In the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis by Percutaneous Perforation, Injectables Have No Added Value.

BACKGROUND: No single injection therapy has been proven to be superior in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. In most studies, the injection technique is not standardized, which makes it challenging to compare outcomes. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Does injection with autologous blood, dextrose, or needle perforation only at the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon origin produce better VAS pain scores during provocation testing at 5 months of follow-up? (2) Which percutaneous technique resulted in better secondary outcome measures: VAS during rest and activity, VAS during maximum grip, Oxford elbow score (OES), QuickDASH, Patient-related Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), or EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D)? METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized controlled trial performed from November 2015 to January 2020, 166 patients with lateral epicondylitis were included and assigned to one of the three treatment groups: autologous blood, dextrose, or perforation only. Complete follow-up data were available for the primary outcome measures at the 5-month follow-up interval for 77% (127 of 166) of patients. Injections of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon were conducted in an accurate and standardized way. The three groups did not differ in terms of key variables such as age, gender, duration of symptoms, smoking habits, pain medication, and physiotherapy use. Data were collected at baseline and 8 weeks, 5 months, and 1 year after treatment and compared among the groups. The primary endpoint was the VAS pain score with provocation at 5 months. Our secondary study outcomes were VAS pain scores during rest, after activity, and after maximum grip strength; functional recovery; and quality of life. Therefore, we report the VAS pain score (0 to 100, with higher scores representing more-severe pain, minimum clinically important difference [MCID] 10), OES (0 to 48, with higher scores representing more satisfactory joint function, MCID 10), QuickDASH (0 to 100, with higher scores representing more severe disability, MCID 5.3), PRTEE (0 to 100, with higher scores representing more pain or more disability, MCID 20), EQ-5D/QALY (EQ-5D sumscore 0 to 1, with the maximum score of 1 representing the best health state, MCID 0.04), and EQ-5D VAS (0 to 100, with higher scores representing the best health status, MCID 8). For analysis, one-way analysis of variance and a linear mixed-model analysis were used. The analyses were performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Four patients from the perforation group opted to crossover to autologous blood after 5 months. RESULTS: No injection therapy proved to be superior to any other in terms of VAS pain scores during the provocation test at 5 months of follow-up (VAS for perforation: 25 ± 31; autologous blood: 26 ± 27; dextrose: 29 ± 32; p = 0.35). For the secondary outcomes, only a clinically important difference was found for the QuickDASH score. Both the perforation-only group (-8 [98% CI -4 to -12]) and autologous blood (-7 points [98% CI -3 to -11]) had improved QuickDASH scores over time compared with the dextrose group (MCID 5.3; p < 0.01). For the other outcomes, no clinically important differences were found. CONCLUSION: There is no benefit to injectable autologous blood and dextrose over perforation alone to treat lateral epicondylitis, and they are therefore not indicated for this condition. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study.

Only Low Patients' Expectations Are Prognostic for Dissatisfaction With Performing Work-Related Knee-Straining Activities After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether preoperative expectations regarding performing work-related knee-straining activities were associated with being dissatisfied 6 months after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) among working patients, and, to identify prognostic factors for being dissatisfied with performing these work-related knee-straining activities. DESIGN: Multicenter prospective cohort study. SETTING: Orthopedic surgery departments of 7 hospitals in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: A consecutive sample of 175 working patients who were on the waiting list for TKA (median age 59 years, 53% women) and intended to return to work (N=175). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Dissatisfaction with performing work-related knee-straining activities 6 months postoperative was measured using the Work Osteoarthritis or joint-Replacement Questionnaire (score range 0-100). The clinically relevant cut-off points for being satisfied and dissatisfied were ≥71 and ≤50, respectively. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (19%) were dissatisfied with performing work-related knee-straining activities 6 months after TKA. Patients who expected to be dissatisfied preoperative had a 5.1 times higher odds (95% CI 1.7-15.5) of being dissatisfied 6 months postoperatively compared with patients who expected to be satisfied preoperative. Regression analyses revealed that only patients' expectations were prognostic for being dissatisfied 6 months postoperatively rather than age, pain level, or having a knee-straining job. CONCLUSIONS: Two in 10 working patients are dissatisfied with performing work-related knee-straining activities 6 months after TKA. Only preoperative patients' expectations appeared prognostic. Therefore, we should better prepare working patients with low expectations by managing their preoperative expectations and improving their performance of work-related knee-straining activities in rehabilitation.

Physical activity after revision knee arthroplasty including return to sport and work: a systematic review and meta-analysis including GRADE.

BACKGROUND: The number of primary knee arthroplasties (KAs) performed annually is rising, especially among active, working age patients. Consequently, revision KA is also increasingly performed. Our aim was to systematically review the extent to which patients were physically active following revision KA, and the rate and timing of return to sport and work. METHODS: A search was conducted in the databases Medline and Embase until February 24th, 2023. Studies describing patients with revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) or revision unicondylar knee arthroplasty (rUKA), with outcomes regarding physical activity or return to sport (RTS) or work (RTW) were included. Quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). RESULTS: Of the 4,314 articles screened, 22 studies were included describing 2,462 rTKA patients (no rUKA), 42% were male with a mean age of 67 years (range 24 - 95). No studies reported objective physical activity measurements. Twenty-two studies reported patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). The PROMs that were pooled on a scale from zero to ten were the UCLA Activity Score, the Tegner Activity Level Scale, the Lower-Extremity Activity Scale, Devane Activity Score, and physical activity related subscales of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. The retrospective studies of moderate quality showed a statistically significant postoperative improvement of 1.7 points (MD = 1.71, 95% CI 1.48 - 1.94 (p < 0.0001); 14 studies, n = 1,211). For the prospective moderate-quality studies, a statistically significant postoperative increase of 0.9 points was found (MD = 0.89, 95% CI 0.48 - 1.30 (p < 0.0001); 6 studies, n = 1,027). Regarding RTS, 12% of patients participated in so-called 'non-recommended' activities (i.e., hockey, soccer, football, gymnastics, jogging, singles tennis, and basketball) after rTKA (1 study, n = 206). The pooled RTW was 86% (2 studies, range 18-95%, n = 234). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients self-reported an improved postoperative activity level after rTKA. Patients could maintain an active lifestyle in daily life, including sports and work. For reliable physical activity, RTS and RTW estimations, more studies are required. In terms of GRADE, the quality of evidence for the five prospective studies was rated as low. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

(Cost-)effectiveness of a personalized multidisciplinary eHealth intervention for knee arthroplasty patients to enhance return to activities of daily life, work and sports - rationale and protocol of the multicentre ACTIVE randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: With the worldwide rising obesity epidemic and the aging population, it is essential to deliver (cost-)effective care that results in enhanced societal participation among knee arthroplasty patients. The purpose of this study is to describe the development, content, and protocol of our (cost-)effectiveness study that assesses a perioperative integrated care program, including a personalized eHealth app, for knee arthroplasty patients aimed to enhance societal participation post-surgery compared to care as usual. METHODS: The intervention will be tested in a multicentre randomized controlled trial with eleven participating Dutch medical centers (i.e., hospitals and clinics). Working patients on the waiting-list for a total- or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with the intention to return to work after surgery will be included. After pre-stratification on medical centre with or without eHealth as usual care, operation procedure (total- or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty) and recovery expectations regarding return to work, randomization will take place at the patient-level. A minimum of 138 patients will be included in both the intervention and control group, 276 in total. The control group will receive usual care. On top of care as usual, patients in the intervention group will receive an intervention consisting of three components: 1) a personalized eHealth intervention called ikHerstel ('I Recover') including an activity tracker, 2) goal setting using goal attainment scaling to improve rehabilitation and 3) a referral to a case-manager. Our main outcome is quality of life, based on patient-reported physical functioning (using PROMIS-PF). (Cost-)effectiveness will be assessed from a healthcare and societal perspective. Data collection has been started in 2020 and is expected to finish in 2024. DISCUSSION: Improving societal participation for knee arthroplasty is relevant for patients, health care providers, employers and society. This multicentre randomized controlled trial will evaluate the (cost-)effectiveness of a personalized integrated care program for knee arthroplasty patients, consisting of effective intervention components based on previous studies, compared to care as usual. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trialsearch.who.int; reference no. NL8525, reference date version 1: 14-04-2020.

Protocol for a multicenter study on effectiveness and economics of the Back At work After Surgery (BAAS): a clinical pathway for knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Optimizing return to work (RTW) after knee arthroplasty (KA) is becoming increasingly important due to a growing incidence of KA and poor RTW outcomes after KA. We developed the Back At work After Surgery (BAAS) clinical pathway for optimized RTW after KA. Since the effectiveness and cost analysis of the BAAS clinical pathway are still unknown, analysis on effectiveness and costs of BAAS is imperative. METHOD: This protocol paper has been written in line with the standards of Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trails. To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness for RTW, we will perform a multicenter prospective cohort study with patients who decided to receive a total KA (TKA) or an unicompartmental KA (UKA). To evaluate the effectiveness of BAAS regarding RTW, a comparison to usual care will be made using individual patient data on RTW from prospectively performed cohort studies in the Netherlands. DISCUSSION: One of the strengths of this study is that the feasibility for the BAAS clinical pathway was tested at first hand. Also, we will use validated questionnaires and functional tests to assess the patient's recovery using robust outcomes. Moreover, the intervention was performed in two hospitals serving the targeted patient group and to reduce selection bias and improve generalizability. The limitations of this study protocol are that the lead author has an active role as a medical case manager (MCM) in one of the hospitals. Additionally, we will use the data from other prospective Dutch cohort studies to compare our findings regarding RTW to usual care. Since we will not perform an RCT, we will use propensity analysis to reduce the bias due to possible differences between these cohorts. TRAIL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrails.gov ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05690347 , date of first registration: 19-01-2023).

'Wait , let me tell you, if I worked for a boss, I would be on sick leave': A Qualitative Study of Self-Employed Workers in Physically Demanding Jobs in the Netherlands.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of self-employed workers with a physically demanding job on work participation. METHODS: We interviewed self-employed workers with a physically demanding job, using semi-structured interviews, which were audio recorded. The main topic addressed was the workers' health in relation with their work participation, work demands, and preventive measures. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded by three team members of the research team in several steps. We used the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist to report our findings. RESULTS: We interviewed 18 self-employed workers: 83% male, 49 years (SD 7), self-employed for 18 years (SD 9) and the majority (n = 14) worked in the construction sector. Thematic analysis revealed facilitators and barriers for work participation across three main themes: personal factors, work factors, and healthcare. Personal factors compassed sub-themes such as health and financial consequences. Work factors included sub-themes related to work demands and adaptations and healthcare encompassed sub-themes associated with work-related care and medication. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative study that investigated the perspectives of self-employed workers in physically demanding jobs regarding work participation. While most facilitators and barriers were consistent with those described in the literature for employees, certain factors, such as financial consequences of ceasing work, emerged important factors for work participation among self-employed workers.

Work-relatedness of lateral epicondylitis: Systematic review including meta-analysis and GRADE work-relatedness of lateral epicondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder in workers, often associated with physically demanding work. Knowledge of work-relatedness of LE is crucial to develop appropriate preventive measures. This study investigates the prospective association between work-related physical risk factors and LE. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted in MedLine using PubMed from January 1, 2010 until February 16, 2021. Published reports were included if: (1) LE was clinically assessed, (2) exposure to work-related physical risk factors was assessed, and (3) associations between LE and work-related physical risk factors were reported in prospective studies. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation. RESULTS: In total, 318 workers with LE from a population of 5036 workers in five studies were included. Meta-analyses revealed high-quality evidence for associations between LE and a Strain Index (SI) score >5.1 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-2.78) and moderate-quality evidence for forearm rotation >4 h/day or forearm rotation ≥45° for ≥45% time (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.10-3.10). Gripping, flexion and extension of the wrist, and repetitive movements showed no significant associations with LE. CONCLUSION: High-quality evidence was found indicating that a higher SI increased the risk of LE. Moderate-quality evidence was found for an association between forearm rotation and LE. No associations were found between other physical risk factors and LE. Primary preventive interventions should focus on a reduction of the SI and of high forearm rotation in work.

The economic burden of knee and hip osteoarthritis: absenteeism and costs in the Dutch workforce.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to quantify the absenteeism costs of knee and hip osteoarthritis in the Netherlands for the Dutch workforce and specific groups of workers. METHODS: We used a longitudinal, dynamic database from a large occupational health service in which occupational physicians register information about personal information and sick leave of workers with the diagnosis of knee- and/or hip osteoarthritis. We included all employees aged 15 to 75 years performing paid work and diagnosed with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis. Costs were calculated annually and per episode for different subgroups from an employer's perspective using the Human Capital Approach. In the Netherlands, the employer has to pay 70% of the employee's wage out of pocket for the first two years of sick leave and also for the occupational health care. In this way, employers receive information about the costs of workers on sick leave due to knee or hip osteoarthritis. This might stimulate investments in targeted prevention and work-directed care. RESULTS: For the period 2015-2017, 1399 workers fulfilled the inclusion criteria. An average sick leave episode of knee osteoarthritis had a duration of 186 calendar days and was associated with €15,550 in costs. For hip osteoarthritis these data were 159 calendar days and €12,482 in costs. These costs are particularly high among male workers and workers with a higher number of weekly working hours. The average annual costs for the Dutch workforce due to sick leave for knee and hip osteoarthritis were €26.9 million and €13.8 million, respectively. Sick leave costs decreased for hip and not for knee osteoarthritis during 2015-2017. CONCLUSIONS: Annual sick leave costs due to knee and hip osteoarthritis are about €40 million for the Dutch workforce and approximately twice as high for knee compared to hip osteoarthritis. Average costs per sick leave episode are particularly high among male workers and workers with a higher number of weekly working hours.

Editorial Commentary: Timely Surgery, Optimizing Perioperative Care, and Prospective Data Collection Are Next Steps to Improving Return to Sport and Work Outcomes After Knee Osteotomy.

Knee osteotomy is a valuable treatment option for younger knee osteoarthritis patients. Improved surgical techniques, including double-level osteotomies to address femoral and tibial malalignment, have led to reappreciation of this joint-sparing alternative to knee arthroplasty. Yet, postoperative ability to resume sport and work at the desired level needs further improvement. We believe that timely surgery, optimized perioperative care, including evidence-based advice for resumption of activities, and prospective data collection are interesting next steps in this process.

Large variability in recommendations for return to daily life activities after knee arthroplasty among Dutch hospitals and clinics: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recommendations concerning the return to daily life activities, including work and sport, after knee arthroplasty (KA) are essential for setting realistic patient expectations. Fulfillment of these expectations contributes to more satisfaction and enhanced recovery after KA. However, scientific evidence for such recommendations is limited, and recommendations are often based only on healthcare professionals' expert opinions. We summarized the current recommendations regarding return to daily life activities provided by Dutch hospitals and clinics to KA patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Recommendations of 43 Dutch hospitals and clinics were identified, representing the advice provided to 70% of the total Dutch KA patients. Recommendations were retrieved from content from websites (n = 8), brochures (n = 40), and mobile phone applications (n = 9). RESULTS: Recommendations for 24 daily life activities were identified. Individual hospitals and clinics provided recommendations for, on average, 9 (0-15) of these activities. Recommendations varied greatly. For example, recommendations regarding when to resume cycling after KA were provided by 36 of the 43 hospitals and clinics and varied from 3 weeks to 3 months. INTERPRETATION: Recommendations for return to daily life activities are often missing and vary considerably between Dutch hospitals and clinics. These findings show the need for more uniformity across healthcare providers regarding recommendations for postoperative return to daily life activities.

Diagnostic criteria for musculoskeletal disorders for use in occupational healthcare or research: a scoping review of consensus- and synthesised-based case definitions.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify case definitions of diagnostic criteria for specific musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for use in occupational healthcare, surveillance or research. METHODS: A scoping review was performed in Medline and Web of Science from 2000 to 2020 by an international team of researchers and clinicians, using the Arksey and O'Malley framework to identify case definitions based on expert consensus or a synthesis of the literature. Seven MSDs were considered: non-specific low back pain (LBP), lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS), subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), lateral or medial elbow tendinopathy, and knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). Case definitions for occupational healthcare or research were charted according to symptoms, signs and instrumental assessment of signs, and if reported, on work-related exposure criteria. RESULTS: In total, 2404 studies were identified of which 39 were included. Fifteen studies (38%) reported on non-specific LBP, followed by knee OA (n = 8;21%) and CTS (n = 8;21%). For non-specific LBP, studies agreed in general on which symptoms (i.e., pain in lower back) and signs (i.e., absence of red flags) constituted a case definition while for the other MSDs considerable heterogeneity was found. Only two studies (5%), describing case definitions for LBP, CTS, and SAPS and lateral and medial elbow tendinopathy respectively, included work-related exposure criteria in their clinical assessment. CONCLUSION: We found that studies on non-specific LBP agreed in general on which symptoms and signs constitute a case definition, while considerable heterogeneity was found for the other MSDs. For prevention of work-related MSDs, these MSD case definitions should preferably include work-related exposure criteria.

Towards harmonisation of case definitions for eight work-related musculoskeletal disorders - an international multi-disciplinary Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: International consensus is needed on case definitions of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and diseases (MSDs) for use in epidemiological research. We aim to: 1) study what information is needed for the case definition of work-related low back pain (LBP), lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS), subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), lateral and medial elbow tendinopathy, and knee and hip osteoarthritis, and to 2) seek consensus among occupational health professionals/researchers regarding the case definitions of these work-related MSDs. METHODS: A two-round Delphi study was conducted with occupational health professionals/researchers from 24 countries. Definition of work-related MSDs were composed of a case definition with work exposures. Round 1 included 32 case definitions and round 2, 60 case definitions. After two rounds, consensus required 75% of the panellists to rate a case definition including work exposures ≥7 points on a 9-point rating scale (completely disagree/completely agree). RESULTS: Fifty-eight panellists completed both rounds (response rate 90%). Forty-five (70%) panellists thought that for LBP a case definition can be based on symptoms only. Consensus was only reached for work-related medial elbow tendinopathy, while the lowest agreement was found for knee osteoarthritis. Where consensus was not reached, this was - except for LBP - related to physical examination and imaging rather than disagreement on key symptoms. CONCLUSION: Consensus on case definitions was reached only for work-related medial elbow tendinopathy. Epidemiological research would benefit from harmonized case definitions for all MSDs including imaging and physical examination for LRS, SAPS, CTS, lateral elbow tendinopathy and hip and knee osteoarthritis.

Patients return to work sooner after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty than after total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: It is not yet known if unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) patients are more likely to return to work sooner or have improved ability to work (i.e., workability) than total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. The following questions were addressed: patients were assessed to determine: (1) whether they returned to work sooner following UKA compared to TKA; (2) whether UKA patients had better WORQ function scores compared to TKA patients; and (3) if UKA patients have higher workability scores and greater satisfaction regarding workability than TKA patients. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed that included patients at least 2 years after having undergone either UKA or TKA surgery and on the condition that patients had been in work in the 2 years prior to surgery. Time period between stopping work and returning to work was assessed; the WORQ scores (0 = worst-100 = best) and the Work Ability Index (WAI = 0-10) and reported satisfaction with work ability. RESULTS: UKA patients (n = 157, median 60 years, 51% male) were compared to TKA patients (n = 167, median 60 years, 49% male) (n.s.). Of the 157 UKA patients, 115 (73%) returned to work within 2 years compared to 121 (72%) of TKA patients (n.s.). More UKA patients return to work within 3 months (73% versus 48%) (p < 0.01). WORQ scores improved similarly in both groups. The WAI was also comparable between the groups. Dissatisfaction with workability was comparable (UKA 15% versus TKA 18% (n.s.). CONCLUSION: TKA and UKA patients have similar WORQ, WAI, and satisfaction scores. However, in this study population, UKA patients to return to work after surgery significantly sooner than TKA patients, which improves their quality of life and allows them to participate actively in society. This information can help health care providers and patients weigh-up the pros and cons and choose the best treatment and timing for patients in the working population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Does Activity-Based Rehabilitation With Goal Attainment Scaling Increase Physical Activity Among Younger Knee Arthroplasty Patients? Results From the Randomized Controlled ACTION Trial.

BACKGROUND: Especially in younger knee osteoarthritis patients, the ability to perform physical activity (PA) after knee arthroplasty (KA) is of paramount importance, given many patients' wish to return to work and perform demanding leisure time activities. Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) rehabilitation after KA may improve PA because it uses individualized activity goals. Therefore, our aim was to objectively quantify PA changes after KA and to compare GAS-based rehabilitation to standard rehabilitation. METHODS: Data were obtained from the randomized controlled ACTION trial, which compares standard rehabilitation with GAS-based rehabilitation after total and unicompartmental KA in patients <65 years of age. At 2 time points, preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, 120 KA patients wore a validated 3-dimensional accelerometer for 1 consecutive week. Data were classified as sedentary (lying, sitting), standing, and active (walking, cycling, running). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare PA changes over time. RESULTS: Complete data were obtained for 97 patients (58% female), with a mean age of 58 years (±4.8). For the total group, we observed a significant increase in PA of 9 minutes (±37) per day (P = .01) and significant decrease in sedentary time of 20 minutes (±79) per day (P = .02). There was no difference in standing time (P = .11). There was no difference between the control group and the intervention group regarding changes in PA, nor between the total KA group and the unicompartmental KA group. CONCLUSION: We found a small but significant increase in overall PA after KA, but no difference between GAS-based rehabilitation and standard rehabilitation. Likely, enhanced multidisciplinary perioperative strategies are needed to further improve PA after KA.

Non-surgical treatment before hip and knee arthroplasty remains underutilized with low satisfaction regarding performance of work, sports, and leisure activities.

Background and purpose - Guidelines for managing hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) advise extensive non-surgical treatment prior to surgery. We evaluated what percentage of hip and knee OA patients received non-surgical treatment prior to arthroplasty, and assessed patient satisfaction regarding alleviation of symptoms and performance of activities. Patients and methods - A multi-center cross-sectional study was performed in 2018 among 186 patients who were listed for hip or knee arthroplasty or had undergone surgery within the previous 6 months in the Netherlands. Questions concerned non-surgical treatments received according to the Stepped Care Strategy and were compared with utilization in 2013. Additionally, satisfaction with treatment effects for pain, swelling, stiffness, and activities of daily life, work, and sports/leisure was questioned. Results - The questionnaire was completed by 175 patients, age 66 years (range 38-84), 57% female, BMI 29 (IQR 25-33). Step 1 treatments, such as acetaminophen and lifestyle advice, were received by 79% and 60% of patients. Step 2 treatments, like exercise-based therapy and diet therapy, were received by 66% and 19%. Step 3-intra-articular injection-was received by 47%. Non-surgical treatment utilization was lower than in 2013. Nearly all treatments showed more satisfied patients regarding pain relief and fewer regarding activities of work/sports/leisure. Hip and knee OA patients were mostly satisfied with NSAIDs for all outcomes, while exercise-based therapy was rated second best. Interpretation - Despite international guideline recommendations, non-surgical treatment for hip and knee OA remains underutilized in the Netherlands. Of the patients referred for arthroplasty, more were satisfied with the effect of non-surgical treatment on pain than on work/sports/leisure participation.

Damage of the distal radial physis in young gymnasts: can three-dimensional assessment of physeal volume on MRI serve as a biomarker?

OBJECTIVE: To explore the use of quantitative volume assessment to identify the presence and extent of stress-related changes of the distal radial physis in gymnasts with suspected physeal injury, asymptomatic gymnasts, and non-gymnasts. METHODS: Symptomatic gymnasts with clinically suspected distal radial physeal injury, asymptomatic gymnasts, and non-gymnasts (n = 69) were included and matched on skeletal age and sex. Volume measurements were performed on coronal water selective cartilage MRI images by creating three-dimensional physeal reconstructions semi-automatically using active-contour segmentation based on image-intensity thresholding. Inter- and intra-rater reliability of the measurements were assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) for absolute agreement. RESULTS: Twenty-seven symptomatic-, 18 asymptomatic-, and 24 non-gymnasts were included with a median age of 13.9 years (interquartile range (IQR) 13.0-15.0 years). Median physeal volume was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in symptomatic- (971 mm3, IQR 787-1237 mm3) and asymptomatic gymnasts (951 mm3, IQR 871-1004 mm3) compared with non-gymnasts (646 mm3, IQR 538-795 mm3). Inter-rater (ICC 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-0.98) and intra-rater (ICC 0.93, 95% CI 0.85-0.97) reliability of volume measurements were excellent. Of the 10 participants with the highest physeal volumes, nine were symptomatic gymnasts. CONCLUSION: Increased volume of the distal radial physis can reliably be assessed and is a sign of physeal stress that can be present in both symptomatic- and asymptomatic gymnasts, but gymnasts with suspected physeal injury showed larger volume increases. Future studies should explore if volume assessment can be used to (early) identify athletes with or at risk for physeal stress injuries of the wrist. KEY POINTS: • The volume of the distal radial physis can be reliably assessed by creating three-dimensional physeal reconstructions. • Stress-related volume increase of the distal radial physis is present in symptomatic and asymptomatic gymnasts. • Gymnasts with clinically suspected physeal injury showed larger volume increases compared with asymptomatic gymnasts and may therefore be a valuable addition in the (early) diagnostic workup of physeal stress injuries.

A hidden mismatch between experiences of young athletes with overuse injuries of the wrist and sports physicians' perceptions: a focus group study.

BACKGROUND: Although overuse wrist injuries can have serious consequences, young athletes often do not immediately report their injury to a physician. This qualitative study aimed to identify symptoms and limitations related to overuse wrist injuries that young athletes consider important and to compare those with sports physicians' opinions, in order to improve the diagnostic process for early identification of overuse wrist injuries. METHODS: Twenty-one athletes aged 13-25 years in wrist-loading sports (gymnastics, tennis, judo, field hockey, volleyball and rowing) with a (previous) overuse wrist injury were included. In five focus groups, participants discussed important signals and limitations of their injury, as well as a list of relevant items previously composed by sports physicians. Data were grouped into themes and (sub)categories and subsequently coded. RESULTS: Of the resulting 224 signals and 80 limitations, respectively 81 and 20 were labelled important. Athletes considered both pain and limitations during daily life activities important indicators of overuse wrist injury, as well as long pain duration, acute onset of pain, and accompanying symptoms like swelling, cracking and discoloration. All of the sports physicians' items were also considered important by the athletes, but sport-related pain and limitations were regarded by many athletes as a natural part of their sport. CONCLUSIONS: Discrepancies exist between the opinions of young athletes and sports physicians on sport-related pain reporting and competing regardless of pain or limitations. Although clinicians may be inclined to focus on these aspects, they are advised to also inquire specifically about limitations and pain during daily life activities in young athletes with overuse wrist injuries.

Effectiveness of standardized ultrasound guided percutaneous treatment of lateral epicondylitis with application of autologous blood, dextrose or perforation only on pain: a study protocol for a multi-center, blinded, randomized controlled trial with a 1 year follow up.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis (LE) no single intervention concerning injection therapies has been proven to be the most effective with regard to pain reduction. In this trial 3 injection therapies (perforation with application of autologous blood, perforation with application of dextrose and perforation only) will be compared in a standardized and ultrasound guided way. The objective is to assess the effectiveness of these 3 injection therapies on pain, quality of life and functional recovery. By conducting this study, we hope to make a statement on the effectiveness of injection therapy in the treatment of LE. Hereby, unnecessary treatments can be avoided, a more universal method of treatment can be established and the quality of the treatment can be improved. METHODS/DESIGN: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial with a superiority design and 12 months follow-up will be conducted in four Dutch hospitals. One hundred sixty five patients will be recruited in the age of 18 to 65 years, with chronic symptomatic lateral epicondylitis lasting longer than 6 weeks, which have concordant pain during physical examination. Patients will be randomized by block randomization to one of the three treatment arms. The treatment will be blinded for patients and outcome assessors. The following three injection therapies are compared: perforation with application of autologous blood, perforation with application of dextrose and perforation only. Injections will be performed ultrasound guided in a standardized and automated way. The primary endpoint is: pain (change in 'Visual Analogue Scale'). Secondary endpoints are quality of life and functional recovery. These measurements are collected at baseline, 8 weeks, 5 months and 1 year after treatment. DISCUSSION: When completed, this trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness of injection therapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis on pain, quality of life and functional recovery. In current literature proper comparison of the effectiveness of injectables for LE is questionable, due to the lack of standardization of the treatment. This study will overcome bias due to manually performed injection therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered in the Trial Register ( www.trialregister.nl ) of the Dutch Cochrane centre. Trial ID; NTR4569. http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=4569.

Eight respectively nine out of ten patients return to sport and work after distal femoral osteotomy.

PURPOSE: Distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) is a well-accepted procedure for the treatment of femoral deformities and associated symptoms including osteoarthritis, especially in younger and physically active patients in whom knee arthroplasty is undesirable. Still, there is an apparent need for evidence on relevant patient outcomes, including return to sport (RTS) and work (RTW), to further justify the use of knee osteotomy instead of surgical alternatives. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the extent and timing of patients' RTS and RTW after DFO. METHODS: This monocentre, retrospective cohort study included consecutive DFO patients, operated between 2012 and 2015. Out of 126 eligible patients (18-70 years, 63% female), all patients responded, and 100 patients completed the questionnaire. Median follow-up was 3.4 years (range 1.5-5.2). The predominant indication for surgery was symptomatic unicompartmental osteoarthritis and valgus or varus leg alignment caused by a femoral deformity. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of RTS and RTW. Secondary outcome measures included time to RTS/RTW, sports level and frequency, the median pre-symptomatic and postoperative Tegner activity score (1-10, higher is more active) and the postoperative Lysholm score (0-100, higher is better). RESULTS: Out of 84 patients participating in sports preoperatively, 65 patients (77%) returned to sport postoperatively. Forty-six patients (71%) returned to sports within 6 months. Postoperative participation in high-impact sports was possible though less frequent compared to preoperative participation. Out of 80 patients working preoperatively, 73 (91%) returned to work postoperatively, of whom 59 patients (77%) returned within 6 months. The median pre-symptomatic Tegner activity score [4.0 (range 0-10)] was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than the reported Tegner score at follow-up [3.0 (range 0-10)]. The mean Lysholm score at follow-up was 68 (± 22). No significant differences were found between the osteoarthritis- and non-osteoarthritis group. CONCLUSION: Eight out of ten patients return to sport and nine out of ten patients return to work after DFO. These are clinically relevant findings, because they further justify DFO as a surgical alternative to KA in young, active knee OA patients who wish to return to high activity levels. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study, Level III.