Manual Interstructural Release Procedure Can Alter Muscle Shear Modulus.

Purpose: Interstructural release (ISR) procedure to skeletal muscles is believed to attenuate adhesion between neighboring muscles and alleviate subjective symptoms, including perceived stiffness and associated pain. However, objective evidence about the effect of ISR on the mechanical properties of the muscles is limited. The purpose of this study was to test the acute effect of ISR on the shear modulus of adjacent muscles.

Effect of unpredictable timing on the hip, knee, and ankle kinematics and center of mass during deceleration tasks.

Background: Unpredictable stopping or deceleration tasks are crucial to prevent ACL injury. The purpose of this study was to reveal differences and relationships in kinematics during different deceleration tasks with and without anticipation.

Methods: Twenty-four collegiate athletes were recruited.

Three-dimensional volume and shape of the infrapatellar fat pad during quasi-static knee extension from 30° to 0°: comparisons of patients with osteoarthritic knees and young, healthy individuals.

[Purpose] Previous studies suggest that the infrapatellar-fat-pad is affected by aging or knee osteoarthritis, and that the infrapatellar-fat-pad in knee osteoarthritis cases may be associated with limited mobility during knee movement. This study aimed to determine changes in the shape and volume of the infrapatellar-fat-pad between 30° and 0° of knee extension in knee osteoarthritis cases and in young, healthy individuals, and to characterize differences in patellar mobility, patellar tendon mobility, and length between the groups. [Participants and Methods] We created 3D models of the infrapatellar-fat-pad, the patellar tendon, and bones using sagittal MRI with the knee at 30° and 0°.

Dynamic three-dimensional shoulder kinematics in patients with massive rotator cuff tears: a comparison of patients with and without subscapularis tears.

Background: Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) with subscapularis (SSC) tears cause severe shoulder dysfunction. In the present study, the influence of SSC tears on three-dimensional (3D) shoulder kinematics during scapular plane abduction in patients with MRCTs was examined.

Methods: This study included 15 patients who were divided into two groups: supraspinatus (SSP) and infraspinatus (ISP) tears with SSC tear (torn SSC group: 10 shoulders) or without SSC tear (intact SSC group: 5 shoulders).

Volume and mobility of the infrapatellar fat pad during quasi-static knee extension after manual therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized control trial study.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine whether the volume and mobility of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) change as a result of manual release or stretching during quasi-static knee extension in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). [Participants and Methods] Fourteen patients with KOA were allocated to one of two groups: the manual release (R) and stretching (S, control) groups. They all underwent 12 treatment sessions in in a space of four weeks.

Changes in pelvic alignment in a woman before and after childbirth, using three-dimensional pelvic models based on magnetic resonance imaging: A longitudinal observation case report.

3-dimensional pelvic models based on magnetic resonance images (MRI) can be used to investigate accuracy and specifics of changing pelvic alignment during pregnancy and after childbirth. Few studies have investigated changes of pelvic alignment during pregnancy and after childbirth using three-dimensional pelvic models. This case report documents the changes of pelvic alignment during late pregnancy and after childbirth using MRI-based three-dimensional (3D) pelvic models.

Consistent femoral external rotation during weight-bearing knee flexion is associated with better patient-reported pain and mediolateral balance after total knee arthroplasty.

Background: Normal knees generally show consistent femoral external rotation during knee flexion, although knees that have had total knee arthroplasty exhibit various rotational patterns with less rotational angle. This study aimed to determine whether consistent femoral external rotation during weight-bearing knee flexion after total knee arthroplasty is associated with better patient-reported outcomes and mediolateral joint balance.

Methods: A total of 40 total knee arthroplasty knees with a high-flexion posterior-stabilized prosthesis were divided into two groups based on their axial rotational kinematic pattern during squatting activity, and the clinical results including patient-reported outcomes and joint laxity were compared between the consistent external rotation group (20 knees) and the inconsistent external rotation group (20 knees).

Detection of knee wobbling as a screen to identify athletes who may be at high risk for ACL injury.

This study developed a method to detect knee wobbling (KW) at low knee flexion. KW consists of quick uncontrollable medio-lateral knee movements without knee flexion, which may indicate a risk of ACL injury. Ten female athletes were recorded while performing slow, single-leg squats.

Characteristic kinematics of floor-sitting activities after posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty determined using model-based shape-matching techniques.

Background: Detailed kinematics of floor-sitting activities after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have not been well explored. Knee kinematics of cross-legged sitting, seiza-sitting, and side-sitting after TKA were examined to clarify the differences in tibiofemoral kinematics of each activity.

Methods: Subjects were 40 knees in 20 osteoarthritic patients who underwent bilateral TKA with a high-flexion fixed-bearing posterior-stabilized prosthesis.

Mobile-bearing insert used with total knee arthroplasty does not rotate on the tibial tray during a squatting activity: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is commonly performed around the world. Implant designs include fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing. Mobile-bearing design was developed as a rotating platform that allows axial rotation of the insert around the longitudinal axis.

Validity and reliability of velocity measurements on ultrasonography using custom software with an optical-flow algorithm.

[Purpose] The purposes of this study were: 1) to validate a commercial software program using an optical-flow algorithm to measure the velocity of muscle movement; and 2) to determine optimal image quality and the size and location of regions of interest. [Materials and Methods] First, a block of pork thigh muscle was pulled at 33 different constant velocities. Subsequently, an accelerometer, a high-velocity camera, and ultrasonography were used to obtain measurements, and an Echolizer software was used to determine ultrasound-based velocities.

The association between sacral morphology and sacroiliac joint conformity demonstrated on CT-based bone models.

Introduction: Knowledge of the stress distribution on structures around the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is required to treat or prevent SIJ disorders. The purpose of this study was to reveal the association between sacral morphology and SIJ conformity.

Materials And Methods: This cross-sectional study included 11 adult patients with unilateral SIJ pain who underwent computed tomography (CT) imaging of the pelvis.

Transcultural Reliability and Validity of the Japanese-Language Version of the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to validate a Japanese version of the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ) and to confirm that the Japanese version of the PGQ (PGQ-J) was as valid as the original version.

Methods: This study involves 2 phases: (1) a cross-cultural adaptation study and (2) a cross-sectional study. The English PGQ was translated referring to the cross-cultural adaptation study process.

Repeatability of quantification of extrusion of the medial meniscus in knee osteoarthritis using three-dimensional models.

Objective: Meniscal damage is one of risk factors for the development of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Medial meniscal extrusion (MME) is associated with the progression of cartilage loss in the medial compartment. The objective of this study was to determine the intra-rater repeatability of our method of three-dimensionally analyzing MME in patients with KOA.

Association between stages of medial compartment osteoarthritis and three-dimensional knee alignment in the supine position: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee causes changes in knee alignment. A detailed knowledge of knee alignment is needed for correct assessment of the extent of disease progression, determination of treatment strategy, and confirmation of treatment effectiveness. However, deterioration of knee alignment during progression of OA has not been adequately characterized.

Movement and volume of infrapatellar fat pad and knee kinematics during quasi-static knee extension at 30 and 0° flexion in young healthy individuals.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in the shape and volume of the infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) associated with knee flexion angle in young healthy individuals.

Methods: Young, healthy individuals without a history of knee injuries participated in this cross-sectional study. Behavior of the IPFP was quantified using three-dimensional (3D) models of the IPFP, patella, patellar tendon, femur, and tibia obtained from MRI taken at 0° and 30° flexion.

High validity of measuring the width and volume of medial meniscal extrusion three-dimensionally using an MRI-derived tibial model.

Background: Medial meniscal extrusion (MME) is an important marker of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) progression. The purposes of this study were: 1) to determine whether there are morphological differences between CT- and MRI-derived tibial plateau models; and 2) to determine whether measurement of MME volume and width using an MRI-derived tibial model is as accurate as measurements on a CT-derived tibial model.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled ten participants with medial KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 1 to 3).

Altered musculoskeletal mechanics as risk factors for postpartum pelvic girdle pain: a literature review.

[Purpose] The aim of this literature review was to detect the factors associated with pelvic girdle pain persisting for over 3 months in the postpartum period. [Methods] We performed a broad literature search for eligible studies published before May 1, 2018 using electronic databases and processed the data using a review process. [Results] In the initial online search, we identified 12,174 potential studies.

Knee kinematics of severe medial knee osteoarthritis showed tibial posterior translation and external rotation: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) gradually reduces knee function and limits activities of daily living with age. However, the progression of abnormal kinematics of the knee in knee OA is unclear.

Aims: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between stage of knee OA and abnormal knee kinematics and to identify a strategy for prevention of knee OA.

THE EFFECT OF NOVEL ANKLE-REALIGNING SOCKS ON DYNAMIC POSTURAL STABILITY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY.

Background: A dynamic postural stability deficit has been suggested to be present in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Interventions to improve postural control in individuals with CAI have been reported, but they required a long period of and compliance with interventions.

Purpose: To examine the effect of novel ankle-realigning socks on dynamic postural stability in individuals with CAI using the star excursion balance test (SEBT).

A difference in rotational alignment of the tibio-femoral joint after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between the bone-patellar tendon-bone and semitendinosus-gracilis grafts.

Background: A question as to the effect of the graft choice on rotational kinematics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any differences in rotational alignment of the knee after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) graft compared to that using semitendinosus-gracilis (STG) graft.

Methods: Ten patients with BTB graft and 10 patients with STG graft were assessed at 3 months after ACL reconstruction.

Effects of exercises with a pelvic realignment device on low-back and pelvic girdle pain after childbirth: A randomized control study.

Background: To determine the effects of a pelvic realignment device-aided exercise programme after childbirth. Postpartum low-back pain and pelvic girdle pain often occur due to pregnancy and childbirth. Pelvic stabilization exercises are considered effective for reducing these symptoms.

Immediate effects of leg-press exercises with tibial internal rotation on individuals with medial knee osteoarthritis.

Objective: Although patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) demonstrate abnormal kinematics involving greater tibial external rotation during squatting, there have not been any previous studies investigating an exercise focused on correcting knee rotational kinematics. This study aimed to determine the immediate effects of exercise with tibial internal rotation (IR) on symptoms and functions in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).

Methods: This study provides Level II evidence using a small randomized controlled trial.

Double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction improves tibial rotational instability: analysis of squatting motion using a 2D/3D registration technique.

Background: The anterior cruciate ligament-deficient (ACLD) knee requires appropriate treatment for the patient to return to sports. The purpose of this study was to clarify the kinematics of the anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee in squatting motion before and after double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (DB-ACLR) using a 2D/3D registration technique.

Methods: The subjects of this study were 10 men with confirmed unilateral ACL rupture who underwent DB-ACLR.