated CABG surgery continue to use interventions such as deep breathing exercises that are not supported by best available evidence. Standardised guidelines may be required to better match clinical practice with current literature.

Return to sport matters—longer-term quality of life after ACL reconstruction in people with knee difficulties

Many individuals experience long‐term quality of life (QOL) impairment following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Factors contributing to poor QOL and psychological health >5 years after ACLR remain unclear. This study aimed to describe QOL and psychological health outcomes in people with knee difficulties (pain, symptoms, or functional limitations) 5–20 years following ACLR and identify factors explaining variability in these outcomes. Participants with knee difficulties 5–20 years following ACLR completed a battery of validated patient‐reported outcomes [including the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), ACL‐QOL, and the Assessment of QOL (AQoL‐8D) instrument]. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify factors explaining variability in outcomes. One hundred sixty‐two participants aged 38 ± 9 (mean ± SD) years completed questionnaires 9 ± 4 (range 5–20) years following ACLR. Thirty‐nine percent of participants returned to competitive sport, 28% returned to a lower level, and 32% did not return to sport after ACLR. Not returning to sport after ACLR was associated with worse KOOS‐QOL (β = 0.29, P = 0.001 [mean ± SD (55 ± 20)], ACL‐QOL [β = 0.48, P < 0.001; (57 ± 21)], and AQoL‐8D [β = 0.22, P = 0.02 (0.80 ± 0.14)]) scores. Increased body mass index (56% were overweight/obese) was related to worse QOL and more depressive symptoms. Subsequent knee surgery and contralateral ACLR were also associated with poorer QOL outcomes in these individuals.

Delaying ACL reconstruction and treating with exercise therapy alone may alter prognostic factors for 5-year outcome : An exploratory analysis of the KANON trial

Aim Identify injury-related, patient-reported and treatment-related prognostic factors for 5-year outcomes in acutely ACL-ruptured individuals managed with early reconstruction plus exercise therapy, exercise therapy plus delayed reconstruction or exercise therapy alone. Methods Exploratory analysis of the Knee Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Nonsurgical versus Surgical Treatment (KANON) trial (ISRCTN84752559). Relationships between prognostic factors (baseline cartilage, meniscus and osteochondral damage, baseline extension deficit, baseline patient-reported outcomes, number of rehabilitation visits, graft/contralateral ACL rupture, non-ACL surgery and ACL treatment strategy) and 5-year Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pain, symptoms, sport/recreation and quality of life (QOL) scores were explored using multivariable linear regression. Estimates were adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, preinjury activity level, education and smoking. Results For all participants (n=118), graft/contralateral ACL rupture, non-ACL surgery and worse baseline 36-item Short-Form Mental Component Scores were associated with worse outcomes. Treatment with exercise therapy alone was a prognostic factor for less knee symptoms compared with early reconstruction plus exercise therapy (regression coefficient 10.1, 95% CI 2.3 to 17.9). Baseline meniscus lesion was associated with worse sport/recreation function (−14.4, 95% CI −27.6 to –1.3) and osteochondral lesions were associated with worse QOL (−12.3, 95% CI −24.3 to –0.4) following early reconstruction plus exercise therapy. In the same group, undergoing additional non-ACL surgery and worse baseline KOOS scores were prognostic for worse outcome on all KOOS subscales. Following delayed reconstruction, baseline meniscus damage was a prognostic factor for less pain (14.3, 95% CI 0.7 to 27.9). Following exercise therapy alone, undergoing non-ACL surgery was prognostic for worse pain. Conclusions Treatment-dependent differences in prognostic factors for 5-year outcomes may support individualised treatment after acute ACL rupture in young active individuals. Trial registration number Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN84752559.

Activity preferences, lifestyle modifications and re-injury fears influence longer-term quality of life in people with knee symptoms following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a qualitative study.

QUESTIONS How do people with knee symptoms describe their quality of life and experiences 5 to 20 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR)? What factors impact upon the quality of life of these people? DESIGN Qualitative study. PARTICIPANTS Seventeen people with knee symptoms 5 to 20 years after ACLR and high (n=8) or low (n=9) quality of life scores were recruited from a cross-sectional study. METHODS Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted and transcribed. The data obtained from the interventions underwent inductive coding and thematic analysis. RESULTS Four consistent themes emerged from the interviews as common determinants of quality of life following ACLR: physical activity preferences; lifestyle modifications; adaptation and acceptance; and fear of re-injury. All participants described the importance of maintaining a physically active lifestyle and the relationship between physical activity and quality of life. Participants who avoided sport or activity reported experiencing reduced quality of life. Participants who suppressed or overcame re-injury fears to continue sport participation described experiencing a satisfactory quality of life while taking part in sport despite knee symptoms. For some participants, resuming competitive sport resulted in subsequent knee trauma, anterior cruciate ligament re-rupture or progressive deterioration of knee function, with negative impacts on quality of life following sport cessation. Participants who enjoyed recreational exercise often adapted their lifestyle early after ACLR, while others described adapting their lifestyle at a later stage to accommodate knee impairments; this was associated with feelings of acceptance and satisfaction, irrespective of knee symptoms. CONCLUSION Activity preferences, lifestyle modifications and fear of re-injury influenced quality of life in people with knee symptoms up to 20 years following ACLR. People with a preference for competitive sport who do not enjoy recreational exercise might be at heightened risk of poor quality of life outcomes and could benefit from support to facilitate a transition to a physically active, satisfying lifestyle.

Quality of life impairments after hip arthroscopy in people with hip chondropathy.

Many young individuals undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery have hip chondropathy. The impact of mild or more severe hip chondropathy 1–2 years following arthroscopy is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to (i) compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety and depression scores between people who underwent arthroscopic treatment for hip chondropathy 1–2 years previously and pain-free controls; (ii) compare HRQoL, hip-related quality of life (QoL) and anxiety/depression scores in people with mild versus severe hip chondropathy and (iii) compare hip-related QoL items between chondropathy groups. The Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33), EuroQol-5D and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were compared between 71 individuals aged 18–60 years following arthroscopic treatment for hip chondroplasty (12–24 months previously) and 46 healthy controls. Comparisons were also performed between people with mild (Outerbridge grade 1–2) and severe (Outerbridge grade 3–4) hip chondropathy. Participants following arthroscopic treatment for hip chondroplasty reported worse HRQoL, hip-related QoL and anxiety, compared with pain-free controls (all P < 0.05), but no difference in self-care (P = 0.20). There were differences between mild and severe chondropathy groups for pain during sport/recreation [median (IQR) 20 (5–80) versus 60 (25–90) P = 0.01), pain after activity (40 (20–75) versus 75 (50–90) P = 0.01), difficulty maintaining fitness (30 (10–70) versus 75 (35–85) P = 0.02) and reduced hip confidence. Hip chondropathy was associated with significant QoL impairment, with severe chondropathy associated with the greatest impairment. The identification of specific areas of QoL impairment provides avenues to target rehabilitation and support.

Common attributes in retired professional cricketers that may enhance or hinder quality of life after retirement: a qualitative study

Objectives Retired professional cricketers shared unique experiences and may possess specific psychological attributes with potential to influence quality of life (QOL). Additionally, pain and osteoarthritis can be common in retired athletes which may negatively impact QOL. However, QOL in retired athletes is poorly understood. This study explores the following questions from the personal perspective of retired cricketers: How do retired cricketers perceive and experience musculoskeletal pain and function in daily life? Are there any psychological attributes that might enhance or hinder retired cricketers’ QOL? Design A qualitative study using semistructured interviews, which were subject to inductive, thematic analysis. A data-driven, iterative approach to data coding was employed. Setting All participants had lived and played professional cricket in the UK and were living in the UK or abroad at the time of interview. Participants Eighteen male participants, aged a mean 57±11 (range 34–77) years had played professional cricket for a mean 12±7 seasons and had been retired from professional cricket on average 23±9 years. Results Fifteen participants reported pain or joint difficulties and all but one was satisfied with their QOL. Most retired cricketers reflected on experiences during their cricket career that may be associated with the psychological attributes that these individuals shared, including resilience and a positive attitude. Additional attributes included a high sense of body awareness, an ability to self-manage pain and adapt lifestyle choices to accommodate physical limitations. Participants felt fortunate and proud to have played professional cricket, which may have further contributed to the high QOL in this group of retired cricketers. Conclusions Most retired cricketers in this study were living with pain or joint difficulties. Despite this, all but one was satisfied or very satisfied with their QOL. This may be partly explained by the positive psychological attributes that these retired cricketers shared.

Quality of Life After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Improving an individual’s long-term quality of life should be the primary aim of ACL management. To fulfil this aim, we must assure that we accurately capture the impact of the ACL ruptured knee upon an individual’s quality of life. It is imperative that we consider any physical knee deficits in relation to the impact that they have upon an individual’s quality of life, in the context of their life priorities, values, expectations and goals. In this chapter, we describe the importance of measuring QOL in ACL ruptured individuals, discuss how to choose an appropriate QOL measure, highlight pitfalls in commonly used QOL measures and provide clinical recommendations for assessing QOL in ACL ruptured individuals. We also provide a summary of the literature on QOL after ACL reconstruction and non-operative management of ACL rupture.

Quality of life in individuals with patellofemoral pain: A systematic review including meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review is to describe QoL in individuals with PFP, and determine the impact of PFP interventions on QoL. METHODS Five databases were searched for studies reporting QoL in individuals with PFP, with mean age under 50 years. Data were pooled based on QoL tool (e.g. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] QoL subscale, Short-Form 36 item health survey [SF-36]) using random-effects models, or through narrative synthesis where inadequate data were available. RESULTS Individuals with PFP, had worse KOOS-QOL scores (pooled mean: 47[95% CI: 34 to 61] and health-related QoL (pooled SF-36 PCS and MCS: 47[95% CI: 41 to 53] and 54[95% CI: 47 to 62], respectively) compared with pain-free controls and population norms. Physical interventions were associated with improvements in knee- and health-related QoL in individuals with PFP in repeated measures studies. However, the effect of physical interventions compared to a control treatment was conflicting. CONCLUSION Individuals with PFP aged under 50 years, have markedly reduced knee- and health-related QoL compared to pain-free controls and population norms. Knee- and health-related QoL may improve following intervention, but it is unclear if these improvements are greater than that which occur in a control group.