Acute hamstring strain injury in track-and-field athletes: A 3-year observational study at the Penn Relay Carnival.

This study aimed to observe the incidence rates of hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) across different competition levels and ages during the Penn Relays Carnival. Over a 3-year period, all injuries treated by the medical staff were recorded. The type of injury, anatomic location, event in which the injury occurred, competition level, and demographic data were documented. Absolute and relative HSI (per 1000 participants) were determined, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated between sexes, competition levels, and events. Throughout the study period 48,473 athletes registered to participate in the Penn Relays Carnival, with 118 HSIs treated by the medical team. High school girls displayed lesser risk of HSI than high school boys (OR = 0.55, P = 0.021), and masters athletes were more likely than high school- (OR = 4.26, P < 0.001) and college-level (OR = 3.55, P = 0.001) athletes to suffer HSI. The 4 × 400-m relay displayed a greater likelihood of HSI compared with the 4 × 100-m relay (OR = 1.77, P = 0.008). High school boys and masters-level athletes are most likely to suffer HSI, and there is higher risk in 400-m events compared with 100-m events.

Safety and efficacy of sonographically guided random core biopsy for diffuse liver disease.

Sonographic guidance is commonly used in the biopsy of focal hepatic lesions, but biopsy for diffuse disease is often non-image-guided. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of real-time sonographically guided random core biopsy in the assessment of diffuse liver disease in 210 patients. The two most common indications for biopsy were viral hepatitis (in 113 patients) and elevated liver function test results of unknown cause (in 54 patients). Ultrasonography and pathology reports were reviewed retrospectively to determine number of needle passes and final diagnoses. Adequate tissue was obtained in all 210 patients, with 259 of 269 (96%) passes having been successful. Specimens were submitted for light microscopy and other tests as indicated. No difference in success rates was found for right and left lobe biopsies. No major complications occurred. Minor complications occurred in 10 of 210 (4.8%) patients and were self-limited. Sonographically guided core liver biopsy is a safe and effective method for the diagnosis of liver disease.