Full Sports Activity Research Articles

Recurrent fifth metatarsal stress fractures in a professional soccer player with hypoparathyroidism: a case report

BackgroundHypoparathyroidism is characterized by low or inappropriately normal levels of parathyroid hormone leading to hypocalcemia. In this report, a case of recurrent fifth metatarsal stress fractures in a professional soccer player with hypoparathyroidism is presented.Case presentationA 23-year-old male professional soccer player developed left foot pain. He had no specific medical or family history. He was diagnosed with a fifth metatarsal stress fracture and underwent osteosynthesis with a cannulated cancellous screw 3 days after the injury. After three and a half months, the X-ray showed bone union, and he returned to full sports activity. However, he felt pain in his left foot again, and a re-fracture was found on X-ray a week later. Osteosynthesis was performed again. Two months after re-operation, the cause of re-fracture was investigated. Laboratory results showed abnormally low levels of serum calcium (8.4 mg/dL) and intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH: 19.0 pg/mL). However, other laboratory examinations were normal. Therefore, he was diagnosed with primary hypoparathyroidism according to the diagnostic criteria. Medical treatment was started with alfacalcidol 1.0 μg/day. One month after starting medication, the serum calcium improved to 9.4 mg/dL. Four months after the re-operation, the X-ray showed bone union, and he was therefore allowed to play soccer. While he played professional soccer, there were no new subjective complaints.ConclusionsHypoparathyroidism may be one of the risk factors for stress fractures. We believe that serum calcium levels should be checked in patients with stress fractures, and if the serum calcium is low, hypoparathyroidism should be considered.

Surgical Management of Chronic Incomplete Proximal Hamstring Avulsion Injuries

Background: Chronic incomplete proximal hamstring avulsion injuries are debilitating injuries associated with prolonged periods of convalescence and poor return to preinjury level of function. This study explores the efficacy of operative intervention for these injuries on patient satisfaction, muscle strength, range of motion, functional performance, return to preinjury level of sporting activity, and injury recurrence. Hypothesis: Surgical intervention of chronic incomplete proximal hamstring avulsion injuries enables return to preinjury level of sporting function with low risk of clinical recurrence. Study Design: Case series: Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This prospective single-surgeon study included 41 patients with incomplete proximal hamstring avulsion injuries refractory to 6 months of nonoperative treatment. All study patients underwent primary operative repair of the avulsed proximal hamstring tendon and received standardized postoperative rehabilitation. Predefined outcomes were recorded at regular intervals after surgery. Mean follow-up time was 28.2 months (range, 25.0-35.0 months) from date of surgery. Results: All patients returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity. Mean ± SD time from surgery to return to full sporting activity was 22.2 ± 6.7 weeks. There were no episodes of clinical recurrence. At 3 months after surgery, 39 patients (95.1%) were satisfied/very satisfied with the outcomes of their surgery, and as compared with preoperative values, improvements were recorded in isometric hamstring muscle strength at 0° (84.9% ± 10.9% vs 40.4% ± 8.8%; P < .001), 15° (89.6% ± 7.6% vs 44.2% ± 11.1%; P < .001), and 45° (94.1% ± 5.1% vs 66.4% ± 9.0%; P < .001); mean passive straight leg raise angle (71.2°± 13.5° vs 45.4°± 11.9°; P < .001); mean lower extremity functional score (70.9 ± 5.1 vs 48.4 ± 5.2; P < .001); and mean Marx activity rating score (5.6 ± 2.8 vs 2.7 ± 1.0; P < .001). High patient satisfaction and functional outcome scores were maintained at 1- and 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: Operative repair of chronic incomplete proximal hamstring avulsion injuries enabled return to preoperative level of sporting function with no episodes of clinical recurrence at short-term follow-up. Surgical intervention was associated with high patient satisfaction and improved isometric hamstring muscle strength, range of motion, and functional outcome scores as compared with preoperative values. High patient satisfaction and improved functional outcomes were sustained at 2-year follow-up.

Наш погляд на відновне лікування після пластики передньої хрестоподібної зв’язки колінного суглоба

Summary. The article presents rehabilitation program for the patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The program is used at the Feofaniya Hospital’s Center of Orthopedics, Traumatology and Sports Medicine and at the Department of Sports and Ballet Injuries of the SI “Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics of NAMS of Ukraine”. The rehabilitation course is divided on five periods: 1) preoperative period; 2) early postoperative period (acute) (0–2 weeks); 3) function restoring period (up to 9 week); 4) period of preparing and gradual returning to recreation and sports activity (from 9 week); 5) period of returning to full sports activity (after 6–9 months, depending on the type of sport). Principles of postoperative care and rehabilitation in our clinics are as follows: 1) decreasing pain, swelling, and inflammation; 2) full load of the operated on limb with or without crutches; 3) immediate exercises to restore range of motion from 0° to 60–90°, with gradually increase to 120° and full flexion after 6–9 weeks postoperatively (using continuous passive motion; passive, active assisted, and active exercises); 4) exercises for training quadriceps muscle, shin flexor muscles and all lower limb and pelvis muscles, with increasing resistance in close and open kinetic chains; 5) exercises for training proprioception and coordination (from early postoperative period); 6) return to work after 3–6 weeks, health-improvement and sports activity after 4, 6, and 9 months; 7) close cooperation between a surgeon, a rehabilitologist, and a patient during rehabilitation. We focus on achieving the fastest full extension of the knee joint, muscle control and restoration of proprioception. Exercises are performed in closed and open kinetic chains, with muscles tension in the back of the thigh and shin, in the way to avoid too much stress on transplantate. In cases of athletes and recreational active patients, elements of sports specific exercises were included to the rehabilitation program (from early postoperative period). That helped to restore proper patterns of movements and to overcome physical barrier in returning to full sports activity. Return to sport was allowed patients when achieved full range of motion, normal proprioception and balance of muscles; functional tests results were about 90% of the norm and there was no pain or swelling during exercise loads.

Return to Sports and Clinical Outcomes After Arthroscopic Anatomic Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Remnant Preservation

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of transtibial posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR) with remnant preservation in highly active patients and to investigate the rate of return to sports (RTS), quality of sports activities, and patient satisfaction. Patients with a Tegner activity scale of >5 who underwent isolated PCLR from 2013 to 2016 with minimum 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Single-bundle PCLR was performed using fresh frozen allograft irradiated with 50kGy. Subjective assessments included the Lysholm score, subjective International Knee Documentation Committee score, and Tegner activity scale. A questionnaire elicited information associated with RTS and satisfaction. Functional tests included isokinetic muscle strength and single-leg hop tests. We evaluated 52patients, with a mean (± standard deviation) follow-up duration of 29.5 ± 8.6months. The subjective assessments andfunctional tests significantly improved postoperatively (all P < .001). Mean time to return to full sports activity was 9.7± 5.1months. Thirty-eight (73.1%) and 45 (86.5%) patients could return to previous sports activities at 9 and 24months, respectively. A sports-experience questionnaire indicated that 48% and 69.2% of the patients were participating with unlimited effort and performance, respectively, and no pain at 9 and 24months. Multivariate analysis indicated that extensor deficit (odds ratio [OR] 4.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.342 to 17.839), flexor deficit at 60°/s (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.081 to 14.476), Limb Symmetry Index (%) for the single-leg vertical jump test (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.212 to 9.227), and satisfaction (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.186 to 10.281) were significantly associated with failure of not returning to preinjury sports activity levels at the 9-month follow-up. Arthroscopic anatomic PCLR with remnant preservation showed high rates of RTS and high patient satisfaction, as well as satisfactory clinical results in highly active patients. This surgical technique could be an effective treatment for grade III posterior cruciate ligament injury in highly active patients. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Laparoscopic Approach to Inguinal Disruption in Athletes: a Retrospective 13-Year Analysis of 198 Patients in a Single-Surgeon Setting

BackgroundInguinal disruption (ID) is a condition of chronic groin pain affecting mainly athletes. ID cannot be defined as a true hernia. Pathogenesis is multifactorial due to repetitive and excessive forces applied to the inguino-pelvic region. Examination reveals tenderness to palpation of the inguinal region. Differential diagnosis is challenging; imaging is helpful for excluding other pathologies. Surgery is the treatment of choice when conservative treatment fails. Primary aim of the study was to evaluate the time to return to full sport activity after transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) technique in ID. Secondary aim was to evaluate the postoperative complication rate both in the immediate post-operative time and in 1 year follow-up and to verify the relapse rate after surgery. In this study, we consider time to return to full sport activity as the time needed to return to pre-injury sport activity.ResultsA retrospective study is reported by evaluating 198 cases of ID from a single surgeon experience. All patients failed a previous conservative treatment. All cases were treated with the TAPP approach. Time to return to full sport activity was 4 weeks for 94.4% of patients, with a total of 98.5% of active patients at 9 months. Post-operative inguinal pain was the main complication (9.1%). On 13 years follow-up, we report a recurrence rate of 2.5%.ConclusionsCurrent management algorithm for ID, in professional athletes, supports the role of surgery after at least 2 months of conservative treatment. Recently, the role of surgery has been highlighted for a definitive treatment and a faster full recovery to sport activity, especially for elite professional athletes. In our opinion, laparoscopic surgery is the mainstay for non-responsive ID treatment. We present a long-term retrospective evaluation of a wide cohort of professional athletes diagnosed and treated in a systematic way.

Randomized clinical trial of open suture repairversustotally extraperitoneal repair for treatment of sportsman's hernia

Sportsman's hernia/athletic pubalgia is a recognized cause of chronic groin pain in athletes. Both open and laparoscopic surgical repairs have been described for treatment, but there are no comparative studies. The hypothesis here was that relief of pain would be achieved earlier in patients treated with open minimal suture repair than totally extraperitoneal repair. A randomized multicentre trial in four European countries was conducted to compare open minimal suture repair with totally extraperitoneal repair. The primary endpoint was complete relief of pain (visual analogue scale (VAS) score 20 or less on a scale from 0 to 100 mm) at 1 month. Secondary endpoints included complications, time to return to sporting activity, and number of patients returning to sport within 1 year. A total of 65 athletes (92 per cent men) with a median age of 29 years were enrolled (31 open repair, 34 totally extraperitoneal repair). By 4 weeks after surgery, median preoperative VAS scores had dropped from 70-80 to 10-20 in both groups (P < 0·001). Relief of pain (VAS score 20 or less) during sports activity 4 weeks after surgery was achieved in 14 of 31 patients after open repair and 24 of 34 after totally extraperitoneal repair (P = 0·047). Return to full sporting activity was achieved by 16 and 18 patients respectively after 1 month (P = 0·992), and by 25 versus 31 after 3 months (P = 0·408). Totally extraperitoneal repair was less painful than open repair in the first month, but otherwise both procedures were similarly effective in treating chronic pain due to sportsman's hernia. Registration number: NCT02297711 ( http://www.clinical.trials.gov).

Conservative management of isolated medial subtalar joint dislocations in volleyball players: a report of three cases and literature review

Isolated subtalar dislocations (SDs) are rare injuries, representing only 1% of all foot traumas. In the current literature, only a few reports have described this acute injury as a consequence of low-middle-energy trauma during sports activities and none in professional or recreational volleyball players. Further, to the best of our knowledge, no validated standard rehabilitation programs have been described for SDs as most of them are usually treated like an ankle sprain. This report describes 3 cases of isolated, closed medial SD, which occurred during non-professional volleyball activities. All cases were successfully treated by the same conservative method: standard radiographs for diagnosis, closed reduction, subsequent CT scan to exclude associated lesions, 4-week immobilization in a below-knee cast and an early physiokinesis therapy program. Further, a review of the recent literature concerning SD was performed. The standard method applied allowed our patients to return to full sports activity at 3 months from trauma, reaching a medium AOFAS score of 96.6 at minimum follow-up of 48 months. The treated cases and the review of the literature suggest that a conservative method and early mobilization should be the first-choice treatment for closed SD, even in volleyball players. Despite the absence of a sport-specific rehabilitation program for these injuries, early physiokinesis therapy, after no more than 4-week immobilization period, allowed the improvement of our patients' hindfoot stability and their fast return to full sports activities, without any recurrence at minimum follow-up of 2 years.

THE NATURAL HISTORY OF TYPE VII ALL INTRA-EPIPHYSEAL FRACTURES OF THE LATERAL MALLEOLUS

Background: Inversion-type ankle injuries are common in pediatric athletes, often resulting in lateral malleolar fractures (1). Ogden described the Type VII lateral malleolar physeal fracture as an injury in which the fracture line is totally within the secondary ossification center of the distal fibular epiphysis (2). The purpose of this paper is to report on the outcomes of 31 children participating in various types of sports activities who had sustained a Type VII fracture of the lateral malleolus. Methods: Here we report the results of an IRB approved prospective (longitudinal) cohort study carried out at a tertiary care pediatric hospital from March 2012 to December 2017. Eligible patients were those with a type VII (all epiphyseal) fracture of the lateral malleolus, either treated initially or seen in follow-up by the senior author. Exclusion criteria included those patients with all other lateral malleolar injuries and those with negative radiographs. Thirty-one children were enrolled during the study interval. Type VII fractures were classified as either transverse, oblique, or tip avulsion, depending on the trajectory and location of the fracture line within the secondary center of ossification of the lateral malleolus. We recorded the following demographic data: sex of the patient, age at the time of injury, mechanism of injury, sport involved, weight bearing status at the time of injury, treatment of the injury, and time from injury to release to sports activity. Children were permitted to return to sports when they had no discomfort on palpation and an ankle range of motion was equal to the uninvolved side. The primary outcome focus was radiographic status of the fracture at the time of the last clinical evaluation. Results: Thirty-one children with a Type VII fracture of the lateral malleolus were enrolled during the study interval. There were 8 girls and 23 boys. The average age at the time of injury was 107 months (˜9 years.) All the children had sustained a supination inversion-type injury while participating in a full spectrum of sports activities. Twenty-five children were initially unable to bear weight, and 6 could walk but with a limp. Twenty-six children were treated with a weight-bearing cast and crutches, and five of those who could bear weight were treated with a cast boot. Four fractures were oblique, 8 were transverse, and 19 were tip avulsions. All the children were asymptomatic and had a negative drawer test when cleared for sports participation at an average time of 3.5 months (range 2.5 to 4) after injury. Eighteen children had radiographs showing uneventful healing of the fractures (Figure 1) when released to full activity, but 13 (31%) healed with formation of a discrete os subfibulare (Figure 2.) The 18 fractures that healed uneventfully were located above the distal third of the fibular epiphysis. All of the 13 that healed with an os subfibulare were located either at the distal tip of the fibula (4) or at the anterior distal aspect of the tip (9) corresponding to the area of attachment of the ATFL. Conclusions: All of children sustaining a Type VII fracture of the lateral malleolus were able to return to full sports activities. Eighteen of the 31 Type VII fractures (58%) healed uneventfully. However, 13 (42%), healed with the formation of an os subfibulare. Since the presence of an os subfibulare has been associated with recurrent ankle instability and pain (3), it may be prudent to observe and even recommend ankle rehabilitation exercises for these children to help prevent long-term problems. [Figure: see text][Figure: see text] Su AW, Larson AN. Pediatric Ankle Fractures: Concepts and Treatment Principles. Foot Ankle Clin. 2015;20(4):705-719.26589088. Ogden JA. Injury to the growth mechanisms of the immature skeleton. Skeletal Radiol. 1981;6(4):237-253.7292021. Pill SG, Hatch M, Linton JM, Davidson RS. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2013;95: e115(1-6) d http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.L.00847 .

Isolated avulsion tear of the medial meniscus anterior root: A case report and a novel surgical technique

Compared to the more prevalent posterior root tears, injuries of the anterior root of meniscus have been relatively far scarcer. In this article, a case of an isolated medial meniscus anterior root avulsion tear was reported, which was successfully treated with a novel arthroscopic technique that incorporated the coronary ligament for a more anatomical repair. The significance of this report are two folds: (1) to the best of our knowledge, there has only been one such case of an isolated medial meniscus anterior root tear prior to this report; (2) the concept of incorporation of coronary ligament during the meniscus repair has never been mentioned in the literature thus far. With the use of a 3.5 mm double-loaded suture anchor, an anatomical repair was achieved as the anterior root of medial meniscus was fixated not only back to its tibial insertion inferiorly but re-attached to the coronary ligament anteriorly as well. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 months showed complete healing of the anterior root, and at 6 months the patient were able to resume full sports activities asymptomatically.

Refractory patellar tendinopathy treated by arthroscopic decortication of the inferior patellar pole in athletes: Mid-term outcomes

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic decortication of the inferior patellar pole in athletes with refractory chronic patellar tendinopathy. MethodsThirty-seven athletes in whom conservative management for at least six months failed underwent arthroscopic patellar tendon debridement and decortication of the inferior pole of the patella. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using subjective knee scores and isokinetic muscle strength tests. The average duration taken and sports participation level were also assessed. ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 51.3 ± 14.8 months. At the last follow-up, all improvements in subjective knee scores including Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment -Patella (VISA-P) score, and Kujala score were statistically significant (p<.001). Tegner activity scale improved from 6.5±1.0 to 8.9±0.8 (p<.001). Limb symmetry index for extensor peak torque improved from 71.4±19.6% to 92.7±21.7% (p<.001). Thirty-two (86.5 %) athletes were able to return to full sports activities in a mean 3.5±1.7months, and 27 (73%) athletes maintained their previous sports activity level at the last follow-up. Symptoms recurred in two (5.2%). ConclusionsArthroscopic decortication of the inferior pole of the patella showed satisfactory clinical results and high rates of return to sports at mid-term follow-up in professional athletes with refractory chronic patellar tendinopathy. This technique could be an invasive, safe, and effective treatment for chronic patellar tendinopathy in professional athletes who want a faster return to sports. Level of evidenceLevel IV, case series.

Arthroscopic treatment of anterolateral ankle soft-tissue impingement in athletes

Background Ankle sprains are the most common musculoskeletal injuries that occur in athletes. Although often considered minor, they can lead to development of chronic anterolateral soft-tissue ankle impingement. This ankle sprain if left untreated, owing to repetitive actions, can lead to development of thickenings ‘pathological synovial or capsular tissue’ within the ankle joint, which causes persistent painful limitation of ankle movement as a result of entrapment of this pathological tissues in the anterolateral aspect of the joint. As impingement progresses, movements essential to athletes may become impossible; therefore, successful arthroscopic ankle debridement and impinged-soft tissue excision is the procedure of choice, allowing athletes to return fast to their previous preinjury sports activities level. Patients and methods A total of 25 elite athletes complaining of persistent anterolateral ankle pain during sports participation, who were diagnosed by history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging to have anterolateral ankle impingement with unsuccessful conservative management for at least 6 months, underwent arthroscopic debridement and excision of the anterolateral impinged hypertrophic, inflamed, and scarred soft tissue. Any athlete diagnosed to have associated ankle instability or tibial or talar chondral lesion was excluded from this study. Results There were 13 right ankles and 12 left ankles. There were 14 male and 11 female patients. No bilateral cases existed. The mean duration of symptoms till operation was 8.9 months. The mean postoperative follow-up was 15 months. At the final postoperative evaluation, 23 athletes were satisfied and reparticipated in the same preinjury sports activities level without complaints, whereas two (8%) athletes were unsatisfied and retired from high-level sports activities. The mean time to return to full sports activities with high performance was 8 weeks. According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) at the final postoperative follow-up evaluation, nine patients had excellent results, 14 patients had good results, and two patients had fair results. A significant improvement of the AOFAS (P Conclusion Ankle arthroscopy is a useful and safe method in diagnosis and treatment of anterolateral soft tissue ankle impingement in elite athletes, with early return to full sports activities. Final outcome may be affected negatively with new inversion injuries during the early postoperative period.

Deepening trochleoplasty combined with balanced medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for an adequate graft tensioning.

AIMTo evaluate our modified deepening trochleoplasty combined with a balanced medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for soft tissue alignement.METHODSThirty-three knees with with recurrent patellar dislocations and a trochlear dysplasia in 30 patients (m/f = 12/21, mean age 24 ± 9 years) underwent a combination of a modified deepening trochleoplasty and a balanced MPFL reconstruction for a medial soft tissue alignement. After a mean follow-up period of 29 ± 23 mo, patients’ return to sports, possible complications as well as the clinical outcomes using the Kujala, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scoring were evaluated. Moreover, patients’ satisfaction with the general outcome, the cosmetic outcome, the pre- and postoperative pain and a potential avoidance behaviour were assessed with additional standardized questionnaires which also included different visual analog scales.RESULTSThere were no signs of a persistent instability. The Kujala score improved from a mean of 64 ± 16 points to 94 ± 9 points, the Lysholm score improved from a mean of 63 ± 17 to 95 ± 6 points and the IKDC score from 58 ± 11 to 85 ± 12 points, P < 0.0001, respectively. The assessment of pain using a visual analog scale showed a significant pain reduction from a mean of 4.8 ± 2.0 to 1.3 ± 3.4 points (P < 0.0001). Two of 26 cases (92%) who were engaged in regular physical activity before surgery did not return to full sporting activities. One patient felt that his sport was too risky for his knee and reported an ongoing avoidance behaviour. The other patient preferred to wait for surgery of her contralateral knee. Of the eight patients who were not engaged in sporting activities before surgery, three started regular sporting activities after surgery. In 31 of the 33 cases (94%), the patients were very satisfied with the clinical outcome of the surgery. Regarding the cosmetic results, no patients felt impaired in their self-confidence and in their clothing decisions.CONCLUSIONOur technique shows a good clinical outcome in terms of the common scorings as well as in terms of pain, return to sports and patient satisfaction.

Muscle-pedicle Bone Grafting With Periosteum Coverage for Osteochondritis Dissecans

Objective/Hypothesis: There are several treatment options for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of humeral capitellum. In a previous study, we reported muscle-pedicle bone grafting with periosteum coverage for OCD. The purpose of the current study was to review the results of this surgery. Materials and Methods: Eight patients who underwent muscle-pedicle bone grafting with periosteum coverage for OCD between 2011 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. The surgical technique is as follows: Unstable OCD lesion was debrided. Cuboid bone graft with the anconeus muscle pedicle was harvested from the posterior side of the capitellum. When obtaining the bone graft, extra periosteum was also obtained and kept attached to the bone graft. Bone tunnel was created from the harvested site to the debrided site. The bone graft was covered with the attached periosteum and inserted through the tunnel. The periosteum edge of the inserted graft was sutured with cartilage around the debrided site. The patients were placed in a long-arm splint for 2 to 3 weeks, followed by gentle mobilization. Gradual return-to-play program was started after radiographic signs of healing. Patients were usually allowed to recover to full sports activity around 6 months after surgery. The medical records of the 8 patients were reviewed for the following information: (1) sports and position; (2) preoperative and final range of motion; (3) duration from surgery to return to sports activity; (4) radiographic outcomes, including size of OCD lesion, grafted bone union, and enlargement of the radial head; and (5) complications. Enlargement of the radial head was defined as an increase in the diameter of more than 20% between preoperative and final anteroposterior radiographs. Results: Eight elbows in 8 patients (7 male and 1 female) with a mean age of 14 years (range, 12-16 years) underwent muscle-pedicle bone grafting with periosteum coverage during the period. Mean follow-up duration was 19 months (range, 6-34 months). Sports, the patients performed, include baseball (7 patients) and tennis (1 patient). In the 7 baseball players, 2 patients were pitchers, 1 was a catcher, 3 were infielders, and 1 was an outfielder. Preoperative range of flexion and extension were 129.4 ± 6.8° (mean ± SD) and −4.4 ± 8.6°, respectively. Final range of flexion and extension were 131.9 ± 11.9° and −2.5 ± 12.8°, respectively. There were no significant difference in preoperative and final range of motion. Patients returned to sports activity in 5 to 7 months after surgery. Seven of 8 patients returned to the same sports level, but 1 patient returned to other sports. The mean anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the cartilage defect were 12.0 (range, 8-14 mm) and 10.6 mm (range, 7-13 mm), respectively. Grafted bone union was achieved in all patients. Enlargement of the radial head was observed in 2 patients. Conclusions: Muscle-pedicle bone grafting with periosteum coverage was one of the acceptable treatment options for OCD of humeral capitellum. Reconstruction of articular defect in OCD was possible with minimum donor site morbidity.

No Effects of Early Viscosupplementation After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy

Background: The management of the postoperative period after knee arthroscopic surgery may be challenging because surgical trauma deeply alters the joint microenvironment, causing the release of several catabolic molecules and proinflammatory factors that might slow down functional recovery. The possibility of using hyaluronic acid (HA) to promote postoperative pain relief and expedite functional improvement seems attractive, considering its biological properties. Purpose: The aim of the present double-blind randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects, in terms of pain control and functional recovery, provided by a single HA injection performed at the end of arthroscopic meniscectomy. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 90 patients, 18 to 55 years old, were included according to the following criteria: (1) chronic, symptomatic meniscal tears requiring partial resection; (2) a healthy contralateral knee; (3) no previous surgery on the index knee; and (4) no other concurrent articular lesions requiring surgical treatment (eg, cartilage or ligament injuries). Patients were randomized into 2 treatment groups: one underwent meniscectomy alone, whereas the other also received an injection of 3 mL HA at the end of the procedure. All patients were evaluated at baseline and then at 15, 30, 60, and 180 days using the following tools: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, VAS for general health status, and Tegner scores. The transpatellar circumference and active and passive ranges of motion were also recorded during the follow-up evaluations. Results: No major adverse events were reported using HA postoperatively. A statistically significant increase in all the clinical scores was reported in both treatment groups, but no significant intergroup difference was documented at any follow-up evaluation. No difference was observed also in the objective measurements. The mean time to return to full sports activity was not different between groups, and a comparable satisfaction rate was recorded in both treatment groups. Conclusion: Early postoperative viscosupplementation did not provide significant clinical benefits after arthroscopic meniscectomy. Despite the lack of major adverse events, the administration of a single HA injection at the end of the surgical procedure is not a successful strategy to provide either faster functional recovery or symptomatic improvement after meniscectomy. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02629380.

Return to Play After Hamstring Injuries: A Qualitative Systematic Review of Definitions and Criteria.

BackgroundMore than half of the recurrent hamstring injuries occur within the first month after return-to-play (RTP). Although there are numerous studies on RTP, comparisons are hampered by the numerous definitions of RTP used. Moreover, there is no consensus on the criteria used to determine when a person can start playing again. These criteria need to be critically evaluated, in an attempt to reduce recurrence rates and optimize RTP.ObjectiveTo carry out a systematic review of the literature on (1) definitions of RTP used in hamstring research and (2) criteria for RTP after hamstring injuries.Study DesignSystematic review.MethodsSeven databases (PubMed, EMBASE/MEDLINE, CINAHL, PEDro, Cochrane, SPORTDiscus, Scopus) were searched for articles that provided a definition of, or criteria for, RTP after hamstring injury. There were no limitations on the methodological design or quality of articles. Content analysis was used to record and analyze definitions and criteria for RTP after hamstring injury.ResultsTwenty-five papers fulfilled inclusion criteria, of which 13 provided a definition of RTP and 23 described criteria to support the RTP decision. “Reaching the athlete’s pre-injury level” and “being able to perform full sport activities” were the primary content categories used to define RTP. “Absence of pain”, “similar strength”, “similar flexibility”, “medical staff clearance”, and “functional performance” were core themes to describe criteria to support the RTP decision after hamstring injury.ConclusionOnly half of the included studies provided some definition of RTP after hamstring injury, of which reaching the athlete’s pre-injury level and being able to perform full sport activities were the most important. A wide variety of criteria are used to support the RTP decision, none of which have been validated. More research is needed to reach a consensus on the definition of RTP and to provide validated RTP criteria to facilitate hamstring injury management and reduce hamstring injury recurrence.PROSPERO systematic review registration number: CRD42015016510.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40279-015-0468-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Percutaneous pars interarticularis screw fixation: a technical note.

A conventional midline posterior approach is used for most of the described surgical techniques. We describe a technique of percutaneous fixation of the pars interarticularis, augmented where necessary by grafting the defect, which minimises muscle injury. A 4.5mm partially threaded dynamic compression screw is placed over a wire inserted percutaneously across the pars interarticularis defect. Compression is achieved across the pars interarticularis defect on placement of the screw. The screw is locked in a compressed state. The patient is mobilised the same day with a corset for comfort and discharged the following day. Aerobic fitness is maintained for 3months; then, focused rehabilitation performed until a CT scan confirms healing at 5-6months, at which stage full (sports) activity is resumed. The minimal tissue injury and small incision used allow for the minimising of complications and for a rapid recovery and discharge from hospital. With adolescents, we have the opportunity to treat symptomatic pars interarticularis defects with minimal disruption to their academic and physical development.

Arthroscopic Management of a Glenohumeral Osteochondral Defect Using Particulated Juvenile Cartilage Allograft: A Case Report.

A sixteen-year-old high school varsity quarterback was referred to us for evaluation of right shoulder pain two months after an injury sustained during a football tackle. The patient reported being substantially limited in his ability to perform vigorous activity because of pain and the sensation that his shoulder was about to dislocate. Evaluation showed a Bankart tear and a focal full-thickness glenoid osteochondral defect. The tear was treated with Bankart repair, and the osteochondral defect was filled arthroscopically with particulated juvenile cartilage graft. The patient returned to full sports activity without restriction at nine months after surgery and, at two years of follow-up, remained pain free with full range of motion and strength and no symptoms of instability. The current case suggests that particulated juvenile cartilage may be effective in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the glenoid.

Minimally Invasive Fixation of Fractures of the Phalanges and Metacarpals With Intramedullary Cannulated Headless Compression Screws

To present the technique, indications, and outcomes of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures fixed with intramedullary cannulated headless screws (CHS). We retrospectively reviewed all charts of patients whose metacarpal and phalangeal fractures had been treated with intramedullary CHS in our practice. A total of 69 fractures (48 metacarpal and 21 phalangeal) were identified in 59 patients. Seventeen were open fractures. Eleven patients had multiple fractures (29 in total); of those, 21 were managed with CHS. In 4 other fractures the method was abandoned intraoperatively. The defect created by the entrance of the screw in the proximal phalanx was identified by computed tomography in 20 patients. In 63 fractures a single screw was used; in 6 fractures 2 screws were used to provide stronger fixation. All patients returned to full duties or sport activities at an average of 76 days (range, 3 wk to 15 mo). At the latest follow-up (range, 5-54 mo; average, 19 mo) total active motion was on average 247° (range, 150° to 270°) for all fractures, 249° (range, 210° to 270°) for metacarpal, and 243° (range, 150° to 270°) for proximal phalangeal fractures. All fractures were healed and within acceptable radiological parameters. A comminuted basilar phalangeal fracture displaced secondarily yielding a poor functional result. Two patients required tenolysis and further procedures before the final result was achieved. The screw hole represents around 20% of the proximal phalanx distal articular surface. Unstable transverse fractures in the phalanx and metacarpal are amenable to single intramedullary CHS fixation. Comminuted fractures require more complex configurations. Therapeutic IV.

Sports hernia and femoroacetabular impingement in athletes: A systematic review

To investigate the association between sports hernias and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in athletes. PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and Google Scholar databases were electronically searched for articles relating to sports hernia, athletic pubalgia, groin pain, long-standing adductor-related groin pain, Gilmore groin, adductor pain syndrome, and FAI. The initial search identified 196 studies, of which only articles reporting on the association of sports hernia and FAI or laparoscopic treatment of sports hernia were selected for systematic review. Finally, 24 studies were reviewed to evaluate the prevalence of FAI in cases of sports hernia and examine treatment outcomes and evidence for a common underlying pathogenic mechanism. FAI has been reported in as few as 12% to as high as 94% of patients with sports hernias, athletic pubalgia or adductor-related groin pain. Cam-type impingement is proposed to lead to increased symphyseal motion with overload on the surrounding extra-articular structures and muscle, which can result in the development of sports hernia and athletic pubalgia. Laparoscopic repair of sports hernias, via either the transabdominal preperitoneal or extraperitoneal approach, has a high success rate and earlier recovery of full sports activity compared to open surgery or conservative treatment. For patients with FAI and sports hernia, the surgical management of both pathologies is more effective than sports pubalgia treatment or hip arthroscopy alone (89% vs 33% of cases). As sports hernias and FAI are typically treated by general and orthopedic surgeons, respectively, a multidisciplinary approach for diagnosis and treatment is recommended for optimal treatment of patients with these injuries. The restriction in range of motion due to FAI likely contributes to sports hernias; therefore, surgical treatment of both pathologies represents an optimal therapy.

The management of sportsman's groin hernia in professional and amateur soccer players: a revised concept.

Chronic groin pain appears in athletes with a diverse etiology. In a select few, it can be defined as a sportsman's hernia, that may be related, among other pathologies, to weakness of the posterior inguinal wall and may successfully respond to surgery. Surgical repair of the sportsman's hernia is associated with good functional outcomes, if the diagnosis is based on meticulous examination and follows a simple selection flowchart. Prospective case cohort study. The study assessed patients recruited from 2006 until the present assessed by a dedicated team with clinical and radiographic features of a sportsman's hernia who had failed a specified period of conservative therapies. Surgery was performed using a tension-free mesh open inguinal hernia repair. Of 246 male patients with chronic groin pain, 51 underwent surgery (mean age 20.7 years, range 14-36 years) with 58 inguinal procedures performed. Of the operated group, seven underwent bilateral surgery with a direct hernia found in 9/58 operated sides (15.5%), an indirect hernial sac in 8/58 (14%) and a direct and indirect hernia being found in 3/58 (5%) of operated sides. There was no post-operative morbidity (median follow-up 36.1 months; range 1-74 months), with two failures (3.45 % of operated sides). All other patients were asymptomatic, returned to full sports activity within 4.3 weeks (range 3-8 weeks) after surgery, and required no analgesics or further treatment. Selective surgical hernia repair, based on meticulous anamnesis and physical examination is effective in the management of chronic groin pain in athletes.