Orthopedic Injuries

Balance deficits following orthopedic injury are often persistent, impede the return to normal function, and increase the risk of re-injury.^{1, 2}
ACL injuries are the most common severe ligamentous injuries incurred by athletes.³
Research confirms the presence of proprioceptive deficits and musculoskeletal impairments in orthopedic patients and that balance problems exist in these populations.⁴
The risk for ankle sprains has been demonstrated to be higher in individuals with poor balance.⁵
Strains, sprains, overuse, pain and degeneration can have the same potential as surgery to diminish proprioceptive/kinesthetic feedback loops.⁴
Impairments of either ankle or hip articulations negatively impact balance control.⁶
Patients with chronic low back pain may have impairments of the afferent and/or efferent physiological mechanisms which control balance.⁷
Injuries to the lumber region can result in deficiencies in proprioception and motor response, which can lead to instability and unsteadiness.⁷

References:

Goldie, et al (1994). Postural control following inversion injuries of the ankle. Arch Phys Med Rehabil; 75:969-975.
Wilkins, Brody (1968). Romberg's sign. Arch Neurol; 19:123-126.
Hamley (1999). Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the knee - part one. PT Products, Jul/Aug 1999.
Kauffman, et al (1997). Balance is a critical parameter in orthopedic rehabilitation. Orthopedic Physical Therapy Clinics of North America; New Technologies in Phys Ther 6:1 1059-1516.
McGuine, TA, et. al. (2000) Balance as a Predictor of Ankle Injuries in High School Basketball Players. Clinical J Sports Med, 10:239-244.
Perrin PP, et. al. (1997). Ankle trauma significantly impairs posture control - A study in basketball players and controls. Int J Sports Med 18:387-392.
Alexander KM, Kinney LaPier TL (1998) Differences in static balance and weight distribution between normal subjects and subjects with chronic unilateral low back pain. JOSPT 28:6 378-383.