Hamstring injury management--Part 2: Treatment

The management of hamstring injuries can be described as vexed at best. One reason for this may be because of a lack of high-quality research into the methods of treatment, rehabilitation and prevention. As a result, an evidence-based approach to injury management does not exist. Management is based on clinical experience, anecdotal evidence and the knowledge of the biological basis of tissue repair. Previous hamstring injury is the most recognized risk factor for injury, which indicates that treatment approaches may be suboptimal under certain conditions. The identification of these risk factors and the methods best designed to manage them should be addressed with future research efforts. Much anecdotal and indirect evidence exists to suggest that several non-local factors contribute to injury. Despite the knowledge that these factors may exist, the literature appears almost devoid of research investigating their possible identification and treatment. Treatment has traditionally been in the form of altering the muscle repair process through the application of electrophysical therapy and various soft-tissue-based and exercise-based techniques. Little research has investigated the role of other forms of manual therapy particularly when directed at non-local structures. This paper will explore and speculate on this potential connection and offer some new contributive factors for hamstring injury management.     

Predisposing factors to hamstring neuromuscular deficits—implications for prevention and rehabilitation of hamstring strain injuries: a narrative review

Background: Scientific knowledge on hamstring strain injuries (HSI) constantly accumulates for the last 100 years. However HSI still exhibit high injury/re-injury rates and new areas of research must be thoroughly explored. Deficiencies that impact the close relationship between the nervous system and muscle functioning constitute a promising research direction, according to existing literature.

Objectives: To outline the often-overlooked factors that pre-dispose to hamstring neuromuscular deficits, with a special emphasis on hamstring strain injury and re-injury.

Major Findings: Sensory input impairment, neural tension, fatigue, competitive anxiety and lumbar-pelvic motor control deficit can all induce dysregulations of the hamstring neuromuscular functioning that may be detrimental during high-speed running. They constitute therefore serious risk factors for hamstring strain injury and re-injury.

Conclusions: We devised an intervention algorithm including both evaluation procedures and hamstring management plan, by compiling and adjusting the most promising doctrines of the literature reviewed. Further research, such as randomized controlled trials, is required to provide evidence of the effectiveness and feasibility of this algorithm for patients in post-HSI recovery or as a preventive approach in the event of high suspicion of re-injury.     

PATIENT-SPECIFIC AND SURGERY-SPECIFIC FACTORS THAT AFFECT RETURN TO SPORT AFTER ACL RECONSTRUCTION

Context

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is frequently performed to allow individuals to return to their pre-injury levels of sports participation, however, return to pre-injury level of sport is poor and re-injury rates are unacceptably high. Re-injury is likely associated with the timeframe and guidelines for return to sport (RTS). It is imperative for clinicians to recognize risk factors for re-injury and to ensure that modifiable risk factors are addressed prior to RTS. The purpose of this commentary is to summarize the current literature on the outcomes following return to sport after ACL reconstruction and to outline the biologic and patient-specific factors that should be considered when counseling an athlete on their progression through rehabilitation.

Evidence Acquisition

A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify RTS criteria and RTS rates after ACL reconstruction with consideration paid to graft healing, anatomic reconstruction, and risk factors for re-injury and revision. Results were screened for relevant original research articles and review articles, from which results were summarized.

Study Design

Clinical Review of the Literature

Results

Variable RTS rates are presented in the literature due to variable definitions of RTS ranging from a high threshold (return to competition) to low threshold (physician clearance for return to play). Re-injury and contralateral injury rates are greater than the risk for primary ACL injury, which may be related to insufficient RTS guidelines based on time from surgery, which do not allow for proper healing or resolution of post-operative impairments and elimination of risk factors associated with both primary and secondary ACL injuries.

Conclusions

RTS rates to pre-injury level of activity after ACLR are poor and the risk for graft injury or contralateral injury requiring an additional surgery is substantial. Resolving impairments while eliminating movement patterns associated with injury and allowing sufficient time for graft healing likely gives the athlete the best chance to RTS without further injury. Additional research is needed to identify objective imaging and functional testing criteria to improve clinical decision making for RTS after ACLR.

Level of Evidence

Level 5     

RECURRENT HAMSTRING INJURY: CONSIDERATION FOLLOWING OPERATIVE AND NON‐OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Purpose/Background:

Hamstring injuries are common at all levels of sport, however recurrence rates are disproportionate compared to other soft tissue injuries. Age and previous injury are supported in the literature as risk factors for hamstring injury; nonetheless, debate exists regarding modifiable risk factors. Restoration of peak torque length using lengthening eccentrics and core stability interventions appear to reduce incidence of re‐injury. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to review examination techniques and rehabilitation considerations in order to identify important risk factors to reduce recurrence after hamstring strain and total rupture.

Discussion/Relation to Clinical Practice:

Novel clinical examination techniques both at time of acute injury and prior to return to sport may provide valuable prognostic information. Restoration of core stability, neuromuscular control and lengthening eccentric hamstring interventions are proposed key components to reduce hamstring re‐injury.

Levels of Evidence:

Level 5     

Inflammation and infection in acute coronary syndrome

Basic science research has revealed that monocytes and macrophages are important factors in atherogenesis. Immune system activation occurs at all stages of plaque formation, from the fatty streak to an advanced, complicated lesion. The inflammatory response not only stimulates changes in coronary artery endothelial cells causing endothelial injury and dysfunction, but also plays a role in plaque instability and rupture. New perspectives of atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes will be discussed in relation to inflammation. In addition, discussion will focus on bacterial and viral infectious microorganisms as a potential factor that may induce and promote inflammation and lead to acute coronary events. Clinical studies in humans have provided insight relating inflammation and infectious agents to atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability. Other studies focus on specific interventions that may aid in diagnosis and treatment.     

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Proximal Hamstring Rupture

Background

Acute proximal hamstring ruptures can be a diagnostic challenge in the emergency department. The revealing sign of large posterior thigh ecchymosis is typically not yet present; the physical examination is limited due to pain, radiographs can be unremarkable, and definitive testing with magnetic resonance imaging is not practical. These avulsions are often misdiagnosed as hamstring strains and treated conservatively. The diagnosis is made after failed treatment, often months after the injury. Surgical repair at that time can be technically challenging and higher risk due to tendon retraction and adhesion of the tendon stump to the sciatic nerve.

Taxonomy of pain. (Lehigh Valley Hospital, Center for Pain Management, Allentown, PA) Clin J Pain 2000;16:S114–S117.

This article discussed the way that research on the pathophysiology of chronic pain has started to challenge the traditional diagnostic and treatment paradigms for the patient with neuropathic pain. It stated that the heterogeneous nature of neuropathic pain indicated that more than one anatomic lesion is most likely responsible for the clinical presentation of a particular syndrome. Conclude that the current taxonomy often falls short of identifying the multifactorial nature of neuropathic pain syndromes and, therefore, may lead to imprecise management of those conditions. It is suggested that an integrated approach to the diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain that considers both etiologic factors and possible mechanisms will lead to more effective taxonomy, treatment paradigms, and outcomes.     

Acute epiglottitis in adults

Acute infectious epiglottitis, a serious life-threatening disease because of its potential for sudden upper airway obstruction, is most commonly seen in children, although it can occur in adults. Because acute epiglottitis is uncommon in adults, it is often misdiagnosed. Five cases are presented that demonstrate the clinical characteristics of adult epiglottitis. Knowledge of the symptoms and signs of the disease will lead to early diagnosis and appropriate management, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality rates.     

Microsensor and microdialysis technology. Advanced techniques in the management of severe head injury

Neuroscientists continue the search for the "magic bullet" that will prevent the deleterious effects of primary and secondary brain injury. Indirect measurement of the effects of primary and secondary brain injury through the study of ICP- or CPP-directed management, CBF monitoring, Sjo2 monitoring, and TCD monitoring has led to improved care of persons with brain injury. Although the findings from brain injury research using microsensor and microdialysis technology are only preliminary and extensive research is still needed, these technologies have dramatically expanded knowledge about brain injury at the cellular level. Extended neuromonitoring is poised to enter a new and exciting phase because of the growth in knowledge regarding the cellular events associated with brain injury. The recent approval of NeuroTrend by the FDA will further promote this growth. Applications of the technology have already expanded to include uses beyond the management of traumatic brain injury. Microsensor and microdialysis technology is being used intraoperatively to determine "safe" temporary clipping times for aneurysm surgery and is also being used within the critical care setting to improve the monitoring and management of subarachnoid hemorrhage patients who are experiencing vasospasm. The ultimate application of this new technology is to improve long-term outcomes for patients with brain injury through the reduction of secondary brain injury. If that goal is to be accomplished, then it will be important for nurses caring for patients with brain injury to become immersed in this exciting new phase in brain injury monitoring. Nurses must obtain a comprehensive knowledge base of brain injury pathophysiology and how extended neuromonitoring can lead to improved outcomes. Technical proficiency will also be important to ensure that treatment and research conclusions are based on accurate data. Finally and perhaps most importantly, it will be critical for nurses to participate in and develop research studies that explore the impact of interventions, especially nursing care activities, on the injured brain if these exciting new advances are to be translated into tangible benefits for brain-injured patients.     

50例儿童眼球穿孔伤的护理

眼球穿孔伤是儿童致残、致盲的主要原因之一。致伤原因多为意外伤或误伤。1996年7月-2000年7月我院收治儿童眼球穿孔伤50例,伤后盲目率达42%,与文献报告致盲率43.8%相近。通过对本组患儿的护理。作者认为：伤后及时诊治,正确护理是决定本病预后的关键。本文详细介绍了手术前后的护理,强调了预防工作的重要性。     

Implementation of interventions to prevent musculoskeletal injury at work — lost in translation?

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a major cost burden to individuals, organizations, and society. While the contribution to injury of various factors is widely acknowledged, little is known about the translation of this knowledge from researchers to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practitioners, nor the implementation, and effectiveness, of injury prevention advice subsequently provided to organizations. It is widely acknowledged that a ‘research-practice gap’ exists and this is further complicated by difficulties evident in applying structured interventions to prevent injury in the workplace. Injury prevention advice commonly includes proposed changes to the work system, environment, and work practices. This requires a change in both organizational and individual behaviour. The structuring of injury prevention advice according to behaviour change principles has been proposed by researchers as a means for improving its effectiveness. However, there is little evidence that this has been adopted by OHS practitioners. The incorporation of such an approach as a means of structuring advice will, for many OHS practitioners, require a paradigm-shift. While most focus on the domain of practice in which they are most expert — the physical environment — the inclusion of a method to guide and structure their advice may improve its relevance to their client and its adoption and potential effectiveness. Ultimately, the translation of research findings into OHS professional practice will require an approach which will bridge the ‘researcher-practice gap’ by both actively engaging OHS practitioners in research and improving the dissemination of findings.     

Application of Shear-Wave Elastography in the Evaluation of Hamstring Stiffness in Young Basketball Athletes

BackgroundPrevious literature has postulated a relationship between greater hamstring stiffness and a higher risk of sustaining injury. Shear wave elastography (SWE) presents a relatively new means for non-invasive evaluation of soft tissue elasticity pre- and post- injury or intervention.Purpose1. To establish baseline hamstring stiffness measures for young competitive athletes and (2) determine effect of targeted neuromuscular training (TNMT) on shear wave stiffness of the hamstring.Study DesignUn-blinded, prospective, non-randomized, cohort study.MethodsSix-hundred forty-two lower extremities from 321 high school and collegiate basketball athletes (177 F: 139 M) were examined for hamstring stiffness prior to the start of their competitive basketball season. Teams were cluster assigned to either the control or intervention (TNMT) group. Subjects in the control group underwent regular season activities as directed, with no influence from the research team. For the TNMT group, the research team introduced a hamstring targeted dynamic warm-up program as an intervention focused on activating the hamstring musculature.ResultsCollegiate status was significant to hamstring stiffness for both sexes (p ≤ 0.02), but hamstring stiffness did not correlate to age or sex (r² ≤ 0.08). Intervention was a significant factor to hamstring stiffness when the hip was positioned in extension (p ≤ 0.01), but not in deeper flexion (p = 0.12). This effect was sex-specific as TNMT influenced hamstring stiffness in females (p = 0.03), but not in males (p ≥ 0.13). Control athletes suffered three HAM injuries; TNMT athletes suffered 0 hamstring injuries.ConclusionHigher SWE measurements correlated with increased risk of injury, male sex, and collegiate athletics. TNMT intervention can lessen muscle stiffness which may reduce relate to injury incidence. Intervention effectiveness may be sex specific.Level of EvidenceII     

Previous hamstring muscle strain injury alters passive tissue stiffness and vibration sense

BackgroundHamstring strain is one of the most common among sports injuries. A previous history of this injury is considered a strong predictor of recurrent hamstring strain injury. It has been suggested that fascial tissue alters after muscle strain injury. However, the association between previous hamstring strain injury and tissue stiffness and vibration sense detection has not been investigated.ObjectivesWe aimed to determine whether a previous history of hamstring strain injury affects tissue stiffness and vibration sense in professional soccer players.MethodThe stiffness (MyotonPRO®) and vibration disappearance threshold (tuning fork) were measured in eight professional soccer players with previous history of hamstring strain and eight uninjured players. The differences between two groups’ means were analyzed. Side-to-side differences between injured and uninjured legs were also analyzed. Results: The tissue stiffness was higher, and the vibration disappearance threshold was lower, in previously injured players when compared to uninjured players. Similar differences were found between injured and uninjured legs. No significant relationship was detected between the age or body mass index (BMI) for both tissue stiffness and vibration disappearance threshold (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsSoccer players with a previous history of hamstring strain injury exhibited higher tissue stiffness and lower vibration sensitivity in the injured leg, regardless of the age and BMI. The results that players who have a previous hamstring strain injury with altered tissue stiffness and vibration sense will be useful and feasible evaluation for chronic muscle strain condition.     

A comparison of ground reaction force waveforms and step length between recreational endurance runners with hamstring injuries and healthy controls

BackgroundAcute hamstring injuries during sprinting have been attributed, in part, to the ground reaction forces experienced during early stance. However, no studies have investigated the factors associated with overuse hamstring injuries in endurance runners. Our purpose was to compare early stance ground reaction forces and step length between runners with overuse hamstring injuries and healthy controls.Methods23 runners (5 men/ 18 women) who presented to a running clinic with an overuse hamstring injury were matched with healthy controls for sex, running speed and age. All participants ran on an instrumented treadmill, embedded with force plates. A 3-min warm-up was given, at a self-selected training pace, followed by 16-s of ground reaction force data collection (≈20 strides). Statistical parametric mapping was used to compared ground reaction force waveforms. Additionally, discrete force variables were calculated, including vertical average/instantaneous. Mean comparisons for discrete ground reaction force variables and step length were performed.FindingsDifferences in ground reaction force waveforms did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). However, mean vertical loading rates were found to be higher in the Hamstring Injury group compared to Controls (p = 0.03–0.04) with small to moderate effect sizes (d = 0.47–0.52). No differences were found in mean step length.InterpretationThese results provide evidence that vertical loading rates may be associated with overuse hamstring injuries. However, further research is needed to identify the contribution of joint kinematics/kinetics and muscle activity.     

Challenges to early prevention and intervention: personal experiences with adherence

OBJECTIVE: To describe potential adherence-related difficulties encountered in the implementation of a secondary prevention, early intervention study with acute low back pain patients. An additional goal is to provide recommendations, based on the authors' experience, on how best to overcome these potential obstacles for future research. DESIGN: The study used a predictive algorithm, identified through previous research, to identify which patients presenting with acute low back pain were at risk for developing chronic problems. These subjects were then treated prophylactically with an interdisciplinary intervention. Specific difficulties initially encountered during the pilot stage of implementation of this intervention included securing adequate physician referrals to the study and helping patients to progress through treatment in the most efficient manner. CONCLUSIONS: Potential difficulties are discussed in the contextual framework of treatment adherence and factors affecting it, including the impact of personality factors, satisfaction, comprehension, side effects, financial issues, length of treatment, type of regimen, social issues, patient beliefs, and biologic factors. It is hoped that the present authors' experience will enable future investigators to anticipate these common problems, and structure their research endeavors accordingly.     

Pulmonary complications of cancer therapy.

Significant improvements in the result of cancer treatment have resulted in longer survival for many of these patients and increasing numbers of patients who are cured. Unfortunately, the toxic effect of cancer therapy on other organs, and particularly the lung, has become an increasingly recognized problem in these patients. There are no specific tests that are diagnostic for chemotherapy or radiation-induced lung injury so the clinician must keep this diagnosis in mind and attempt to evaluate other possibilities. If treatment induced lung injury is considered likely, whether radiation pneumonitis or drug-induced pneumonitis, corticosteroid therapy may be of benefit. Therapy should be initiated at high doses and then tapered slowly following the clinical response. Most of these patients will do well, however, pulmonary toxicity may lead to respiratory impairment or mortality in some patients. Hopefully, as we gain more understanding of the risk factors and mechanisms of treatment-induced lung toxicity, new methods will be developed to decrease lung impairment due to cancer treatment.     

Hemiplegic shoulder pain: implications for occupational therapy treatment

BACKGROUND: Hemiplegic shoulder pain is common after stroke causing hemiplegia. It adversely affects the recovery of arm function and independence in activities of daily living. Subluxation, abnormal tone and limited range of motion or capsular constrictions have been reported as potential causes. Other factors such as rotator cuff tears, brachial plexus injury, shoulder-hand syndrome and other pre-existing pathological conditions may also be associated with hemiplegic shoulder pain. The etiology remains unclear, but hemiplegic shoulder pain may result from a combination of the above factors. SCOPE: This literature review examines the possible causes of hemiplegic shoulder pain and discusses the implications for occupational therapy treatment. Occupational therapy interventions include proper positioning, facilitation of movement through purposeful therapeutic activities, increasing passive range of motion, implementation of external supports and treatment of shoulder-hand syndrome. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Understanding the processes involved will assist with effective assessment, treatment and prevention of hemiplegic shoulder pain. This will facilitate clients' participation in rehabilitation programs and move them towards attainment of optimal function.     

Platelet-rich plasma for muscle injuries: game over or time out?

Muscle injuries are common and may be associated with impaired functional capacity, especially among athletes. The results of healing with conventional therapy including rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are often inadequate, generating substantial interest in the potential for emerging technologies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to enhance the process of soft-tissue healing and to decrease time to recovery. In vitro studies and animal research have suggested that PRP may have benefits associated with the increased release of cytokines and growth factors resulting from supraphysiological concentrations of platelets that facilitate muscle repair, regeneration, and remodeling. Despite the promise of basic science, there is a paucity of clinical data to support the theoretical benefits of PRP. The only double-blind controlled clinical trial was recently reported and showed no benefit of PRP in the time to resume sports activity among athletes with hamstring muscle injury. This review examines the current evidence and the theoretical framework for PRP and muscle healing. Scientific gaps and technological barriers are discussed that must be addressed if the potential promise of PRP as a therapeutic modality for muscle injury is to be realized.     

Effects of prior hamstring strain injury on strength,flexibility, and running mechanics

Background

Previous studies have shown evidence of residual scar tissue at the musculotendon junction following a hamstring strain injury, which could influence re-injury risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether bilateral differences in strength, neuromuscular patterns, and musculotendon kinematics during sprinting are present in individuals with a history of unilateral hamstring injury, and whether such differences are linked to the presence of scar tissue.

Methods

Eighteen subjects with a previous hamstring injury (> 5 months prior) participated in a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging exam, isokinetic strength testing, and a biomechanical assessment of treadmill sprinting. Bilateral comparisons were made for peak knee flexion torque, angle of peak torque, and the hamstrings:quadriceps strength ratio, as well as muscle activations and peak hamstring stretch during sprinting. MR images were used to measure the volumes of the proximal tendon/aponeurois of the biceps femoris, with asymmetries considered indicative of scar tissue.

Findings

A significantly enlarged proximal biceps femoris tendon volume was measured on the side of prior injury. However, no significant differences between the previously injured and uninjured limbs were found in strength measures, peak hamstring stretch, or muscle activation patterns. Further, the degree of asymmetry in tendon volume was not correlated to any of the functional measures.

Interpretation

Injury-induced changes in morphology do not seem discernable from strength measures, running kinematics, or muscle activation patterns. Further research is warranted to ascertain whether residual scarring alters localized musculotendon mechanics in a way that may contribute to the high rates of muscle re-injury that are observed clinically.     

关节周围异位骨化与关节功能康复

关节周围异位骨化是关节创伤、中枢神经损伤后常见的并发症,与关节功能康复关系密切。本文旨在结合临床实践,通过综述文献,探讨关节周围异位骨化的概念、临床特点、治疗策略及其与关节功能康复的关系。