The use of biologic therapies for the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) has largely increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and the therapeutic potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous adipose tissue (AAT) injections as a treatment for knee OA. Sixty participants were enrolled in the study: 20 healthy ones and 40 with minimal to moderate knee OA (KL I-III). The OA patients were randomly assigned either to the PRP or to the AAT group. The PRP samples showed a low expression level of NF-κB-responsive gene CCL5 and high expression levels of classic inflammatory and TNF-l INF responses. The AAT injection product was prepared using a Lipogems device, and its regenerative potential as well as the ability for expansion of mesenchymal stem cells were tested in the cell culture conditions. The patient assessments were carried out five times. Significant improvement was observed regardless of the treatment method in the VAS, KOOS, WOMAC and IKDC 2000 subjective evaluations as well as in the functional parameters. Intra-articular injections of AAT or PRP improved pain, symptoms, quality of life and functional capacity with a comparable effectiveness in the patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

Measuring joint range of motion has traditionally occurred with a universal goniometer, inclinometer, or expensive laboratory systems. The popularity of the inertial measurement unit (IMU) is growing, enabling the small and even single portable device to measure the range of motion. Until now, they were not used to assess hip joint range of motion. Our study aimed to check the validity of IMUs in assessing hip range of motion and compare them to other measurement devices—universal goniometer and inclinometer. Twenty participants completed three hip movements (flexion in standing and prone internal and external rotation) on both hips. Two testers independently assessed each movement with a goniometer, digital inclinometer, and IMU at different time points. To assess the agreement of active hip ROM between devices, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis were used. Furthermore, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were also assessed by using ICC and Bland–Altman analysis. Limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated using Bland–Altman plots. The IMU demonstrated good to excellent validity (ICC: 0.87–0.99) compared to the goniometer and digital inclinometer, with LOAs < 9°, across all tested movements. Intra-rater reliability was excellent for all devices (ICC: 0.87–0.99) with LOAs < 7°. However, inter-rater reliability was moderate for flexion (ICC: 0.58–0.59, LOAs < 22.4) and poor for rotations (ICC: −0.33–0.04, LOAs < 7.8°). The present study shows that a single inertial measurement unit (RSQ Motion, RSQ Technologies, Poznan, Poland) could be successfully used to assess the active hip range of motion in healthy subjects, comparable to other methods accuracy.

Measuring joint range of motion has traditionally occurred with a universal goniometer, inclinometer, or expensive laboratory systems. The popularity of the inertial measuremen unit (IMU) is growing, enabling the small even single portable device to measure the range of motion. Until now, they were not used to assess hip joint range of motion. Our study aimed to check the validity of IMU in assessing a hip range of motion and compare them to other measurement devices - universal goniometer and inclinometer. Twenty participants completed three hip movements (flexion in standing and prone internal and external rotation) on both hips. Two testers independently assessed each movement with a goniometer, digital inclinometer, and IMU at different time points. To assess the agreement of active hip ROM between devices, Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis were used. Furthermore, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were also assessed by using ICC and Bland-Altman analysis. Limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated using Bland-Altman plots. IMU showed good to excellent validity compared with the goniometer and digital inclinometer for all tested movements with ICCs ranging from 0.87-0.99 and LOAs <9°. Intra-rater reliability was good-to-excellent for all tested movements for all devices, with ICCs ranging from 0.87 to 0.99 and LOAs < 7°. Inter-rater reliability was lower and comparable for all measurement methods: moderate flexion (ICC: 0.58-0.59), LOAs <22,4 and poor for both rotations (ICC:-0.33-0.04), and LOAs < 7.8°). The present study shows that a single inertial measurement unit (RSQ Motion) could be successfully used to assess the active hip range of motion in healthy subjects with comparable to other methods accuracy.

Background and objectives: The Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body, is vulnerable to injury because of its limited blood supply and the combination of forces to which it is subjected. Given the relevance of the Achilles tendon in the proper function of the foot and ankle, the primary goal of the present study was to use a holistic approach for a comprehensive evaluation of Achilles tendon reconstruction results on multiple levels. Materials and Methods: The study was designed in the following way: 30 patients with partial or total Achilles tendon tears were subjected to the minimally invasive Achilles tendon reconstruction. Patients were then subjected to the clinical, functional and isokinetic tests 12 and 24 months after the treatment. The clinical evaluation included calf circumference measurements and subjective patient-reported tests: ATRS, EQ-5D-5L and VAS scales. The functional evaluation was based on three tests: the weight-bearing lunge test, the heel rise test and single leg hop. Isometric and isokinetic evaluation was performed using a Biodex 3 dynamometer. Results: The calf circumference of the operated limbs was significantly lower than the non-operated limb 12 months after the surgical procedure, however this improved at the second evaluation. All subjective outcomes improved significantly 24 months after the surgery. Significantly better results in the function of the operated limbs were also obtained 24 months after the surgery. However, most of the muscle strength parameters of the operated limbs were already comparable to non-operated ones 12 months after the surgery and were comparable between two evaluation times. Conclusions: The overall results of this extensive evaluation are highly satisfactory and patients returned to their normal physical activity. From a medical point of view, it is assumed that the healing process is completed 12 months after the surgery, however, importantly, our results indicate that we should consider the healing process and the rehabilitation process separately.

Background: Patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have poorer proprioception than people without such injuries. The effects of proprioceptive training on knee functionality and proprioceptive improvement after ACL reconstruction is still unclear. Methods: The research material consisted of 40 patients after ACL reconstruction. Of the 40 patients, 20 of them were rehabilitated with a standard program and 20 with additional proprioceptive exercises. The subjective and the objective scores were evaluated. Results: No differences were found between the proprioceptive versus the conservative postoperative rehabilitation in the functional nor in the proprioception outcomes of the operated limbs. Conclusions: There is no advantage to function in doing proprioceptive rehabilitation exercises following the ACL reconstruction, when compared with a traditional strengthening program.

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is characterized by hip pain and restricted range of motion (ROM), typically due to structural conflict between the femoral neck and the acetabulum. This study aimed to quantify active ROM limitations in FAIS patients, comparing them with healthy controls to establish normative values, particularly in non-conflicting directions. Methods: A total of 53 FAIS patients scheduled for hip arthroscopy were compared to 49 healthy matched controls. Active ROM was assessed using inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors, with measurements taken in standing and prone positions. Outcomes included flexion, external rotation, internal rotation, and total rotation ROM, alongside demographic and radiographic data. Gender-based ROM differences were also analyzed. Results: FAIS patients demonstrated significant reductions in flexion, internal rotation, and total rotation ROM in the involved hip, with large effect sizes, while external rotation remained unaffected. ROM in the uninvolved hip was also lower than in controls but showed increased external rotation. Gender differences were observed, with females exhibiting significantly higher internal rotation and, in healthy controls, greater total rotation than males. Conclusions: FAIS patients have significant active ROM restrictions in non-conflicting directions, suggesting broader joint limitations potentially tied to early hip osteoarthritis or capsular and musculoskeletal adaptations. Gender differences highlight the importance of individualized ROM assessment. This study introduces IMU-based ROM evaluation as a promising tool for diagnosing and monitoring FAIS, providing insights into functional impairments that can be used to guide targeted interventions.