Spanish Version of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Quality of Life Questionnaire: Translation, Cross-cultural Adaptation, and Validation.

Background: The Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Quality of Life (ACL-QOL) questionnaire is a patient-reported outcome measure used to assess the effect of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on the lives of patients. It was originally written in English, which may affect its use when completed by nonnative English speakers. Purpose: To translate and adapt the ACL-QOL to Spanish and provide evidence of its psychometric properties. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 183 patients with an ACL injury from 4 Catalan hospitals were included: 99 patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction (ACLR) completed the Spanish version of the ACL-QOL (ACL-QOL-Sp) twice (mean interval, 15.2 days) in 2 weeks for test-retest reliability, and 84 patients completed the ACL-QOL-Sp, the Lysholm knee scoring scale, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Tegner Activity Scale, and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) before and at 4 and 9 months after ACLR to assess responsiveness. The association between the ACL-QOL-Sp and the other outcome measures was evaluated with the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: The ACL-QOL-Sp showed good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.96) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.97). The standard error of measurement was 3.6, also suggesting the precision of measurements. The smallest detectable change was 9.98 in 94% of patients. No association was found between the ACL-QOL-Sp score and the Tegner score or SF-12 mental component summary score; however, a moderate correlation was found with the overall KOOS score (r = -0.545), Lysholm score (r = 0.509), and SF-12 physical component summary score (r = 0.607). The correlation ranged from weak for the KOOS-Symptoms subscore (r = -0.290) to moderate for the KOOS-Quality of Life subscore (r = -0.698). No ceiling or floor effects were observed. The ACL-QOL-Sp showed a moderate effect size (0.73) at 4 months but a large effect size (1.70) at 9 months. Conclusion: The ACL-QOL-Sp showed adequate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness in evaluating quality of life after ACLR in Spanish-speaking patients.

Mesenchymal progenitor cells from non-inflamed versus inflamed synovium post-ACL injury present with distinct phenotypes and cartilage regeneration capacity.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic debilitating disease impacting a significant percentage of the global population. While there are numerous surgical and non-invasive interventions that can postpone joint replacement, there are no current treatments which can reverse the joint damage occurring during the pathogenesis of the disease. While many groups are investigating the use of stem cell therapies in the treatment of OA, we still don't have a clear understanding of the role of these cells in the body, including heterogeneity of tissue resident adult mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs). METHODS: In the current study, we examined MPCs from the synovium and individuals with or without a traumatic knee joint injury and explored the chondrogenic differentiation capacity of these MPCs in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: We found that there is heterogeneity of MPCs with the adult synovium and distinct sub-populations of MPCs and the abundancy of these sub-populations change with joint injury. Furthermore, only some of these sub-populations have the ability to effect cartilage repair in vivo. Using an unbiased proteomics approach, we were able to identify cell surface markers that identify this pro-chondrogenic MPC population in normal and injured joints, specifically CD82LowCD59+ synovial MPCs have robust cartilage regenerative properties in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study clearly show that cells within the adult human joint can impact cartilage repair and that these sub-populations exist within joints that have undergone a traumatic joint injury. Therefore, these populations can be exploited for the treatment of cartilage injuries and OA in future clinical trials.

The responsiveness and validity of the Rotator Cuff Quality of Life (RC-QOL) index in a 2-year follow-up study.

Background: The Rotator Cuff Quality of Life (RC-QOL) index was developed to evaluate quality of life in patients with rotator cuff disease. This study provides additional psychometric testing in accordance with the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments guidelines. Methods: This was a 2-year follow-up study on 66 patients (mean age, 59 ± 10 years) originally presenting with chronic full-thickness rotator cuff tears to a tertiary care center. The methodology involved testing internal consistency, content validity, and criterion validity. Responsiveness was evaluated using 3 strategies: 1) standardized response mean of the raw change scores; 2) Guyatt's Responsiveness Index; and 3) Global Rating Scales of improvement correlated to a quality of life measure. Results: Content validity was confirmed with a Cronbach α of 0.92 (95% confidence interval, 0.92-0.95) and absence of floor and ceiling effects. Criterion validity was confirmed using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index as a reference standard (r = 0.87, P < .001). The effect size of distribution-based methods of determining responsiveness was large (0.99-1.09) compared to that of mixed- and anchor-based methods (0.47-0.89). All responsiveness calculations met minimum requirements for acceptable thresholds. Conclusion: The RC-QOL is a valid and responsive measure of health-related quality of life in patients with chronic rotator cuff pathology. The results of this study added to the methodologic quality assessment of the RC-QOL, completing 7 of 10 Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments criteria.

Arthroscopic Versus Mini-open Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Trial and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with complete rotator cuff tears who fail a course of nonoperative therapy can benefit from surgical repair. PURPOSE: This randomized trial compared mini-open (MO) versus all-arthroscopic (AA) rotator cuff repair. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Patients with rotator cuff tears were randomized to undergo MO or AA repair at 9 centers by 23 surgeons. The primary outcome (Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index [WORC]) and secondary outcomes (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index [SPADI] pain subscale, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12], reported medication use, adverse events), as well as measurements of range of motion and strength, were collected at 1 month before surgery; at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively; and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. A blinded radiologist evaluated rotator cuff integrity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and 1 year. Intention-to-treat analysis of covariance with the preoperative WORC score, age, and tear size as covariates assessed continuous outcomes. Sex differences were assessed. A meta-analysis synthesized the primary outcome between MO and AA repair with previous trials. RESULTS: From 954 patients screened, 411 were ineligible (276 because of recovery with physical therapy), 449 were screened at surgery (175 ineligible), and 274 completed follow-up (138 MO and 136 AA). The AA and MO groups were similar before surgery. WORC scores improved from 40 preoperatively to 89 (AA) and 93 (MO) at 2 years, for an adjusted mean difference of 3.4 (95% CI, -0.4 to 7.2). There were no statistically significant differences between the AA and MO groups at any time point. All secondary patient-reported outcomes were not significantly different between the MO and AA groups, except the 2-year SPADI pain score (8 vs 12, respectively; P = .02). A similar recovery in range of motion and strength occurred in both groups over time. MRI indicated minimal improvement in muscle relative to fat (AA: n = 3; MO: n = 2), with most worsening (AA: n = 25; MO: n = 24) or remaining unchanged (AA: n = 70; MO: n = 70). Opioid use was significantly reduced after surgery (from 21% to 5%). The meta-analysis indicated no significant standardized mean difference between groups in the primary outcome across all pooled studies (standardized mean difference, -0.06 [95% CI, -0.34 to 0.22]). CONCLUSION: Both AA and MO rotator cuff repair provide large clinical benefits, with few adverse events. There is strong evidence of equivalent clinical improvements. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00128076.

Proximal hamstring tendon avulsion: state of the art.

Complete proximal hamstring tendon avulsions from the ischial tuberosity, though infrequent, are the most severe type of hamstring muscle injury in the field of sport medicine. These serious injuries are commonly associated with a delayed or even misdiagnosis, despite obvious clinical findings. The published literature favours surgical repair even though the studies represent lower levels of evidence. Non-surgical treatment is a viable option for lower physical demand patients. This state-of-the-art article reviews the relevant anatomy, the clinical assessment including specific physical examination signs and diagnostic testing in patients suspected of a proximal hamstring avulsion. Up-to-date evidence is reviewed to address surgical and non-surgical treatment options and outcome assessment. The authors provide a detailed description of what would be considered the current worldwide standard of care; an open, suture-anchor-based repair of the avulsed tendon complex (semitendinosus, long head of biceps femoris and semimembranosus) securely to the ischial tuberosity. Also included are surgical tips and tricks, with advice on postsurgical management and rehabilitation. Future perspectives should involve higher quality, prospective research to better define the indications for surgery, evaluate the emerging role of endoscopic repair and disclose complications along with measuring patient-reported outcomes.

PrEvention of Posttraumatic contractuRes with Ketotifen 1 (PERK 1): A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of ketotifen fumarate (KF) to reduce posttraumatic contractures after elbow fractures and/or dislocations. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Three hospitals in Calgary, Canada, including one Level 1 trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (n = 151) sustaining operative or nonoperatively managed isolated distal humerus or proximal radius ± ulna fractures or elbow dislocations within 7 days of injury. INTERVENTIONS: KF 5 mg (n = 74) or lactose placebo (PL, n = 77) orally twice daily for 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOMES: Primary outcome elbow flexion-extension arc range of motion (ROM) at 12 weeks postrandomization. Safety measures including serious adverse events and radiographic fracture line disappearance from 2 to 52 weeks postrandomization. RESULTS: The elbow ROM (mean, confidence interval) was not significantly different between KF (122 degrees, 118-127 degrees) and PL (124 degrees, 119-130 degrees) groups (P = 0.56). There was a significant difference in elbow ROM at 12 weeks postrandomization comparing operative (117 degrees, 112-122 degrees) versus nonoperative groups (128 degrees, 124-133 degrees) irrespective of intervention (P = 0.0011). There were 11 serious adverse events (KF = 6, PL = 5) that were those expected in an elbow fracture population potentially taking KF. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of these events between the groups. The disappearance of fracture lines over the course of time was similar between groups. There was one nonunion in each group. CONCLUSIONS: In a population of operative and nonoperatively managed elbow fractures and/or dislocations KF did not reduce posttraumatic contractures. The administration of KF in this population was not found to result in a significantly higher number of major adverse events when compared with placebo. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PrEvention of posttraumatic contractuRes with Ketotifen 2 (PERK 2) - protocol for a multicenter randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Injuries and resulting stiffness around joints, especially the elbow, have huge psychological effects by reducing quality of life through interference with normal daily activities such as feeding, dressing, grooming, and reaching for objects. Over the last several years and through numerous research results, the myofibroblast-mast cell-neuropeptide axis of fibrosis had been implicated in post-traumatic joint contractures. Pre-clinical models and a pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) demonstrated the feasibility and safety of using Ketotifen Fumarate (KF), a mast cell stabilizer to prevent elbow joint contractures. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of KF in reducing joint contracture severity in adult participants with operately treated elbow fractures and/or dislocations. METHODS/DESIGN: A Phase III randomized, controlled, double-blinded multicentre trial with 3 parallel groups (KF 2 mg or 5 mg or lactose placebo twice daily orally for 6 weeks). The study population consist of adults who are at least 18 years old and within 7 days of injury. The types of injuries are distal humerus (AO/OTA type 13) and/or proximal ulna and/or proximal radius fractures (AO/OTA type 2 U1 and/or 2R1) and/or elbow dislocations (open fractures with or without nerve injury may be included). A stratified randomization scheme by hospital site will be used to assign eligible participants to the groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is change in elbow flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) arc from baseline to 12 weeks post-randomization. The secondary outcomes are changes in ROM from baseline to 6, 24 & 52 weeks, PROMs at 2, 6, 12, 24 & 52 weeks and impact of KF on safety including serious adverse events and fracture healing. Descriptive analysis for all outcomes will be reported and ANCOVA be used to evaluate the efficacy KF over lactose placebo with respect to the improvement in ROM. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will provide evidence for the use of KF in reducing post-traumatic joint contractures and improving quality of life after joint injuries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was prospectively registered (July 10, 2018) with ClinicalTrials.gov reference: NCT03582176.

Exploring the Business Case for Improving Quality of Care for Patients With Chronic Rotator Cuff Tears.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Currently, management of patients presenting with chronic rotator cuff tears in Alberta is in need of quality improvements. This article explores the potential impact of a proposed care pathway whereby all patients presenting with chronic rotator cuff tears in Alberta would adopt an early, conservative management plan as the first stage of care; ultrasound investigation would be the preferred tool for diagnosing a rotator cuff tear; and only patients are referred for surgery once conservative measures have been exhausted. METHODS: We evaluate evidence in support of surgery and conservative management, compare care in the current state with the proposed care pathway, and identify potential solutions in moving toward optimal care. RESULTS: A literature search resulted in an absence of indications for either surgical or conservative management. Conservative management has the potential to reduce utilization of public health care resources and may be preferable to surgery. The proposed care pathway has the potential to avoid nearly Can $87 000 in public health care costs in the current system for every 100 patients treated successfully with conservative management. CONCLUSION: The proposed care pathway is a low-cost, first-stage treatment that is cost-effective and has the potential to reduce unnecessary, costly surgical procedures.

Longitudinal Effects of Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears on Peri-Articular Bone in Human Knees Within the First Year of Injury.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are common sports-related knee injuries that increase the risk of developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis. ACL tears are rarely an isolated injury but are often associated with traumatic bone marrow lesions (BMLs). While early loss of bone mass following the ACL injury has been previously described, to date, microarchitectural information has not been reported due to the limited resolution of clinical imaging systems. In this study, we provide the first evidence of detailed bone mass and microarchitectural changes in the first 10 months following an acute ACL tear, and localized to traumatic BMLs. Fifteen participants with an acute unilateral ACL tear were assessed at four-time points using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and traumatic BMLs were identified with magnetic resonance imaging. Loss of bone mass was localized to the injured knee (-4.6% to -15.8%, depending on bone and depth) and was accelerated immediately following the injury before suggesting a recovery phase. This loss of bone was accelerated even greater in traumatic BMLs (-18.2% to -20.6%, depending on bone). Bone loss was accompanied by microstructural degeneration of trabecular bone. For example, in the lateral femur of the injured knee, the subchondral bone plate decreased in thickness (-9.0%). This study confirmed loss of bone mass in the months following ACL tears and described the underlying bone microstructural changes. The presented bone changes were accelerated in regions of traumatic BMLs. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2325-2336, 2019.

A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Patellar Tendon, Hamstring Tendon, and Double-Bundle ACL Reconstructions: Patient-Reported and Clinical Outcomes at 5-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial evaluated the 5-year, disease-specific quality-of-life outcomes of patients treated for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency with use of a patellar tendon, single-bundle quadruple-stranded hamstring, or double-bundle hamstring reconstruction. METHODS: Patients (n = 110 per group; 183 male; 14 to 50 years of age) were randomly allocated to anatomically positioned ACL reconstruction with use of a patellar tendon graft (patellar tendon group; mean age, 28.7 years), quadruple-stranded hamstring tendon construct (hamstring tendon group; mean age, 28.5 years), or double-bundle hamstring tendon construct (double-bundle group; mean age, 28.3 years). Computer-generated allocation with varied block randomization was performed intraoperatively. The 5-year primary outcome measure was the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Quality of Life (ACL-QOL) score, and secondary outcome measures included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score and objective grades, pivot shift assessment, range of motion, kneeling pain, Tegner activity scale, Cincinnati Occupational Rating Scale, complete traumatic reruptures, partial traumatic tears, total traumatic reinjuries, and atraumatic graft failures. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifteen patients (95%) completed the 5-year follow-up (4 withdrawals, and 11 lost to follow-up). ACL-QOL scores increased significantly from baseline for all groups (p < 0.0001), but mean scores at 5 years did not differ among the groups (p = 0.548): mean (and standard deviation) of 82.5 ± 17.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.0 to 86.0) for patellar tendon, 83.9 ± 18.2 (95% CI, 80.3 to 87.4) for hamstring tendon, and 81.1 ± 19.3 (95% CI, 77.4 to 84.8) for double-bundle. The proportions of patients at 5 years with a pivot shift grade of ≥2 (12% for patellar tendon, 16% for hamstring tendon, and 22% for double-bundle; p = 0.149) and with normal and nearly normal knees per IKDC grade (87%, 82%, and 75% for the 3 groups, respectively; p = 0.093) trended in favor of patellar tendon reconstruction. No differences were seen for the IKDC subjective scores, knee range of motion including passive extension deficits, the single leg hop test, Cincinnati Occupational Rating scores, and Tegner activity levels. Kneeling pain was more common with patellar tendon reconstruction (10% of patients compared with 4% for hamstring tendon and 2% for double-bundle; p = 0.029). For hamstring tendon and double-bundle reconstructions, there were trends toward more complete traumatic reruptures (4% for patellar tendon, 10% for hamstring tendon, and 10% for double-bundle; p = 0.145) and partial traumatic tears (0%, 5%, and 6%, respectively; p = 0.059), with significantly fewer combined traumatic reinjuries in the patellar tendon group (4 patients compared with 16 for hamstring tendon and 17 for double-bundle; p = 0.010). Atraumatic graft failure (pivot shift grade of ≥2) was found for 10% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: At 5 years, we found no significant difference in the quality-of-life outcome among the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, and double-bundle techniques for ACL reconstruction. Significantly more patients in the hamstring tendon and double-bundle groups experienced traumatic graft reinjury compared with the patellar tendon group. There was a trend toward a higher percentage with normal and nearly normal IKDC grades in the patellar tendon group compared with hamstring tendon and double-bundle groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Validation of a tool to assess patient satisfaction, waiting times, healthcare utilization, and cost.

AIM: Patients' experience of the quality of care received throughout their continuum of care can be used to direct quality improvement efforts in areas where they are most needed. This study aims to establish validity and reliability of the Healthcare Access and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (HAPSQ) - a tool that collects patients' experience that quantifies aspect of care used to make judgments about quality from the perspective of the Alberta Quality Matrix for Health (AQMH). BACKGROUND: The AQMH is a framework that can be used to assess and compare the quality of care in different healthcare settings. The AQMH provides a common language, understanding, and approach to assessing quality. The HAPSQ is one tool that is able to assess quality of care according to five of six AQMH's dimensions. METHODS: This was a prospective methodologic study. Between March and October 2015, a convenience sample of patients presenting with chronic full-thickness rotator cuff tears was recruited prospectively from the University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Reliability of the HAPSQ was assessed using test-retest reliability [interclass correlation coefficient (ICC)>0.70]. Validity was assessed through content validity (patient interviews, floor and ceiling effects), criterion validity (percent agreement >70%), and construct validity (hypothesis testing). FINDINGS: Reliability testing was completed on 70 patients; validity testing occurred on 96 patients. The mean duration of symptoms was three years (SD: 5.0, range: 0.1-29). Only out-of-pocket utilization possessed an ICC<0.70. Patients reported that items were relevant and appropriate to measuring quality of care. No floor or ceiling effects were present. Criterion validity was reached for all items assessed. A priori hypotheses were confirmed. The HAPSQ represents an inexpensive, reliable, and valid approach toward collecting clinical information across a patient's continuum of care.

Effect of stochastic resonance on proprioception and kinesthesia in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed patients.

Low amplitude mechanical noise vibration has been shown to improve somatosensory acuity in various clinical groups with comparable deficiencies through a phenomenon known as Stochastic Resonance (SR). This technology showed promising outcomes in improving somatosensory acuity in other clinical patients (e.g., Parkinson's disease and osteoarthritis). Some degree of chronic somatosensory deficiency in the knee has been reported following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. In this study, the effect of the SR phenomenon on improving knee somatosensory acuity (proprioception and kinesthesia) in female ACL reconstructed (ACLR) participants (n = 19) was tested at three months post-surgery, and the results were compared to healthy controls (n = 28). Proprioception was quantified by the measure of joint position sense (JPS) and kinesthesia with the threshold to detection of passive movement (TDPM). The results based on the statistical analysis demonstrated an overall difference between the somatosensory acuity in the ACLR limb compared to healthy controls (p = 0.007). A larger TDPM was observed in the ACLR limb compared to the healthy controls (p = 0.002). However, the JPS between the ACLR and healthy limbs were not statistically significantly different (p = 0.365). SR significantly improved JPS (p = 0.006) while the effect was more pronounced in the ACLR cohort. The effect on the TDPM did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.681) in either group. In conclusion, deficient kinesthesia in the ACLR limb was observed at three months post-surgery. Also, the positive effects of SR on somatosensory acuity in the ACL reconstructed group warrant further investigation into the use of this phenomenon to improve proprioception in ACLR and healthy groups.

A study of the relationship between meniscal injury and bone microarchitecture in ACL reconstructed knees.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. This risk increases further with concurrent meniscus injury. The role of bone changes during knee osteoarthritis development are not well-understood, but may be important to its etiology. PURPOSE: To explore the effects of ACL tears on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microarchitecture at five years post-op and their relationship to meniscal pathology, using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). METHODS: Twenty-eight participants with unilateral ACL reconstructions five years prior and no evidence of clinical or radiographic osteoarthritis were recruited. All participants represented one of three meniscus statuses: meniscus intact, meniscus repair, or meniscectomy. BMD and bone microarchitecture of the subchondral bone plate and adjacent trabecular bone were assessed using HR-pQCT, and percent-differences between the injured and contralateral knee were determined. RESULTS: Subchondral bone plate thickness in the lateral femoral condyle was higher in the reconstructed knee (9.0%, p = 0.002), driven by the meniscus repair and meniscectomy groups (15.2% to 15.4%, p < 0.05). Trabecular BMD was lower in the reconstructed knee in the medial femoral condyle (-4.8% to -7.6%, p < 0.05), driven by all meniscus statuses. In the lateral compartments, few differences in trabecular bone were found. However, accounting for meniscus status, the meniscus intact group had lower trabecular BMD throughout both femur and tibia. CONCLUSIONS: Five years post-op, reconstructed knees demonstrated detectable differences in BMD and bone microarchitecture, despite having normal radiographs. Meniscus damage affected primarily the lateral compartment, warranting further investigation to determine if these changes relate to osteoarthritis development.

Evaluating quality of care for patients with rotator cuff disorders.

BACKGROUND: Measuring quality in healthcare is vital in evaluating patient outcomes and system performance. The availability of reliable and valid information about the quality of care for patients presenting with rotator cuff disorders (RCD) in Alberta, Canada is scarce. The objective of this study is to measure quality of care for patients with RCD in order to identify areas of improvement. METHODS: This study employs descriptive survey research design. Between March 2015 and November 2016, a convenience sample of patients presenting with chronic, full-thickness rotator cuff tears to two sport medicine centres in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta completed two questionnaires: the Healthcare Access and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (HAPSQ) and the Rotator Cuff Quality-of-Life Index (RC-QOL). Data collected using both questionnaires were used to make judgments about quality of care. Quality of care was evaluated using six dimensions of quality defined by the Alberta Quality Matrix for Health: accessibility, acceptability, efficiency, effectiveness, appropriateness, and safety. Data was also used to compare current patient clinical pathways to ideal clinical pathway algorithms and used to make judgments about the appropriateness and safety of healthcare practices. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-one patients participated in the study. The longest mean waiting times for medical services in Alberta were for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) received in the public sector (103 days) and consultation by orthopaedic surgeon (172 days). Patient satisfaction with respect to quality of care was lowest for emergency room physician and highest for orthopaedic surgeon visits. Patients were treated by a mean of 2.5 physicians (SD: 0.77, range: 2-7). The total aggregate average cost per patient was $4541.19. The mean RC-QOL score for all patients was 42 (SD: 22). Only 54 patients (64%) requiring surgery were able to consult with a surgeon within benchmark timeframes. A comparison of current to ideal clinical pathway algorithms found that 38 patients (22%) experienced indirect clinical pathways, whereby care was fragmented and patients received care from multiple and often, redundant healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION: There is a discrepancy between current and ideal clinical pathways whereby some patients are experiencing quality of care that is inefficient, disjointed, and less than ideal.

2018 International Olympic Committee Consensus Statement on Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management of Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries.

In October 2017, the International Olympic Committee hosted an international expert group of physical therapists and orthopaedic surgeons who specialize in treating and researching pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The purpose of this meeting was to provide a comprehensive, evidence-informed summary to support the clinician and help children with ACL injury and their parents/guardians make the best possible decisions. Representatives from the following societies attended: American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine; European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society; European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery, and Arthroscopy; International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine; Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America; and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Artroscopia, Rodilla, y Deporte. Physical therapists and orthopaedic surgeons with clinical and research experience in the field and an ethics expert with substantial experience in the area of sports injuries also participated. This consensus statement addresses 6 fundamental clinical questions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and management of pediatric ACL injuries. Injury management is challenging in the current landscape of clinical uncertainty and limited scientific knowledge. Injury management decisions also occur against the backdrop of the complexity of shared decision making with children and the potential long-term ramifications of the injury.

2018 International Olympic Committee consensus statement on prevention, diagnosis and management of paediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

In October 2017, the International Olympic Committee hosted an international expert group of physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons who specialise in treating and researching paediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Representatives from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society, European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy, International Society of Arthroscopy Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, and Sociedad Latinoamericana de Artroscopia, Rodilla y Deporte attended. Physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons with clinical and research experience in the field, and an ethics expert with substantial experience in the area of sports injuries also participated. Injury management is challenging in the current landscape of clinical uncertainty and limited scientific knowledge. Injury management decisions also occur against the backdrop of the complexity of shared decision-making with children and the potential long-term ramifications of the injury. This consensus statement addresses six fundamental clinical questions regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and management of paediatric ACL injuries. The aim of this consensus statement is to provide a comprehensive, evidence-informed summary to support the clinician, and help children with ACL injury and their parents/guardians make the best possible decisions.