BFR Therapy in Rehabilitation After ACL Surgery Can Slow Down Bone Loss

Patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction often experience bone and muscle loss immediately after the procedure. Researchers who present their work today at the AOSSM / AANA Specialty Day reported that the combination of a blood-flow restriction treatment (BFR) with traditional rehabilitation efforts could slow down bone loss and reduce the time to return to work.

"According to our research, providing BFRs as part of rehabilitation efforts after ACL surgery appears to help preserve bone, recover muscle loss and improve function," said lead author , Bradley Lambert, PhD – Laboratory for Orthopedic Biomechanics, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital)

Dr. Lambert and colleagues present new results from a randomized prospective study initiated and led by Dr. Patrick McCulloch, MD (Department Research Chair) of 23 young active patients (mean age 23 years) as a result of ACL reconstruction. . The participants were divided into two groups. Both groups received the same rehabilitation protocol. However, during selected exercises, the BFR group underwent an 80% arterial limb occlusion with the aid of an automated tourniquet. Bone mineral density, bone mbad and lean muscle mbad were measured with DEXA. The addition of BFR treatment to standard rehabilitation exercises prevented the loss of muscle mbad in the leg and thigh in the postoperative limb compared to rehabilitation alone. Curiously, it has also been observed that the addition of RFB minimizes the loss of bone mineral content and preserves the bone density of the limb compared to conventional rehabilitation alone. These findings coincided with better functional outcomes observed by Dr. Corbin Hedt, DTC, who oversaw the therapy sessions.

"BFRs are an additive treatment suitable for the rehabilitation of the ACL with the aim of minimizing losses and improving the recovery of muscles, bones and physical functions, although additional research is needed to fully inform the mechanisms. These findings have broad implications for areas outside ACL rehabilitation, such as injury prevention, age-related muscle and bone loss, military rehabilitation, and potentially space flight. " said Lambert.