Sports Injuries Research Articles

Early Functional Outcome After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Patients Using Post-Operative Brace or No Brace: A Prospective Observational Case-Control Study.

The use of rehabilitative knee braces after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the early functional outcome associated with post-ACLR brace use. This prospective observational case-control study was conducted at AKB Center for Arthroscopy, Sports Injury, and Regenerative Medicine, B&B Hospital, Lalitpur, Nepal. A total of 132 patients undergoing arthroscopic ACLR with or without a meniscal procedure were enrolled in this study, with the final analysis consisting of 66 patients in the control group (brace group) and 66 patients in the case group (no brace group). Braces were applied to the affected lower limb in the control group in the operating room immediately after surgery and werecontinued for 4weeks post-operatively. The rehabilitation protocol was the same for both groups. The patients were evaluated on the 3rd post-operative day, 2weeks, 6weeks, and 12weeks post-operatively in terms of Lysholm knee scores, clinical tests (Lachman and pivot shift test), range of motion (flexion and extension), VAS scores for pain, thigh girth differences, and the 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12) scores. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding outcome measures, except the mental component summary of SF-12 which was significantly better in the non-braced group (P = 0.006). There was no significant difference in early functional outcome between the braced and non-braced groups following ACLR with or without a meniscal procedure. Better SF-12 mental component summary scores were seen in the nonbraced group, which indicated possible mental discomfort in patients with brace use.

Survey Results Concerning Current Trends in Meniscus Repair Indications and Preferences from Members of the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRiSM) Society.

Meniscus repair has increased in frequency, especially among surgeons who focus on youth sports injuries. The aim of this study was to determine current trends in meniscus repair among a specific subset of meniscus repair surgeons. A cross-sectional survey utilizing several clinical vignettes was administered to orthopaedic surgeon members of the Pediatric Research in Sports Medicine (PRiSM) Society to investigate surgeon experience and training, number of meniscus repair procedures performed, and surgical and rehabilitation preferences. A statistical analysis of the responses was performed to determine associations between years in practice or type of fellowship training and the number of meniscus repair procedures performed, surgical indications, and rehabilitation preferences. The response rate to various questions ranged from 61.5 (59/96) to 63.5% (61/96). In all vignettes, a majority favored repair as well as some degree of weight-bearing and range-of-motion restrictions. Surgeons who had been in practice for 6 to 10 years performed significantly more meniscus repairs per year than those who had been in practice for greater than 20 years (p = 0.009) and those who had been in practice for 0 to 5 years (p = 0.05). Surgeons who had been in practice for greater than 20 years performed a significantly higher percentage of meniscectomies relative to meniscus repairs, compared with those in practice for 0 to 5 years (p = 0.002) or 6 to 10 years (p = 0.0003). When surgeons were grouped into those with less than 10 years of experience and those with greater than 10 years of experience, the former group performed a significantly higher number of meniscus repairs relative to meniscectomies than the latter group of surgeons (p < 0.0001). Less experienced surgeons are more likely to perform meniscus repair than meniscectomy, but all surgeons surveyed had a general preference for repair in all clinical vignettes. Repair technique preferences as well as rehabilitation protocols varied widely among surgeons.

Thrombosis and Thrombotic Risk in Athletes.

The hemostatic system is characterized by a delicate balance between pro- and anticoagulant forces, and the smallest alteration can cause serious events such as hemorrhages or thrombosis. Although exercise has been shown to play a protective role in athletes, several factors may increase the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), including hemoconcentration induced by exertion, immobilization following sports injuries, frequent long-distance flights, dehydration, and the use of oral contraceptives in female athletes. Biomarkers such as D-dimer, Factor VIII, thrombin generation, inflammatory cytokines, and leukocyte count are involved in the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), although their interpretation is complex and may indicate the presence of other conditions such as infections, inflammation, and heart disease. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity is needed for the screening and early diagnosis of thromboembolism. Recent evidence about the correlation between the intensity of physical activity and VTE is divergent, whereas the repeated gestures in sports such as baseball, hockey, volleyball, swimming, wrestling, or, on the other hand, soccer players, runners, and martial art training represent a risk factor predisposing to the onset of upper and lower DVT. Anticoagulant therapy is the gold standard, reducing the risk of serious complications such as pulmonary embolism. The aim of this review is to provide a general overview about the interplay between physical exercise and the risk of thromboembolism in athletes, focusing on the main causes of thrombosis in professional athletes and underlying the need to identify new markers and therapies that can represent a valid tool for safeguarding the athlete's health.

Imaging of Sacroiliac Pain: The Current State-of-the-Art.

Pain in the sacroiliac (SI) region is a common clinical manifestation, often caused by diseases involving the SI joints. This is typically due to inflammation or degenerative changes, while infections or cancer are less frequent causes. The SI joint is challenging to image accurately because of its distinct anatomical characteristics. For an accurate diagnosis, conventional radiography often needs to be supplemented with more precise methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). Sacroiliitis, a common presenting feature of axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA), manifests as bone marrow edema, erosions, sclerosis, and joint space narrowing. Septic sacroiliitis and repetitive stress injuries in sports can also cause changes resembling inflammatory sacroiliitis. Other conditions, such as osteitis condensans ilii (OCI), can mimic the radiologic characteristics of sacroiliitis. Inflammatory lesions are diagnosed by concurrent erosions, hyperostosis, and ankylosis. Ligament ossifications or mechanical stress can also result in arthritic disorders. Determining the exact diagnosis can be aided by the distribution of the lesions. Inflammatory lesions can affect any part of the articulation, including the inferior and posterior portions. Mechanical lesions, such as those seen in OCI, often occur in the anterior middle region of the joint. In cases of idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, ligament ossification is found at the joint borders. This pictorial essay describes common SI joint problems, illustrated with multimodal imaging data. We, also, discuss strategies for selecting the best imaging modalities, along with imaging pitfalls, key points, and approaches for treating patients with suspected inflammatory back pain.

Bone stress injuries in athletics (track and field) championships: findings from a prospective injury surveillance conducted across 24 international championships with 29,147 registered athletes

BackgroundAthletics (track and field) athletes are prone to develop bone stress injuries (BSIs) but epidemiological data on BSIs from top-level sports events are scarce.ObjectiveTo describe the incidence and characteristics of BSIs during 24 international athletics championships held from 2007 to 2023.MethodsBSI-related data were prospectively collected during 24 international athletics championships, including the Olympic Games (n = 3), World Outdoor Championships (n = 4), European Outdoor Championships (n = 6), World Indoor Championships (n = 3) and European Indoor Championships (n = 8). Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to assess the epidemiological characteristics of BSIs.ResultsBSIs accounted for 1.5% of all reported injuries (n = 36; 1.2 per 1000 registered athletes (95%CI 0.8 to 1.6)). No significant difference of BSI incidence was detected between female (2.0 per 1000 athletes (95%CI: 0.9 to 2.3)) and male athletes (0.9 per 1000 athletes (95%CI: 0.4 to 1.4)) (relative risk (RR) = 1.73, 95%CI: 0.88 to 3.40). BSI incidence was significantly higher during outdoor championships (1.6 per 1000 registered athletes (95%CI: 1.0 to 2.1)) as compared to indoor championships (0.2 per 1000 registered athletes (95%CI: 0.0 to 0.5)) (RR = 10.4, 95%CI: 1.43 to 76.0). Most BSIs were sustained in the foot (n = 50%) or leg (n = 33%). BSIs were reported in athletes participating in endurance disciplines (52.8%) or in explosive disciplines (47.2%).ConclusionsBSIs represent a small portion of injuries sustained during international athletics championships. Collective results suggest that injury rates are higher in outdoor competitions as compared to indoor competitions. The most common injury locations comprise the foot and leg.Clinical Trial NumberNot applicable.

Management of Distal Phalanx Intraarticular Comminuted Fracture of Small Finger with Zone I Flexor Tendon Avulsion: A Case Report

Distal phalanx fractures are a common injury in both athletes and civilians. These fractures can differ greatly in severity and treatment indications depending on the size, location, and stability of the fracture in addition to appreciation of any bony comminution. Tendon avulsion in conjugation with a fracture complicates treatment and outcomes further. The classification system for these fractures have been well classified to include Type I, II, II, and IV with IV having subtypes. More recently, Type V has been added to the classification system. Designated as a comminuted distal phalanx fracture with flexor digitorum profundus avulsion, this Leddy-Packer type has two subgroups: namely, comminution without intra-articular involvement (Va) and comminution that includes the articular surface. We report the case of a 42-year-old female presenting with injury to the distal phalanx of the right small finger sustained after her dog ran away from her as she held the collar, exerting significant force in opposition to her flexed fingers. Upon exam and following appropriate imaging, her injury was defined as a Leddy and Packer Type Vb jersey finger injury. This was effectively treated with open reduction, internal fixation of the comminuted distal phalanx base and avulsion fragment. A notably rare injury, Leddy-Packer Type Vb distal phalanx avulsion injuries must be treated in a case-by-case basis, but open reduction internal fixation with plating proves an appropriate and effective means of repair in the correct patient.

Sleep Deprivation as a Risk Factor for Injuries in Athletes

Sleep Deprivation as a Risk Factor for Injuries in Athletes

Sonography of muscles : Rheumatology-Neurology-Geriatrics-Sports medicine-Orthopedics

Muscle sonography is used in rheumatology, neurology, geriatrics, sports medicine and orthopedics. Muscular atrophy with fatty and connective tissue degeneration can be visualized and must be interpreted in conjunction with the sonographic findings of the supplying nerves. Sonography is becoming increasingly more important for the early diagnosis of sarcopenia in rheumatology, geriatrics and osteology. Even if its significance has not yet been conclusively clarified, many publications confirm the high reliability of the method. Sonography can ideally be used in addition to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnostics of myositis as it can speed up the diagnosis, muscle groups that were not imaged by MRI can also be assessed sonographically and all muscle groups can be examined during the course of the procedure. Sonography also helps to make aquick and uncomplicated diagnosis of many sports injuries in addition to MRI and is therefore the basis for atargeted therapeutic approach.

Performance of long short-term memory networks in predicting athlete injury risk

Performance of long short-term memory networks in predicting athlete injury risk

Ligamentous and meniscal injuries of the pediatric knee joint

Intraligamentous injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injuries are rare in children and adolescents and often occur as aresult of sports injuries. Clinically, they usually present as ahemarthrosis. The diagnosis of choice is the MRI examination. Surgical treatment of intraligamentary ACL injuries using the transphyseal technique is now also the gold standard treatment for children and adolescents, leg axis and length checks are necessary after surgery until growth is complete. Meniscus injuries are also addressed surgically. Postoperative follow-up treatment and rehabilitation are particularly important in order to prevent reinjury. The disc meniscus is aspecial entity and is also treated surgically if it is symptomatic. Isolated collateral ligament and posterior cruciate ligament ruptures are rarities.

Highly Adhesive and Stretchable Epidermal Electrode for Bimodal Recording Patch.

For numerous biological and human-machine applications, it is critical to have a stable electrophysiological interface to obtain reliable signals. To achieve this, epidermal electrodes should possess conductivity, stretchability, and adhesiveness. However, limited types of materials can simultaneously satisfy these requirements to provide satisfying recording performance. Here, we present a dry electromyography (EMG) electrode based on conductive polymers and tea polyphenol (CPT), which offers adhesiveness (0.51 N/cm), stretchability (157%), and low impedance (14 kΩ cm2 at 100 Hz). The adhesiveness of the electrode is attributed to the interaction between catechol groups and hydroxyls in the polymer blend. This adhesive electrode ensures stable EMG recording even in the presence of vibrations and provides signals with a high signal-to-noise ratio (>25 dB) for over 72 h. By integrating the CPT electrode with a liquid metal strain sensor, we have developed a bimodal rehabilitation monitoring patch (BRMP) for sports injuries. The patch utilizes Kinesio Tape as a substrate, which serves to accelerate rehabilitation. It also tackles the challenge of recording with knee braces by fitting snugly between the brace and the skin, due to its thin and stretchable design. CPT electrodes not only enable BRMP to assist clinicians in formulating effective rehabilitation plans and offer patients a more comfortable rehabilitation experience, but also hold promise for future applications in biological and human-machine interface domains.

Comparison of the incidence and causes of injuries in stand-up and ground combat-sport fighters – a narrative review

Injuries in combat sports can happen to any athlete, regardless of gender, age, training experience or whether he or she is an amateur or a professional. The range of injuries varies from superficial, short-term damage to severe injuries with serious consequences, including death. There are many types of combat sports, each with different rules and specific injuries. Amongst various divisions of combat sports, one of the basic ones is the division into ground and stand-up sports. In the following work, using the available literature, we wanted to present the specifications of several of the most popular combat sports and compare their most common locations of injuries, types of injuries and mechanisms of their formation, paying attention to which of these categories a given sport belongs to. We also discuss differences in the rate of injury for different age, genders, prevalence of injuries during situations of practice and competition. In the end, it is presented what are the possible long-term complications of injuries in combat sports and which actions such as protective gear, bans on certain techniques or behavioural changes might reduce the injury rate to protect the athletes health, well-being and decrease the economic burden on healthcare systems.

The “Rocky” Factor: Minimizing Globe Injury in Subsequent Orbital Floor Fractures in Repeat Offenders

Background: Recurrent or repeat orbital floor and/or medial wall fractures may have an increased risk of globe injury and vision loss. To see if the initial orbital floor repair technique and/or chosen material for reconstruction impact the result, we studied repeat offenders who engage in: (1) repeat assaults, (2) unprotected sports injuries, or (3) seizure disorders. Methods: From 715 patients who underwent traumatic orbital floor repair over an 18-year period, 58 “repeat offenders” suffered a subsequent orbital fracture and were studied. Type of repair and outcomes including globe injuries were documented. Results: Repeat offenders who had a second orbital fracture had initial repairs with: resorbable plates (63.8%), titanium mesh (12.1%), and split cranial bone grafts (14%). More significant globe injuries occurred when initial repair was with titanium plates (86%) and bone grafts (14%) compared to resorbable plates (0%). Of the total group with initial orbital fractures and repair, 15% were categorized as “at risk” to be repeat offenders based on their medical history and activity. Of the “repeat offenders” who had an additional orbital fracture, 95% (50/58) fell into the “at risk” category for “repeat offending.” Conclusion: Resorbable plate orbital floor and/or medial wall fracture repair may offer less significant globe injury for repeat offenders at risk for subsequent orbital trauma.

Utilization of Chiropractic Care at The World Games 2017: A Retrospective Descriptive Study

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to report utilization of chiropractic care during The World Games 2017 in Wroclaw, Poland. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on treatment records. Thirty-five chiropractors trained in sports injuries provided care for athletes and non-athletes (support personnel) who voluntarily sought chiropractic care. Data included demographics (age, sex, role, country, and sport), category of anatomical regions treated, treatment modality (manipulation, myotherapy, mobilization, taping, and other), and participants’ self-reported pain ratings. ResultsA total of 1902 completed treatment forms representing 1902 encounters were included for athletes (n = 1238, 65%) and non-athletes (n = 664, 35%). There were 9385 individuals (athlete or non-athlete). Five hundred ninety of 3666 (16%) athletes and 422 of 5719 (7%) non-athletes received chiropractic treatment. Athletes represented 28 of 31 (90%) sports and 79 of 108 (73%) countries present. The thoracic spine was the most frequently treated spinal region (n = 846, 44%), followed by lumbar spine (n = 831, 44%) and cervical spine (n = 725, 38%). Frequency of treatment modalities was manipulation (n = 1610, 82%), myotherapy (n = 1522, 80%), mobilization (n = 607, 32%), and taping (n = 380, 20%). Acute injuries were more prevalent for athletes (61%) than non-athletes (35%), and athletes sought follow-up care (54%) more than non-athletes (36%). Overall, 89% of participants reported pain reduction immediately after treatment. ConclusionThis article describes chiropractic care utilization at a multisport event as part of a health care team. The range of treatments included manipulation myotherapy, mobilization, and taping. Although a minority of athletes and non-athletes received chiropractic treatment, many participants reported pain reduction immediately after treatment.

Perceptions of the mouthguard in basketball, rugby, and soccer players. Qualitative study at a public university in Colombia

Background/aimOrofacial and dental injuries in athletes, both amateur and professional, are highly prevalent. Mouthguards are devices to prevent this type of injury; however, athletes believe that the mouthguard limits their performance in the game and decreases their confidence. This study analyzed the perception that some basketball, rugby and soccer players from a public university in Colombia have about the use of mouthguards.Material and MethodsComprehensive qualitative study with ethnographic approach. Twenty-nine players participated. Three data collection tools were used: semi-structured interviews, field diary and discussion groups. Content analysis was carried out using a categorical matrix and triangulation of sources.ResultsParticipants perceive the mouthguard as a device to prevent orofacial and dental injuries, but unattractive to wear during competitions. Factors that determine the use or non-use of the mouthguard are player comfort and adaptability, communication and economic cost.ConclusionsPlayers’ perception of mouthguards in soccer, basketball and rugby is multifactorial, and is mediated by the idea of contact risk during sports practice, prevention of orofacial injuries, influence on sports performance, comfort and adaptability to the mouthguard.

Prevalence, severity, and predictors of self-reported depression in ultra-distance runners: An online survey based on 265 athletes.

BackgroundLiterature suggests a high prevalence of mental health disorders among athletes practicing elite and extreme sports. One of the most commonly encountered disorders in this group of individuals is depression. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of symptoms of self-reported depression among ultra-distance runners. MethodsData was collected using an online survey (February to April 2023) and included 265 (age 48.35 ± 10.52 years) adult ultra-runners. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was used to measure self-reported depression. Additional variables comprised basic sociodemographic information and information regarding training, ultramarathon experience, and previous injury. Descriptive and interferential statistics were performed using JASP Version 0.16.4. ResultsWe found that 21.9 % (n = 58) of ultra-runners suffered from self-reported depression (i.e., BDI-II score ≥ 14) with an average BDI-II score of 22.7 ± 7.1 (moderately severe symptoms). Female ultra-runners had a higher prevalence (30.8 %) of self-reported depression than males (16.2 %, p = .001). Logistic regression revealed that ultra-runners without previous sports injury (p = .01) and those of increasing age (p = .003) had a significantly lower risk of self-reported depression. Similarly, linear regression showed the absence of injury (p < .001) and increasing age (p = .02) resulted in significantly lower BDI-II scores. Training volume in distance and hours per week as well as ultra-running experience did not show any significant association. ConclusionsAffecting more than one-fifth of our collective, depressive symptoms appear to be highly prevalent among ultra-runners. Our findings underline the importance of screening for clinical depression, especially among injured athletes. However, the previously assumed peculiarities of the sport in the area of high training volume do not appear to be a significant factor.

A Fluorescent Lateral Flow Immunoassay for the Detection of Skeletal Muscle Troponin I in Serum for Muscle Injury Monitoring at the Point of Care.

Exercise-induced muscle injury is one of the most common types of sports injuries. Skeletal muscle troponin I (skTnI) serves as an ideal biomarker in assessing such injuries, facilitating timely detection and evaluation. In this study, we develop a fluorescent sandwich lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) combined with a desktop analyzer for rapid detection of skTnI. Through optimizing the reaction system, the assay achieves a satisfying detection performance, reaching a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.5 ng/mL with a turnaround time of 15 min. The proposed detection platform offers portability, ease of use, and high sensitivity, which facilitates the monitoring of exercise-induced muscle injuries at the point of care. This feature is particularly advantageous for end users, enabling timely detection of sports-related injuries and ultimately enhancing prognosis and sports life.

Systematic development of an injury and illness prevention programme for athletes with a physical impairment: the TIPAS study

Background/aimThe participation of individuals with physical impairment in sports has numerous benefits, yet there is also the risk of sustaining sport-related injuries or illnesses. Therefore, prevention programmes of these problems...

Epidemiology and clinical profile of sports injuries treated in the Douala General and Laquintinie Hospitals, in Cameroon

ObjectivesTo describe the epidemiological patterns and clinical characteristics of sports injuries treated at two hospitals in Douala.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Douala General Hospital and Douala Laquintinie...

Biological analysis method based on the relationship between athlete’s PSI rhythm and sports injury

Biorhythm is the law of cyclical changes in individual life activity characteristics as time changes. Biorhythm is an internal law of a biological organism, which comes from the changes that a biological organism is affected by changes in the external environment during natural activities, so its change law is similar to the cycle of the natural environment. Biological rhythms play an important role in mediating human body functions, vital activities, body temperature and other physiological reactions. The balance and stability of biological rhythms can ensure the healthy life activities of the human body. Disrupting the balance of biological rhythms may cause various kinds of human body. In this paper, the research of biological analysis method based on the relationship between athlete’s PSI (Physical, Sensitive, Intellectual) rhythm and sports injury is mainly introduced, and ideas and directions are intended to be provided for analyzing the relationship between athlete’s physical strength, emotion, intelligence and sports injury. This paper proposes a research strategy based on the biological analysis method of athlete’s PSI rhythm and sports injury, including measurement of biological rhythm, literature retrieval method, expert interview method, questionnaire survey method, clustering algorithm-based biological analysis method. A research experiment on the biological analysis method of the relationship between PSI rhythm and sports injury is conducted. The experimental results of this paper indicated that most sports injuries of athletes occur in the critical period of PSI rhythm, with an average incidence of 70.14%. Athletes’ training and competition can be avoided in this critical period as much as possible.