Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Return-to-sport (RTS) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) remains a significant clinical challenge, with high rates of delayed return and secondary injury reported in athletic populations. Conventional rehabilitation protocols often rely on time-based progression, which may inadequately address persistent neuromuscular deficits associated with reinjury risk. Phase-specific neuromuscular training, guided by functional and movement-based criteria, has been proposed as a more individualized approach; however, comparative evidence remains limited. Objective: To compare the effects of phase-specific neuromuscular training and time-based rehabilitation on return-to-sport timing and re-injury risk following ACL reconstruction. Methods: A prospective, randomized, comparative study design was employed involving physically active individuals who underwent primary unilateral ACL reconstruction. Participants were allocated to either a phase-specific neuromuscular training group or a traditional time-based rehabilitation group. Return-to-sport time, secondary ACL injury incidence within 12 months post-RTS, limb symmetry indices, and functional performance outcomes were analyzed using appropriate inferential statistical methods. Results: Participants undergoing phase-specific neuromuscular training demonstrated a significantly earlier return-to-sport compared to those following time-based rehabilitation (p < 0.001). Additionally, the phase-specific group exhibited a lower incidence of secondary ACL injury within the follow-up period (p < 0.05). Superior limb symmetry and functional performance outcomes were also observed in the phase-specific neuromuscular training group at the time of RTS clearance. Conclusion: Phase-specific neuromuscular training appears to be more effective than conventional time-based rehabilitation in facilitating earlier and safer return-to-sport following ACL reconstruction. Rehabilitation models emphasizing neuromuscula
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Knee dislocations are rare but potentially limb-threatening injuries to the knee joint. It is of interest in emergencies because they usually occur in context of multiple injuries and due to the possibility of vascular compromise to the affected limb. Case Presentation: We hereby report the case of a 53-year-old man who sustained a right knee lateral dislocation after a fall from a moving construction vehicle. The knee dislocation was managed by open reduction after an unsuccessful attempt of closed reduction. Subsequently, the joint was stabilized using external fixation. The short term and long-term evolution were favorable. Conclusion: The acute management of traumatic knee dislocations should be timely and adapted based on individual cases. Thus, if manual reduction fails, open reduction with external fixation may be considered
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage breakdown, joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is a leading cause of disability worldwide, particularly among older adults. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis among patients attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between January 2020 and December 2022, and to assess its association with selected socio-demographic factors. A retrospective cross-sectional hospital-based study design was adopted. Data were obtained from patients’ medical records in the orthopedic and medical records departments of RSUTH. A total of 606 cases diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis within the study period were included in the study. Relevant information such as age, sex, occupation, marital status, religion, body mass index (BMI), and year of diagnosis were extracted using a structured data collection form. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of knee osteoarthritis was 8.51%. The condition was more prevalent among females (64.3%) compared to males (35.6%). Prevalence increased with age, peaking in the 60–69 years age group (32.5%). Higher prevalence was observed among homemakers (44.5%), married individuals (67.1%), and those with higher BMI levels, indicating a strong association with obesity. Statistical analysis revealed significant relationships between knee osteoarthritis and socio-demographic variables such as age, sex, occupation, BMI, religion, and marital status (p < 0.05). In conclusion, knee osteoarthritis is prevalent among adults attending RSUTH, with higher occurrence in females, older individuals, and those with increased body weight. The findings highlight the need for early diagnosis, publi
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint disruptions are common shoulder injuries, often requiring surgical intervention for high-grade (Rockwood types IV and V) instability. Traditional fixation methods, such as K-wire stabilization, are associated with high complication rates, including hardware migration and post-traumatic arthritis. This study aims to detail an anatomic surgical technique utilizing suture anchor fixation and evaluate its clinical and functional outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 10 consecutive patients (mean age 32 years) with acute Rockwood Type IV or V AC joint dislocations treated at a tertiary care center in Bangalore. All patients underwent reconstruction using suture anchor fixation supplemented by coracoacromial (CA) ligament transfer. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score (CMS), and maintenance of reduction was monitored through standardized radiographic protocols. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 12 months (range: 9–23 months). Immediate postoperative radiographs confirmed anatomical reduction in 100% of cases. At final follow-up, the mean Constant-Murley score was 93.2, with 80% of patients achieving full, unrestricted range of motion. Complications were limited to two superficial wound infections; notably, no instances of hardware migration, neurovascular injury, or secondary AC joint arthrosis were observed. Conclusion: Suture anchor fixation, combined with CA ligament transfer, provides a stable, non-rigid construct that effectively restores the anatomy of the AC joint. This technique avoids the catastrophic risks associated with metallic hardware migration and offers excellent functional recovery, making it a viable alternative to traditional transarticular fixation.