The Knee
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A physiotherapist-delivered, combined exercise and pain coping skills training intervention for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study.
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is associated with a number of physical and psychological impairments. Unfortunately, very few treatment strategies are capable of addressing both types of impairments concurrently. We performed a pilot, randomized controlled, proof of principle trial investigating the feasibility and effects of an intervention combining physical exercise and pain coping skills training (PCST). ⋯ Level II Clinical Trials Registry number: ACTRN12609000623291.
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Patellar instability is a complex, multi-factorial disorder. Radiological assessment is regarded as an important part of the management of this population. The purpose of this study was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of common radiological measurements used to evaluate patellar instability. ⋯ Many of the standard measurements used to assess the patellofemoral joint on plain radiographs have poor precision. Intra-rater reliability may be related to experience but it seems likely that to achieve good inter-rater reliability, specific training may be required to calibrate observers. More formal training in the technique of radiological measurement for those who were inexperienced might have improved the inter-rater reliability.
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The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the T(1ρ) relaxation times of articular cartilage surrounding focal defects in the tibiofemoral joint. ⋯ Cartilage defects were not associated with degeneration in the immediately adjacent cartilage.