Download Final_Annotated

Devin M. Saunders
December 18th, 2013
Intern/ Mentor Program
Annotated Source List
Barton, Lindsay. “Sports Injury Recovery A Step By Step Process.” Moms Team. 27 December
2011. Web. 27 Dec 2011. <http:// http://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/generalsafety/injury-treatment/recovery-from-youth-sports-injury-step-by-step+process>.
This article addresses the six steps that should be taken when going through rehabilitation
due to a sports injury. Head athletic trainer Eric Laudano of the University of Pennsylvania says
that all sports players should follow the six steps. First allow for the injury to really heal; it is not
the right choice if the athlete continues to play on a part of the body that is in pain. Next step is
restore the full range of motion, if task does not happen the patient may never get the range of
motion back the bodies joints may never be the same. Step three if the athlete suffered from a leg
injury it’s a great possibility they have lost their gait (the way to walk normal). After some
physical therapy a normal, gait should return and his or her walk will be fine. Now it’s time to
start to build muscle strength again by working out the leg, arm, and ankle should lift weights at
three reps of ten. This will help build the muscles that haven’t been inactive for a while, once this
task is complete then build up your endurance again by exercising for at least thirty minutes by
doing activities such as swimming and running in water. The final step is to sharpen the skills
that the patient may have lost during the rehab process.
This article helps because it talks about the correct rehab techniques to help an athlete to
get back on the field as fast as possible. It also goes in depth for each of the six steps that Mr.
Laudano went through, and overall this information helps give a better understanding of why
physical therapist do this. Especially at the end it gives a great point of how teens/ children want
to come back to early, before going through physical therapy the statement is true.
"Cath Lab Digest." Key Insights On Returning Athletes To Sport After Injury. N.p., n.d. Web. 05
Nov. 2013.
In this article, DPM, Charles F. Peebles explains the correct steps to help an athlete return
to his or her sport. He says that since we are passionate about going all out, meaning pushing
their physical limits, athletes don’t know when to stop when they are hurt. Their brains have
been trained to push through the pain, even when the body wants the body to stop and rest. Dr.
Peebles also gets into active rest; which is rest but also letting the athlete maintain his or her
fitness through other activities. He uses the example of a stress fracture for a runner, this athletes
alternative include water training, swimming, cycling, and elliptical trainer. These exercises
allow the athlete to rest their own specific injury, while they maintain their fitness by working
out on other parts of the body.
This article helps get into the athletes head to fully understand their thought process. It
can also help in research because this article helps you were the athlete is coming from, and this
can help the therapist, get the athlete back to his or her sport. Informational article that helps
understand the thought process of the athlete, to help understand the reason why they want to
leave physical therapy so fast.
Cluett, Jonathan. “Knee replacement Rehab & Recovery.” Replacement rehab. 7 July 2013.
Web. 24 Sept 2013.
http://orthopedics.about.com/od/surgicalrehabprotocols/p/replacementrehab.htm.
In this article M.D. Jonathan Cluett explains what happens the day of knee replacement
surgery, and then during rehabilitation. Dr. Cluett says that this surgery takes a day to recover,
and depending on the time of surgery, the patient will be asked to sit in a chair or the side of a
bed. The next step is to meet with the hospitals physical and occupational therapist to work on
strength, and motor skills. Depending on how well the patient is doing they can discharge him, or
her three to five days after surgery to begin regular everyday activities. Finally, Dr. Cluett gives
time lines to get back to normal everyday life, and tells the patient when exactly they can walk,
walk up stairs, drive, and go to their job.
This article is very resourceful to anyone who wants to know more information about
knee replacement surgery rehabilitation. It has great depth and is really in detail about everything
that Dr. Cluett says about the recovery process. This is a great reading to gain more knowledge
about another way to rehab a knee.
Crossman, Jane. "Psychological Rehabilitation from Sports Injuries." 23.5 (1997): 333339. Web. 15 Sep. 2013.
In this journal, it explains the importance of the physical therapist’s attitude toward the
patient. In every injury that a sports player has, they go through not only physical trauma but
psychological trauma as well. These athletes look for a support system to help them get through
their recovery. So during the rehabilitation process the athletic trainers, and or the physical
therapist has to keep a positive attitude toward the patient, to help them have a positive attitude
towards their recovery. Also in the journal it shows a survey of therapist and physicians that use
psychological strategies to help the athlete in their recovery process. As a result a great 47% are
respondent to the psychological strategies.
This journal is very useful, because it explains the importance of how a therapists’
attitude can have a great effect on the athlete, and his/her recovery. Even though some
information is not needed, the information that is important is very beneficial in explaining the
rehabilitation process. This journal is a great starting point for beginning process of learning
about the many ways to rehab.
Ericsson YB. ” Lower extremity performance following ACL rehabilitation in the KANON-trail:
impact of reconstruction and predictive value at 2 and 5 years”. Oct 2013. Web. 4 Oct
2013. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24029859.>
In a recent article written by Dr. YB Ericsson for the National Institute of Health, he and
his colleagues address the most recent research on reconstructed ACLs, to test the clinical
outcomes two to five years after the ACL tear. The methods that the doctors utilized were two
strength test and five physical performance test with young active adults. They compared the
data that they collected and compared it with LSI (Limb Symmetry Indices) to see where the
young active adults would be, the data showed that seventy five to ninety five percent had a LSI
less than ninety percent. Doctor Ericsson’s research determined that young active adults regain
physical performance and strength after the correct exercise program. Even if the patient does
not have surgical reconstruction he or she still can regain strength, and increase performance.
This article is informative; especially when one seeks to determine how fast young active
adults can heal and rehab a torn ACL and still regain strength. In contrast it also informs the
reader of what could happen if one does not follow or finish a prescribed exercise program. In
closing it can be stated that a structured exercise program in accordance with clear
communication post injury will have a positive impact on the health of an injured person.
Goldberg, Alan. “The Mental Side of Athletic Injuries.” Rebounding Injuries. 2013. Web.
October 2013. < https://www.competitivedge.com/rebounding-injuries-0.>
In an article by Dr. Alan Goldberg, he explains how athletic injuries are psychological
and explains the correct way to deal with the injuries. He list the three different ways injuries can
affect the athlete, sense of identity, Major source of self-esteem, and a way to deal with stress.
With sense of identity, the athlete depends heavily on their sport and when they are injured they
try to fill that empty space since they can’t perform. Secondly now they don’t get put ups
anymore and the athlete can fill him or herself with self-doubt, and finally they no longer have an
outlet to relieve there stress. Dr. Alan Goldberg then gives ten tips to help athletes to get them
through the coping process which is the rehab. Then, at the end he gives word of wisdom to help
the athlete get back to playing their sport.
This reader found this article to be resourceful in getting to understand how to
overcoming injuries are psychological. It is a great starting point to get into the head of an athlete
and to understand what goes through their head at this time. The article is extremely helpful and
highly recommended.
Greengard, Samuel. “Risk and Complications of Total Knee Replacement Surgery.” Risk and
Complications. April 30, 2012. Web. November 19, 2013.
<http://www.healthline.com/health/total-knee-replacement-surgery/riskscomplications?toptoctest=expand.>
In this article the complications and risk when deciding to have a total knee replacement
surgery, and in a chart its states other information about what sex has needed this surgery the
most. In the chart it shows that females have increased 57%, meaning they get surgery the most.
Complications from the surgery itself are from anesthesia’s which are vomiting, shivering,
dizziness, etc. There is also the risk of infection, blood clots, and allergy to metal components
that is used in the artificial knee joint. Then finally the rarest risk is the improper placement, and
this can affect ones knee for the rest of his or her life.
This article is helpful in explaining what all the risk factors are of getting knee surgery,
and what people go through. It really tells each individual risk and complication a patient can go
through and when these problems link the rehabilitation will be that much harder. Good reading
to begin to learn about the different struggles a patient has to go through.
HASfit. “Knee Rehab Exercises- Knee Rehabilitation Workout- Knee Strengthening Work Out.”
Rehabilitation. 2 Nov 2012. Web. 29 Oct 2013. <
http://hasfit.com/workouts/rehabilitation/knee-rehab-exercises/>.
In a 2012 instructional video by Freddy, produced by HASfit they discuss knee
rehabilitation exercises that seek to educate and inform athletes and trainers about ways to
strengthen their knees at home. Freddy gives three exercises that will help strengthen weak knees
to help the athletes get back to previous physical state. The first exercise is a bodyweight leg
extension, this will be done in three sets of eight and held for three seconds and slowly placed to
the ground. Next exercise is the single leg balance, this will be done in sets of three and held for
eight seconds; Freddy advises those with weaker knees to have a stool or chair to help support
them. Final exercise is a chair iso-hold; this will be done in eight seconds for three sets. These
exercises will help stabilize the patients knees and can also relief them of pain.
This video was a wonderful resource to have, this helps gives a better understanding of
how the muscles can affect our joints. This can help give the patient a different approach to their
rehabilitation process. This source is helpful in learning the most effectful rehabilitation method.
Inverarity, Laura. “A Guide to Ankle Injuries and Rehabilitation” 2013.Web. 2013.
http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/sportsinjuries/a/anklehub.htm.
This article states everything there is to know about the anatomy of an ankle, and begins
the basic knowledge of the rehab of the ankle. The ankle is made up of ligaments and three
bones, the tibia, fibula, and talus .The reason why ankles get sprained is because they are
sometimes stretch past their normal range of motion, and therefore create rips in the ligaments.
And most of these injuries happen during sporting events such as running, and jumping. The
symptoms of a sprained ankle are pain, stiffness, bruising, and swelling. Also in the article
teaches about Achilles Tendonitis which is really just an over use injury and it creates little tears
in the tissue, causing pain. This can happen if you have excessively flat feet meaning no arch,
and if you have tight calf muscles. At first you would just want to “RICE “ it, meaning Rest, Ice,
Compress, and Elevate this will help with reducing the swelling to the ankle helping the person
get a faster recover to walk sooner. Also there are exercises to maintain or build the muscle
around your ankle to make it stronger.
This article helps a patient understand the basic anatomy of the ankle. Also teaches an
easy method of rehab which is RICE. This article is very beneficial in teaching the different
techniques for the rehabilitation process.
Kailus, Julie. “Best Ways to Ease Knee Pain: 5 Tips from a Physical Therapist.” Live Healthy.
2011. Web. 13 Nov 2013. <http://life.gaiam.com/article/best-ways-ease-knee-pain-5tips-physical-therapist.>
In this article Julie Kailus gives background on what the most common cause of chronic
disability in the United States alone, knee arthritis. Then she goes into research on how people
can avoid knee pain and problems, simply by strengthening and stretching key muscles that help
support the knees. Julie lists five steps that will help strengthen the knees and to also help the
ligaments loosen up. First step is to strengthen the glutes, when ones gluteus maximus is weak it
cause your pelvis to drop, and therefore creates and imbalance and puts stress on the knees.
Second stretch your hip adductors this will help decrease the muscle imbalances, third is to tone
the core muscles to help bring the pelvis back. Fourth is simply keep a healthy weight, and lastly
for women do not wear three inch heal shoes because it increases compression force on the knees
by 23%.
This article gives a good aspect of what step could be taken to avoid any knee pains,
before it can turn into an injury. Also supplies good detail in how much weight and force the
knees take on a daily base. The information is also proved by a physical therapist; very good
article.
King. “Knee Rehabilitation Exercises” Sports Medicine. 2013. Web. 7 October 2013.
<http://www.pamf.org/sports/king/kneerehab.html.>
In this article Dr. King explains that the knee rehabilitation exercise program should be a
slow and pain free way to recover. Then he gets into detail of the stretching and range of motion
exercises that will help the recovery and gain the full range of motion back. These exercises will
help strengthen the knee joint, and should be done with a light resistance to complete 3 sets of 20
repetitions. The exercises that are utilized are step-ups, one fourth squats, buttock tucks, leg
extensions, and quadriceps and hamstring stretches. Dr. King says at the end that this program
should not increase pain nor the swelling the next day.
The article demonstrates an exercise program that can be very beneficial to people who
are rehabbing their knee. The photo examples help the patient see what they need to do to
strengthen up their knee. Good exercises for a patient rehabbing at home and very simple to do.
“Kneecap Dislocation.” Health Topics. June 13, 2010. Web. November 22, 2013.
<http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001070.htm.>
In this article it tells the characteristics of a dislocated kneecap, and also tells where it
occurs the most which is toward the outside of the leg. Doctors say that this problem usually
occurs or is often seen in women, and this injury happens by sudden change of direction while
the leg is planted. When this specific dislocation happens there are many symptoms that one can
see, such as the knee will look deformed, one is unable to straighten the leg, and “Sloppy”
kneecap. The term “Sloppy” kneecap means that the patella is hypermobile and moves to easily
to the left and right direction. For medical reasons it is best to try to straighten out the leg, but if
it is too painful stabilize the knee in a splint and seek medical attention from the local healthcare
provider.
This article helped a great deal in telling the steps to identify a dislocated kneecap and in
telling the correct procedures. The detail that was included in the article help creates a picture to
help visualize. Highly recommend this article to learn about the kneecap dislocation.
"Knee Injuries." Sports Injuries Advice from Sports Injury Bulletin. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Nov.
2013.
In this article it tells just how dangerous knee injuries can be for athletes, and how it can
ultimately end ones athletic career. The most common knee injury is a ligament injuries, these
injuries occur due to an impact to the knee or a hyper extension of the knee during a sport. Knee
injuries are nothing to play around with, and it is advised that you see a doctor before serious
damage occurs to the knee. Most professional athletes however op for repair surgeries, while
amateur athletes at lower levels usually just rest until they are confident and ready to get back to
training. A helpful tip to help prevent harmful knee injuries you just stretch, and make sure you
are flexible with strength in your knees.
This article gave simple tips for athletes to follow, to help prevent knee injuries. Also
answers some key point questions to help one gain more knowledge about the different
techniques of how to prevent knee injuries. Highly recommend this just as an intro in knee
injuries.
“Knee Injury.” Health Encyclopedia. 2013. Web. 22 October 2013.
http://www.healthcentral.com/encyclopedia/408/79.html
In this article, the first thing that is stated is that the knees are the most injury prone parts
of the human body. These injuries can lead to long term disabilities for anyone; usually these
injuries are caused by hard blow, or an awkward movement. Especially women are likely to have
knee injuries, because some of them have the tendency to lock their knees. If signs swelling in
the knee, it is most likely because you are injured. It is important not to mask the pain with any
type of medications because knees should not be ignored, go see a doctor to be evaluated. To
treat the knee one should ice, pain medications, and some modified movements to help reduce
the swelling of the knee. It is also wise to wear a brace; it will help reduce the stress on the knee.
This article states all pre stages of a knee injury have the same treatment at first, but then
different rehab processes. The reading is very informative and straight forward, and helped get
the information that is needed. Highly recommend this reading to anyone who is researching
anything to do with knee injuries. This article provides the detail that is needed to help explain to
a patient.
“LCL Tear Treatment.” Treatment. 2013. Web. December 5, 2013.
<http://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/lcl_tear/treatment.html.>
In this article it talks about the non-surgical and surgical treatment that can be taken to
heal a LCL. Also talks of the rehabilitation to heal the LCL which includes resting, bracing, and
physical therapy. After the pain and swelling of the knee on the lateral side has subsided, the
patient will be able to start exercising to get range of motion back and regain strength. LCL
reconstruction usually takes one to two hours but depending on the severity of the injury and can
be a longer surgery. The ligament is screwed back into the bone along with some sutures to help
the ligament heal back to the bone.
This article told good information about the healing process of the LCL after it has been
torn. A good way to start to understand what procedures the doctors do to help the patient heal,
so they can return to their daily lives in a timely fashion. Good way to learn about all steps to
rehab a LCL injury, good in-depth reading.
“MCL Tear Treatment.” Treatment. 2013. Web. Oct 18 2013.
<http://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/mcl_tear/treatment.html >
In this article it gives the key focus that the doctors and the physical therapist want to do
in order to heal ones MCL. Unlike the ACL the recovery time for the MCL is much shorter time
period, of six weeks. The initial treatment is to reduce inflammation in the patient’s knee, by
resting, icing, and elevating the knee. Doctors also prescribe that the patient takes pain relievers
such as aspirin and ibuprofen to help reduce the pain and swelling of the knee. It is also best to
wear a brace to help stabilize the knee to stop side to side movement. Depending on the grade of
the MCL tear will pre-determine how long recovery time is, a one is a minor tear can recover in
one week. And the highest; a three can take four to eight weeks of recovery time.
This reader has found that the article gives the proper ways to treat a MCL tear. It gives
the step by step process of what the patient and the doctor should do. Good starting article, for
learning about the different rehabilitation methods for knee injuries.
McDaniel, Larry. “A Review of Knee Rehabilitation Methods.” Articles. 25 Sept 2013. Web. 31
Oct 2013. < http://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article024.htm.>
This article addresses the latest research on the most effective methods of rehabilitation
for the knee. This research revolves around the two ACL rehab methods; there is hydrotherapy,
and land-based exercises. Land-based exercises include ST (strength training) and NT
(Neuromuscular training), and strength training branches off into three different techniques.
Perturbation, open kinetic chain exercises, and closed kinetic chain exercises are the three
different techniques. The only difference that Dr. Larry McDaniel could find was that land-based
exercises involve more pain, while hydrotherapy does not. However the end results came out
with similar affects from the rehabilitation.
This article by Dr. Larry McDaniel helps because it provides the many different methods
that can be utilized during the rehabilitation process. This article also provides the statistics from
their investigation, that proves the how well the methods work. This can definitely be a good
starting point for learning about the most effective method for rehabilitation.
M. Hall, Amanda. “The Influence of the Therapist-Patient Relationship on Treatment Outcome
in Physical Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review.” Research. 24 June 2010. Web. 21
October 2013. http://ptjournal.apta.org/content/90/8/1099.full.
In this journal Amanda states the relationship between the physical therapist and the
patient is a big factor that helps determine the rehabilitation outcome. Then she states that this
relationship is called a therapeutic alliance, and when in a positive alliance the patient will have
positive outcomes from his or her recovery. This alliance does not only help the patient
physically through the process of rehabilitation, but also mentally and psychologically through
symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and mood. After this Amanda went into the field to see if
physical therapist uses same techniques as a psychotherapist. She used six databases and
manually lists all of the eligible trials, and conference proceedings.
This reader found that this journal was very useful in telling how physical therapist and
their patients intertwine with each other. The relationship that the patients build with their
therapist will ultimately influence their recovery. Really shows how physical therapy and
psychologist, techniques are useful in both fields.
Ohio State University. "When inflammation is controlled, treadmill training after spinal cord
injury promotes recovery." Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl., 9 Aug. 2013.
Web.17 Sep. 2013. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/264580.php
This article address the new found research that proves if you start treadmill training,
soon after a spinal cord injury, it will have great long term effects in the recovery process. The
researchers at Ohio State saw the signs of inflammation in the lumbar region of the spine; that
shows at a minimum of 10 segments below mid back region injured within 24 hours of the
accident. It is important to make sure that you recover your lower body movement; because of all
the responsibilities such as locomotion are important for everyday life. When they tested it with
animals they noticed that the group that did treadmill training right after injury had no benefits.
However in contrast the other groups had benefits for 42 days’ worth of benefits, because the
inflammation was minimal, and were able to use hind legs to walk. In conclusion of the student’s
studies they found that controlling, the inflammation was critical to the success of treadmill
training.
This news article gave great information about a newer method of rehabilitation for when
you injure your spinal cord. And the test results really help back all of the evidence that the
students where explaining. This news article is extraordinary because it helps keep our minds
open to new techniques of rehab.
“Patellar Fracture.” Injuries. 2008. Web. October 18 2013.
http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/14640550/patellar-fracture-fractured-knee-capphysioadv.htm
In this article it tell the reader what exactly a patellar fracture is, which is just another
way of saying of saying a broken knee cap bone. The patella bone lies under the tendon of the
quadriceps muscle, and it sits in front of the femur creating a joint. When a direst blow to the
front of the knee is given the patella bone is put under stress beyond it’s withstand it will break
creating what is the patellar fracture. This injury is most common in hockey, but can also happen
when the quadriceps contracts forcefully after jumping then landing. Symptoms a patient will
feel are an intense pain in the front of the knee, and they will usually limp to protect the patella
bone.
This article is useful because it gives a great deal of information. It gives in depth
information about the symptoms and tells the causes of how athletes can get this injury. Good
way to advance ones knowledge about the knee.
PysioRoom. “Knee Injuries.” Injuries. 2013. Web. 2013.
http://www.phsioroom.com/injuries/knee/index.php.
In the chart and reading informs the people of the most common signs and symptoms
they will go experience if they have a knee injury. PhysioRoom goes through all the knee
injuries people can get from ACL injuries all the way to knee arthritis. Then also tells what
symptoms each injury will have such as; pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, instability, and
locking in the knee. In the short reading it tells that physiotherapy is essential to reducing the
pain of the knee. Also expresses the importance of getting the correct treatment for the knee, by
following the correct chart for their rehabilitation process.
This chart and short reading will help understand the characteristics of the 12 knee
injuries. It also expresses to the reader how important the correct rehab process is in order to
move on in life. A good way to learn about all the injuries of the knee; by telling each individual
characteristic about the injury.
Porucznik, Mary Ann. "Athletes Risk Second ACL Injury After ACL Reconstruction." 7.12
(2013): n. pag. Print.
In this journal it talks about the chance of re-injuring ones ACL and how it usually occurs
in the first twelve months after reconstruction of the ACL. Through controlled testing and
research the doctors found that girls are more likely to tear other ACL of the opposite leg, or
have another injury. Yet all together the young athletes who do return to the sport after
reconstruction are still at risk for re-injury; for at least two years. The doctors think it is very
risky for young athletes to return to soon, and because of this doctors have come up with a plan.
The plan is to change sports protocols after an athlete has ACL reconstruction.
This journal helps with research that deals with the re-occurrence of ACL tears. Provides
good evidence and gives details about the lab that was conducted. Good journal that is up to date
about ACL re-injury.
“Quadriceps Tendon Tear.” Parts of the Body. August 2009. Web. December 3, 2013.
<http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00294.>
In this article it talks about the tear of the quadriceps, which helps stabilize the patella
bone. This tear is most often seen in middle aged people who are apart of running and jumping
activities or sports. The symptoms of a torn quadriceps tendon are bruising, tenderness,
cramping, an indentation at the top of the knee, difficulty walking, and unable to straighten leg.
The first step the doctor will take is an x-ray; this is to view the patella bone and to see its
location on your knee. After if the doctor sees a problem he or she will give the patient two
choices; the first is the nonsurgical method the second, surgical treatment. The nonsurgical
method the doctor will put you knee in a brace to immobilize for three to six weeks, and then you
go to physical therapy. The surgical method will require the patient to have hospital stay for
surgery, considerations for what materials to use, complications because there is the chance of
patella being out of place, then you go to rehabilitation.
In this article it explained the two different methods for the rehabilitation of the
quadriceps tendon. It also explains the important role the quadriceps tendon, and how it affects
people in everyday life. Good in-depth article that helps explain everything.
Regnexx. “Knee ACL Tear Recovery? Are You Ever the Same After an ACL Surgery?”
Research. 2013. Web. 22 October 2013. http://www.regenexx.com/2013/09/acl-tearrecovery/
In the article by the Regnexx research team, they have found out that, after ACL
reconstruction surgery, you will not be the same. The research team conducted three studies to
make sure they were correct, and based on the studies, they are correct. The first study proved
that there was nothing great about the new and improved “double bundle” ACL surgery. The
Doctors thought that if they remove both parts of the ACL the knee would be better off; sadly
they were wrong because it does not reduce any knee arthritis. The second and third study tested
jumping/landing, and balance ability of the people who have not had ACL surgery and who has
had the ACL surgery. These results did not shock because the group that had ACL surgery could
not land as well and could not balance as well either.
This article has helped the reader understand what really happens to one knee after an
ACL surgery. The effects will last a long time and the technology they have to repair the ACL
will never be able to be like our original. This is a beneficial article to understand more of the
ACL.
Reynolds, Gretchen. “Why A.C.L Injuries Sideline So Many Athletes.” Health & Science. 28
August 2013. Web. 6 October 2013. < http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/28/why-ac-l-injuries-sideline-so-many-athletes/?_r=0.>.
In a journal contribution written by Gretchen Reynolds, she interviews Dr. Martha
Murray who examines the reason why repairs to the ACL have failed in recent years. The author
asked why reconstruction of the ACL has been in vein, and if there are any other solutions to
help an athlete to get back where they were pre-injury. She found out that cartilage damage
changes the joints architecture which will change a person gait and balance. Dr. Murray, Harvard
Medical School, and her colleagues have been studying the knees interior, and found that the
ACL is the only ligament that does not have blood clots because this ligament is in synovial
fluid. Dr. Murray and her colleagues found out that if they drip blood onto a tiny sponge and
cover it in collagen matrix, it will protect the blood from synovial fluid, which is the knees
lubricate. Through a lab Dr. Murray hypothesis was correct with baby pigs, but they are still
optimistic of trying this procedure with athletes, due to the fact that the tears are not that clean of
a tear.
The journal helps the reader understand why ACL injuries are hard to treat at times,
because of the fact that it can change an athlete’s gait. This also informs the reader of new
treatments that doctors will one day use to have more positive effects. The journal is good at
informing the reader of what happens in the medical world.
Sears, Brett. “Hip Weakness May Contribute to Knee Pain.” Physical Therapy. March 29, 2013.
Web. December 13th, 2013.
<http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/humananatomy/a/Hip-Weakness-and-KneePain.htm.>
In this article Dr. Brett Sears explains the anatomy of the hip and explains the
relationship between the hip and the knee. Dr. Sears says that one muscle group around the hip
can greatly effect ones knees. This muscle group is called the gluteus medius; this muscle helps
with abduction of the thigh as well as the hip. Dr. Sears believes that the leading cause to
weakness in ones hips is due to tightness in the hip flexor muscles, which are located in the front
of the hip, can lead to weakness in the gluteus medius. When the gluteus medius muscle is
weakened it rotates the thigh inward, this cause excessive stress on and around the knee joint.
Later in the article Dr. Sears talks about ways to strengthen ones hips, by completing an exercise
program to return normal gait, control, and position.
This article was very informational in telling how the hip and the knee have a
relationship, and how they depend on each other. Dr. Sears explained it very well so that it is not
too wordy and confusing. Highly recommend this article for learning more about how knee pain
can begin.
S Peterson, Charles. “Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Treatment & Management.” Treatment.
June 13, 2012. Web. October 18 2013. <http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/90514treatment.>
In the article the reader found there are two different ways to treat a PCL injury, the first
way is nonoperative treatment. This rehab technique focuses on controlling ones swelling, pain
and instability in their knee. And their plan is to start a passive mobilization so the knees can
begin handling weight, then they have quadriceps strengthening. In a study of sports related PCL
injuries, Dr. Charles Peterson states that 80% of the patients were satisfied with their knee, and
84% of them returned back to the sport. He also states there are benefits from RICE to control
the swelling in the knee, and a FES to help stimulate the quadriceps muscle.
This reader has found this article is helpful, and helped explain the different techniques to
help PCL recovery. It tells everything about what one should do and what we should not do.
Good information on PCL rehabilitation, and what are the best ways to treat this injury.
Stanten, Michele. “The Best and Worst Exercises for Bad Knees.” Fitness. 2013. Nov 14 2013.
<http://www.active.com/fitness/articles/the-best-and-worst-exercises-for-bad-knees>.
In this article it tells the best way to treat achy knees, through exercise. Exercising
muscles around the knee will help protect the joints from injury. Michele gives eight exercises
that are the best to do to strengthen the muscles to assist with the support to the knee. The
exercises are partial squats, step ups, leg lifts, calf raises, leg raises, knee extensions, and
hamstring stretch. These exercises help fix the many factors of why people have knee pain.
Michele also list exercises that should not be completed if a patient has knee problems, and these
are lunges, deep squats, and hurdlers stretch. She labeled these exercises because these are most
likely exercises that can be done improperly.
This article helps in understanding what the physical therapist needs to focus on when
dealing with a patient with knee problems. This also helps in understanding what the
rehabilitation is like. This reading is good in explaining why these exercises are good for knee
patients.
Wedro, Benjamin MD. “Torn Meniscus.” Diseases & Conditions. 18 June 2012. Web. 18
October 2013. <http://www.medicinenet.com/torn_meniscus/article.htm.>.
In an article written by MD Benjamin Wedro, he explains the anatomy of the knee and
provides details regarding the function each ligament and muscle is responsible for. Dr. Wedro
states everyone’s knee flexes and extends, and this allows an individual to actively perform daily
activities; such as walking, running, and squatting. Wedro shows an image of the six structures
that help protect the knee joint. Then states the two muscles that help extend, and bend the knee;
the quadriceps and hamstring. For stability there are four ligaments; the medical and lateral
collateral ligament, and the anterior and posterior ligaments. To protect and to add cushion the
tibial plateau has a medial and lateral meniscus. These are C-shaped pads that protect your femur
and tibia from rubbing against each other. When the meniscus is damaged from any activity,
irritation occurs because the knee joint is no longer a smooth surface thus causing the bones to
glide on each other, and as a result gives the patient pain in his or her knee.
This writer has found this article very informative, due to the fact that it provides an in
depth explanation related to the anatomy of the knee joint. Dr. Wedro’s writings list the
functions of all the ligaments, muscles, and the meniscus. Then states why and how the meniscus
can be damaged.
Zelgler, Terry. “Broken Jaw (Mandibular Fracture).” Sportsmd. Web. 15 Sept 2013.
<http://www.sportsmd.com/Articles/id/24.aspx#sthash.7Ah3qMZr.dpbs .>
In this article it explains what happens when an athlete has a mandibular fracture (Broken
jaw) and tells the overview, symptoms, causes, and the rehabilitation of a broken jaw. A broken
jaw happens when an athlete takes a forceful blow to the jawbone, in sports such as mountain
biking, hockey and baseball. The article goes on to explain how these fractures should be treated
before going to the hospital to possibly get surgery. Later in the article it tells what the athlete
should do in order for him/her to come back to the sport that they love. And it all starts by
rehabbing at the local physical therapy site.
This article has a lot of helpful information that would help anyone have a better
knowledge the signs, and treatment of a broken jaw. And goes in depth to truly get the grasp of
what the author is trying to say. This article truly benefits anyone that would like to understand
more about the rehabilitation process.