Clinical Research Directory

Perianchor Cyst Formation, Tendon Healing, and Clinical Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Perianchor cyst formation is frequently observed after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair; however, its clinical significance remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between anchor-related parameters and cyst formation, as well as their association with tendon healing and functional outcomes.

Shear-Wave Elastography of Regenerated Hamstring Tendons After ACL Reconstruction (SWE-ACL)

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using autologous hamstring tendon grafts is a commonly performed procedure. Although the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons demonstrate regeneration at the donor site, the structural and biomechanical properties of the regenerated tissue may differ from native tendon, potentially affecting muscle function. This study aims to quantitatively assess the elasticity of regenerated hamstring tendons using shear-wave elastography (SWE) and to compare these measurements with the contralateral intact side. Additionally, the relationship between tendon elasticity and isokinetic hamstring muscle strength will be evaluated. Secondary objectives include investigating the association between elastography findings and functional clinical outcomes, as well as the effect of postoperative time and patient-related factors such as age and body mass index.

The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Hand Functions in Zone V-VI Extensor Tendon Injuries

This study aims to investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) on hand function in patients with Zone V-VI Extensor Digitorum Communis (EDC) tendon injuries following primary repair. Extensor tendon injuries in this region often lead to complications such as adhesion formation, reduced range of motion, extensor lag, and impaired hand function, despite standard rehabilitation approaches. Therefore, additional interventions that may enhance tendon gliding and neuromuscular control are of clinical interest. In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, patients will be assigned to either a KT group or a sham taping control group. Both groups will receive a standardized postoperative rehabilitation program, while the intervention group will additionally receive KT applications between postoperative weeks 6 and 12. Outcome measures, including range of motion, grip and pinch strength, and functional hand performance, will be assessed at 12 and 24 weeks. The study seeks to determine whether KT provides additional benefits beyond conventional rehabilitation in improving functional recovery after extensor tendon injuries, addressing an important gap in the current literature.

Early Functional Response as a Predictor of Clinical Outcomes in Hand Rehabilitation: A Prospective Feasibility Study Using a Digital Monitoring System

This study investigates whether early changes observed during the first weeks of hand and upper extremity rehabilitation can predict patient outcomes months later. In rehabilitation practice, clinicians make numerous decisions each session regarding exercise type, frequency, duration, and treatment approach. Most of these decisions are currently made without systematic longitudinal data. This study addresses three fundamental questions using data collected during routine clinical care: (1) Can the rate of improvement in the first weeks of treatment predict functional status months later, across both session-based and milestone-based time points? (2) Are there meaningfully different recovery profiles among hand rehabilitation patients? (3) Is there measurable variation in clinical decision-making among patients with similar profiles, and does this variation relate to outcomes? A digital patient monitoring platform developed by the principal investigator, a physiotherapist and academic researcher specializing in hand rehabilitation serves as the data collection infrastructure. The platform records standard clinical assessment measures in a structured format and has been in active clinical use at Hacettepe University prior to this study. For research purposes, the system has been expanded to include structured capture of patient-reported outcomes, patient global impression of change, treatment protocol coding, home exercise adherence, and automated calculation of early response metrics. This is a 12-month prospective observational cohort study enrolling a minimum of 60 patients. Data are stored securely on the university's institutional network. Patients are anonymized using identification codes. The study is subject to Hacettepe University Ethics Committee approval and participant informed consent. Findings are expected to generate evidence supporting data-driven clinical decision-making in rehabilitation and to provide a feasibility foundation for a larger multi-center study.

Evaluation of Healing Following Open Gluteus Medius Repair With Biointegrative Implant

This is a prospective, single-center study design with enrollment of 15 subjects. The 15 subjects will all undergo standard gluteus medius repair that includes augmentation with the biointegrative implant. This is a small observational study. As such, we expect that the results from 15 subjects will give an adequate understanding of post surgical healing.

Functional Improvement and Fine Dexterity in Thumb Tendon Injuries

Considering the thumb's contribution to fine dexterity and precision grip, this study aims to evaluate fine manual dexterity alongside functional outcomes following isolated thumb tendon injuries, and to examine the relationship between postoperative functional improvement and changes in fine manual dexterity.

Functional and Patient-reported Outcome After Peroneal Tendon Surgery and Different Immobilization Protocols

Patients with surgery of a peroneal tendon injury in Gothenburg, Sweden, will be randomized to one of two different postoperative protocols. Before and after surgery the patients will perform biomechanical evaluation and also fill out questionnaires including PROMs. All evaluations will be performed on both limbs.

Hand Tendon Injuries: An Investigation Of Attention Deficit Disorder

Tendon injuries cause significant disability, loss of work capacity, and economic burden. The injury itself and its consequences impact individuals not only in terms of their ability to work but also socially and psychologically. Identifying the characteristics of these injuries, many of which occur through preventable mechanisms, is crucial for guiding preventive measures.

Effectiveness of Occupation-Based Exercise Program in Zone 2 Flexor Tendon Injuries

Aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of a 4-week occupation-based exercise program given in addition to the conventional rehabilitation program on hand functions, range of motion, grip strength, pain and kinesiophobia in the post-operative rehabilitation of patients aged 18-65 years with zone 2 flexor tendon repair. Expected results: To prove the effectiveness of occupation-based exercises in order to reduce the failure rates seen in the rehabilitation of zone 2 flexor tendon injuries, to increase patient compliance and motivation during the rehabilitation process, to improve functional outcomes by ensuring its inclusion in conventional treatment and to increase patient satisfaction.

Effects of Low-load Resistance Training With Blood Flow Restriction in Patients With Achilles Tendinopathy

Midportion Achilles tendinopathy (MAT) is a common overuse injury of the lower extremity characterized by the presence of pain, restricted function and interruption of sport activities. Conservative management of MAT has been suggested as the first line of treatment. Actually, there are several exercise programs with beneficial effects on pain and function among which high load training stands out. However, this training modality is inherently difficult to implement in certain populations and pathological conditions due to their inability to tolerate this mechanical stress. In this sense, low load training with blood flow restriction (BFR-LLT) emerges as an effective option in producing hypertrophic adaptations with low intensities (30% 1RM). However, this training modality has not yet been studied in tendon pathology. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential clinical effects of BFR-LLT in comparison with HLT in patients with chronic MAT.