Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center

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Information about project titled 'A randomized study comparing outcome after standard surgical treatment and eccentric training among athletes with jumpers knee'

A randomized study comparing outcome after standard surgical treatment and eccentric training among athletes with jumpers knee

Details about the project - category Details about the project - value
Project status: Published
Project manager: Roald Bahr
Coworker(s): Bjørn Fossan, Lars Engebretsen, Sverre Løken

Description

Standard treatment based on experience has so far consisted of different kinds of physical therapy combined with NSAID. If this treatment has not given satisfactory results, different kinds of surgical treatments have been proposed. The scientific basis of these different treatments is very sparse. The studies that have been published are of rather low quality, and the internal and external validity are very uncertain (Coleman 1999). In a recent publication by Alfredsson eccentric training gave very good results in a small number of athletes with achilles tendinosis (Alfredsson 1998).

The study is designed as a prospective randomized multicenter study comparing treatment response between surgical treatment and eccentric training among athletes with jumpers knee. The surgical treatment will consist of open exploration of the ligament and excision of pathologic paratenon and ligament tissue. The postoperative rehab. program will be the same as in the group treated with eccentric training. The eccentric training will consist of a 12 weeks training program with increasing loads.

The exercises are described in details in the project description. Outcome measures are as follows:
- VISA-score (Visentini 1998), reflecting the seriousness of the disease, and a validated method to observe changes with time.
- MRI at inclusion, and after 6, 12 and 24 months.
- Different jump tests on a force platform at inclusion, and after 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.
Grading of pain response with a VAS-scale at jump tests at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.