Participation In Contact Sports Research Articles

Anxiety-Related Concussion Perceptions of Parents of Youth Athletes.

Parents are key decisionmakers for 1 the health and wellness of their children. Despite the benefits of engaging in physical activity, parental concerns about concussion may create hesitancy towards sport participation. The magnitude of concussion-related anxiety perceptions and factors that influence these beliefs in parents of youth athletes are largely unknown. To determine the prevalence of concussion-related anxiety perceptions in parents of youth athletes and establish the associations among concussion-related anxiety and demographic variables (i.e., parent sex, parent concussion history, child concussion history, parent concussion education). Cross-sectional paper survey. Youth sports. 452 parents (60% female; mean age = 40.4±13.0 years) of youth athletes (8-14 years old) who participated in soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, and football (i.e., higher concussion risk sports) in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Survey items were adapted from the Perceptions of Concussion Inventory for Athletes (PCI-A) to pertain to perceptions about their child. Parents also completed a demographic survey regarding concussion-related topics. Overall, 73.2% of parents found the possibility of their child sustaining a concussion to be upsetting, 61.5% were fearful of their child sustaining a concussion, and 45.1% reported that the thought of their child having a concussion makes them feel anxious. Only 4.6% of parents suggested that concussions do not worry them. The lack of a personal concussion history and being female were associated with greater concussion-related anxiety in parents. This study provides evidence that parents of youth athletes have anxiety about their child sustaining a concussion, while also contributing to the understanding of what factors are related to such anxiety (i.e., female parent; no parent history of concussion). Negative parental concussion beliefs may contribute to the reduction in contact sport participation and should be directly addressed in concussion education specific to youth sport participation.

Predicting recurrence of instability after a primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.

The risk factors for recurrent instability (RI) following a primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation (PTASD) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to determine the rate of RI in a large cohort of patients managed nonoperatively after PTASD and to develop a clinical prediction model. A total of 1,293 patients with PTASD managed nonoperatively were identified from a trauma database (mean age 23.3 years (15 to 35); 14.3% female). We assessed the prevalence of RI, and used multivariate regression modelling to evaluate which demographic- and injury-related factors were independently predictive for its occurrence. The overall rate of RI at a mean follow-up of 34.4 months (SD 47.0) was 62.8% (n = 812), with 81.0% (n = 658) experiencing their first recurrence within two years of PTASD. The median time for recurrence was 9.8 months (IQR 3.9 to 19.4). Independent predictors increasing risk of RI included male sex (p < 0.001), younger age at PTASD (p < 0.001), participation in contact sport (p < 0.001), and the presence of a bony Bankart (BB) lesion (p = 0.028). Greater tuberosity fracture (GTF) was protective (p < 0.001). However, the discriminative ability of the resulting predictive model for two-year risk of RI was poor (area under the curve (AUC) 0.672). A subset analysis excluding identifiable radiological predictors of BB and GTF worsened the predictive ability (AUC 0.646). This study clarifies the prevalence and risk factors for RI following PTASD in a large, unselected patient cohort. Although these data permitted the development of a predictive tool for RI, its discriminative ability was poor. Predicting RI remains challenging, and as-yet-undetermined risk factors may be important in determining the risk.

Methodology and development of a machine learning probability calculator: Data heterogeneity limits ability to predict recurrence after arthroscopic Bankart repair.

The aim of this study was to develop and train a machine learning (ML) algorithm to create a clinical decision support tool (i.e., ML-driven probability calculator) to be used in clinical practice to estimate recurrence rates following an arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR). Data from 14 previously published studies were collected. Inclusion criteria were (1) patients treated with ABR without remplissage for traumatic anterior shoulder instability and (2) a minimum of 2 years follow-up. Risk factors associated with recurrence were identified using bivariate logistic regression analysis. Subsequently, four ML algorithms were developed and internally validated. The predictive performance was assessed using discrimination, calibration and the Brier score. In total, 5591 patients underwent ABR with a recurrence rate of 15.4% (n = 862). Age <35 years, participation in contact and collision sports, bony Bankart lesions and full-thickness rotator cuff tears increased the risk of recurrence (all p < 0.05). A single shoulder dislocation (compared to multiple dislocations) lowered the risk of recurrence (p < 0.05). Due to the unavailability of certain variables in some patients, a portion of the patient data had to be excluded before pooling the data set to create the algorithm. A total of 797 patients were included providing information on risk factors associated with recurrence. The discrimination (area under the receiver operating curve) ranged between 0.54 and 0.57 for prediction of recurrence. ML was not able to predict the recurrence following ABR with the current available predictors. Despite a global coordinated effort, the heterogeneity of clinical data limited the predictive capabilities of the algorithm, emphasizing the need for standardized data collection methods in future studies. Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Risk Factors for Suicide Among Professional Athletes.

Suicide is a major public health concern that affects all demographics. Risk factors for suicide in professional athletes are poorly understood compared with the general population. The goal of this study was (1) to explore the current literature on risk factors for suicide in the population of professional athletes and (2) to formulate a proposed suicide risk identification tool as the first step in the production of a validated screening method specific to this population. A comprehensive literature search for relevant publications was carried out through 7 databases. There is some evidence to suggest that retirement, anabolic androgenic steroid use, sexual abuse victimization, health problems, financial issues, relationship issues, having immigrant parents, having a financially disadvantaged childhood, using self-blame or behavioral disengagement as a coping strategy, changes in appetite or weight, sleep problems, reduced competitiveness, and thinking about a career after retirement are potential risk factors for suicide in this population. There is limited evidence to suggest that having a career in elite or professional sports, participation in contact sports, and participating in specific sports that are not associated with a higher suspected prevalence of performance-enhancing drug use are potential risk factors. This study identified potential risk factors for suicide among elite and professional athletes. These findings were used to help formulate a proposed suicide risk identification tool. Future research is recommended to explore and clarify specific risk factors for suicide in this population and to test the validity of the proposed tool.

Arthroscopic Anterior and Inferior Labral Repair for Traumatic Shoulder Instability

Background: Anterior glenohumeral instability is common in the young and athletic population and can develop from a dislocation or subluxation event. Avulsion of the anterior inferior glenoid labrum (Bankart lesion) occurs in over 90% of these events. In patients who have unsuccessful conservative management or present with a high risk for redislocation, surgical intervention is indicated. This video presents our technique for arthroscopic anterior and inferior labral repair. Indications: In addition to those patients who have unsuccessful conservative management, surgical management of anterior glenohumeral instability is indicated in patients who are at high risk for redislocation after an initial instability event. These patients include young age and participation in contact sports. Generally, glenoid bone loss over 25% warrants open bony augmentation, but arthroscopic bony augmentation techniques are evolving. Further, the management of “near-track” lesions, or “on-track” lesions with a small distance to dislocation value, remains controversial. Technique Description: This procedure is performed in the lateral decubitus position. A second anterior portal is created distal and lateral to the first anterior portal, entering the shoulder joint just above the subscapularis. The anterior-inferior labrum is prepared with an arthroscopic elevator, followed by a rasp and superior labral anterior and posterior burr. A suture tape is then shuttled around the labrum and the anchor drilled in the appropriate position at the glenoid rim, not violating the cartilage. Anchor placement occurs from an inferior to a superior fashion until the entire labral injury is repaired. Results: This video presents a technique to achieve arthroscopic fixation of an anterior-inferior labral tear in a young athlete with anterior glenohumeral instability. Patients are taken through 3 phases of rehabilitation before return to sport-specific activities, such as contact sports, around 6 months postoperatively. Return-to-sport rates for contact and collision athletes range from 80% to 100%, with recurrent rates ranging from 5% to 20%. Discussion/Conclusion: Arthroscopic anterior-inferior labral repair is a useful technique for minimally invasive glenohumeral stabilization in indicated patients who have minimal glenoid bone loss. Portal placement, labral mobilization, and glenoid preparation are paramount in optimizing the healing potential of the fixation construct. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Age of First Exposure to Contact Sports Is Not Associated With Worse Later-In-Life Brain Health in a Cohort of Community-Dwelling Older Men.

To evaluate whether early age of first exposure to contact sports (AFE-CS) is associated with worse long-term brain health outcomes. A cross-sectional, survey study of older men with a history of contact sport participation was completed. Tertiary care facility. A cohort of community-dwelling older men dichotomized by using AFE-CS (<12 years vs ≥12 years). Independent variables included a dichotomized group of AFE-CS (<12 years vs ≥12 years). Brain health outcomes measured by depression, anxiety, cognitive difficulties, and neurobehavioral symptoms. Endorsements of general health problems, motor symptoms, and psychiatric history were also collected. Age of first exposure groups was compared using t tests, χ2 tests, and multivariable linear regressions, which included the following covariates: age, number of prior concussions, and total years of contact sport. Of 69 men aged 70.5 ± 8.0 years, approximately one-third of the sample (34.8%) reported AFE-CS before age 12 years. That group had more years of contact sports (10.8 ± 9.2 years) compared with those with AFE-CS ≥12 (5.6 ± 4.5 years; P = 0.02). No differences were found after univariate testing between AFE-CS groups on all outcomes (P-values >0.05). Multivariable models suggest that AFE-CS is not a predictor of depression or anxiety. Those in the AFE-CS <12 group had fewer cognitive difficulties (P = 0.03) and fewer neurobehavioral symptoms (P = 0.03). Those with AFE-CS <12 to contact sports did not have worse long-term brain health outcomes compared with those with AFE-CS ≥12. Individuals with AFE-CS <12 had significantly lower British Columbia Cognitive Complaints Inventory and Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory scores compared with those with AFE-CS ≥12. The benefits of earlier AFE-CS may outweigh the risks of head strikes and result in comparable long-term brain health outcomes.

A - 55 Pre- to Post-Season Reliability of Blink Reflex Parameters in Non-Concussed Athletes

Abstract Purpose Examining quantitative parameters of the blink reflex may improve sport-related concussion (SRC) diagnosis and management because it may serve as an objective measure of injury severity and recovery. However, the psychometric properties of several FDA-cleared devices assessing the blink reflex are understudied. The current study compared blink reflex parameters pre- and post-season using the BlinkTBI EyeStatTM device to assess its reliability in non-concussed athletes. Method A cohort of high school athletes underwent pre- and post-season BlinkTBI EyeStatTM testing. Statistical analysis included Spearman correlations, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and interclass correlations for ten blink parameters. Multivariable linear regressions assessed the influence of contact (i.e., soccer, football) vs. non-contact sports (i.e., baseball, softball, basketball) on changes in blink parameters. Results Among 32 athletes with pre- and post-season testing (age: mean = 15.3, SD = 1.1; 53.1% female), 19 played non-contact and 21 played contact sports. Most parameters were not statistically different between pre- and post-season, except for delta 30 (W = 229.5, p = 0.015), time under threshold (W = 191.0, p = 0.003), and oscillations (W = 667.0, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Parameters exhibited moderate to excellent reliability (interclass correlations = 0.575–0.872, p-values = 0.001–0.004). Spearman’s rho values ranged from 0.435 to 0.828 (p-values = 001–0.005). Participation in contact vs. non-contact sports was not associated with changes in blink parameters (all p-values&amp;gt;0.05). Conclusions Preliminary evidence suggest stable blink parameters across a sports season in non-concussed athletes when measured by the BlinkTBI EyeStatTM device. Contact sport participation was not significantly associated with changes in blink parameters. The findings add to the psychometric evidence that the blink reflex can be reliably measured, warranting further study on its utility in concussion.

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Anterior Glenohumeral Instability in 488 Adolescents Between 2000 and 2020: Risk Factors for Subsequent Recurrent Instability Requiring Revision Stabilization.

After arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR) for anterior glenohumeral instability (GHI), adolescent athletes have higher rates of subsequent recurrent GHI than any other subpopulation. Elucidating which adolescents are at highest risk of postoperative recurrent GHI may optimize surgical decision-making. To identify prognostic factors associated with subsequent recurrent GHI requiring revision stabilization surgery (RSS) after ABR. Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. The study included patients 12 to 21 years old who had undergone ABR for anterior GHI at a pediatric tertiary care hospital by 1 of 5 sports medicine fellowship-trained surgeons between 2000 and 2020. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, with percentage of patients with recurrent GHI undergoing subsequent RSS, was used with a time-to-event outcome analysis. The Cox model effects were expressed as the hazard ratio (HR). All tests were 2-sided, with an alpha of .05. Records of 488 adolescent patients with ABR (78% male; mean age, 16.9 ± 1.98 years) were analyzed. Of these, 86 patients (17.6%) underwent subsequent RSS for recurrent GHI, yielding a cumulative risk of 8.8% at 2 years, 16.5% at 5 years, and 20% at 15 years. RSS occurred at a mean of 2.6 ± 2.1 years after ABR. Risk factors for RSS included >1 preoperative dislocation (2 dislocations: HR = 7.4, P = .0003; ≥3 dislocations: HR = 10.9, P < .0001), presence of a Hill-Sachs lesion (small: HR = 2.5, P = .0114; medium-large: HR = 4.2, P = .0004), younger age (1-year decrease: HR = 1.2, P = .0015), and participation in contact sports (HR = 1.8, P = .01). Adolescents with only 1 preoperative dislocation had a cumulative incidence of RSS (3.2%), which was significantly lower than those with 2 (24.2%) or ≥3 preoperative dislocations (33.5%). The number of dislocations before index ABR was the strongest risk factor for recurrent GHI requiring RSS in adolescents with anterior GHI, with 2 dislocations conferring >7-fold increased risk compared with a single preoperative dislocation. Other significant risk factors included the presence of a Hill-Sachs lesion, younger age, and participation in contact sports.

Poster 116: When do Patients Return to Sports? Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction Versus Bankart Repair

Objectives: Participation in contact or collision sports is a known risk factor for shoulder instability. Recurrent instability is a barrier to return to same level of athletic activities following surgical intervention. Previous literature has described that approximately 50% to 90% of patients return to sports following stabilization procedures. However, it is currently unknown the rate and timing of return to sports after Arthroscopic Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction (AAGR). This study aimed to determine the rate of return and the time to return to sports of patients’ who underwent AAGR compared to a Bankart, alone. Methods: This is a subcohort of 100 patients who consented to a randomized controlled trial and were randomized for AAGR or Bankart procedure (1:1 ratio). The subgroup consists of individuals at a minimum 2-year follow up and participate in a sport at either the recreational or competitive level. A descriptive analysis was completed on the percentage of patients that returned to their preinjury sport, as well as when they returned and compared between groups. Descriptive reporting on why patients did not return was included. Results: Age, follow up, sex, and sport level were all statistically similar between the 2 groups. The rate to return was significantly larger for patients in the AAGR group (78%) compared with the Bankart group (60%). For those who did return to sports, time to return was not significantly different between the AAGR group (9.48 ± 4.2 months) and Bankart group (10.2 ± 6.2 months). For those who did not return in the Bankart group, redislocation was the greatest factor (38%). In the AAGR group, prioritizing work and life (30%) and lack of confidence (30%) were the top reasons for not returning. Conclusions: AAGR demonstrated superior rate of return to sports compared to those who underwent a Bankart repair. Patients in the Bankart group did not return due to redislocation events, whereas individuals in AAGR did not return due to a lack of confidence or prioritizing their work and life. These results can aid in setting realistic expectations for patients undergoing AAGR and can help guide discussions around postoperative rehabilitation.

Associations between repetitive head impact exposure and midlife mental health wellbeing in former amateur athletes.

Repetitive head impacts (RHI) have been suggested to increase the risk of developing a neurodegenerative disease, and many of these individuals develop a preceding mental health diagnosis. Given the lack of studies among amateur athletes, this study aimed to examine mental health outcomes in middle-aged amateur athletes who have been exposed to RHI through contact sport participation. This is a single site, cohort study involving former amateur athletes aged between 30 and 60 with at least 10 years of organized contact or non-contact sport participation. All participants completed demographic and mental health questionnaires. Mental health outcomes included symptoms related to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), and aggression. Self-reported data on mental health diagnoses and associated prescription were elicited and used to estimate odds ratios (OR). Data from 41 contact athletes and 22 age/sex-matched non-contact athletes were available for analysis. The contact group exhibited a 2.25-fold higher likelihood of being diagnosed with mental health disorders and 1.29-fold higher likelihood of using associated medications compared to the non-contact group. The contact group reported significantly higher PTSD-related symptoms [4.61 (0.03,9.2), p=0.05] compared to the non-contact control group. While not statistically significant, the contact group showed increased depressive [2.37 (0.05, 4.79), p=0.07] and ADHD symptoms [4.53 (0.51, 9.57), p=0.08] compared to controls. In a secondary analysis, a distinct trend emerged within the contact group, revealing pronounced elevations in mental health symptoms among individuals with lower socioeconomic status (<$50,000/year) compared to higher income subgroups, and these symptoms decreased as income levels rose [depression: -3.08 (-4.47, -1.7), p<0.001; anxiety: -1.95 (-3.15, -0.76), p=0.002; ADHD: -4.99 (-8.28, -1.69), p=0.004; PTSD: -4.42 (-7.28, -1.57), p=0.003; aggression: -6.19 (-11.02, -1.36), p=0.01]. This trend was absent in the non-contact control group. Our data suggest that even individuals at the amateur level of contact sports have an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with mental health disorders or experiencing mental health symptoms compared to non-contact athletes. Our findings indicate that socioeconomic status may have an interactive effect on individuals' mental health, particularly among those with a long history of RHI exposure.

Functional connectivity changes in neurodegenerative biomarker-positive athletes with repeated concussions.

Multimodal biomarkers may identify former contact sports athletes with repeated concussions and at risk for dementia. Our study aims to investigate whether biomarker evidence of neurodegeneration in former professional athletes with repetitive concussions (ExPro) is associated with worse cognition and mood/behavior, brain atrophy, and altered functional connectivity. Forty-one contact sports athletes with repeated concussions were divided into neurodegenerative biomarker-positive (n = 16) and biomarker-negative (n = 25) groups based on positivity of serum neurofilament light-chain. Six healthy controls (negative for biomarkers) with no history of concussions were also analyzed. We calculated cognitive and mood/behavior composite scores from neuropsychological assessments. Gray matter volume maps and functional connectivity of the default mode, salience, and frontoparietal networks were compared between groups using ANCOVAs, controlling for age, and total intracranial volume. The association between the connectivity networks and sports characteristics was analyzed by multiple regression analysis in all ExPro. Participants presented normal-range mean performance in executive function, memory, and mood/behavior tests. The ExPro groups did not differ in professional years played, age at first participation in contact sports, and number of concussions. There were no differences in gray matter volume between groups. The neurodegenerative biomarker-positive group had lower connectivity in the default mode network (DMN) compared to the healthy controls and the neurodegenerative biomarker-negative group. DMN disconnection was associated with increased number of concussions in all ExPro. Biomarkers of neurodegeneration may be useful to detect athletes that are still cognitively normal, but with functional connectivity alterations after concussions and at risk of dementia.

Sports participation after craniosynostosis repair: the critical role of post-operative guidance in parental decision-making.

Despite previous research supporting patient safety in sports after craniosynostosis surgery, parental anxiety remains high. This study sought to evaluate the role of healthcare providers in guiding patients and families through the decision-making process. Parents of children with repaired craniosynostosis were asked to assess sports involvement and parental decision-making in children ages 6 and older. Questions were framed primarily on 5-point Likert scales. Sport categorizations were made in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Chi-squared, linear regression, and Pearson correlation tests were used to analyze associations between the questions. Forty-three complete parental responses were recorded. Mean ages at surgery and time of sports entry were 7.93 ± 4.73months and 4.76 ± 2.14years, respectively. Eighty-two percent of patients participated in a contact sport. Discussions with the primary surgeon were more impactful on parental decisions about sports participation than those with other healthcare providers (4.04 ± 1.20 vs. 2.69 ± 1.32). Furthermore, children whose parents consulted with the primary surgeon began participating in sports at a younger age (4.0 ± 1.0 vs. 5.8 ± 2.7years, p = 0.034). The mean comfort level with contact sports (2.8 ± 1.4) was lower than that with limited-contact (3.8 ± 1.1, p = 0.0001) or non-contact (4.4 ± 1.3, p < 0.0001) sports. This study underscores the critical role that healthcare professionals, primarily surgeons, have in guiding families through the decision-making process regarding their children's participation in contact sports.

Prospective cohort study of long-term neurological outcomes in retired elite athletes: the Advanced BiomaRker, Advanced Imaging and Neurocognitive (BRAIN) Health Study protocol

IntroductionAlthough limited, recent research suggests that contact sport participation might have an adverse long-term effect on brain health. Further work is required to determine whether this includes an increased risk...

Preoperative factors associated with 180°, 270°, and 360° labral tears

BackgroundLarge, circumferential glenoid labral tears are an uncommon injury affecting young, athletic patients. There is limited data describing the clinical presentation of patients with larger tears, especially 270- and 360-degree labral tears. Additionally, exam and imaging findings have poor reliability in diagnosing these tears. The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical presentation among patients presenting with small (less than 180 degrees), medium (180-270 degrees), and large (270-360 degrees) labral tears. MethodsThis is a retrospective comparative study of consecutive patients surgically managed by a single shoulder surgeon for all glenoid labral tears from 2018-2022. The primary outcome was demographic and preoperative clinical risk factors. Demographic data including age, sex, hand dominance, BMI, as well as clinical presentation (subluxation vs dislocation, instability history, and participation in contact sports) were recorded. ResultsA total of 188 patients met inclusion criteria: 101/188 (53.70%) patients with small tears, 43/188 (22.90%) patients with medium tears, and 44/188 (23.40%) patients with large tears. Individuals with large and medium-sized labral tears were more likely to have participated in contact sports compared to those with smaller labral tears (p=0.003). Medium and smaller tears were more likely to present as dominant side injury (p=0.02). Furthermore, medium and large tears were more likely to present with anterior instability symptoms compared to smaller tears, which more frequently presented with posterior instability and pain (p=0.003). ConclusionMales participating in contact sports were the most common demographic population presenting with large, 270 to 360-degree labral tears. Instability was the primary complaint rather than pain, and compared to small tears, medium and large sized tears were more likely to present with primary anterior instability. While arthroscopic repair of 270 to 360-degree labral tears can yield excellent clinical outcomes similar to smaller tears, identifying factors associated with larger glenoid labral tears may help in surgical planning and patient counseling.

University Club Sport Student-Athlete Concussion Profiles Differ by Sport and Sex

Athletes’ history of concussions is an important indicator of risk potential in organized sports. The purpose of this project was to explore differences by sport classification (contact vs. noncontact) and sex on concussion history among university club sports participants. This was a cross-sectional quality improvement study ( n = 593). The outcomes were self-reported answers to: (1) How many times have you been diagnosed with a concussion? and (2) How many times have you had your “bell rung”/“dinged”? Multivariable logistic regression models examined the association of contact club sport participation and sex on the history of concussion and prior experience of having their bell rung. Models were adjusted for age, race, participation in multiple sports, and years of participation in sports, and years in college. When compared to those in non-contact club sports, the adjusted odds of reporting ever having a concussion were 2.29 times higher for those participating in contact club sports (OR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.49, 3.53). In the model for having a bell rung, those participating in a contact sport had 1.90 times greater odds of reporting having their bell rung in the past compared to those in noncontact sports (OR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.25, 2.88). Whereas males and females did not differ in their self-reported concussion history, females had significantly lower odds of reporting having their bell rung in the past than males (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.69). Female athletes have a higher reporting of concussion incidence than that of male athletes. The use of terminology and variance in slang versus medical terms has the potential to affect reporting outcomes. Reporting of concussion incidents has the potential to be influenced by the nature of sport culture and sport participation in contact versus noncontact sports. Club sport athletes could benefit from tailored education related to concussions based on these results.

A Narrative Review of Contact Sports Participation in Children and Young Athletes With a Solitary (Functioning) Kidney

Background: Evidence is sparse regarding the incidence or prevalence of renal or genitourinary injuries arising from contact sports. There are currently no World Health Organization or European consensus guidelines relating to the participation in sport for children and young athletes with a solitary (functioning) kidney. Purpose: To review the international literature and to make sport-specific recommendations for children and young athletes with a solitary (functioning) kidney participating in sports, based on the overall likelihood of potential renal or genitourinary injury. Study Design: Narrative review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted of current literature according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane, and PubMed databases were queried from 1975 to 2023, to assess available evidence regarding the prevalence and risk of renal injury through sports participation and guidelines surrounding the participation in sports for children and young athletes with a solitary (functioning) kidney. Methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed according to the International Classification of Urological Disease guidelines. Results: A total of 28 publications were identified after database searches and exclusions, comprising 40,889 patients. The majority of papers providing recommendations arose from the United States. Of the recommendations, 79% permitted an unrestricted return to noncontact sports. A return to contact sports is permitted in most instances after physician consultation. Conclusion: There is a dearth of good-quality published evidence in the literature relating to sports participation with a solitary (functioning) kidney. Overall, the risk of genitourinary injury in sports is low, and after physician assessment, there is currently no strong evidence to exclude children and young athletes with a solitary (functioning) kidney from full participation in contact and collision sports.

Kumanu Tāngata: the aftermatch study – protocol to examine the health outcomes of high-level male rugby union players using linked administrative data

There is increasing interest in the potential long-term outcomes of participation in contact and collision sports, driven by evidence of higher rates of neurodegenerative diseases among former athletes. Recent research...

Long-term Effectiveness and Outcome-Determining Factors of Arthroscopic Bankart Repair for Recreational Sports Population: An Assessment of 100 Patients With a Mean Follow-up of 12.7 Years

Background: A limited number of studies have reported the long-term effectiveness of and associated factors for recurrence of anterior shoulder instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR). Purpose: To report the long-term clinical outcomes after ABR in a recreational sports population and identify the associated factors that influence the final instability status. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in patients treated with ABR between 2007 and 2013 by a single surgeon. Patient data, magnetic resonance imaging measurements of bone loss and glenoid track, and intra- and perioperative factors were analyzed. After a minimum follow-up of 10 years, patient-reported outcomes including the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index score, the Rowe score, the visual analog scale for pain and function, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and sports activity were assessed. The current instability status was classified into 3 groups: stable, apprehensive, and redislocated. These groups were statistically compared with respect to outcomes and associated factors. Results: A total of 100 patients with a mean age of 22.4 ± 5.5 years and a mean follow-up of 12.7 ± 2.1 years were included. At the final follow-up, 38 patients (38%) showed recurrent symptoms: 19 patients (19%) with subjective apprehension and 19 patients (19%) with redislocation, including 10 patients (10%) with revision surgery. At the final follow-up, the redislocated group showed the lowest patient-reported outcomes and return to sports (both P < .001). The apprehensive group also showed a lower Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index score (P = .011), Rowe score (P = .003), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P = .027), and return to sports (P = .005) than the stable group. Participation in contact sports (P = .026), glenoid bone loss (P = .005), size of Hill-Sachs lesion (P = .009), and off-track lesions (P = .016) were all associated with recurrent symptoms, whereas age <20 years (P = .012), participation in contact sports (P = .003), and off-track lesions (P = .042) were associated with redislocation. Conclusion: After long-term follow-up in a recreational sports population, ABR demonstrated a 19% rate of subjective apprehension and 19% rate of redislocation, with a gradual decline in clinical outcomes and sports activity over time. Therefore, candidates for ABR should be selected based on consideration of risk factors such as off-track lesions, age <20 years, and participation in contact sports.

High magnitude exposure to repetitive head impacts alters female adolescent brain activity for lower extremity motor control

Contact and collision sport participation among adolescent athletes has raised concerns about the potential negative effects of cumulative repetitive head impacts (RHIs) on brain function. Impairments from RHIs and sports-related concussions (SRC) may propagate into lingering neuromuscular control. However, the neural mechanisms that link RHIs to altered motor control processes remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to isolate changes in neural activity for a lower extremity motor control task associated with the frequency and magnitude of RHI exposure. A cohort of fifteen high school female soccer players participated in a prospective longitudinal study and underwent pre- and post-season functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). During fMRI, athletes completed simultaneous bilateral ankle, knee, and hip flexion/extension movements against resistance (bilateral leg press) to characterize neural activity associated with lower extremity motor control. RHI data were binned into continuous categories between 20 g − 120 g (defined by progressively greater intervals), with the number of impacts independently modeled within the fMRI analyses. Results revealed that differential exposure to high magnitude RHIs (≥90 g - < 110 g and ≥ 110 g) was associated with acute changes in neural activity for the bilateral leg press (broadly inclusive of motor, visual, and cognitive regions; all p < 0.05 & z > 3.1). Greater exposure to high magnitude RHIs may impair lower extremity motor control through maladaptive neural mechanisms. Future work is warranted to extend these mechanistic findings and examine the linkages between RHI exposure and neural activity as it relates to subsequent neuromuscular control deficits.

Defining Critical Humeral Bone Loss: Inferior Craniocaudal Hill-Sachs Extension as Predictor of Recurrent Instability After Primary Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

Background: The glenoid track concept for shoulder instability primarily describes the medial-lateral relationship between a Hill-Sachs lesion and the glenoid. However, the Hill-Sachs position in the craniocaudal dimension has not been thoroughly studied. Hypothesis: Hill-Sachs lesions with greater inferior extension are associated with increased risk of recurrent instability after primary arthroscopic Bankart repair. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of patients with on-track Hill-Sachs lesions who underwent primary arthroscopic Bankart repair (without remplissage) between 2007 and 2019 and had a minimum 2-year follow-up. Recurrent instability was defined as recurrent dislocation or subluxation after the index procedure. The craniocaudal position of the Hill-Sachs lesion was measured against the midhumeral axis on sagittal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using either a Hill-Sachs bisecting line through the humeral head center (sagittal midpoint angle [SMA], a measure of Hill-Sachs craniocaudal position) or a line tangent to the inferior Hill-Sachs edge (lower-edge angle [LEA], a measure of Hill-Sachs caudal extension). Univariate and multivariate regression were used to determine the predictive value of both SMA and LEA for recurrent instability. Results: In total, 176 patients were included with a mean age of 20.6 years, mean follow-up of 5.9 years, and contact sport participation of 69.3%. Of these patients, 42 (23.9%) experienced recurrent instability (30 dislocations, 12 subluxations) at a mean time of 1.7 years after surgery. Recurrent instability was found to be significantly associated with LEA >90° (ie, Hill-Sachs lesions extending below the humeral head equator), with an OR of 3.29 (P = .022). SMA predicted recurrent instability to a lesser degree (OR, 2.22; P = .052). Post hoc evaluation demonstrated that LEA >90° predicted recurrent dislocations (subset of recurrent instability) with an OR of 4.80 (P = .003). LEA and SMA were found to be collinear with Hill-Sachs interval and distance to dislocation, suggesting that greater LEA and SMA proportionally reflect lesion severity in both the craniocaudal and medial-lateral dimensions. Conclusion: Inferior extension of an otherwise on-track Hill-Sachs lesion is a highly predictive risk factor for recurrent instability after primary arthroscopic Bankart repair. Evaluation of Hill-Sachs extension below the humeral equator (inferior equatorial extension) on sagittal MRI is a clinically facile screening tool for higher-risk lesions with subcritical glenoid bone loss. This threshold for critical humeral bone loss may inform surgical stratification for procedures such as remplissage or other approaches for at-risk on-track lesions.