Participation In High-impact Sports Research Articles

Outcomes and Return-to-Sports Rates in Patients With Borderline Hip Dysplasia After Periacetabular Osteotomy: A Case Series With 5-Year Follow-up

Background: The optimal surgical approach in patients with borderline hip dysplasia (BHD) remains controversial. Both hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) are commonly employed in this patient population. Those who participate in sports want to resume and maintain sports activities after surgery, and the ability to do so plays an important role in the choice of a treatment method. To our knowledge, no previous study has assessed return-to-sports rates and activity levels in patients with BHD after PAO. Purpose: To assess return-to-sports rates and postoperative activity levels as measured by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), activity scale as well as patient-reported outcome measures. Also to assess changes in sports activity both qualitatively and quantitatively as well as underlying reasons for these changes. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 55 hips in 52 patients with BHD who underwent PAO between January 2015 and June 2017. Return-to-sports rates, UCLA activity scores, International Hip Outcome Tool–12 scores, Subjective Hip Value scores, Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscores, sports practiced, frequency and duration of sports activity, and postoperative changes as well as underlying reasons were recorded. Results: The mean follow-up was 62.8 ± 9.0 months. The return-to-sports rate among preoperatively active patients was 92.5%. Most patients resumed sports activity after 6 months (50%) or after 3 to 6 months (37.5%). The UCLA activity score improved significantly (from 5.2 ± 2.4 to 7.0 ± 1.8; P < .001). The International Hip Outcome Tool-12, Subjective Hip Value, and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score scores also improved significantly (all, P < .001). Changes in sports activity occurred in 34.5% of cases after PAO. Significantly more patients engaged in low-impact sports postoperatively. Participation in high-impact sports did not decrease significantly. Reasons for changes were both hip related and non–hip related. Quantitatively, patients were able to significantly increase both the frequency (P = .007) and duration (P = .007) of sports activity. Conclusion: The return-to-sports rate in patients with BHD after PAO was high at over 92%. Most patients returned to sports after a period of 6 months or 3 to 6 months. Overall, activity levels and hip function improved after PAO. A number of patients adjusted their sports activity after PAO. Although more patients engaged in low-impact sports, participation in high-impact sports was maintained postoperatively. The results of this study may help both patients and orthopaedic surgeons in deciding on the best surgical procedure in the setting of BHD.

Changes in Sports Activity After Periacetabular Osteotomy: A Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

Background: Patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for symptomatic developmental dysplasia of the hip are usually young and active with high functional demands. Those who participate in sports seek surgical therapy to resume or maintain sports activities. There is little evidence regarding the postoperative level of activity and the extent to which sports activity changes after PAO both qualitatively and quantitatively. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the change in activity level as measured using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score and the changes in qualitative and quantitative sports activity. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 123 hips in 111 patients who underwent PAO for developmental dysplasia of the hip between January 2015 and June 2017. UCLA activity score, International Hip Outcome Tool 12, and Subjective Hip Value, as well as practiced sports, frequency and duration of sports activity, and time to return to sports, were assessed. Eventual changes in practiced sports and reasons for those changes were recorded. Results: Of the participating patients, 85% were female and 15% were male. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 27.7 ± 7.3 years. Mean follow-up was 63 ± 10 months. UCLA score (5.08 ± 2.44 vs 6.95 ± 1.74; P < .001), International Hip Outcome Tool 12 (41.4 ± 22.2 vs 72.6 ± 22.9; P < .001), and Subjective Hip Value (42.8 ± 24.3 vs 80.4 ± 17.8; P < .001) increased significantly from pre- to postoperatively. Significantly more patients participated in low-impact sports postoperatively (31.7% vs 52%; P = .001). Participation in high-impact sports decreased (42.3% vs 36.6%; P = .361). The overall sports activity rate increased significantly (78.8% vs 90.8%; P = .008). Quantitatively, sports frequency in times per week (P < .001) as well as length of exercise per time (P = .007) increased significantly. A total of 52 patients (42%) changed sports activities postoperatively. Of these, 35 (28.4%) reported having stopped previously practiced sports after surgery, while 17 (13.8%) reported having started new sports. Reasons for starting and stopping certain sports varied and included hip- and non–hip related ones. In only 2 cases was physician’s advice given as a reason for changing the sport. Conclusion: Patients can improve their sports activity both qualitatively and quantitatively after PAO. However, a relevant proportion of patients adjusts their sports activities for a variety of hip-related and non–hip related reasons.

Three-Dimensional Planning and Patient-Specific Drill Guides for Repair of Spondylolysis/L5 Pars Defect

Incomplete ossification of the pars interarticularis will result in a pars defect, a common cause of low back pain in youth and strongly associated with participation in high-impact sports. If left untreated, it can result in spondylolisthesis, causing dynamic canal stenosis, low back pain, and radiculopathy. The treatment of pars defect was first described by Bucks in 1970, who used screws in the lamina placed through an upward and outward direction. However, because of the multiple inclusion and exclusion criteria and narrow margin of error, the Bucks pars repair technique is not commonly performed. A 28-year-old woman had with low back pain that she had been experiencing since mid-adolescence. Computed tomography revealed a bilateral L5 pars defect without spondylolisthesis. Her L5 vertebra was reconstructed virtually. The screw trajectories, a 3-dimensional (3D) model of the vertebra, and a patient-specific drill guide (PSDG) were designed and printed using positioning guide software (MySpine MC Guides [Medacta International SA, Castel San Petro, Switzerland]). A modified Bucks procedure using cannulated compression screws and the PSDG was performed. Follow-up computed tomography revealed accurate placement of the compression screws, mirroring the planned trajectory. The patient was pain free at 3 months postoperatively, and early union across the defect was visualized on the 5-month radiographic imaging study. Using 3D planning software, complex surgical procedures can be planned using the patient's anatomy and computed tomography. With the aid of 3D-printed PSDGs, screw placement in narrow corridors, such as was shown in our case, is safe, efficient, and achievable.

Eight respectively nine out of ten patients return to sport and work after distal femoral osteotomy

PurposeDistal femoral osteotomy (DFO) is a well-accepted procedure for the treatment of femoral deformities and associated symptoms including osteoarthritis, especially in younger and physically active patients in whom knee arthroplasty is undesirable. Still, there is an apparent need for evidence on relevant patient outcomes, including return to sport (RTS) and work (RTW), to further justify the use of knee osteotomy instead of surgical alternatives. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the extent and timing of patients’ RTS and RTW after DFO.MethodsThis monocentre, retrospective cohort study included consecutive DFO patients, operated between 2012 and 2015. Out of 126 eligible patients (18–70 years, 63% female), all patients responded, and 100 patients completed the questionnaire. Median follow-up was 3.4 years (range 1.5–5.2). The predominant indication for surgery was symptomatic unicompartmental osteoarthritis and valgus or varus leg alignment caused by a femoral deformity. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of RTS and RTW. Secondary outcome measures included time to RTS/RTW, sports level and frequency, the median pre-symptomatic and postoperative Tegner activity score (1–10, higher is more active) and the postoperative Lysholm score (0–100, higher is better).ResultsOut of 84 patients participating in sports preoperatively, 65 patients (77%) returned to sport postoperatively. Forty-six patients (71%) returned to sports within 6 months. Postoperative participation in high-impact sports was possible though less frequent compared to preoperative participation. Out of 80 patients working preoperatively, 73 (91%) returned to work postoperatively, of whom 59 patients (77%) returned within 6 months. The median pre-symptomatic Tegner activity score [4.0 (range 0–10)] was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than the reported Tegner score at follow-up [3.0 (range 0–10)]. The mean Lysholm score at follow-up was 68 (± 22). No significant differences were found between the osteoarthritis- and non-osteoarthritis group.ConclusionEight out of ten patients return to sport and nine out of ten patients return to work after DFO. These are clinically relevant findings, because they further justify DFO as a surgical alternative to KA in young, active knee OA patients who wish to return to high activity levels.Level of evidenceRetrospective cohort study, Level III.

Bone mineral density in retired rugby players: initial findings from the UK Rugby Health project

Introduction Regular exercise that delivers impact forces to the skeleton are positively associated with bone strength. Athletes from high impact sports such as rugby have higher bone density than non-athletes ( Hind et al., 2015 ). Engaging in regular impact exercise is widely suggested as a means for reducing the risk of osteoporosis in later life ( Heinonen et al., 1996 ). However, to date there have been few studies of the bone density of retired athletes and none in retired rugby players. Objective To investigate bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and spine, and the prevalence of low BMD, in a cohort of retired rugby players. Methods Retired rugby players (77 males; 25.8 years competitive rugby; 10.6 years since retirement; 36 former professional; 41 former amateur level) were separated into two groups: over 50 years of age (n = 27; 57.2 ± 7 years; 175.8 ± 7.6 cm; 94.9 ± 16.9 kg) and under 50 years (n = 50; 40.1 ± 6.2 years; 182.1 ± 6.4 cm; 101.9 ± 13.8 kg). Each participant received dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans (Lunar iDXATM; GE Healthcare, WI; Encore software version 15.0) of the dual femur and the lumbar spine. BMD for the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip were derived. T-scores were evaluated for participants aged over 50 years, and Z-scores for those aged under 50 years ( ISCD, 2015 ). Results Eight (30%) retired players aged over 50 years had osteopenia (T-score Conclusion Our findings suggest that participation in high impact sports during young adulthood might not be sufficient to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life. Further research is needed to identify why some former rugby players have low BMD and others don't. This research would have the potential to inform assumptions on the role of exercise for bone health throughout the lifespan. Bone mineral density, T-scores or Z-scores for male retired rugby players, mean, SD (range) Retired rugby players aged Femoral Neck BMD (g.cm−2) n=50 Total Hip BMD (g.cm−2) n=50 Lumbar Spine BMD (g.cm−2) n=48† Hip Z-score n=49* Lumbar Spine Z-score n=47†* Lowest Z-score n=49* 1.135 ± 0.146 1.192 ± 0.151 1.319 ± 0.139 0.3 ± 1.1 0.3 ± 1.2 -0.1 ± 1.0 (0.814 – 1.502) (0.924 – 1.611) (1.040 – 1.677) (-1.7 – 3.5) (-2.1 – 3.3) (-2.1 – 3.5) *no reference score for n=1 participant (non-white) †n=2 lumbar spine scans unreportable due to Retired rugby players aged >50 years Femoral Neck BMD (g.cm−2) n=27 Total Hip BMD (g.cm−2) n=27 Lumbar Spine BMD (g.cm−2) n=20‡ Hip T-score n=27 Lumbar Spine T-score n=20‡ Lowest T-score n=27 1.018 ± 0.180 1.099 ± 0.179 1.226 ± 0.164 -0.4 ± 1.4 0.1 ± 1.4 -0.6 ± 1.2 (0.650 – 1.421) (0.699 – 1.459) (0.822 – 1.512) (-3.2 – 2.7) (-3.2 – 2.4) (-3.2 – 1.5) ‡n=7 lumbar spine scans unreportable due to

The foot posture index between elite athletic and sedentary college students

Sports participation may lead to musculoskeletal adaptation and alter foot posture; however, the effect of high impact sports on foot posture has not fully been understood yet. The purpose of this study was to&amp;nbsp;investigate the difference in foot posture between elite collegiate athletes participating in high impact sports and sedentary college students using the Foot Posture Index (FPI). Foot postures of 30 elite collegiate athletes of high impact sports and 30 sedentary controls were observed in standing and evaluated using the 6-item FPI. The FPI-6 score for the athletic group was statistically significantly higher than that for the sedentary group (z=−2.282, p=.022). Participation in high impact sports can be associated with a more pronated foot posture; however, most college students, whether athletic or sedentary, had normal feet as categorized by the FPI-6.

Can patients return to high-impact physical activities after hip resurfacing? A prospective study

Although the resumption of low-impact sports activities is compatible with total hip arthroplasty (THA), participation in high-impact sports seems problematic, and there is no consensus as to whether it is advisable. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the quality and possibility of resuming high-impact physical activities after hip resurfacing. The study was performed in an on-going, single-surgeon, prospective series of 215 resurfacing arthroplasties (RSA). Mean follow-up was 44.1 months (range, 39.1-54.5). Clinical evaluation included the Postel-Merle d'Aubigné (PMA) score, the Oxford hip score, the Harris hip score (HHS), Devane score, and UCLA activity score. A specific questionnaire analysing sports activities was administered to each patient to assess the number and level of physical activities performed (both before the operation and at final follow-up). In the series of 202 consecutive patients (215 RSA), 50 patients (55 RSA) engaged regularly in at least one high-impact activity before their operation and the onset of pain, 102 patients practised at least one intermediate-impact activity, and the 50 remaining patients undertook only low-impact activities. Harris hip score increased from 44.8 (range, 23-68) before the operation to 97.8 (range, 85-100) at the last follow-up. Mean time to sports resumption after surgery was 14.6 weeks (range, 7-29). The resumption rate was 98 % for sports of any impact level and 82 % for high-impact activities. No osteolysis or implant loosening was observed at follow-up. No revision was performed. In 2012, no consensus recommendations yet exist for the resumption of sports activities after RSA. Existing recommendations concern only conventional THA. We believe that RSA allows younger and more active patients to resume physical and sports activities without restriction. The rate of return to sports after RSA appears to be excellent and unequalled by conventional hip prostheses. High-impact sports seem to be compatible with hip resurfacing, although no long-term studies have analysed the impact of these activities on wear and/or aseptic loosening.

Participation in High-Impact Sports Predicts Bone Mineral Density in Senior Olympic Athletes

Background:Loss of bone mineral density (BMD) and resultant fractures increase with age in both sexes. Participation in resistance or high-impact sports is a known contributor to bone health in young athletes; however, little is known about the effect of participation in impact sports on bone density as people age.Hypothesis:To test the hypothesis that high-impact sport participation will predict BMD in senior athletes, this study evaluated 560 athletes during the 2005 National Senior Games (the Senior Olympics).Study Design:Cross-sectional methods. The athletes completed a detailed health history questionnaire and underwent calcaneal quantitative ultrasound to measure BMD. Athletes were classified as participating in high impact sports (basketball, road race [running], track and field, triathalon, and volleyball) or non-high-impact sports. Stepwise linear regression was used to determine the influence of high-impact sports on BMD.Results:On average, participants were 65.9 years old (range, 50 to 93). There were 298 women (53.2%) and 289 men (51.6%) who participated in high-impact sports. Average body mass index was 25.6 ± 3.9. The quantitative ultrasound-generated T scores, a quantitative measure of BMD, averaged 0.4 ± 1.3 and −0.1 ± 1.4 for the high-impact and non-high-impact groups, respectively. After age, sex, obesity, and use of osteoporosis medication were controlled, participation in high-impact sports was a significant predictor of BMD (R2 change 3.2%, P < .001).Conclusions:This study represents the largest sample of BMD data in senior athletes to date. Senior participation in high-impact sports positively influenced bone health, even in the oldest athletes.Clinical Relevance:These data imply that high-impact exercise is a vital tool to maintain healthy BMD with active aging.

Balance control during gait in athletes and non-athletes following concussion

Current literature provides only limited information regarding performance on dynamic motor tasks following concussion. However, recent investigations have suggested that participation in contact sports may have a negative effect on cognitive function without the existence of a medically diagnosed concussion. The purpose of this study was to examine balance control during gait in concussed and uninjured athletes and non-athletes. Twenty-eight Grade 2 concussed individuals (14 athletes and 14 non-athletes) and 28 uninjured matched controls (14 athletes and 14 non-athletes) were assessed for their gait performance within 48 h, 5, 14, and 28 days post-injury under conditions of divided and undivided attention. Athletes, whether concussed or not, walked slower and swayed more and faster than non-athletes. Athletes consistently demonstrated gait imbalance even in the absence of concussion. The findings of this study support the supposition that participation in high-impact sports has a measurable and possibly detrimental effect on balance control in the absence of a medically diagnosed concussion.

Influence of participation in high-impact sports during adolescence and adulthood on bone mineral density in middle-aged men: a 27-year follow-up study.

This study examined whether participation in high-impact sports during adolescence and adulthood contributes to bone health in males aged 40 years. Data were analyzed on 154 Belgian men aged 13 years at study onset in 1969 and aged 40 years at the end of the 27-year follow-up. In a second analysis, subjects were divided into three groups according to their sports participation history: participation during adolescence and adulthood in high-impact sports (HH; n=18), participation during adolescence in high-impact sports and during adulthood in nonimpact sports or no sports (HN; n=15), and participation during adolescence and adulthood in nonimpact sports or no sports (NN; n=14). Body mass and impact loading during adulthood were significant predictors of total body bone mineral density (BMD) and lumbar spine BMD. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for lumbar spine BMD between the HH (1.12 g/cm2) group and the HN (1.01 g/cm2) and NN (0.99 g/cm2) groups (F=5.07, p=0.01). Total body BMD was also higher in the HH group at age 40 years, but not significantly (F=3.17, p=0.0515). Covariance analyses for total body BMD and lumbar spine BMD, with body mass and time spent participating in sports as covariates, confirmed these results. Continued participation in impact sports is beneficial for the skeletal health of males aged 40 years.

Sports participation, sports injuries and osteoarthritis: implications for prevention.

There is increasing concern that too much physical activity may lead to osteoarthritis. The continuous stress that physical activity places on the joints can result in microtrauma and degeneration of the articular cartilage. However, the onset of osteoarthritis appears to depend on the frequency, intensity and duration of physical activity. Research has shown that individuals of all ages can tolerate moderate amounts of exercise without adverse consequences or accelerated development of osteoarthritis. However, excessive participation in high impact sports, particularly over a long period of time and at an elite level, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Participants may also be at risk if they have abnormal joint anatomy or alignment, joint instability, underlying muscle weakness or imbalance, or if they are overweight and engage in significant amounts of exercise. Individuals who have experienced sports injuries to joints, or macrotrauma, may also be at risk of accelerated development of osteoarthritis. Certain types of surgery for the treatment of severe sports injuries, particularly to the knee, also appear to be associated with an increased risk. If surgery to the knee is required, continuous passive motion is an ideal form of rehabilitative treatment, as it promotes healing of the articular cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Moreover, athletes who have undergone surgery should return slowly to sporting activities to ensure they do not place too much stress on their injured joint(s). Further research into the causes of osteoarthritis is required; in particular, prospective and retrospective cohort studies are needed to confirm the association between exposure to risk factors and the development of osteoarthritis.

Participation in Sports After Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: Review of Literature and Survey of Surgeon Preferences

To summarize previously published findings and to present the opinions of a group of reconstructive orthopedic surgeons from a single institution on participation in sports after hip or knee arthroplasty. We reviewed the literature pertaining to participation in sports after hip or knee arthroplasty and surveyed a group of orthopedic surgeons about their recommendations for resumption of various sports activities by patients who had undergone total hip or knee arthroplasty. A computerized literature search was performed, and salient issues about participation in sports after joint replacement procedures were synthesized. At the Mayo Clinic, 28 orthopedic surgeons (13 consultants and 15 fellows or residents) completed a single-page questionnaire that requested a recommendation ("yes," "no," or "depends") about patients resuming participation in 28 common sports after recovery from total hip or knee arthroplasty. Staff surgeon responses were compared with responses from fellows and residents by using the Mann-Whitney U test. Sports in which 75% of surgeons would not allow participation were identified as "not recommended," whereas sports in which 75% of surgeons would allow participation were labeled as "recommended." Fellows and residents were less likely than staff surgeons to allow return to cross-country skiing after total knee arthroplasty. Otherwise, responses from consultant surgeons and from fellows and residents did not differ significantly. Recommended sports included sailing, swimming laps, scuba diving, cycling, golfing, and bowling after hip and knee replacement procedures and also cross-country skiing after knee arthroplasty. Sports not recommended after hip or knee arthroplasty were running, waterskiing, football, baseball, basketball, hockey, handball, karate, soccer, and racquetball. After hip or knee arthroplasty, participation in no-impact or low-impact sports can be encouraged, but participation in high-impact sports should be prohibited.