Publications by authors named "Luke T O'Brien"

Background: Outcomes after sports-related multiple-ligament knee reconstructions are limited.

Purpose: To evaluate outcomes after single-stage surgical treatment of sports-related multiple-ligament knee injuries and to compare outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-based and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)-based multiple-ligament knee reconstructions.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

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Rehabilitation following an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a crucial component of the healing and recovery process and full return to duty/play in the tactical modern-day warfighter. The burden of anterior cruciate ligament injuries and subsequent loss of readiness in these military warfighters highlights one of the most significant gaps in musculoskeletal injury care today. Emphasis must be placed on early weight-bearing and range of motion (ROM), namely in this athlete population, to best facilitate a timely care and recovery process.

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Blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy is becoming increasingly popular in musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation. In particular, this form of therapy is being utilized more often in the postoperative setting following knee surgery, including anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. BFR therapy provides patients and clinicians an alternative treatment option to standard muscle strengthening and hypertrophy guidelines in the setting of postoperative pain, weakness, and postoperative activity restrictions that contribute to muscle atrophy.

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Background: While early weightbearing protocols have been advocated after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, early weightbearing after fibular (lateral) collateral ligament reconstruction has not been well defined.

Purpose: (1) To determine if early partial controlled weightbearing after fibular collateral ligament (FCL) reconstruction resulted in an objective difference in laxity on varus stress radiographs at postoperative 6 months as compared with nonweightbearing, and (2) to determine if there was a difference in pain, edema, range of motion, and subjective patient-reported outcomes between these groups at 3 time points.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

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Unlabelled: The medial collateral ligament is the most commonly injured ligament of the knee, with injury generally sustained in the athletic population as a result of valgus contact with or without tibial external rotation. The capacity of the medial collateral ligament to heal has been demonstrated in both laboratory and clinical studies; however, complete ruptures heal less consistently and may result in persistent instability. When operative intervention is deemed necessary, anatomical medial knee reconstruction is recommended.

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