Pre-injury Sports Activity Level Research Articles

Transphyseal arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children under 12 years.

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children is on the rise. Despite this trend, the optimal management of these injuries remains a matter of ongoing debate. In this light, our study seeks to assess the clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of transphyseal ACL reconstruction in preadolescent patients in the medium-term. This prospective study included preadolescent patients aged up to 12 years who underwent ACL transphyseal reconstruction between 2010 and 2020 and had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical assessments encompassed joint stability and range of motion. Furthermore, leg length discrepancy (LLD) and femorotibial alignment were evaluated both clinically and radiologically using full-length lower limb standing radiographs. Pre- and postoperative functional outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scales, and the return to normal sports activity was evaluated using the ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale. Complications and relevant follow-up data were also recorded. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate these outcomes. A total of 35 preadolescent patients, consisting of 24 males and 11 females, with a mean age at surgery of 11.2 ± 0.7 years (8.7-12), were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 52.3 ± 20.7 months (24.1-95.9). No significant growth disturbances or clinically relevant LLD were evidenced. All patients demonstrated clinically stable knees with full range of motion at the 2-year follow-up. There were statistically significant improvements in pre- and postoperative IKDC (39.3 ± 13.5 vs. 99.7 ± 0.8, p < 0.005) and Lysholm scores (48.2 ± 15.1 vs. 99.6 ± 1.4, p < 0.005). All but two patients were able to return to their pre-injury level of sports activity, with a mean ACL-RSI score of 93.5 ± 1.3. The analysis revealed an 8.6% rerupture rate and an11.4% rate of contralateral ACL injuries, with 5-year survival rates of 92.3% and 88.8%, respectively. Subgroup analyses based on age, gender, surgical delay, or associated meniscal lesions did not reveal any significant differences in functional outcomes. Additionally, there was no discernible relationship between age or timing of ACL reconstruction and the risk of meniscal injuries. Our study reinforces the value of ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature preadolescent patients, with transphyseal technique proven to be a safe, effective, and technically simpler option, even for children under the age of 12. The findings indicate excellent functional outcomes, a high rate of successful return to sporting activities, and minimal to no incidence of growth-related complications in the medium-term. Level II, prospective comparative cohort study, before and after intervention.

Distal Triceps Tendon Repair in Strength Athletes Leads to Satisfactory Return to Sports: A Retrospective Analysis of 22 Cases.

Background: Distal triceps brachii tendon rupture (DTTR) is a relatively rare injury that is common in bodybuilding and high-intensity contact sports and can lead to significant functional impairment of the elbow joint. This study was conducted to evaluate clinical outcomes and the rate of return to sports among competitive bodybuilders and high-demand strength athletes after surgical repair of DTTR. Methods: This retrospective case series was performed in an institutional setting in tertiary health care. Return to sports of 22 competing or high-demand strength athletes (meaning three or more exercises per week) were analyzed pre- and postoperatively after surgical repair of DTTR using a hybrid technique of transosseous sutures and anchor fixation. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic variables, and independent and paired t-tests were used to assess clinical outcomes. Results: The follow-up showed that from pre- to postoperatively, there was no deterioration in the number of sports disciplines (2.4 and 2.5 sporting activities per person, respectively; p = 0.540) or in the frequency of weekly training (4.1 and 4.1 times per person, respectively; p = 0.329). The postoperative visual analog scale for pain (from 6.0 to 1.6, p < 0.001), level of fitness (from 5.1 to 2.6, p = 0.002), and ability to train (from 5.2 to 1.3, p < 0.001) improved significantly. The time of return to sports was 1.5-3 months and 4-6 months after the surgery for ten patients each. The overall rate of return to sports was 95%, whereas 86% returned to the preinjury level of sporting activity. Conclusions: Repair of DTTR leads to high rates of return to sports in competitive athletes.

Operative Repair of Hamstring Injuries From the Jackling Position in Rugby.

The jackling position within rugby has not been previously described as a mechanism for proximal hamstring injuries. Acute surgical repair of proximal hamstring avulsion injuries sustained from the jackling contact position enables a return to a previous level of sporting activity with low risk of recurrence. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. This study included 54 professional rugby players (mean age, 26 ± 4.8 years) who underwent acute primary surgical repair of complete, proximal hamstring avulsion injuries. The mean follow-up time was 17 months (range, 12-24 months). Mean isometric hamstring strength and function testing was performed at 3 months and 1 year after repair. Of the 54 players, 51 (94.4%) returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity. The mean time from surgical repair to full sporting activity was 7 months (range, 4-12 months). No patients had recurrence of the primary injury. At 1 year postoperatively, patients had significantly restored mean isometric hamstring muscle strength when compared with the uninjured leg at 0° (98.4% ± 2.8%), 15° (95.9% ± 2.9%), and 45° (92.9% ± 4.1%); improved Lower Extremity Functional Score (78.0 ± 2.0); and improved Marx activity rating score (14.3 ± 1.5) (P < .001 for all). Acute surgical repair of proximal hamstring avulsion injuries caused by the contact jackling position produced a high return to preinjury level of sporting activity, increased muscle strength, and improved functional outcome scores, with a low risk of recurrence at short-term follow-up.

Navigating Isolated Post-Traumatic Radial Head Dislocation in Adolescents: A Case Report from Bangladesh Emphasizing Management Strategies

Background: Isolated anterior dislocation of the radial head is a rare orthopedic injury, oftenpresenting with distinct clinical features and requiring specialized management. We report the case of an 18-year-old female who presented to our hospital 5 months post-injury, complaining of restricted left elbow joint movement and pain following a fall from a low chair at home. Clinical examination revealed tenderness and anterior dislocation of the radial head, confirmed by radiographs showing isolated anterior dislocation without associated fractures. Closed reduction attempts failed, leading to an open reduction of radial head in combination with correction of malignant with ulnar osteotomy and reconstruction of annular ligament and radio-ulnar Kirschner wire placement for stabilization. An upper arm cast was applied with the forearm in neutral rotation for six weeks. At the 12-month follow-up, the patient exhibited a satisfactory range of motion within reference values, comprising 0-140 degrees of flexion-extension arc, 70 degrees of pronation, and 85 degrees of supination. This range aligned with standards set by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. The patient reported no impediments in daily activities and returned to her pre-injury level of sports activity based on the Tegner scale. This case underscores the complexity of managing isolated anterior radial head dislocation, highlighting the significance of prompt diagnosis, appropriate reduction techniques, and meticulous postoperative care to achieve optimal functional outcomes. Central Medical College Journal Vol 7 No 1 January 2023 Page: 57-62

Concomitant Biceps Tenodesis Does Not Portend Inferior Outcomes After Anterior Glenohumeral Stabilization

Background: Military patients are known to suffer disproportionately high rates of glenohumeral instability as well as superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears. Additionally, a concomitant SLAP tear is frequently observed in patients with anterior shoulder instability. Even though biceps tenodesis has been demonstrated to produce superior outcomes to SLAP repair in military patients with isolated SLAP lesions, no existing studies have reported on outcomes after simultaneous tenodesis and anterior labral repair in patients with co-existing abnormalities. Purpose: To evaluate outcomes after simultaneous arthroscopic-assisted subpectoral biceps tenodesis and anterior labral repair in military patients younger than 40 years. We also sought to compare these outcomes with those after repair of an isolated anterior labral tear. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of all military patients younger than 40 years from a single base who underwent arthroscopic anterior glenohumeral stabilization with or without concomitant biceps tenodesis between January 2010 and December 2019. Patients with glenoid bone loss of >13.5% were not eligible for inclusion. Outcome measures including the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, the Rowe instability score, and range of motion were administered preoperatively and postoperatively, and scores were compared between groups. Results: A total of 82 patients met inclusion criteria for the study. All patients were active-duty service members at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 87.75 ± 27.05 months in the repair + tenodesis group and 94.07 ± 28.72 months in the isolated repair group (P = .3085). Patients who underwent repair + tenodesis had significantly worse preoperative VAS pain (6.85 ± 1.86 vs 5.02 ± 2.07, respectively; P < .001), ASES (51.78 ± 11.89 vs 62.43 ± 12.35, respectively; P = .0002), and Rowe (26.75 ± 7.81 vs 37.26 ± 14.91, respectively; P = .0002) scores than patients who underwent isolated repair. Both groups experienced significant improvements in outcome scores postoperatively (P < .0001 for all), and there were no statistically significant differences in postoperative outcome scores or range of motion between groups. There were no differences in the percentage of patients who achieved the minimal clinically important difference, substantial clinical benefit, and patient acceptable symptom state for the VAS pain, SANE, ASES, and Rowe scores between groups. Overall, 37 of the 40 (92.50%) patients in the repair + tenodesis group and 40 of the 42 (95.24%) patients in the isolated repair group returned to unrestricted active-duty military service (P = .6045). In addition, 38 (95.00%) patients in the repair + tenodesis group and 40 (95.24%) patients in the isolated repair group returned to preinjury levels of sporting activity (P = .9600). There were no significant differences in the number of failures, revision surgical procedures, or patients discharged from the military between groups (P = .9421, P = .9400, and P = .6045, respectively). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that simultaneous biceps tenodesis and labral repair was a viable treatment option for the management of concomitant SLAP and anterior labral lesions in young, active military patients younger than 40 years.

Outcomes Following Combined Posterior Labral and SLAP Repair in Military Patients Younger Than 35 Years

Background: Members of the military are known to experience disproportionately high rates of both glenohumeral instability and superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears when compared with civilian populations. Although the outcomes after simultaneous repair of Bankart and SLAP lesions have been well described, there is a paucity of literature available regarding the operative management of posterior instability with concomitant superior labral pathology. Purpose: To compare outcomes of combined arthroscopic posterior labral and SLAP repair with those of isolated posterior labral repair. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All consecutive patients younger than 35 years who underwent arthroscopic posterior labral repair from January 2011 to December 2016 with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were identified. From this cohort of eligible patients, all individuals who had undergone combined SLAP and posterior labral repair (SLAP cohort) versus posterior labral repair alone (instability cohort) were then identified. Outcome measures including the visual analog scale score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Rowe instability score, and range of motion were collected pre- and postoperatively and scores were compared between groups. Results: In total, 83 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. All patients were active-duty military at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up was 93.79 ± 18.06 months in the instability group and 91.24 ± 18.02 months in the SLAP group (P = .5228). Preoperative SANE and ASES scores were significantly worse in the SLAP group. Both groups experienced statistically significant improvements in outcome scores postoperatively (P < .0001 for all), and there were no significant differences in any outcome scores or range of motion between groups. In total, 39 patients in the instability cohort and 37 in the SLAP cohort returned to preinjury levels of work (92.86% vs 90.24%, respectively; P = .7126), and 38 instability patients and 35 SLAP patients returned to preinjury levels of sporting activity (90.48% vs 85.37%, respectively; P = .5195). Two patients in the instability group and 4 patients in the SLAP group were medically discharged from the military (4.76% vs 9.76%; P = .4326), and 2 patients in each cohort had experienced treatment failure at the final follow-up (4.76% vs 4.88%; P > .9999). Conclusion: Combined posterior labral and SLAP repair led to statistically and clinically significant increases in outcome scores and high rates of return to active-duty military service that did not differ significantly from the results after isolated posterior labral repair. The results of this study indicate that simultaneous repair is a viable treatment option for the management of combined lesions in active-duty military patients <35 years of age.

Reinforced technique of tension band wiring for tibial tuberosity fracture in adolescents: a case report for surgical technique.

We demonstrated the reinforced technique of tension band wiring and its surgical outcomes in the tibial tuberosity fracture of a 14-year-old male basketball player. For the modified technique, the wire was inserted between the patellar tendon and tibial tuberosity (insertion site of patellar tendon) and passed distally through the 2-mm-sized predrill cortical hole. Tightening the figure of the eight loops draws the fractured fragments together and anatomically reduces under appropriate compression. This technique can achieve the reduction and fixation of the fracture simultaneously. We confirmed the fixation stability with a range of knee joint motions. The patient was able to return back to the pre-injury level of sports activity at postoperative 2 months. The original technique of tension band wiring utilized the Kirschner wire to make a figure-of-eight loop. However, we used the patellar tendon and its insertion site of the tibial tuberosity for making a figure-of-eight loop. Moreover, the reduction and fixation of fracture were achieved simultaneously by tightening the tension band wire. This reinforced technique was firm enough for postoperative rehabilitation. The most certain advantage of this technique was to be able to reduce anatomically and fixate firmly with appropriate compression simultaneously. We recommend open reduction internal fixation with the reinforced technique of tension band wiring for displaced tibial tuberosity fracture in adolescent athletes.

Midterm Outcomes Following Combined Biceps Tenodesis and Anterior Labral Repair in Active Duty Military Patients Younger Than 35 Years

Background: Superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions and anterior instability are common causes of shoulder pain and dysfunction among active-duty members of the United States military. However, little data have been published regarding the surgical management of type V SLAP lesions. Purpose: To compare the outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted subpectoral biceps tenodesis and anterior labral repair with those of arthroscopic SLAP repair (defined as contiguous repair spanning from the superior labrum to the anteroinferior labrum) for type V SLAP tears in active-duty military patients younger than 35 years. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All consecutive patients from January 2010 to December 2015 who underwent arthroscopic SLAP repair or combined biceps tenodesis and anterior labral repair for a type V SLAP lesion with a minimum 5-year follow-up were identified. The decision to perform type V SLAP repair versus combined biceps tenodesis and anterior labral repair was based on the condition of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). Labral repair was performed in patients who had a type V SLAP tear with an otherwise clinically and anatomically healthy LHBT. Combined tenodesis and repair was performed in patients with evidence of LHBT abnormalities. Outcomes including the visual analog scale (VAS) score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, the Rowe instability score, and range of motion were collected preoperatively and postoperatively, and scores were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 84 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. All patients were active-duty service members at the time of surgery. A total of 44 patients underwent arthroscopic type V SLAP repair, and 40 patients underwent anterior labral repair with biceps tenodesis. The mean follow-up was 102.59 ± 20.98 months in the repair group and 94.50 ± 27.11 months in the tenodesis group (P = .1281). There were no significant differences in preoperative range of motion or outcome scores between the groups. Both groups experienced statistically significant improvements in outcome scores postoperatively (P < .0001 for all); however, compared with the repair group, the tenodesis group reported significantly better postoperative VAS (2.52 ± 2.36 vs 1.50 ± 1.91, respectively; P = .0328), SANE (86.82 ± 11.00 vs 93.43 ± 8.81, respectively; P = .0034), and ASES (83.32 ± 15.31 vs 89.90 ± 13.31, respectively; P = .0394) scores. There were no differences in the percentage of patients who achieved the minimal clinically important difference, substantial clinical benefit, and patient acceptable symptom state for the SANE and ASES between the groups. Overall, 34 patients in each group returned to preinjury levels of work (77.3% vs 85.0%, respectively; P = .3677), and 32 patients (72.7%) in the repair group and 33 patients (82.5%) in the tenodesis group returned to preinjury levels of sporting activity (P = .2850). There were no significant differences in the number of failures, revision surgical procedures, or patients discharged from the military between the groups (P = .0923, P = .1602, and P = .2919, respectively). Conclusion: Both arthroscopic-assisted subpectoral biceps tenodesis combined with anterior labral repair and arthroscopic SLAP repair led to statistically and clinically significant increases in outcome scores, marked improvements in pain, and high rates of return to unrestricted active duty in military patients with type V SLAP lesions. The results of this study suggest that biceps tenodesis combined with anterior labral repair produces comparable outcomes to arthroscopic type V SLAP repair in active-duty military patients younger than 35 years.

Anatomic Fibular Collateral Ligament and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Concomitant Biceps Femoris Avulsion Repair

Background: Injuries to the fibular collateral ligament (FCL) seldom occur in isolation and may present with a concomitant injury to the biceps femoris tendon and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Injuries to structures of the posterolateral corner (PLC) lead to varus and rotational instability of the knee, subjecting the cruciate ligaments to increased forces that may result in graft failure. Therefore, reconstruction of these structures should be performed concurrently with the ACL. Indications: Grade III FCL injuries heal poorly without operative treatment and often result in residual varus instability of the knee that increases medial knee compartment forces, and forces on both the native ACL and the graft status post ACL reconstruction. Therefore, preservation of biomechanical stability and long-term health of the knee are reliant on addressing injuries to the PLC surgically. Technique Description: A key concept of this surgical technique is a meticulous peroneal nerve neurolysis in the setting of altered biceps femoris anatomy, and the proper order of the surgical steps for tunnel creation, graft passage, and fixation and suture anchor insertion to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The described technique involves a lateral surgical approach, peroneal neurolysis, and preparation of fibular and femoral FCL tunnels, followed by a Bone-patellar tendon-bone graft (BTB) graft harvest. Attention is then turned to intra-articular work including the diagnostic arthroscopy, femoral and tibial tunnel preparation, passage of the ACL graft, and fixation of the grafts in femoral tunnels. Last, fixation is achieved in the following order: FCL graft on fibula, ACL graft on tibia, and biceps femoris tendon to fibular head. Results: Compared with the preoperative state, Moulton et al reported significant improvements in the average Lysholm and Western Ontario scores at 2.7 years postoperatively following anatomic FCL reconstrution. Furthermore, Thompson et al reported on primary suture anchor repair of distal biceps femoris in 22 elite athletes and reported that all patients had returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity at 2-year follow-up. Discussion: Anatomic reconstructions of the FCL and ACL, such as the one described in our technique, effectively restore near native knee biomechanics and offer superior clinical outcomes compared with nonanatomic-based FCL reconstructions. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Fear of re-injury and its effect on returning to pre-injury sports activity level following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: single-center study

Objective: To investigate the fear of re-injury and its effect on returning to pre-injury sports activity level among patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who underwent ACL reconstruction in King Fahad Hofuf Hospital, Eastern province, AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia in the last 5 years with a sample size of 385 patients. The questionnaire included the Arabic version of the return to sport (RTS) after ACL scale to assess patients&amp;apos; readiness for RTS without the fear of ACL injury, and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire to determine the level of exercise following surgery. Results: A total of 204 patients eligible for the study were included with a mean age of 29.9 ± 14.5 years. Exactly 199 (97.5%) patients were males and 185 (90.7%) were football players. Among patients, 62.5% felt relaxed about playing sports and confident about the ability to perform well at sport (60.3%). However, only 46.4% of patients had thought of being likely to re-injury of knee by participating in sports again. Post-surgery, 89.2% were highly active. Young-aged patients and students showed statistically significant (p = 0.004) scores to return to pre-injury sport activity. Conclusion: Less than half of the ACL reconstruction patients experienced fear of re-injury. Therefore, optimizing the surgical technique along with post-operative close follow up of the patient&amp;apos;s psychological and physical status affect the patient&amp;apos;s performance and activity level after surgery.

Surgical Repair of Stener-like Injuries of the Medial Collateral Ligament of the Knee in Professional Athletes

Background: A “Stener-like” lesion of the knee is defined as a distal avulsion of the superficial medial collateral ligament (sMCL) with interposition of the pes anserinus between the ligament and its tibial insertion—a displacement impeding anatomic healing. Because of the scarcity of these injuries, the literature is limited to case reports and small case series. Purpose: To assess the effect of surgical repair of acute Stener-like lesions of the sMCL on the following outcomes: return to preinjury level of sporting function; time to return to preinjury level of sporting function; functional performance; injury recurrence; and any other complications. Study Design: Case series: Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This prospective single–surgeon study included 23 elite athletes with a mean age of 27.2 years (range, 19-37 years). Of the participants, 20 were men (87%) and 3 were women (13%). The mean body mass index was 23.1 ± 2.3. A total of 16 athletes were soccer players (70%) and 7 were rugby players (30%), with isolated acute, traumatic Stener-like lesions of the sMCL of the knee confirmed on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Surgical repair was undertaken with primary suture anchor repair with ligament repair or reconstruction system (LARS) augmentation. Predefined outcomes were recorded at regular intervals after surgery. The minimum follow–up time was 24 months (range, 24-108 months) from the date of surgery. Results: The mean time from injury to surgical intervention was 9 days (range, 3-28 days). Overall, 15 (65%) athletes had isolated distal sMCL injuries requiring anatomic suture anchor repair at the distal tibial insertion site only, and 8 (35%) athletes had concomitant injuries of the proximal and distal sMCL and required anatomic suture anchor repair at the proximal and distal attachment sites. Ten athletes required LARS augmentation at the time of the index operation. All study patients returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity in professional soccer or rugby. The mean time from surgical intervention to return to full sporting activity was 16.8 ± 2.7 weeks. At 6 and 24 months’ follow–up, all patients had Tegner scores of 10. At a 2–year follow–up, all study patients were still participating at their preinjury level of sporting activity. Three patients developed complications around the LARS that required further surgery to remove synthetic material; however, this did not affect function. Conclusion: Surgical repair of acute Stener-like lesions of the sMCL is associated with a high return to preinjury level of sporting function, excellent functional performance, and a low risk of recurrence at short–term follow-up in elite athletes.

Efficacy of Surgical Tenodesis for Treatment of Distal Semitendinosus Hamstring Tendon Injuries.

Background:Understanding the optimal management of distal semitendinosus hamstring injuries is critical for reducing pain, restoring preinjury function, maintaining knee stability, improving hamstring muscle strength, and minimizing the risk of complications and recurrence. To our knowledge, the outcomes of surgical tenodesis for distal semitendinosus hamstring injuries have not been previously reported.Hypothesis:Surgical tenodesis for injuries of the semitendinosus would enable return to preinjury level of sport with low risk of recurrence.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:This prospective single-surgeon study included 13 professional athletes (12 men, 1 woman; mean age, 32 ± 8.2 years; mean body mass index, 26.7 ± 3.9 kg/m2) undergoing treatment for distal semitendinosus hamstring injuries with primary tenodesis to the distal semimembranosus. Indications for surgical tenodesis included distal semitendinosus tendon avulsion injury (n = 8) or residual tendon instability and hamstring weakness after semitendinosus graft harvest for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (n = 5). All study patients underwent a standardized postoperative rehabilitation program. The primary outcome was defined as time for return to sporting activity. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction, injury recurrence, and complications. The mean follow-up time was 17 months (range, 12-24 months) from date of surgery.Results:All study patients returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity. The mean time from the surgical intervention to return to full sporting activity was 15 ± 4.6 weeks. At 1-year follow-up, all study patients were still participating at their preinjury level of sporting activity, and 12 patients (92%) were very satisfied and 1 patient (8%) was satisfied about the outcomes of their surgery. No study patients had recurrence of the primary injury. No surgical complications, injury recurrence, or reoperations were observed within the follow-up period.Conclusion:Early return to sporting activity was seen after surgical tenodesis for distal semitendinosus hamstring injuries after acute trauma or residual symptoms following previous hamstring graft harvest, with high levels of patient satisfaction and low risk of recurrence at short-term follow-up.

A false-pouch closure technique with an intact superior peroneal retinaculum for recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendon

PurposeTo evaluate the usefulness of the false-pouch closure technique with an intact superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR).MethodsFrom 2016 to 2020, 30 patients with recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendon were treated with the current procedure. Clinical outcomes, including the time to resume running, the rate and time to return to sports, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hind Foot score, were evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up.ResultsThe rate of return to the pre-injury level of sports activity was 93.3%, and the mean duration to return to running and sports was 8.0 ± 2.8 weeks (range: 3–12 weeks) and 14.4 ± 3.2 weeks (range: 10–24 weeks), respectively. The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 79.7 ± 9.6 points (range: 41–90), which improved significantly to 98.9 ± 3.2 (87–100) postoperatively (p < 0.01).ConclusionThe false-pouch closure technique with suture tape and anchors had a reliable clinical outcome and can enable the early return of patients to their sports activities.Level of evidenceIV, Case series

Surgical Repair of Distal Biceps Femoris Avulsion Injuries in Professional Athletes.

Background:Understanding the optimal management of distal biceps femoris avulsion injuries is critical for restoring preinjury function, restoring hamstring muscle strength, increasing range of motion, and minimizing risk of complications and recurrence. Due to the rarity of these injuries, prognosis and outcomes within the literature are limited to case reports and small case series.Purpose:To assess the effect of surgical repair for acute distal avulsion injuries of the biceps femoris tendon on (1) return to preinjury level of sporting function and (2) time to return to preinjury level of sporting function, patient satisfaction, and complications.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:This prospective single-surgeon study included 22 elite athletes (18 men [82%], 4 women [18%]; mean age, 26 years; age range, 17-35 years; mean body mass index, 25.3 ± 4.1 kg/m2) undergoing primary suture anchor repair of avulsion injuries of the distal biceps femoris confirmed on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Predefined outcomes relating to time for return to sporting activity, patient satisfaction, complications, and injury recurrence were recorded at regular intervals after surgery. Minimum follow-up time was 12 months (range, 12.0-26.0 months) from the date of surgery.Results:The mean time from injury to surgical intervention was 12 days (range, 2-28 days). All study patients returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity, predominately professional soccer or rugby. Mean time from surgical intervention to return to full sporting activity was 16.7 ± 8.7 weeks. At 1- and 2-year follow-up, all study patients were still participating at their preinjury level of sporting activity. There was no incidence of primary injury recurrence, and no patients required further operation to the biceps origin.Conclusion:Surgical repair of acute avulsion injuries of the distal biceps femoris facilitated early return to preinjury level of function with low risk of recurrence, low complication rate, and high patient satisfaction in elite athletes. Suture anchor repair of these injuries should be considered a reliable treatment option in athletes with high functional demands to permit an early return to sport with restoration of hamstring strength.

ACL Repair: A Game Changer or Will History Repeat Itself? A Critical Appraisal.

Until the past decade the common thought was that the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was not able to heal and restore knee stability. In this manuscript a brief review of studies of the developers and the early adaptors of four different modern ACL repair techniques are presented. The present status and considerations for the future of ACL repair and its research are shared. After promising short- to midterm ACL healing results by the developers, the results of the early adaptors show more variety in terms of rerupture and reintervention for other reasons. Risk factors for failure are a young age, high preinjury sports activity level, midsubstance ruptures and impaired integrity of the ACL bundles and the synovial sheath. There is a call for more clinical data and randomized clinical trials. Conclusion: an important finding of the past decade is that the ACL is able to heal and subsequently restabilize the knee. Patient selection is emphasized: the ideal patient is a non-high athlete older than 25 and has an acute proximal one bundle ACL rupture. Further research will have to show if ACL repair could be a game changer or if history will repeat itself.

Vitamin D deficiency in athletes and its impact on outcome of Anterior Cruciate Ligament surgery.

Vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide pandemic problem. With vitamin D having some role in exercise-induced inflammation, skeletal muscle mass and endurance, we studied its effect on functional outcome of athletes' post-Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A total of 153 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction were enrolled in the study. All patients were screened for vitamin D levels preoperatively. Patients were divided into 3 groups on basis of vitamin D levels; Group 1 patients had < 20ng/ml, group 2 patients 20-30ng/ml and group 3 > 30ng/ml. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 2years. A total of 153 patients were enrolled in study. The average age of the patients was 24.12 ± 2.12years in group 1, 25.24 ± 3.20years in group 2 and 24.74 ± 2.86 in group 3. The mean follow-up of patients was 2.8 ± 1.2years. At 2years, the mean Lysholm score was 96.12, 96.49 and 97.0, respectively (p = 0.75); mean WOMAC score was 3.33, 3.38 and 3.20, respectively (p = 0.91); mean difference between the pre-injury and post-surgery Tegner level of sports activity at 2years follow-up was 0.78, 0.78 and 0.85, respectively (P = 0.51) and graft failure rate was 5.88%, 1.96% and 1.96%, respectively (p = 0.43). Vitamin D has no effect on functional outcome and graft rupture rates in patients' post-primary ACL reconstruction. Prospective Cohort Study (Level III).

Outcomes of Surgical Repair Versus Primary Tenodesis for Proximal Rectus Femoris Avulsion Injuries in Professional Athletes

Background: Surgical repair of proximal rectus femoris avulsion injuries is associated with prolonged periods of rehabilitation and highly variable risk of injury recurrence. Surgical tenodesis of these injuries is often reserved for recurrent injuries or revision surgery. To our knowledge, the outcomes of proximal rectus femoris avulsion injuries treated with surgical repair versus primary tenodesis have not been previously reported. Hypothesis: Primary tenodesis of proximal rectus femoris avulsion injuries is associated with reduced risk of injury recurrence as compared with surgical repair. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study included 25 patients (22 male and 3 female) who underwent surgical repair versus 30 patients (26 male and 4 female) who received primary tenodesis for proximal rectus femoris avulsion injuries. Predefined outcomes were recorded at regular intervals after surgery. Mean follow-up time was 27.9 months (range, 24.0-31.7 months) from date of surgery. Results: All patients returned to their preinjury levels of sporting activity. Primary tenodesis was associated with earlier return to preinjury level of sporting function as compared with surgical repair (mean ± SD, 12.4 ± 1.6 vs 15.8 ± 2.2 weeks; P < .001) and reduced risk of recurrence (0% vs 16%; P < .001). At 1-year follow-up, there was no difference in surgical repair versus primary tenodesis relating to patient satisfaction scores (12 very satisfied and 13 satisfied vs 16 very satisfied and 14 satisfied; P = .70), isometric quadriceps strength (95.6% ± 2.8% vs 95.2% ± 6.3%; P = .31), Tegner scores (median [interquartile range], 9 [8-9] vs 9 [8-9]; P = .54), and lower extremity functional scores (73 [72-76] vs 74 [72-75]; P = .41). High patient satisfaction, quadriceps muscle strength, and functional outcome scores were maintained and remained comparable between treatment groups at 2-year follow-up. Conclusion: Primary tenodesis was associated with reduced time for return to preinjury level of sporting function and decreased risk of injury recurrence when compared with surgical repair for proximal rectus femoris avulsion injuries. There were no differences in patient satisfaction, functional outcome scores, and quadriceps muscle strength between the treatment groups at 1- and 2-year follow-up.

Increased Strength following Achilles Tendon Rupture Repair is Associated with Return to Same Level of Play in Patients with Higher Pre-Injury Level of Activity

Category:Hindfoot; Sports; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Rupture of the Achilles tendon is a common injury that requires a lengthy duration of recovery and rehabilitation. Patients of various levels of physical activity, ranging from professional high-impact sports to low-impact recreational activities, can be affected by this injury. Often, one of the most important outcomes from the patient’s perspective is the ability to return to the same pre-injury level of sporting activity after recovery. The objective of the current study is to examine the relationship between global ankle strength and the ability to return to previous level of play following surgical repair of an Achilles tendon tear.Methods:Patients aged 18-50 years old at a minimum 1-year post-op from surgical repair of an isolated Achilles tendon rupture were recruited to return for a study visit. Patients reported both pre-injury and current activity level using the 10-point Tegner Activity Level Scale. Isokinetic strength testing was performed and the Isokinetic Strength Score (ISS) was calculated using maximal effort dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength at 30o/s, 90o/s, and 240o/s comparing the operative and uninvolved extremity. The primary outcome was the patients’ ability to return to same level of play or within 1 Tegner activity level. Logitistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between ISS and return to play. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients participating in high level athletic activity (pre-injury Tegner >= 7) an those participating in only recreational or low level activity (pre-injury Tegner <7).Results:A total of 36 patients (mean 35 years, 72% male) completed the study protocol at a mean 1.8 years post-op (range 1 year to 3.6 years). Logistic regression revealed no association between ISS and return to play in the complete cohort. Subgroup analysis revealed that for 20 patients who had participated in high level competitive athletics prior to injury (Pre-injury Tegner >= 7), for every 16 point increase in ISS, the odds ratio for return to same level of play was 8.3 (p=0.055) and the OR for return to within 1 Tegner level of play was 6.3 (p=0.043). There was no association between ISS and return to previous activity in the 16 patients with lower pre-injury levels of activity.Conclusion:Improved ankle strength was associated with return to previous level of activity only in patients who participate in high level athletic activity. These results suggest that patients with more strenuous athletic activity prior to injury are more dependent on recovery of ankle strength in the post-operative time period in order to return to their previous high level of play. In contrast, regaining strength may be less important for returning to normal activities for less active patients.

Surgical Repair of Distal Musculotendinous T Junction Injuries of the Biceps Femoris

Background: Nonoperative management of injuries to the distal musculotendinous T junction of the biceps femoris is associated with variable periods of rehabilitation and high risk of recurrence. To our knowledge, the efficacy of operative treatment in patients with these acute injuries has not been previously reported. Hypothesis: Surgical repair of injuries to the distal musculotendinous T junction of the biceps femoris would enable return to preinjury level of sport with low risk of recurrence. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This prospective single-surgeon study included 34 professional athletes (mean age, 26.4 ± 3.1 years; 31 male [91.2%]; 3 female [8.8%]; body mass index, 25 ± 2.0 kg/m2) undergoing primary surgical repair of acute injuries to the distal musculotendinous T junction of the biceps femoris. All study patients underwent a standardized postoperative rehabilitation program. Predefined study outcomes relating to time for return to sporting activity, patient satisfaction, range of motion, hamstring muscle strength, passive range of motion, functional progress, and complications were recorded at regular intervals after surgery. Mean follow-up time was 28.4 months (range, 24.0-36.3 months) from date of surgery. Results: All study patients returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity. Mean time from surgical repair to full sporting activity was 11.7 ± 3.6 weeks. No patients had recurrence of the primary injury. At 1-year follow-up, 18 patients (52.9%) were very satisfied and 16 patients (47.1%) were satisfied with the outcomes of their surgery. At 3 months after surgery, patients had improved mean passive straight leg raise (69.7° ± 11.7° vs 24.1° ± 7.4°; P < .001); increased mean isometric hamstring muscle strength at 0° (93.1% ± 5.4% vs 63.1% ± 7.7%; P < .001), 45° (76.8% ± 9.7% vs 24.8% ± 8.3%; P < .001), and 90° (96.4% ± 3.9% vs 85.6% ± 5.9%; P < .001); higher mean lower extremity functional scores (64.5 ± 4.5 vs 27.2 ± 5.4; P < .001); and improved mean Marx Activity Rating Scale scores (10.7 ± 2.7 vs 2.2 ± 2.1; P < .001) compared with preoperative values. High patient satisfaction and functional outcome scores were maintained at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Conclusion: Surgical repair of acute injuries to the distal musculotendinous T junction of the biceps femoris is associated with high patient satisfaction, increased muscle strength, improved functional outcome scores, and high return to preinjury level of sporting activity with low risk of recurrence at short-term follow-up.

Acute Surgical Repair of Complete, Nonavulsion Proximal Semimembranosus Injuries in Professional Athletes

Background: Nonoperative management of proximal semimembranosus injuries is associated with prolonged periods of convalescence and high risk of recurrence. To our knowledge, the outcomes of acute surgical repair for complete, nonavulsion proximal semimembranosus injuries have not been previously reported. Hypothesis: Acute surgical repair of complete, nonavulsion proximal semimembranosus injuries enables early return to sporting activity with low risk of recurrence. Study Design: Case series: Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This prospective single-surgeon study included 20 professional athletes undergoing acute primary surgical repair of complete, nonavulsion proximal semimembranosus injuries confirmed on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. All study patients underwent a standardized postoperative rehabilitation program. Predefined outcomes were recorded at regular intervals after surgery. Mean follow-up time was 27.6 months (range, 24.0-34.6 months) from date of surgery. Results: Of the 20 patients, 19 (95%) returned to their preinjury level of sporting activity. Mean ± SD time from surgical repair to full sporting activity was 11.9 ± 5.7 weeks. No patients had recurrence of the primary injury. At 3 months after surgery, patients had improved mean passive straight leg raise (71.5° ± 5.9° vs 31.1° ± 7.2°; P < .001); increased mean isometric hamstring muscle strength at 0° (83.8% ± 5.9% vs 48.4% ± 8.3%; P < .001), 15° (77.6% ± 6.0% vs 52.3% ± 14.7%; P < .001), and 45° (88.6% ± 5.4% vs 66.7% ± 13.1%; P < .001); higher mean lower extremity functional scores (64.8 ± 4.6 vs 34.4 ± 5.1; P < .001); and improved Marx activity rating scores (10.7 ± 1.6 vs 5.5 ± 2.0; P < .001) as compared with preoperative values. High patient satisfaction and functional outcome scores were maintained at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Conclusion: Acute surgical repair of complete, nonavulsion proximal semimembranosus injuries is associated with high patient satisfaction, increased muscle strength, improved functional outcome scores, and high return to preinjury level of sporting activity with low risk of recurrence at short-term follow-up.