Smaller intercondylar notch size and smaller ACL volume increase posterior cruciate ligament rupture risk.

PURPOSE: Little is known about risk factors for sustaining a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture. Identifying risk factors is the first step in preventing a PCL rupture from occurring. The morphology of the knee in patients who ruptured their PCL may differ from that of control patients. The hypothesis was that the intercondylar notch dimensions, 3-D volumes of the intercondylar notch and, the 3-D volumes of both the ACL and the PCL were correlated to the presence of a PCL rupture. METHODS: The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 30 patients with a proven PCL rupture were compared to 30 matched control patients with proven intact ACL and PCL. Control patients were selected from patients with knee trauma during sports but without cruciate ligament injury. Patients have been matched for age, height, weight, BMI, and sex. The volumes of the intercondylar notch and both the ACL and PCL were measured on 3D reconstructions. Second, the bicondylar width, the notch width, and the notch width index were measured of all subjects. The relationship between our measurements and the presence of a PCL rupture was analysed. RESULTS: The results show a significant difference in the volumes of the intercondylar notch and the ACL between patients with a ruptured PCL and control patients. Patients with a PCL rupture have smaller intercondylar notch volumes and smaller ACL volumes. There were no significant differences in the bicondylar width, notch width, and notch width index. In the control patients, a significant correlation between the volume of the PCL and the volume of the ACL was found (0.673, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with a PCL rupture have smaller intercondylar volumes and smaller ACL volumes when compared to control patients. Second, patients with smaller ACL volumes have smaller PCL volumes. This study shows, for the first time, that there are significant size and volume differences in the shape of the knee between patients with a PCL rupture and control patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Epidemiology of Hand and Wrist Injuries in Collegiate-Level Athletes in the United States.

PURPOSE: Hand and wrist injuries are common among competitive athletes and can have a substantial impact on playing time and future participation. The purpose of this study was to provide epidemiological data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program to correlate injury diagnosis with the need for surgery and time loss. METHODS: Using the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program, this retrospective study extracted data of hand and wrist injuries for all 25 National Collegiate Athletic Association sports from the academic years 2004-2005 to 2013-2014. The "severe" category was defined as injuries resulting in the following: (1) surgery, (2) season-ending status, or (3) more than 30 days of playing time loss. The epidemiologic data included injury rate per 100,000 athlete exposures (defined as 1 athlete participating in 1 practice or competition) based on diagnoses and demographic information such as sports and sex. We used a Poisson regression model to estimate the incidence rate and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Overall, 4,851 hand injuries were identified, with an injury rate of 41.2 per 100,000 athlete exposures. The most common diagnoses were metacarpal or phalangeal fractures (19.9%), lacerations or contusions (15.4%), and wrist sprains (14.7%). The surgical rate was 9.6%, and the season-ending rate was 5.8%. Severe injuries occurred in 17.5% of the hand and wrist injuries; within this subset, the most common diagnoses included metacarpal or phalangeal fractures (43.8%), scaphoid fractures (12.8%), and thumb ulnar collateral ligament tears (8.7%). Scaphoid fractures and metacarpal or phalangeal fractures had the highest surgical rate and season-ending rate among all the injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The injury rate of hand and wrist injuries is comparable with those of other common sports injuries. Approximately one fifth of the injuries were considered severe, which led to a high surgical rate, and these had a considerable impact on the athletes' ability to finish the season. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Outcome research level II.

The influence of local pain on balance control in patients with chronic ankle instability.

BACKGROUND: Local pain around the ankle joint is a common symptom in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI). However, whether the local pain would impose any influence on the balance control performance of CAI patients is still unknown. METHODS: A total of twenty-six subjects were recruited and divided into the following two groups: pain-free CAI (group A) and pain-present CAI (group B). Subjects in both groups received two independent tests: the star excursion balance test and the single-leg stance test, in order to reflect their balance control ability more accurately. RESULTS: Compared with group A, the group B showed significantly more episodes of the history of sprains, decreased ankle maximum plantarflexion angle, and lower Cumberland scores (all p < 0.05). In the star excursion balance test, group B demonstrated a significantly reduced anterior reach distance than group A (p < 0.05). During the single leg stance test, group B showed a significant increase in the magnitude of electromyographic signals both in peroneus longus and soleus muscles than group A (each p < 0.05). Additionally, group B had a significantly more anterolaterally positioned plantar center of pressure than group A (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CAI patients with local pain around the ankle joint had more episodes of sprains and lower functional scores when compared to those without pain. The balance control performance was also worse in the pain-present CAI patients than those without pain.

Association of Ankle Sprain Frequency With Body Mass and Self-Reported Function: A Pooled Multisite Analysis.

CONTEXT: Ankle sprains result in pain and disability. While factors such as body mass and prior injury contribute to subsequent injury, the association of the number of ankle sprains on body anthropometrics and self-reported function are unclear in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to assess differences in anthropometric measurements and self-reported function between the number of ankle sprains utilizing a large, pooled data set. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Data were pooled from 14 studies (total N = 412) collected by the Chronic Ankle Instability Outcomes Network. Participants were categorized by the number of self-reported sprains. Anthropometric data and self-reported function were compared between those who reported a single versus >1 ankle sprain as well as among groups of those who had 1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 ankle sprains, respectively. RESULTS: Those who had >1 ankle sprain had higher mass (P = .001, d = 0.33) and body mass index (P = .002, d = 0.32) and lower Foot and Ankle Ability Measure-Activities of Daily Living (P < .001, r = .22), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure-Sport (P < .001, r = .33), and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (P < .001, r = .34) scores compared to the single ankle sprain group. Those who had a single ankle sprain weighed less than those who reported ≥5 sprains (P = .008, d = 0.42) and had a lower body mass index than those who reported 2 sprains (P = .031, d = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: Some individuals with a history of multiple ankle sprains had higher body mass and self-reported disability compared to those with a single sprain, factors that are likely interrelated. Due to the potential for long-term health concerns associated with ankle sprains, clinicians should incorporate patient education and interventions that promote physical activity, healthy dietary intake, and optimize function as part of comprehensive patient-centered care.

The presence of persistent symptoms 12 months following a first lateral ankle sprain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is the most common musculoskeletal injury in the physically active population. It is uncertain what percentage of these patients develop persisting symptoms including pain, recurrent sprains and subjective instability. This systematic review was conducted to assess the presence and duration of persistent symptoms after a first LAS. METHODS: A systematic review of the Medline, Web of Sciences, Embase, CINAHL and Pedro databases was performed to identify peer-reviewed articles concerning the occurrence and duration of remaining symptoms after a first LAS. Inclusion criteria focused on selection of patients without previous ankle injuries and study quality. One of the following outcomes had to be described: subjective instability, resprains, remaining symptoms. RESULTS: In total, 15 studies were included. The occurrence of patients with subjective instability decreased from 37.9% (95%CI [6.0-69.7]) at 3 months to 16.1% (95%CI [7.8-24.3]) at 6 months and 8.1% (95%CI [3.3-13.3]) at 12 months. The occurrence of patients with a recurrent LAS was 15.8% (95%CI [6.3-25.3]) at 12 months. The occurrence of patients with residual pain decreased from 48.6% (95%CI [23.6-73.5]) at 3 months, to 21.5% (95%CI [2.8-40.2]) at 6 months and 6.7% (95%CI [3.2-10.1]) at 12 months. CONCLUSION: This study offers new insights in the presence of remaining symptoms after a first LAS and the development of chronic ankle instability. Twelve months following an initial LAS, a significant number of patients may still have symptoms. The incidence of subjective instability, and pain, continues to decrease until 12 months post-injury. This new information may suggest that a longer period of non-operative treatment may be warranted before recommending surgical intervention in patients with a first LAS.

Chronic ankle instability has no correlation with the number of ruptured ligaments in severe anterolateral sprain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Despite being a significant public health problem, ankle sprains' prognostic factors are largely unknown. This review aimed to systematically analyze the literature on acute ankle sprains to compare the prognosis of a combined anterior talofibular (ATFL) and calcaneofibular (CFL) ligaments rupture with an isolated ATFL rupture in terms of progression to chronic ankle instability and other clinical outcomes. METHODS: The databases for Pubmed, CENTRAL and Web of Science were searched. Clinical studies reporting the prognostic effect of combined ATFL-CFL rupture versus an isolated ATFL rupture in conservatively treated ankle sprains, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months, were eligible for inclusion. Only studies with a reliable diagnostic method for anterolateral ankle ligaments evaluation, namely ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, arthrography or stress tenography, were included. The relative risk (RR), along with the 95% confidence interval (CI), was used to quantitatively analyze the main outcomes. RESULTS: Nine papers were selected for inclusion, of which five were suitable for quantitative analysis. None of them found a statistically significant correlation between ligament injury severity and progression to chronic instability. Concerning other clinical outcomes, three studies found a statistically significant correlation between a combined ligament injury and a worse clinical prognosis. From the quantitative analysis, the relative risk (RR) of chronic ankle instability in a single versus a combined ligament rupture showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: A significant statistical correlation between a combined ATFL-CFL rupture and chronic ankle instability, compared to an isolated ATFL rupture, was not found. There is, however, fair evidence showing a worse clinical outcome score in the combined ruptures, as well as a decreased return to full sports activities. The use of reliable and accessible diagnostic methods to determine the number of ruptured ligaments might have a role in managing severe ankle sprains. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Endoscopic anatomic ligament reconstruction is a reliable option to treat chronic lateral ankle instability.

PURPOSE: Anatomic reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament is a valid treatment of chronic hindfoot instability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes of this procedure performed by an all-inside endoscopic technique. METHODS: This study is a retrospective evaluation of a prospective database. Subjects were all patients who underwent an endoscopic lateral ligament reconstruction between 2013 and 2016. All patients had symptoms of ankle instability with positive manual stress testing and failed nonoperative treatment during at least 6 months. At final follow-up the outcome was assessed using the visual analogue score (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and Karlsson-Peterson scores. RESULTS: After an average follow-up of 31.5 ± 6.9 months, all patients reported significant improvement compared to their preoperative status. The preoperative AOFAS score improved from 76.4 ± 15 to 94.7 ± 11.7 postoperatively (p = 0.0001). The preoperative Karlsson-Peterson score increased from 73.0 ± 16.0 to 93.7 ± 10.6 postoperatively (p = 0.0001). The VAS score improved from 1.9 ± 2.5 to 0.8 ± 1.7 (p < 0.001). Two patients had complaints of recurrent instability. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ligament reconstruction for chronic lateral ankle instability is a safe procedure and produces good clinical results with minimal complications. In addition, the endoscopic approach allows an assessment of the ankle joint and treatment of associated intra-articular lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Type VII All-epiphyseal Fractures of the Lateral Malleolus and the Origin of Subfibular Ossicles.

BACKGROUND: A subfibular ossicle (SO), also known as an os subfibulare, is present in ∼1% of the general population. Two theories have been proposed to explain the origin of SOs: (1) as a failure of fusion of a secondary center of ossification; (2) as a posttraumatic sequela. This report offers prospective, longitudinal radiographic evidence for the formation of SOs as a posttraumatic sequela of type VII transepiphyseal fractures of the lateral malleolus in children. METHODS: This Institutional Review Board-approved study was performed at a tertiary care pediatric hospital from March 2012 to April 2019. The study group included 37 children with a type VII fracture of the lateral malleolus and a minimum follow-up of 6 months. RESULTS: Twenty-one children (57%) healed their fracture. Sixteen children (43%) went on to form SOs. The most common location for the fractures was the distal third of the epiphysis, and the most common fracture type forming SOs was a sleeve avulsion fracture. Four of the children forming SOs have had surgery to address pain and recurrent sprains. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 43% of children who sustained a type VII fracture of the lateral malleolus went on to form SOs, giving support to the posttraumatic theory of origin. Sleeve avulsion fractures have the greatest chance of forming SOs. So far, 4 of the 16 children forming SOs have undergone surgery for ankle pain and recurrent sprains. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Dynamic Balance Measures in Healthy and Chronic Ankle Instability Participants While Wearing Ankle Braces: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

CONTEXT: Ankle braces have been theorized to augment dynamic balance. OBJECTIVES: To complete a systematic review with meta-analysis of the available literature assessing the effect of ankle braces on dynamic balance in individuals with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus) were searched from inception to October 2019 using combinations of keywords related to dynamic balance, ankle braces, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), Y-Balance Test (YBT), and Time to Stabilization. Inclusion criteria required that studies examined the effects of ankle braces on dynamic balance. Studies were excluded if they evaluated other conditions besides CAI, did not access dynamic balance, or did not use an ankle brace. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The level of evidence was assessed using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy. The magnitude of brace effects on dynamic balance was examined using Hedges g effect sizes (ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to synthesize SEBT/YBT and Time to Stabilization data separately. DATA SYNTHESIS: Seven studies were included with a median Physiotherapy Evidence Database score of 60% (range 50%-60%), and 4 were classified as high quality. Overall meta-analysis indicated a weak to no effect of braces on SEBT/YBT (ES = 0.117; 95% CI, -0.080 to 0.433; P = .177) and Time to Stabilization (ES = -0.064; 95% CI, -0.211 to 0.083, P = .083). Subanalysis of SEBT/YBT measures indicated a weak negative effect in healthy participants (ES = -0.116; 95% CI, -0.209 to -0.022, P = .015) and a strong positive effect in individuals with CAI (ES = 0.777; 95% CI, 0.418 to 1.136; P < .001). CONCLUSION: The current literature supports a strong effect of ankle braces on the SEBT/YBT in those with CAI. However, little to no dynamic balance changes were noted in healthy participants. Future research should include consistent ankle brace types, pathologic populations, and the examination of dynamic balance changes contribution to injury risk reduction.

Avulsion fracture of the distal fibula is associated with recurrent sprain after ankle sprain in children.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to clarify radiographic and clinical outcomes, as well as their association, of ankle sprain in children. METHODS: Patients who sustained a first-time ankle sprain were prospectively surveyed. Patients underwent radiography of the ankle in the mortise, lateral, anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), and calcaneofibular ligament views at the first clinic visit to assess avulsion fractures of the distal fibula. Patients with avulsion fractures underwent radiography after 8 weeks to assess bone union. The treatment method was not standardized and was determined by the patient, their parents, and the treating physician. Recurrent sprain and quality of life were evaluated by using the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire and reviewing the medical records of patients. The association between avulsion fracture and recurrent sprain was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 143 patients with a median age of 9 (range 6-12) years were analyzed. Avulsion fractures were present in 89 (62%) patients. The sensitivity of the ATFL view for the diagnosis of avulsion fractures was 0.94, whereas that for the anteroposterior and lateral views was significantly lower at 0.46 (P < 0.001). Only 17% of fractures united at 8 weeks. Of 114 (follow-up rate, 80%) patients who were followed up for a median period of 24 months, recurrent sprain occurred in 41 (36%) patients. The incidence rate was significantly higher in patients with avulsion fractures than in patients without the fractures (44 vs. 23%, P = 0.027). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, avulsion fracture was independently associated with recurrent sprain (P = 0.027). CONCLUSION: More than one-third of patients experienced recurrent sprain. The presence of avulsion fracture was associated with an increased risk of recurrent sprain. Patients with avulsion fracture and their parents should be informed about the risk of recurrent sprain and subsequent ankle instability, and careful follow-up is needed for these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The peroneal strength deficits in patients with chronic ankle instability compared to ankle sprain copers and normal individuals.

BACKGROUND: Despite a consensus regarding the correlation of peroneal strength deficit with chronic ankle instability (CAI), there are conflicting reports in regards to peroneal strength as assessed by isokinetic dynamometer in patients with CAI. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes of isokinetic strength in patients with CAI compared to ankle sprain copers and normal individuals. METHODS: Forty-two patients (CAI group) with chronic ankle instability who were scheduled for the modified Broström procedure met inclusion criteria. Thirty-one ankle sprain copers (ASC group) who were eligible at 6 months after acute injury and 30 controls were recruited. The muscle strength associated with four motions of the ankle were evaluated using isokinetic dynamometer. RESULTS: Peak torque for inversion and eversion at 60°/s angular velocity were significantly lower in the CAI group compared to the ASC and control group (P=.004, P<.001, respectively). Deficit ratio of peak torque for eversion at 60°/s and 120°/s in the CAI group were 33.8% and 19.8%, respectively, which indicated significant side to side differences (both P<.001). The evertor/invertor strength ratio (0.59) for eversion at 60°/s was significantly lower in the CAI group (P<.001). CONCLUSION: As compared to the ankle sprain copers and normal individuals, patients with chronic ankle instability who were scheduled for modified Broström procedure demonstrated a significant weakness of isokinetic peroneal strength. Isokinetic muscular assessment can provide the useful preoperative informations regarding functional ankle instability focusing on peroneal weakness.

Evaluating low back pain in adolescents.

Low back pain in adolescents is a common complaint in primary care. With an average prevalence rate of 40%, adolescent low back pain correlates with greater healthcare use, higher incidences of adult back pain, and negative effects on overall well-being. A thorough history and physical examination can increase early detection and accurate diagnosis while ensuring the judicious use of diagnostic modalities. Although underlying serious pathology is rare in adolescents with low back pain, clinicians should recognize specific signs and symptoms that necessitate urgent evaluation and intervention. This article emphasizes the value of using a thorough history and physical examination to guide the initial diagnostic workup and to enhance the early detection and accurate diagnosis of adolescents who present with low back pain.

The high frequency of superior labrum, biceps tendon, and superior rotator cuff pathologies in patients with subscapularis tears: A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of superior labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions, long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) pathologies, and superior rotator cuff tears accompanying subscapularis tears. We hypothesised that LHBT lesions, superior rotator cuff tears, and especially SLAP lesions were very frequent with subscapularis tears. METHODS: The digital files of patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy were reviewed retrospectively. One hundred and eleven patients with subscapularis tears evident on surgery videos were examined. Superior labrum, LHBT, and superior rotator cuff lesions were investigated by the authors of this study. The statistical analyses were made with SPSS statistics software, and significance was set at P < 0.05 value. RESULTS: There were 111 patients with both subscapularis tears and surgery videos. The mean age was 58.09 ± 10.21, and 63.1% of the patients were female. 98.2% of the 111 patients had a SLAP lesion. 7.2% of those were SLAP I and 91% were SLAP II lesions while 1.8% were healthy. The 75.7% of the patients had a LHBT pathology, and 83.8% had superior cuff tear. CONCLUSIONS: Subscapularis tears were almost always accompanied by SLAP lesions. On the other hand, biceps tendon pathologies and superior rotator cuff tears were also very frequent with subscapularis tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level IV (retrospective cohort study).

[Fractures of the anterior process of the calcaneus-frequently overlooked injuries following ankle sprains]. / Frakturen des Processus anterior calcanei ­ häufig übersehene Verletzungen nach Sprunggelenkdistorsion.

Fractures to the anterior process of the calcaneus (PAC) have long been considered rare injuries and have received little attention in clinical research. On the contrary, recent studies have reported a distinct higher incidence, especially following ankle sprains. Decisive reasons are that fractures of the PAC are regularly missed on plain radiographs and that a clinical differentiation from injuries to the lateral ankle ligaments is difficult. With the broad availability of cross-sectional imaging modalities fractures of the PAC are diagnosed more frequently and more reliably. The purpose of this review is to give an overview on the diagnostics, classification and treatment recommendations to this topic and discuss the studies available. To date no evidence-based recommendations are available for the treatment of fractures of the PAC. The few case reports and case series published, predominantly recommend conservative treatment; however, the treatment regimens vary considerably, ranging from immobilization in a lower leg cast (2-10 weeks) to early functional treatment with full weight-bearing. The surgical treatment by open reduction and internal fixation has been described primarily for large dislocated fractures. Surgical excision is considered mainly in cases of persistent pain or symptomatic non-union following non-operative treatment. For both, non-operative and operative treatment, the case reports and case series report satisfactory outcomes for the majority of patients. Nevertheless, comparative studies and patient-rated outcome measures are missing. Therefore, evidence-based recommendations cannot be given.

Pseudoaneurysms after Ankle Sprain: Report of Three Cases Successfully Cured by Nonsurgical Treatment.

Pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of ankle sprain, with 18 case reports published in the current literature. In the vast majority of the cases, they were treated surgically. We present 3 cases of pseudoaneurysm following ankle sprain, treated by nonsurgical methods in 2 cases, and spontaneously healed in another. The diagnosis was made between 2 and 4 weeks after traumatism, by ultrasonography and arteriography in 2 cases, and only by ultrasonography in a third case. The pseudoaneurysms originated respectively from the perforating fibular artery, the dorsal pedis artery, and a lateral malleolar artery. Largest diameters of the pseudoaneurysms ranged from 2.4 to 6 cm. Patients were successfully treated by thrombin injection in a case and by coil embolization in another. Spontaneous thrombosis was demonstrated at follow-up in the third case. These cases suggest that a nonsurgical treatment can be considered for pseudoaneurysms complicating ankle sprains.

Association between Patient History and Physical Examination and Osteoarthritis after Ankle Sprain.

Structural abnormalities on MRI are frequent after an ankle sprain. To determine the association between patient history, physical examination and early osteoarthritis (OA) in patients after a previous ankle sprain, 98 patients with persistent complaints were selected from a cross-sectional study. Patient history taking and physical examination were applied and MRI was taken. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to test possible associations. Signs of OA (cartilage loss, osteophytes and bone marrow edema) were seen in the talocrural joint (TCJ) in 40% and the talonavicular joint (TNJ) in 49%. Multivariable analysis showed a significant positive association between swelling (OR 3.58, 95%CI 1.13;11.4), a difference in ROM of passive plantar flexion (OR 1.09, 95%CI 1.01;1.18) and bone edema in the TCJ. A difference in ROM of passive plantar flexion (OR 1.07, 95%CI 1.00;1.15) and pain at the end range of dorsiflexion/plantar flexion (OR 5.23, 95%CI 1.88;14.58) were associated with osteophytes in the TNJ. Pain at the end of dorsiflexion/plantar flexion, a difference in ROM of passive plantar flexion and swelling seem to be associated with features of OA (bone marrow edema, osteophytes) in the TCJ and TNJ. Our findings may guide physicians to predict structural joint abnormalities as signs of osteoarthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.

Peroneal electromechanical delay and fatigue in patients with chronic ankle instability.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic ankle instability (CAI) on electromechanical delay times (EMD) before and after fatigue. Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to CAI is essential for the development of effective rehabilitation programmes. It was hypothesized that patients with CAI will demonstrate prolonged EMD times compared to healthy subjects and that fatigue will cause greater increases in EMD times in the CAI group. METHODS: Twenty-one male volunteers participated in the study providing data on 16 ankles with CAI and 26 with no history of ankle injury. EMD was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer. Measurements were taken with the ankle in neutral (0°) and at 30° of inversion. All subjects followed an isokinetic fatigue protocol until eversion torque fell below 50 % of initial torque for three consecutive repetitions. A 2 × 2 × 2 ANOVA was used to calculate the effect of ankle status (CAI vs. healthy), fatigue, angle (0° vs. 30°) and their interactions on EMD. RESULTS: Fatigue caused a significant increase on EMD [non-fatigued: 122(29)ms vs. fatigue 155(54)ms; p < 0.001]. EMD times were shorter at 30° of inversion compared to neutral [neutral: 145(39)ms vs. 30° of inversion: 132(40)ms, p = 0.015]. An interaction effect for ankle status and angle was found (p = 0.026) with CAI ankles demonstrating longer EMD [CAI: 156(45)ms vs. healthy: 133(40)ms] in neutral but not at 30° of inversion [CAI: 133(46)ms vs. 132(33)ms]. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CAI had longer EMD times in neutral, but not when the ankle was placed in inversion. This suggests that rehabilitation programmes may be more effective when retraining occurs with the ankle in neutral position. It is likely that low EMD times prevent ankle acceleration at the beginning of the mechanism of injury, but they are less important when the ankle has already inverted at 30°. Both CAI and healthy subjects demonstrated longer EMD after fatigue, emphasizing the importance of proper conditioning in the prevention of delayed peroneal response and subsequent ankle injury. Improving resistance to fatigue of the peroneals may prove to be an effective prevention tool of ankle sprain recurrence in patients with CAI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Low Back Pain in Adolescents: A 1-Year Analysis of Eventual Diagnoses.

BACKGROUND: Back pain in adolescents is very common and often seen in the office for evaluation of potential spinal pathology. Pediatric back pain has often thought to be from serious identifiable causes such as spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, tumor, or infection. A follow-up analysis of adolescents initially presenting with back pain to their eventual subsequent diagnosis within 1 year has not been reported on a large scale with a national sample. METHODS: A national insurance database (PearlDiver Patient Records Database) was queried for ICD-9 codes to identify patients aged 10 to 19 years with back pain from 2007 to 2010. These patients were tracked for imaging obtained, and eventual development of subsequent associated spinal pathology diagnoses using CPT and ICD-9 codes for up to 1 year after initial presentation. RESULTS: A total of 215,592 adolescents were identified presenting with low back pain (LBP) from 2007 to 2010. Over 80% of adolescents with LBP had no identifiable diagnosis within 1 year. The most common associated subsequent diagnoses were lumbar strain/spasm (8.9%), followed by scoliosis (4.7%), lumbar degenerative disk disease (1.7%), and lumbar disk herniation (1.3%). The rates of all other diagnoses including spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, infection, tumor, and fracture had <1% association with LBP. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, adolescent LBP is a common diagnosis for which underlying serious pathology is rare. The most common diagnosis aside from strain or muscle spasm associated with LBP are scoliosis and degenerative disk disease. Pediatric orthopaedists often are consulted on patients with LBP and should always have high suspicion for potential serious spinal pathology, but should recognize the most common etiologies of back pain in adolescence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.

Peroneus Tertius Tendon Tear Causing Lateral Ankle Pain in a Child.

The peroneus tertius muscle arises in the anterior compartment of the leg and demonstrates significant morphologic variation. Its function is not yet clearly delineated. We present the case of a 12-year-old patient with an isolated tear of the peroneus tertius tendon that resulted in lateral based ankle pain. After surgical reconstruction, the patient's pain resolved, and he was able to return to his normal activities.

Long-term prognosis of acute lateral ankle ligamentous sprains: high incidence of recurrences and residual symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Acute lateral ankle ligamentous sprains (ALALS) are common injuries. This injury does not always have a favourable long-term outcome. Studies reporting the prognosis of ALALS after functional treatment are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prognosis of functionally treated ALALS, in terms of recurrent ALALS and residual symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Patients were recruited from 20 family practices, nine physical therapy practices, the emergency departments of a regional hospital and a university hospital. PATIENTS: Adult patients with an ALALS caused by an inversion trauma were invited to participate in this study 2.5-5 years after their initial injury. INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Functional treatment of the initial ALALS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Acute lateral ankle ligamentous sprain recurrences and residual symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients were included, with an average follow-up period after the initial ankle sprain of 204 weeks (range 150-274 weeks). Eight patients (18.1%) had reinjured their ankle. Explicit pain around the ankle joint at physical examination was experienced by 45.5%. Clinical symptoms of anterior ankle impingement were present in 25% (all athletes), with radiologically confirmed tibiotalar osteophyte bone formation in 82% of them. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of patients with ALALS experience recurrences and persistent symptoms after their initial ankle injury. The high percentage of patients with anterior ankle impingement syndromes illustrates the need for early assessment of this impairment in patients with persistent complaints.