Distal Medial Collateral Ligament Grade III Injuries in Collegiate Football Players: Operative Management, Rehabilitation, and Return to Play.

CONTEXT: Management of isolated grade III medial collateral ligament injuries is controversial, as both nonoperative and operative management can result in return to play. However, operative management is recommended in elite athletes who have a grade III injury with distal avulsion. OBJECTIVE: We present a standardized rehabilitation protocol in a case series of 7 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I American football athletes who sustained grade III distal medial collateral ligament tears that were repaired operatively, with emphasis on return to play. RESULTS: Median time to surgery was 4 days (range = 2-67 days). Median time from surgery to noncontact drills was 120.5 days (range = 104-168 days), and median time from surgery to full-contact sport was 181 days (range = 139-204 days). All athletes returned to play at their preinjury level of competition. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlighted how operative management with a standardized rehabilitation protocol can be applied to Division I football players and result in safe return to play.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of Core Muscle Injuries in High Level Athletes.

ABSTRACT: Core muscle injuries are common injuries in athletes involved in high speed side-to-side acceleration movements. The term core muscle injury encapsulates several different injuries that occur in the pelvic region that have similar presentations. Along with a good history and physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be a helpful tool in the diagnostic process. Correct orientation and protocols are needed to show the correct anatomy with an MRI. Furthermore, to determine the exact etiology of the core muscle injury, it is important to know which structures are likely to be involved and be able to recognize the patterns of injury on imaging.

Enthesopathy-An Underappreciated Role in Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) continues to be a debilitating disease worldwide, to date, no therapies have been definitely proven to modify disease progression or moderate symptom relief long term other than joint replacement. A contributing factor may be the lack of attention to the potential role of the periarticular enthesis and development and progression of OA. The enthesis is the site of attachment for a tendon, ligament, or joint capsule to the bony skeleton, thereby allowing centralized transmission and dissipation of mechanical loads. Because of this design, the enthesis is a site of stress concentration subject to inflammation during sports-related activities or spondyloarthropathies, which may lead to long-term degeneration. Our hypothesis is that functional incompetence of the enthesis resulting from either degenerative or inflammatory changes could be an initiating factor for OA and may thus provide a novel basis for the development of future disease management in this phenotype of patients.

Supplement Use in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To assess whether a standardized dietary supplementation can help to decrease postoperative muscle atrophy and/or improve rehabilitation outcomes in patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched, and articles that examined protein or amino acid, vitamin, or any other type of supplementation in ACLR were reviewed. Two independent reviewers conducted the search using pertinent Boolean operations. RESULTS: A total of 1818 articles were found after our database search. Ten studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria and only assessed patients undergoing ACLR. Four studies assessed protein-based supplementation. One study assessed creatine as a supplement. Four studies assessed vitamin-based supplementation. One study assessed testosterone supplementation. Protein and amino acid supplementation showed potential benefits; multiple authors demonstrated a combination of improved achievement of rehabilitation benchmarks, graft maturation, muscular hypertrophic response, and peak dynamic muscle strength. When we examined creatine, vitamin, or hormone-based protocols, none demonstrated results, suggesting these factors may attenuate muscle atrophy after surgery. Vitamin C and E demonstrated potentially increased local inflammation in skeletal muscle, which runs contrary to the belief that antioxidant vitamin-based supplementation may decrease the inflammatory response that plays a role in the post injury/operative period. CONCLUSIONS: Protein-based supplementation may play a role in mitigating muscle atrophy associated with ACLR, as multiple authors demonstrated a combination of improved achievement of rehabilitation benchmarks, thigh hypertrophic response, and peak dynamic muscle strength. However, based on current literature, it is not possible to recommend a specific protein-based supplementation protocol at this time for patients undergoing ACLR. Limited evidence suggests no benefit for creatine, vitamin, or hormone-based protocols. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, a systematic review of level I-II studies.

Olecranon Stress Fracture.

Olecranon stress fractures are a rare upper extremity fracture that primarily affects throwing athletes. The incidence of olecranon stress fractures are increasing owing to the number of patients playing and the volume of engagement in competitive sports, especially in the pediatric population. However, olecranon stress fractures can present a challenge from a management and a rehabilitation perspective owing to their vague presentation, thereby affecting how these patients are diagnosed and managed. Therefore, it is imperative to further evaluate the disease process, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition to best manage our patients.

Extensor Tendon Entrapment on Computed Tomography Imaging of Distal Radius Fractures.

Objective To examine the association between distal radius fractures and tendon entrapment identified on computed tomography (CT) imaging. Patients and Methods After Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed distal radius fractures that underwent CT imaging from an electronic database between January 2006 to February 2018 at a single level 1 hospital trauma center. We categorized all distal radial fractures according to the AO-OTA (AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association) classification. Distal upper extremity tendons were assessed for entrapment. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis with significance at p < 0.05. Results A total of 183 distal radius fractures were identified in 179 patients. A total of 16 fractures (13 males and 3 females) were associated with tendon entrapment. Mechanism of injury included falls ( n = 7), motor vehicle accidents ( n = 6), dog bites ( n = 2), and gunshot wound ( n = 1). Entrapped tendons were limited to the extensor compartment and included the extensor pollicis longus (EPL; n = 11), extensor pollicis brevis ( n = 1), extensor carpi ulnaris ( n = 1), extensor carpi radialis longus ( n = 1), and extensor digitorum communis ( n = 2). The most commonly associated AO-OTA fracture pattern with tendon entrapment was complete articular radial fractures (2R3C; 69%), eight of which were simple articular with metaphyseal multifragmentary fractures (2R3C2). Of the distal radius fractures, 81% were associated with additional ulnar fractures of varying severity and displacement. Conclusion Approximately 8.7% of distal radius fractures were retrospectively identified to have tendon entrapment compared with a previously reported incidence of 1.3%. Wrist surgeons and radiologists should have higher suspicion for tendon entrapment and carefully review preoperative CT imaging for tendon entrapment in distal radius fractures especially if there is an intra-articular, multifragmentary injury pattern. Wrist surgeons and radiologists should also have increased suspicion for EPL tendon entrapments given its high incidence in association with distal radius fractures. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, retrospective cross-sectional study.

MRI of Superior Capsular Reconstruction.

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears can be a challenging problem for arthroscopists in the perioperative setting because the typical treatment, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, may not be the best option for all patients. Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) is an advancing treatment option for patients with rotator cuff tears that are neither amenable to primary repair nor ideal for arthroplasty. Patient selection, which is strongly dependent on preoperative imaging findings, is an important step in obtaining favorable surgical outcomes. The tissue quality and tear type are particularly important when considering SCR for a patient. When unsuccessful SCR is suspected, postoperative MRI of the shoulder offers the surgeon and radiologist a means of evaluating the integrity and fixation of the graft. Fluid-sensitive MRI sequences are best for examining the final SCR construct, with high-signal-intensity fluid interruptions within the graft and the presence or worsening of shoulder arthropathy indicating graft failure. The indications for SCR are discussed, and the normal postoperative MRI findings after SCR are described in this review. In addition, the common types of SCR graft failure and associated imaging findings are described and illustrated. ©RSNA, 2020.

Chronic Lower Leg Pain in Athletes: Overview of Presentation and Management.

BACKGROUND: Athletes with chronic lower leg pain present a diagnostic challenge for clinicians due to the differential diagnoses that must be considered. PURPOSE/QUESTIONS: We aimed to review the literature for studies on the diagnosis and management of chronic lower leg pain in athletes. METHODS: A literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). The PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases were searched, and articles that examined chronic lower leg pain in athletes were considered for review. Two independent reviewers conducted the search utilizing pertinent Boolean operations. RESULTS: Following two independent database searches, 275 articles were considered for initial review. After the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 88 were included in the final review. These studies show that the most common causes of lower leg pain in athletes include medial tibial stress syndrome, chronic exertional compartment syndrome, tibial stress fractures, nerve entrapments, lower leg tendinopathies, and popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. Less frequently encountered causes include saphenous nerve entrapment and tendinopathy of the popliteus. Conservative management is the mainstay of care for the majority of cases of chronic lower leg pain; however, surgical intervention may be necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple conditions may result in lower leg pain in athletes. A focused clinical history and physical examination supplemented with appropriate imaging studies can guide clinicians in diagnosis and management. We provide a table to aid in the differential diagnosis of chronic leg pain in the athlete.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the failed superior capsular reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) of the shoulder is an increasingly common procedure in the treatment of patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears lacking significant osteoarthritis. Post-operatively, the appearance of failed grafts has only been described in isolated case reports and review articles. METHODS: From January 2016 through December 2017, surgical records at a single tertiary-care facility were queried to identify all patients undergoing SCR. Patient records were reviewed for patient demographic information, reason for post-operative MRI, and post-operative surgeon assessment. 74 patients underwent SCR, of whom 12 received a follow-up MRI post-operatively. One patient was excluded due to missing records; the remaining 11 patients comprise the study cohort. Post-operative MRIs were obtained at mean six months after surgery. RESULTS: On review of post-operative MRIs, three distinct locations of failure were identified. Four patients (40%) had midsubstance failure of the allograft with all glenoid and humeral head fixation remaining intact. One patient (10%) had complete detachment of the allograft from both glenoid and humeral head fixation. Five patients (50%) had detachment of the allograft from the glenoid. CONCLUSION: In this series of ten failed SCRs, the most common mode of failure was loss of fixation on the glenoid, followed closely by midsubstance rupture. We found no instances of isolated fixation failure on the humeral head. This series illustrates the need for careful imaging in patients whose post-operative course suggests clinical failure. These findings suggest that strengthening glenoid fixation may provide better clinical outcomes as this procedure becomes more common. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III - Retrospective study.

The Role of Resistance Training Dosing on Pain and Physical Function in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Dosing parameters are needed to ensure the best practice guidelines for knee osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether resistance training affects pain and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, and whether a dose-response relationship exists. Second, we will investigate whether the effects are influenced by Kellgren-Lawrence grade or location of osteoarthritis. DATA SOURCES: A search for randomized controlled trials was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL, from their inception dates, between November 1, 2018, and January 15, 2019. Keywords included knee osteoarthritis, knee joint, resistance training, strength training, and weight lifting. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials reporting changes in pain and physical function on humans with knee osteoarthritis comparing resistance training interventions with no intervention. Two reviewers screened 471 abstracts; 12 of the 13 studies assessed were included. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. DATA EXTRACTION: Mean baseline and follow-up Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and standard deviations were extracted to calculate the standard mean difference. Articles were assessed for methodological quality using the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) 2010 scale and Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias. RESULTS: The 12 included studies had high methodological quality. Of these, 11 studies revealed that resistance training improved pain and/or physical function. The most common regimen was a 30- to 60-minute session of 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions with an initial resistance of 50% to 60% of maximum resistance that progressed over 3 sessions per week for 24 weeks. Seven studies reported Kellgren-Lawrence grade, and 4 studies included osteoarthritis location. CONCLUSION: Resistance training improves pain and physical function in knee osteoarthritis. Large effect sizes were associated with 24 total sessions and 8- to 12-week duration. No optimal number of repetitions, maximum strength, or frequency of sets or repetitions was found. No trends were identified between outcomes and location or Kellgren-Lawrence grade of osteoarthritis.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the quadriceps tendon autograft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft is emerging as a popular technique for primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Studies have shown that it has comparable outcomes to bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts while mitigating post-operative complications associated with these grafts. PURPOSE: To provide a literature summary of the important pre- and post-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the quadriceps tendon and pertinent postoperative complications associated with the QT harvest. Radiologists should be familiar with MR findings after autologous graft harvest of the quadriceps tendon for reconstruction of the ACL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Systemic Complications and Radiographic Findings of Opioid Use and Misuse: An Overview for Orthopedic Surgeons.

Amid growing concern about the misuse of prescribed opioids, the rising rates of opioid use disorder, and the use of illicit opioids, clinicians in ambulatory, inpatient, and operative environments are encountering opioid-related complications in their patients. These complications can affect multiple organ systems including cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and neurologic and are related to excess opioid levels in the body or contamination from non-sterile injection. It is important for the orthopedic surgeon to have a general understanding of the pathologies associated with opioid use disorder and their appearance on diagnostic imaging. This article reviews image findings of several complications, organized in a systems-based approach, for the orthopedic surgeon.

Radiographic Musculoskeletal Findings Indicating Opioid Misuse: An Overview for Orthopedic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Given the high prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in the USA, it is important for orthopedic surgeons to promptly identify patients who may be at risk for opioid misuse. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The aim of this literature review was to elucidate various musculoskeletal pathologies and complications, as seen on imaging, that may indicate opioid misuse or opioid use disorder. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases for articles related to imaging findings associated with chronic opioid use or misuse in orthopedic patients. Two independent reviewers conducted the search utilizing pertinent Boolean operations. RESULTS: We reviewed 36 full-text articles and categorized the radiographic evidence of opioid misuse as follows: soft-tissue radiologic findings, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, abscess formation, retained needles, discitis, myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and septic thrombophlebitis. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of the radiologic findings of opioid misuse will assist orthopedic surgeons in making timely diagnoses that may alter therapeutic regimens for their patients.

Patient-Reported Knee Outcome Scores With Soft Tissue Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Are Similar to Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autograft at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up: A Retrospective Single-Center Cohort Study in Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Quadriceps tendon (QT)-bone autografts used during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have provided comparable outcomes and decreased donor-site morbidity when compared with bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autografts. No study has directly compared the outcomes of the all-soft tissue QT autograft with that of the BPTB autograft. HYPOTHESIS: Patient-reported knee outcome scores and rates of postoperative complication after primary ACL reconstruction with QT autografts are no different from BPTB autografts at a minimum 2-year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 75 patients who underwent primary autograft ACL reconstruction with QT or BPTB autografts between January 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016, at a single hospital center were contacted by telephone and asked to complete the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation, Tegner activity level scale, and Lysholm knee scoring scale. Information about the subsequent surgeries performed on the operative knee was also collected. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Fisher exact test for categorical data. RESULTS: Fifty patients (28 QT, 22 BPTB) completed the surveys at a mean follow-up of 33.04 months (range, 24-44 months). For the QT versus the BPTB group respectively, the median IKDC scores were 94.83 (interquartile range [IQR], 7.61) versus 94.83 (IQR, 10.92) (P = .47), the median Tegner scores were 6 (IQR, 2.5) versus 6 (IQR, 2.75) (P = .48), and the median Lysholm scores were 95 (IQR, 9) versus 95 (IQR, 13) (P = .27). Additionally, 2 QT patients and 3 BPTB patients required follow-up arthroscopy for arthrolysis (P = .64). There was 1 graft failure in the QT group requiring revision surgery. CONCLUSION: There was no statistical difference in patient-reported knee outcomes or graft complication rates between the QT and BPTB autograft groups at a minimum 2-year follow-up after primary ACL reconstruction. This study highlights that the all-soft tissue QT autograft may be a suitable graft choice for primary ACL reconstruction.

Efficacy of fractional lasers in treating alopecia: a literature review.

Hair loss stemming from different types of alopecia, such as androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata, negatively affects over half the population and, in many circumstances, causes serious psychosocial distress. Current treatment options for alopecia, such as minoxidil, anthralin, and intralesional corticosteroids, vary efficacy and side effect profiles. It is known that low-level laser/light therapies (LLLT), or photobiomodulations, such as the US FDA-cleared HairMax Lasercomb®, He-Ne laser, and excimer laser, are relatively affordable, user-friendly, safe, and effective forms of treatment for hair loss. While less is known about the effectiveness of fractional lasers for combating hair loss, research suggests that by creating microscopic thermal injury zones, fractional lasers may cause an increase in hair growth from a wound healing process, making them potential therapeutic options for alopecia. A literature review was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of fractional lasers on hair regrowth. The specific fractional laser therapies include the 1550-nm nonablative fractional erbium-glass laser, the ablative fractional 2940-nm erbium:YAG laser, and the ablative fractional CO2 fractional laser. Additional randomized controlled trials are necessary to further evaluate the effectiveness of the lasers, as well as to establish appropriate parameters and treatment intervals.