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Biomechanical Evaluation of Rehabilitative Exercises Pre- and Post-Hip Arthroscopy
  • Department: Department of Biomedical Engineering

Biomechanical Evaluation of Rehabilitative Exercises Pre- and Post-Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy has evolved over the last five years and the rehabilitation techniques associated with this surgery are essential in the success of the procedures. Yet, validated protocols for the postoperative rehabilitation of arthroscopic labral repairs of the hip are non-existent in the peer-reviewed literature. The main purpose of this study is to assess a comprehensive hip rehabilitation protocol for the treatment of post-surgical hip labral injuries. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to help rehabilitation therapists establish proper protocols for post-surgical rehabilitation of arthroscopic hip labral repairs and to further characterize intra-articular movements of the hip and the muscles responsible. This project will involve cooperation from virtually every department located in the medical center, including the Institute, the Clinic, Howard Head Sports Medicine Center, and Vail Valley Medical Center.

In addition to the main purpose of this study, we also expect to obtain new electromyographic data from muscles not previously examined. Specifically, examination of activity in the piriformis muscle has never been reported. The piriformis muscle is believed to play an important role in hip stabilization. Examining the activity of this muscle during movements of the hip will assess this belief. In order to record the activity of the piriformis muscle and other deep muscles, in-dwelling wire electrodes will be inserted into the muscle bellies and their positions verified using ultrasound imaging. With this technology, we are also assessing the roles of other muscles including the smaller, deeply positioned, hard-to-reach muscles of the hip. To date, this research has been presented at numerous clinical and scientific meetings.

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