Player Position Research Articles

High Rates of Return to Play with No Deterioration in Performance Following Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures in Athletes Participating in the National Hockey League

Category: Sports; Other Introduction/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes following acute Achilles tendon ruptures (AATR) sustained by athletes participating in the National Hockey League (NHL). Methods: Athletes participating in the NHL who sustained an AATR were identified using a publicly available database, match reports and injury reports. The years of inclusion was from 2008-2022. Data collected and analysed: player demographics, player position, if surgical intervention was warranted, rates of return to play, time to return to play, games missed. Pre-injury and post-injury performance outcomes collected and analysed: games played, plus/minus rating, assists, goals, game-winning goals, penalty minutes, power play assists, power play goals, production, points, short-handed assists, short-handed goals, shootout goals, shooting percentage and time on ice per game. Results: Eighteen athletes sustained an AATR in the NHL (0.000481 per 10,000 athlete-exposures). The mean age was 27.9±3.6 years and the mean BMI was 26.3±1.6kg/m2. There were 7 (38.9%) AATRs sustained by defenseman, 7 (38.9%) AATRs sustained by centers, 1 (5.6%) AATR sustained by right wings, 1 (5.6%) AATR sustained by left wings, 1(5.6%) AATR sustained by goaltenders and 1 (5.6%) AATR sustained by forwards. Seventeen athletes (94.4%) underwent surgical intervention. The mean number of games played prior to injury was 480.2±240.6. The RTP rate to the NHL was 88.8% at mean time of 4.8 ± 2.5 months. The mean number of games missed due to injury was with 45.1±19.4 games. There was no statistically significant difference in pre-injury performance outcomes compared to post-injury performance outcomes (p>0.05). Conclusion: This current study found that AATRs were an uncommon injury in the NHL with an incidence of 0.000481 per 10,000 athlete-exposures over a 14 year period. Sustaining an AATR was associated with a 88.8% return to play rate to the NHL together at a mean time of 4.8 ± 2.5 months with no deterioration in athletic performance. Although sustaining an AATR in the NHL poses a temporary setback, the findings of this study demonstrate that sustaining an AATR does not have a catastrophic effect on the NHL athlete's career.

Low Rates of Return to Sport and Reduction in Performance Following Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures in Elite Rugby Union Players

Category: Sports; Other Introduction/Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes following acute Achilles tendon ruptures (AATR) sustained by elite rugby union players. Methods: Elite rugby union players who sustained an AATR were identified using a publicly available database, match reports and injury reports. "Elite rugby union" was defined as a player who played professional rugby in the following competitions: United Rugby Championship, Top 14, English Premiership, Super Rugby and international rugby for a top 20 ranked team. The years of inclusion was from 2015-2022. Data collected and analysed: player demographics, player position, if surgical intervention was warranted, rates of return to play (RTP), time to return to play, games missed. Pre-injury and post-injury performance outcomes collected and analysed: games played, tries scored, points scored. Results: Nintety-three elite rugby union players sustained an AATR between 2015-2022 (0.0146 per 10,000 athlete-exposures). The mean age was 27.8±10.1 years and the mean BMI was 30.5±7.6kg/m2. There were 61 (65.5%) AATRs sustained by forwards and 32 (34.5%) AATRs sustained by backs. Forty-five (48.3%) of AATRS occurred during the in-season and 48 (51.7%) AATRs occurred during training. All athletes (100%) underwent surgical intervention. The most common mechanism of injury was a non-contact injury (86.4%). The RTP rate was 68.9% at mean time of 8.9±3.9 months. There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean number of games played, tries scored and points scored following RTP. Conclusion: This current study found that AATRs were an uncommon injury in elite rugby union players with an incidence of 0.0146 per 10,000 athlete-exposures. Sustaining an AATR was associated with a 68.9% return to play rate at a mean time of 8.9±3.9 months. There was a statistically significant deterioration in key performance metrics such as mean games played, tries scored and points scored This study reinforces the potentially devastating sequelae following AATR in the elite athletic population.

‘Mind your head’, tackle characteristics associated with concussions in rugby league: A case-control study

ObjectivesIdentify tackle characteristics associated with concussions in male professional rugby league. DesignCase-control study. MethodsTackles resulting in 196 clinically diagnosed concussions and 6592 non-concussive tackles were analysed, from the men's rugby league Super League between 2018 and 2022. Eleven tackle characteristics were coded for each tackle, and Firth penalised logistic regression models were employed to identify influential variables through forward stepwise selection. Three multivariate models were produced; all (i.e., ball-carrier and tackler), tackler, and ball-carrier concussions. ResultsOf the 196 concussions, 70 % occurred to the tackler and 30 % to the ball-carrier. Initial impact location on the ball-carrier was identified as a predictor in all models, specifically the shorts, upper- and lower-leg (OR 9.1–12.3, compared to shoulder) for tacklers and head/neck (OR 66.1, compared to shoulder) for ball-carriers. Tackler head placement in front of the ball-carrier (OR 8.5, compared to away from the body) and a ball-carrier leading arm in any position (OR 4.8–22.1, compared to no leading arm) provided the greatest odds of a tackler concussion. For player's body position the greatest risk of concussion for all players was observed when both players were falling/diving (OR 8.8, compared to both players upright). One (OR 4.9, compared to two) and four (OR 3.7, compared to two) defender tackles provide the greatest odds for all concussions. ConclusionsConcussion prevention strategies should aim to reduce head impacts by deterring initial contact with the ball-carrier's head/neck. Tackle technique should prioritise making initial impact with the torso and avoid the head being in front of the ball-carrier and any leading arms.

Low Rates of Return to Play and Reduced Levels of Performance in Athletes Participating in the National Football League Following Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Systematic Review

Category: Sports; Other Introduction/Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate rates of return to play and levels of performance following acute Achilles tendon ruptures (AATR) in the National Football League (NFL). Additionally, we sought to determine the prevalence rates of AATR and identify any risk factors for the development of AATR. Methods: During November 2023, the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases were systematically reviewed to identify clinical studies examining outcomes following treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures (AATR) in the NFL. Twelve studies were included. Results: In total, 676 players (698 Achilles) sustained an AATR in the NFL. The playing positions that sustained the highest rates of AATRs was linebackers (19.0%), wide receivers (11.9%) and running backs (9.0%). 139 AATRs (50.4%) occurred in the preseason, 135 AATRs (48.9%) occurred during the regular season and 2 AATRs (0.7%) occurred during a post-season game. Playing surface was not associated with an increased risk of AATR. The return to play rate was 66.2% at a weighted mean time of 10.9±1.3 months. The mean number of games played per season following AATR was 12.9 games and the weighted mean career length following AATR was 2.2 ± 0.8 seasons. Overall, player performance deteriorated significantly following AATR, as demonstrated by lower power rankings and position specific metrics. Conclusion: This systematic review found was that the proportion of athletes participating in the NFL who returned to play following AATR was 66.2%. Both the mean number of games played per season and the mean number of seasons played decreased significantly following AATR. Overall, player performance deteriorated following AATR, regardless of player position. This study reinforces the potentially devastating sequelae following AATR in the elite athletic population.

Real-Time Table Tennis Scoring and Player Position Tracking System Using Computer Vision

This study focuses on developing a system that uses state-of-the-art computer vision techniques to improve the accuracy and efficiency of table tennis tracking. The table tennis ball's trajectory and movement are tracked automatically by the system using a mobile camera array, allowing for real-time score updates without the need for human participation. This method guarantees precise and seamless scoring, freeing players from worrying about maintaining score and allowing them to concentrate fully on the game. The system uses player pose estimation technologies in addition to real-time scoring to track and record player positions and motions during the match. The system may provide a thorough study of player motions, including tracking posture and finding important motion patterns, by gathering and analyzing skeletal data.

Mental Fitness and its Relationship to Achievement for Professional Players in the Palestinian Soccer League

The current study aimed to know the mental fitness and its relationship to achievement among the players of the professional soccer league in Palestine, and to achieve the objectives of the study the descriptive analytical approach was used. the researchers designed a questionnaire based on previous studies. It was distributed to stratified random sample consisted of (121) male soccer players from professional clubs, and the study sample was chosen in a stratified random manner, due to its suitability to the nature of the current study. SPSS program was used to analyze the results of the respondents’ responses, and the study concluded that there is a high mental fitness in all its fields (the ability to imagine, mental preparation, self-confidence, dealing with anxiety, the ability to focus, motivation, focus and decision-making and the total score),among professional players and similar regardless of the player's position on the field, the study also showed that the players of the clubs that occupied the top ranks have ahigher level of mental fitness. The researchers suggested the necessary of taking care of mental skills and trying to develop them to raise the level of achievement motivation for soccer players, and the need to pay attention to training mental perception of players, and conduct research on the relationship of mental perception with other soccer skills.

Attention economy in professional football: A study protocol on the individual perspective of social media marketability of European football player

In the digital age, the attention economy assumes that attention flows along the same channels as money. Attention is a scarce commodity, so competing for it should follow a similar mechanism to the general acquisition of income and can therefore be seen as a social currency (Franck, 1998). Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of professional sports, where athletes have become both performers and brands (Nufer, 2018), competing not only on the field but also in the arena of attention. For the players themselves but also for the clubs, the market value of a football player is no longer solely determined by their athletic prowess but is equally influenced by their ability to capture and maintain the attention of fans or sponsors (Leo & Kuczkowski, 2020). Seeing players as entrepreneurs, we assume that reputation is a fluid and dynamic asset (Gerbaulet, 2016), wherein the player’s ability to manage and cultivate their public image becomes paramount. Football players aim to maximize their lifetime income, which includes both their performance on the pitch and their marketability off it. Marketability can extend beyond their playing career and may follow a life-cycle concept (Vernon, 1966). Therefore, players are motivated to use social media to boost their reputation and lifetime market value. To investigate this phenomenon, we analyse data from the big five European football leagues (Bundesliga, Premier League, Ligue 1, La Liga, and Serie A) focusing on the 2022/2023 season. This season was chosen to ensure a closed information set, as the 2023/2024 season was ongoing during the initial data collection period, and player market values are typically updated multiple times throughout a season. Our study examines the correlation between social media activity and player market value by employing a regression model to quantify the influence of social media metrics, while controlling for other relevant variables. Player market values are sourced from the widely recognized platform Transfermarkt (https://www.transfermarkt.de). Social media activity is quantified through metrics such as the number of followers, the volume of posts, likes, and engagement rate, with data obtained from Fanpage Karma (https://www.fanpagekarma.com/). To account for players’ footballing abilities, we include performance data such as playing time, shots, and packing index sourced from The Analyst (https://theanalyst.com/eu). Additional control variables, including player age, position, league, and club affiliation, are also sourced from Transfermarkt and incorporated into the regression model. The dataset comprises 2,284 players, of whom 80% (1,805 players) have Instagram accounts. Instagram usage is highest among Premier League players (92%) and lowest among those in Ligue 1 (65%). The results of the regression analysis will be presented and discussed, providing insights into the relationship between social media presence and market value. This analysis will contribute to understanding the patterns of attention generation in relation to marketability and the rationality behind social media use in professional football. References Gerbaulet, D. (2016). Der Unternehmer als Reputator [The entrepreneur as reputator]. Mohr Siebeck. Franck, G. (1998). Ökonomie der Aufmerksamkeit. Ein Entwurf [The economy of attention. A draft]. Carl Hanser. Leo, M., & von Kuczkowski, A. (2020). „Kaufen Sie Ronaldo!“ Wie Facebook, Instagram & Google den Profifußball verändern [„Buy Ronaldo!“ How Facebook, Instagram & Google are changing professional football]. Die Werkstatt. Nufer, G. (2018, 30 January). Viel mehr als nur Sportler. Warum Ronaldo und Neymar mehr zu Marken im Fußball taugen als Götze [Much more than just athletes. Why Ronaldo and Neymar are more suitable as football brands than Götze]. Focus Online. https://www.focus.de/sport/experten/nufer/f-f_id_8386959.html Vernon, R. (1966). International investment and international trade in the product cycle. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 80(2), 190–207. https://doi.org/10.2307/1880689

A Novel Method for a Pursuit–Evasion Game Based on Fuzzy Q-Learning and Model-Predictive Control

This paper explores a pursuit–evasion game (PEG) based on quadrotors by combining fuzzy Q-learning (FQL) and model-predictive control (MPC) algorithms. Initially, the FQL algorithm is employed to perceive, make decisions, and predict the trajectory of the evader. Based on the position and velocity information of both players in the game, the pursuer quadrotor determines its action strategy using the FQL algorithm. Subsequently, a state feedback controller is designed using the MPC algorithm, with reference inputs derived from the FQL algorithm. Within each MPC cycle, the FQL algorithm dynamically provides reference inputs to the MPC, thereby enhancing its robust control and dynamic optimization for the quadrotor. Finally, simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

American Football Play Type and Player Position Recognition

American Football Play Type and Player Position Recognition

Athlete Health Implications of Match Injuries in Portuguese Rugby Union.

Our aim was to report time-loss match injuries in Portugal's "Divisão de Honra" (Portuguese first tier) in the 2022/2023 season, focusing on injury incidence, burden, anatomical region, and type, to assess their impact on athletes' health and availability to play. A prospective cohort study was conducted monitoring injuries via an online form filled in by each team's medical department, categorizing player position, as well as injury type, location, and severity. Incidence and burden were calculated per 1000 player-match-hours. The overall injury incidence was 54.4 injuries per 1000 player-match-hours (95% CI 30.3-96.2). Forwards had higher injury incidence than backs. Lower limbs were the most affected locations-29 injuries/1000 h of exposure (95% CI 13.7-52.0). Sprain/ligaments injuries were the most common type of injury (14.4 injuries/1000 h (95% CI 3.7-30.0), followed by muscle injuries (8.1 injuries/1000 h 95% CI 4.9-11.5). Injury incidence was higher than what is reported in amateur competitions and lower than for professionals. Injury severity was similar to that in other studies. Our study suggests a lower injury burden than in other semi-professional and elite leagues. These findings highlight the need for targeted injury prevention strategies in the Portuguese Rugby Union to increase athletes' availability by decreasing injury incidence and/or burden. Further research with broader participation and training injury data is needed.

Lower limb injuries in american football players in Poland.

The aim of the study was to determine the location and types of injuries in the lower limbs in American football players in Poland. The circumstances of the injuries were identified, with particular emphasis on the player's position on the field. Original questionnaire to investigate 70 consecutive Polish players was used. Analyses as a whole and divided into offensive and defensive players were carried out. Overall, injuries to both lower limbs accounted for 17.1%, injuries to the right lower limb to 37.2%, and injuries to the left limb to 29%. Ankle injuries were the most common, both offensive and defensive, accounting for 58.5% and 48.3% of lower limb injuries, respectively. Injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments were more common in defensive players (55.2%), while in offensive sprains (52.5%), fractures (19.5%), and contusions (17.1%). The incidence of lower limb injuries was higher in general during training than competitions and in the case of offensive players (14.6%). Coaching American football increases the risk of foot injury, accounting for 10% of lower limb injuries. The obtained results indicate the need to strengthen the ligamentous-muscular complex of the lower limbs. Lower limb injuries are more common among offensive players than defensive. Offensive players are twice as likely to suffer from foot injuries. Lower limb injuries are more common during training, compared to competitions, both offensively and defensively.

Hydration management in rugby: a comparative study on the forward and back positions of the Indonesian national team

Background and Study Aim. In the Indonesian national rugby team, there is a lack of awareness among back and forward players about the amount of fluids they lose while playing their respective positions. This is due to the different intensity and roles associated with each position. The aim of this research is to determine the difference in body fluid loss between players in the forward and back positions in the Indonesian national rugby team. Material and Methods. The research method used in this study was an experimental method with a two-group pre-test and post-test design. The data collection process employed purposive sampling with the criterion of selecting 12 individuals from a population of 23 who were willing to participate. The data analysis technique used was the independent t-test. Results. The research results concluded that there was a significant difference in body weight between the initial and final tests for players in the forward position. The t-count of 7.661 exceeded the t-table value of 2.571. Similarly, for players in the back position, there was a significant difference in body weight before and after the match. The t-count of 4.805 exceeded the t-table value of 2.571. Furthermore, when comparing fluid loss between forwards and backs, there was a significant difference. The t-count of 2.443 was greater than the t-table value of 2.222. This demonstrates the difference in fluid loss after competing with the Indonesian national rugby team. Conclusions. The weight of both forward and back players decreased after competing. There are differences in body fluid loss between the two positions, with forwards losing more fluid than backs. This study provides empirical evidence that the position played on the field influences the amount of body fluid lost during the game. This insight is important for developing customized hydration strategies that consider the specific physical demands of each playing position.

Assessing pre-season workload variation in professional rugby union players by comparing three acute:Chronic workload ratio models based on playing positions

Quantifying the pre-season workload of professional Rugby Union players, in relation to their respective positions not only provides crucial insights into their physical demands and training needs but also underscores the significance of the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR) in assessing workload. However, given the diversity in ACWR calculation methods, their applicability requires further exploration. As a result, this study aims to analyze the workload depending on the player's positions and to compare three ACWR calculation methods. Fifty-seven players were categorized into five groups based on their playing positions: tight five (T5), third-row (3R), number nine (N9), center, and third line defense (3L). The coupled and uncoupled rolling averages (RA), as well as the exponentially weighted moving average ACWR method, were employed to compute measures derived from GPS data. Changes throughout the pre-season were assessed using the one-way and two-way analysis of variance. The results revealed that N9 covered significantly greater distances and exhibited higher player load compared to T5 and 3L [p < 0.05, effect size (ES) = 0.16–0.68]. Additionally, 3L players displayed the highest workload across various measures, including counts of accelerations and decelerations (>2.5 m s−2), accelerations (>2.5 m s−2), acceleration distance (>2 m s−2), high-speed running (>15 km h−1), very high-speed running (>21 km h−1, VSHR), sprint running (>25 km h−1, SR) distance. When using coupled RA ACWR method, centers exposed significantly greater values to T5 (p < 0.05, ES = 0.8) and 3R (p < 0.05, ES = 0.83). Moreover, centers exhibited greater (p < 0.05, ES = 0.67–0.91) uncoupled RA ACWR values for VHSR and SR than T5 and 3R. When comparing the three ACWR methods, although significant differences emerged in some specific cases, the ES were all small (0–0.56). In light of these findings, training should be customized to the characteristics of players in different playing positions and the three ACWR calculation methods can be considered as equally effective approaches.

The influence of age, sex and player position on skill demands in junior Australian football

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate how ecological constraints influence individual player skill demands in community-level junior Australian Football (AF). Footage from 68 junior AF games, incorporating 1874 unique players, were analysed for individual skill demands such as disposals, kicks, handballs, tackles, marks, and shots at goal per player per game. Multiple linear mixed effect models were created for each skill, using player as a random effect. The impact of age, relative area per player (RAPP), number of players on the team, quarters in midfield, and weather on skill demands was assessed in U9-U14 boys. Finally, the influence of sex on the same skills was explored in U11-U14 boys and girls. Younger players were found to have fewer disposals and handballs, but more tackles, per player than older players (all p < 0.05). Further, more quarters in the midfield increased all skill demands (all p < 0.001). Finally, girls had fewer disposals and marks, but more tackles, per player than boys (all p < 0.05). Overall, age, sex, and position significantly impacted players’ exposure to skills in junior AF. Game designers should consider methods to improve skill involvement and reduce tackling exposure early in the junior pathway, with further emphasis on the girls’ game.

Rebounds in football: A systematic investigation of characteristics of goals scored after rebounded balls in English Premier League seasons 2012/2013 to 2018/2019

The literature on systematic aspects of goal scoring in football is rich, while little is known about random influences. This study focuses on an unsystematic element of goal scoring, namely rebounds, where a shot that bounces back from another player or the goal creates contested opportunities. Aspects including causes, match situation, player positioning and pitch zones were investigated for 554 rebound goals from seven seasons (2012/2013–2018/2019) of the English Premier League. Rebounds were predominantly caused by short distance and defensive errors, with goalkeepers playing a crucial role. Interestingly, the superiority of home teams and stronger teams to score significantly more goals than away teams and weaker teams can also be observed for rebound goals. Rebound goals are particularly prevalent in zones close to the goal, more prevalent after corners than non-rebound goals and associated with a high number of players in the penalty box. Overall, high similarities exist between rebound and non-rebound goals, while differences in match situations and spatial patterns suggest unique characteristics of rebound goals. These results are in line with the notion of systematicity and randomness concurrently contributing to success in football. More research appears useful to further disentangle the influence of both factors.

Momentum-stopping: Effects on performance

Does success breed success? Psychological momentum theory suggests that past achievements might influence future performance. However, distinguishing between psychological and strategic momentum — where a player's effort shifts based on relative position — is challenging. In this paper, using a novel dataset from professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive matches, I focus on technical timeouts. These timeouts don't affect player position but may disrupt psychological momentum. I find that a winning [losing] team with significant momentum sees a 13 [11.7] percentage points increased chance of losing [winning] the following round after calling for such a timeout. This shows that psychological momentum significantly affects performance and that timeouts can reset the momentum.

Training loads and microcycle periodisation in Italian Serie A youth soccer players

ABSTRACT Microcycles are fundamental structures for training prescription and load management, helping to optimise training effects and performance. This study quantified external and internal loads of Italian Serie A youth soccer players across competitive weeks and their periodisation within microcycles. Data were collected from 90 players belonging to four age groups (under-19, -17, -16, -15) across a season. Methods of monitoring external [duration and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS)] and internal load [heart rate (HR) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE)] were employed. Linear mixed models determined differences in training loads across age groups, training days and player positions. Under-19 and under-17 players trained five times per week, while younger players trained four times. Late-stage academy players (under-19 and -17) demonstrated higher weekly accumulated external and sRPE training load compared to their younger counterparts (p < 0.05 between groups). Weekly accumulated HR internal loads were higher in under-15 players (p < 0.05 between groups). Marked fluctuations of daily load were observed across microcycles in under-19 and under-17 groups (p < 0.05 between days). These findings highlight progressive increases in training load throughout the development pathway, with late-stage academy players training with higher frequency, volume and marked periodisation compared to younger players.

Lower Extremity Injury Rates on Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass Surfaces in the National Football League During the 2021 and 2022 Seasons.

It has been argued that the use of artificial turf football fields in the National Football League (NFL) increases player injury risk compared with natural grass surfaces. The purpose of this study was to quantify the rate of lower extremity injuries occurring in NFL players on artificial turf compared with natural grass surfaces and characterize the time missed due to injury and proportion of injuries requiring surgery. It was hypothesized that lower extremity injuries requiring surgical intervention would occur at a higher rate on artificial turf than on natural grass. Descriptive epidemiology study. Lower extremity injury data for the 2021 and 2022 NFL seasons were obtained using publicly available records. Data collected included injury type, player position, player age, playing surface, weeks missed due to injury, and whether the patient underwent season-ending or minor surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the risk of season-ending surgery according to playing surface. When combining injuries for the 2021 and 2022 seasons (N = 718 injuries), the incidence rate of lower extremity injury was 1.22 injuries/game for natural grass and 1.42 injuries/game for artificial turf. The odds of a season-ending surgery were found to be significantly higher on artificial turf compared with natural grass (odds ratio = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.28-1.99; P < .05), while additional variables, including weather, age, position, week of injury occurrence, and history of prior injury, did not influence the odds of season-ending surgery. The 2021 and 2022 NFL seasons of our analysis demonstrated a higher incidence rate of injuries on artificial turf surfaces compared with natural grass surfaces. In addition, the odds of injury requiring season-ending surgery were found to be significantly higher on artificial turf compared with natural grass.

Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Capitellum for the Treatment of Osteochondritis Dissecans

Background: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the humeral capitellum is a rare and challenging condition to treat. Several surgical options exist, but in the last few years, the pendulum has swung from debridement and microfracture to restoration of the articular surface. Osteochondral autografts from the rib and knee have been described, but donor-site morbidity is a concern. Purpose: To expand the results of fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation (FOCAT) in a previously published report with inclusion of additional patients and a longer follow-up period. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: After institutional review board approval, the charts of patients who underwent FOCAT for OCD of the capitellum between 2006 and 2022 by a single surgeon were reviewed. The majority of cases (94%) had unstable lesions (Minami grades 2 and 3). A trial of nonoperative treatment had failed in all. All patients underwent diagnostic arthroscopy, followed by a mini-open, ligament-sparing approach with grafting using commercially available guides and instruments. Results: A total of 35 patients were identified, of whom 25 were male. The mean age was 16 ± 3.9 years (range, 11-32 years). There were 24 baseball players (19 pitchers and 5 position players), 5 gymnasts, 3 cheerleaders/tumblers, 1 tennis player, 1 student (who did not participate in athletics), and 1 patient with avascular necrosis from chemotherapy. Eighteen patients had a mean flexion contracture of 14.1°± 11.9°. A single osteochondral allograft plug was used in 23 patients (mean diameter, 11.3 ± 2.8 mm), and 12 patients required 2 plugs (Mastercard technique). The mean follow-up was 92.6 ± 54.5 months (range, 24-204 months). There was significant improvement in Oxford (from 25.5 ± 4.9 to 46.7 ± 3.5; P < .00001) and visual analog scale for pain (from 7.5 ± 2 to 0.3 ± 1.0; P < .0001) scores. The mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score at the time of follow-up was 90.6 ± 10.8 (range, 60-100). In overhead athletes, there was significant improvement in the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic score (from 40.8 ± 11.8 to 90.6 ± 10.8; P < .00001). A postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan was obtained in 16 (46%) patients at a mean of 32.6 months. In all cases, the graft was incorporated. All overhead athletes were able to return to their sport and perform at the same level or higher for >2 years. Two elbows required a subsequent arthroscopy for loose-body removal; otherwise, there were no other complications. Conclusion: FOCAT is an excellent option for treating OCD lesions of the humeral capitellum. Excellent outcomes and high return-to-sport rates were observed, with midterm follow-up showing no graft failures. FOCAT eliminates donor-site morbidity.

An Efficient Application of Modified YOLOv5 in Basketball Player Detection and Analysis

Effective analysis helps players evaluate their performance, make necessary adjustments, and develop diverse game strategies. Moreover, the analysis provides viewers with different perspectives, enhancing their understanding of the game. This study aims to develop a basketball player detection and analysis system to assist in analyzing on-court situations. The system uses perspective transformation to obtain player tracking information on the top view image in basketball games. The system uses a modified you only look once (YOLO) v5 model that replaces the backbone of YOLOv5s with the MobileNetv3-small architecture for player detection. Compared to the original YOLOv5, the modified YOLOv5 reduces parameters from 7.02 × 106 to 3.5 × 106, a decrease of 49.8%. The number of frames obtainable per second increases from 12.4 to 17.5, an improvement of about 41.1%. Finally, the system performs perspective transformation and tracks the detected player positions onto the top-view court image using the YOLOv5 model.