The 2016 QSM Challenge: Lessons learned and considerations for a future challenge design.

PURPOSE: The 4th International Workshop on MRI Phase Contrast and QSM (2016, Graz, Austria) hosted the first QSM Challenge. A single-orientation gradient recalled echo acquisition was provided, along with COSMOS and the χ33 STI component as ground truths. The submitted solutions differed more than expected depending on the error metric used for optimization and were generally over-regularized. This raised (unanswered) questions about the ground truths and the metrics utilized. METHODS: We investigated the influence of background field remnants by applying additional filters. We also estimated the anisotropic contributions from the STI tensor to the apparent susceptibility to amend the χ33 ground truth and to investigate the impact on the reconstructions. Lastly, we used forward simulations from the COSMOS reconstruction to investigate the impact noise had on the metric scores. RESULTS: Reconstructions compared against the amended STI ground truth returned lower errors. We show that the background field remnants had a minor impact in the errors. In the absence of inconsistencies, all metrics converged to the same regularization weights, whereas structural similarity index metric was more insensitive to such inconsistencies. CONCLUSION: There was a mismatch between the provided data and the ground truths due to the presence of unaccounted anisotropic susceptibility contributions and noise. Given the lack of reliable ground truths when using in vivo acquisitions, simulations are suggested for future QSM Challenges.

3D T 2-weighted imaging at 7T using dynamic kT-points on single-transmit MRI systems.

OBJECTIVES: For turbo spin echo (TSE) sequences to be useful at ultra-high field, they should ideally employ an RF pulse train compensated for the B 1 (+) inhomogeneity. Previously, it was shown that a single kT-point pulse designed in the small tip-angle regime can replace all the pulses of the sequence (static kT-points). This work demonstrates that the B 1 (+) dependence of T 2-weighted imaging can be further mitigated by designing a specific kT-point pulse for each pulse of a 3D TSE sequence (dynamic kT-points) even on single-channel transmit systems MATERIALS AND METHODS: By combining the spatially resolved extended phase graph formalism (which calculates the echo signals throughout the sequence) with a gradient descent algorithm, dynamic kT-points were optimized such that the difference between the simulated signal and a target was minimized at each echo. Dynamic kT-points were inserted into the TSE sequence to acquire in vivo images at 7T. RESULTS: The improvement provided by the dynamic kT-points over the static kT-point design and conventional hard pulses was demonstrated via simulations. Images acquired with dynamic kT-points showed systematic improvement of signal and contrast at 7T over regular TSE-especially in cerebellar and temporal lobe regions without the need of parallel transmission. CONCLUSION: Designing dynamic kT-points for a 3D TSE sequence allows the acquisition of T 2-weighted brain images on a single-transmit system at ultra-high field with reduced dropout and only mild residual effects due to the B 1 (+) inhomogeneity.

Is it Time to Consider Quaternary Injury Prevention in Sports?

Prevention has traditionally been categorized into three main areas: primary, secondary, and tertiary. In this Current Opinion, we present and discuss the concept of quaternary prevention in sports. Quaternary prevention aims to protect individuals from interventions that likely cause more harm than good, such as overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and overmedication. It includes preventing all types of harm associated with training and clinical interventions. Therefore, any sports injury prevention model or strategy should acknowledge the risks associated with training-related (i.e., overreaching and overuse) and clinical-related (i.e., overdiagnosis, over medicalization, and overtreatment) features. We propose a conceptual framework that integrates quaternary prevention into the contemporary injury prevention models in sports, taking into account that injury prevention is just one branch of the managerial, decision-making, and active hazard control process of risk management that athletes, coaches, and health and performance staff need to deal with. Therefore, we argue that integrating the concept of quaternary prevention into any form of prevention will significantly protect athletes from excessive, inappropriate, and ethically questionable interventions that may likely cause more harm than good.

The perception of injury risk and prevention among football players: A systematic review.

Football is associated with a certain risk of injury, leading to short- and long-term health consequences. However, the perception of football players about injury risk and prevention strategies is poorly documented. The present article reviewed the literature about perceptions, beliefs, attitudes and knowledge toward injury risk and prevention strategies in football players. An electronic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and APA PsychINFO until July 2022. Studies were eligible if they included the perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge about injury risk and prevention in football players from any competitive level. The risk of bias was assessed in included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. A total of 14 studies were included. Most football players agreed that their risk of injury is high and prevention strategies are important, however they do not intend to use some of these strategies. The most frequent perceived injury risk factors were low muscle strength, lack of physical fitness, fatigue, excessive training and type and condition of surfaces. The most frequent perceived injury prevention factors were warm-up, workload monitoring and strength and conditioning training. It is essential to acknowledge perceived injury risk factors, as well as a better understanding of how coaching and medical departments' perceptions match with players' perceptions, and a modification in the perceptions of the several stakeholders at different levels of action.

Beware of regression of electrocardiographic abnormalities on detraining - It may not always mean 'athlete's heart'.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the main causes of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Differentiating between this pathological condition and 'athlete's heart' can be quite challenging, warranting a thorough clinical and imaging assessment. Clinicians often rely on detraining-induced attenuation of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings as a means of distinguishing between pathological and physiological cardiac remodeling. This report describes detraining-related regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in a young soccer player with a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It challenges the dogma that regression of electrocardiographic abnormalities and left ventricular hypertrophy is exclusive to physiological remodeling and questions the impact of exercise training in the phenotypic expression and progression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Beware of regression of electrocardiographic abnormalities on detraining - It may not always mean 'athlete's heart'.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the main causes of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Differentiating between this pathological condition and 'athlete's heart' can be quite challenging, warranting a thorough clinical and imaging assessment. Clinicians often rely on detraining-induced attenuation of electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings as a means of distinguishing between pathological and physiological cardiac remodeling. This report describes detraining-related regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in a young soccer player with a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It challenges the dogma that regression of electrocardiographic abnormalities and left ventricular hypertrophy is exclusive to physiological remodeling and questions the impact of exercise training in the phenotypic expression and progression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Study on Overload Injuries during Periods of Intense Physical Activity Complemented by Isokinetic Dynamometry Evaluation.

Objective The present study aims to measure the incidence of overload injuries in training soldiers, who are subjected to intense physical exercise, and to compare it with a control group. Next, it intends to verify whether there is any relationship between overload injuries and some neuromuscular function parameters. Methods Analytical, prospective observational study. Both the observational and the control group consisted of soldiers from the Portuguese Army. Clinical evaluation was performed by medical interview in the week prior to the beginning of a military parachuting course and in the week immediately after its completion. The neuromuscular performance was assessed by isokinetic dynamometry during the medical interview. Results With 44 of the 57 military personnel in training complaining of pain, the observational group had significantly more injuries than the control group ( p < 0.001). Five complaints had traumatic origin and 39 were overload injuries. Of the 39 military personnel with overload injuries, 21 reported limited sports performance. However, isokinetic dynamometry showed no statistically significant differences in neuromuscular performance ( p = 0.223 and p = 0.229). Conclusion Military personnel in training are prone to overload injuries, with an incidence rate > 70%. The implementation of strategies for injury monitoring and prevention is critical to promote health and physical capacity.

Bilateral knee dislocation with associated bilateral popliteal arterial injury.

Tibiofemoral unilateral knee dislocations are uncommon, making bilateral dislocations even rarer injuries. Knee dislocation is considered one of the most serious injuries that can affect this joint. Associated complications such as popliteal artery injury are responsible for the important morbidity in these patients. The authors report the case of a 52-year-old man with a traumatic bilateral knee dislocation with associated bilateral popliteal arterial injury. His clinical presentation along with radiographic and angiographic findings are described. Surgical and non-surgical treatment and functional outcomes are also reported.

As luxações unilaterais tibiofemurais do joelho são incomuns, o que torna as luxações bilaterais ainda mais raras. A luxação do joelho é considerada um dos ferimentos mais graves nesta articulação. As complicações associadas, tais como a lesão da artéria poplítea, são responsáveis pela importante morbidade observada nesses pacientes. Os autores relatam o caso de um homem de 52 anos com luxação traumática bilateral do joelho associada a lesão bilateral da artéria políptea. O estudo descreve a apresentação clínica e os achados radiográficos e angiográficos. O tratamento cirúrgico e não-cirúrgico e os resultados funcionais também são relatados.

Total bilateral ruptures of the knee extensor apparatus.

OBJECTIVE: Bilateral extensor tendon ruptures of the knee are rare and have only been published in the form of case reports or small series. METHODS: Seven patients corresponding to 14 extensor tendon ruptures of the knee were evaluated by the same examiner after a minimum one year post-surgery. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed; for statistical analysis, the level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The most common injury was patellar tendon rupture (n = 9; 64.29%) followed by quadriceps tendon rupture (n = 5, 35.71%). The intrasubstance was the most affected location (57.15%), followed by the myotendinous junction (21.43%) and the patellar bone insertions (21.43%). Quadriceps tendon ruptures were more prevalent in patients older than 50 years, while patellar tendon ruptures tended to occur in younger individuals. All but one patient had recognized risk factors for tendinous degeneration and rupture: 75% of the cases suffered from diseases, 50% had history of drug use and/or abuse, and 37.5% had both disease and drug use history. Mean attained values for flexion ROM were 124.64° ± 9.43 (110-140°) and 89.57 ± 6.02 (78-94) for Kujala score. More than half of the patients complained of residual pain and quadriceps muscular weakness. Mean age was younger in the individuals who complained of residual pain. CONCLUSION: Bilateral tendon ruptures of the knee extensor apparatus ruptures are rare and serious injuries, mostly associated with risk factors. Early surgical repair and intensive rehabilitation program for bilateral extensor tendon ruptures of the knee may warrant satisfactory functional outcomes in the medium to long term, despite non-negligible levels of residual pain, quadriceps muscle weakness, and atrophy.

OBJETIVO: As rupturas bilaterais do tendão extensor do joelho são raras e só foram publicadas na forma de relatos de casos ou de pequenas séries. MÉTODOS: Sete pacientes (14 rupturas do tendão extensor do joelho) foram avaliados pelo mesmo examinador após um período mínimo de um ano de pós-operatório. Foram realizadas avaliações clínicas e radiográficas. Para a análise estatística, o nível de significância foi fixado em 0,05. RESULTADOS: A lesão mais comum foi ruptura do tendão patelar (n = 9; 64,29%) seguida de ruptura do tendão do quadríceps (n = 5, 35,71%). A intrasubstância foi a localização mais acometida (57,15%), seguida pela junção miotendinosa (21,43%) e inserção óssea patelar (21,43%). As rupturas do tendão do quadríceps foram mais prevalentes em pacientes com mais de 50 anos; por outro lado, as rupturas do tendão patelar tenderam a ocorrer em indivíduos mais jovens. À exceção de um paciente, todos os demais apresentavam reconhecidos fatores de risco para degeneração e ruptura tendínea: 75% dos casos sofriam de doenças, 50% tinham histórico de uso e/ou abuso de drogas e 37,5% apresentavam simultaneamente histórico de doença e uso de drogas. Os valores médios obtidos para a ADM de flexão foram de 124,6° ± 9,43 (110-140°); no escore de Kujala, os valores médios foram 89,57 ± 6,02 (78-94). Mais da metade dos pacientes se queixou de dor residual e fraqueza muscular no quadríceps. A idade média dos indivíduos que se queixaram de dor residual era menor. CONCLUSÃO: As rupturas bilaterais do tendão nas rupturas do aparelho extensor do joelho são lesões raras e graves e na maioria dos casos estão associadas a fatores de risco. O reparo cirúrgico precoce e a instauração de um programa de reabilitação intensiva para rupturas bilaterais do tendão extensor do joelho podem levar resultados funcionais satisfatórios a médio e longo prazo, apesar dos níveis não negligenciáveis de dor residual, fraqueza muscular no quadríceps e atrofia.

Simultaneous bilateral patellar tendon rupture.

Bilateral patellar tendon rupture is a rare entity, often associated with systemic diseases and patellar tendinopathy. The authors report a rare case of a 34-year-old man with simultaneous bilateral rupture of the patellar tendon caused by minor trauma. The patient is a retired basketball player with no past complaints of chronic knee pain and a history of steroid use. Surgical management consisted in primary end-to-end tendon repair protected temporarily with cerclage wiring, followed by a short immobilization period and intensive rehabilitation program. Five months after surgery, the patient was able to fully participate in sport activities.

As rupturas bilaterais dos tendões patelares são uma entidade rara, muitas vezes associadas com doenças sistêmicas e tendinopatia patelar. Apresentamos um caso raro de um homem de 34 anos com rotura bilateral simultânea dos tendões patelares causada por trauma leve. O paciente é um jogador de basquetebol aposentado, sem queixas de dor crônica do joelho e com história de consumo de esteroides. O tratamento cirúrgico consistiu na reparação tendinosa primária de ponta a ponta, protegida temporariamente com banda de cerclage, seguida de curto tempo de imobilização e programa intensivo de reabilitação. Aos cinco meses após a cirurgia, o paciente era capaz de participar sem restrições em atividades desportivas.

Myositis ossificans of the quadriceps femoris in a soccer player.

A young soccer player was diagnosed with myositis ossificans 6 weeks after a muscle strain in the right thigh. Radiographic and sonographic investigations initially helped to confirm diagnosis and later supported clinical improvement. We present our approach to the case and discuss pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of this rare condition.

Study on Overload Injuries during Periods of Intense Physical Activity Complemented by Isokinetic Dynamometry Evaluation / Estudo das lesões de sobrecarga durante período intenso de atividade física complementado com avaliação por dinamometria isocinética

Abstract Objective The present study aims to measure the incidence of overload injuries in training soldiers, who are subjected to intense physical exercise, and to compare it with a control group. Next, it intends to verify whether there is any relationship between overload injuries and some neuromuscular function parameters. Methods Analytical, prospective observational study. Both the observational and the control group consisted of soldiers from the Portuguese Army. Clinical evaluation was performed by medical interview in the week prior to the beginning of a military parachuting course and in the week immediately after its completion. The neuromuscular performance was assessed by isokinetic dynamometry during the medical interview. Results With 44 of the 57 military personnel in training complaining of pain, the observational group had significantly more injuries than the control group (p< 0.001). Five complaints had traumatic origin and 39 were overload injuries. Of the 39 military personnel with overload injuries, 21 reported limited sports performance. However, isokinetic dynamometry showed no statistically significant differences in neuromuscular performance (p = 0.223 and p = 0.229). Conclusion Military personnel in training are prone to overload injuries, with an incidence rate > 70%. The implementation of strategies for injury monitoring and prevention is critical to promote health and physical capacity.

Resumo Objetivo Os autores pretendem medir a incidência de lesões de sobrecarga em militares em formação, que são submetidos a exercício físico intenso, e compará-la com um grupo controle. Posteriormente, pretende-se verificar se existe alguma relação entre a ocorrência de lesões de sobrecarga e alguns parâmetros da função neuromuscular. Métodos Estudo observacional prospectivo analítico. Grupo de observação e grupo controle constituídos por militares do Exército Português. A avaliação clínica foi feita por entrevista médica na semana que antecede o início do curso de paraquedismo militar e na semana imediatamente após o final do curso. Em simultâneo com a entrevista médica, foi realizada a avaliação da performance neuromuscular através da dinamometria isocinética. Resultados Com 44 dos 57 militares em formação a referir queixas álgicas, o grupo de observação apresentou significativamente mais lesões que o grupo controle (p < 0.001). Cinco queixas foram de origem traumática e 39 foram lesões de sobrecarga. Dos 39 militares com lesões de sobrecarga, 21 referiram limitação do rendimento esportivo. No entanto, na avaliação por dinamometria isocinética, não se verificaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas na evolução da performance neuromuscular (p = 0.223 e p = 0.229). Conclusão Os militares em formação são indivíduos propensos a sofrerem lesões de sobrecarga, tendo-se obtido uma taxa de incidência de lesões de sobrecarga na ordem dos 70%. A implementação de estratégias de monitoração e prevenção das lesões são fundamentais na promoção da saúde e da capacidade física.

Bilateral knee dislocation with associated bilateral popliteal arterial injury / Luxação bilateral dos joelhos com lesão bilateral da artéria poplítea

ABSTRACT Tibiofemoral unilateral knee dislocations are uncommon, making bilateral dislocations even rarer injuries. Knee dislocation is considered one of the most serious injuries that can affect this joint. Associated complications such as popliteal artery injury are responsible for the important morbidity in these patients. The authors report the case of a 52-year-old man with a traumatic bilateral knee dislocation with associated bilateral popliteal arterial injury. His clinical presentation along with radiographic and angiographic findings are described. Surgical and non-surgical treatment and functional outcomes are also reported.

RESUMO As luxações unilaterais tibiofemurais do joelho são incomuns, o que torna as luxações bilaterais ainda mais raras. A luxação do joelho é considerada um dos ferimentos mais graves nessa articulação. As complicações associadas, tais como a lesão da artéria poplítea, são responsáveis pela importante morbidade observada nesses pacientes. Os autores relatam o caso de um homem de 52 anos com luxação traumática bilateral do joelho associada a lesão bilateral da artéria políptea. O estudo descreve a apresentação clínica e os achados radiográficos e angiográficos. Os tratamentos cirúrgico e não cirúrgico e os resultados funcionais também são relatados.

Total bilateral ruptures of the knee extensor apparatus / Ruptura bilateral total do aparelho extensor do joelho

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: Bilateral extensor tendon ruptures of the knee are rare and have only been published in the form of case reports or small series. METHODS: Seven patients corresponding to 14 extensor tendon ruptures of the knee were evaluated by the same examiner after a minimum one year post-surgery. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed; for statistical analysis, the level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The most common injury was patellar tendon rupture (n = 9; 64.29%) followed by quadriceps tendon rupture (n = 5, 35.71%). The intrasubstance was the most affected location (57.15%), followed by the myotendinous junction (21.43%) and the patellar bone insertions (21.43%). Quadriceps tendon ruptures were more prevalent in patients older than 50 years, while patellar tendon ruptures tended to occur in younger individuals. All but one patient had recognized risk factors for tendinous degeneration and rupture: 75% of the cases suffered from diseases, 50% had history of drug use and/or abuse, and 37.5% had both disease and drug use history. Mean attained values for flexion ROM were 124.64° ± 9.43 (110-140°) and 89.57 ± 6.02 (78-94) for Kujala score. More than half of the patients complained of residual pain and quadriceps muscular weakness. Mean age was younger in the individuals who complained of residual pain. CONCLUSION: Bilateral tendon ruptures of the knee extensor apparatus ruptures are rare and serious injuries, mostly associated with risk factors. Early surgical repair and intensive rehabilitation program for bilateral extensor tendon ruptures of the knee may warrant satisfactory functional outcomes in the medium to long term, despite non-negligible levels of residual pain, quadriceps muscle weakness, and atrophy.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: As rupturas bilaterais do tendão extensor do joelho são raras e só foram publicadas na forma de relatos de casos ou de pequenas séries. MÉTODOS: Sete pacientes (14 rupturas do tendão extensor do joelho) foram avaliados pelo mesmo examinador após um período mínimo de um ano de pós-operatório. Foram feitas avaliações clínicas e radiográficas. Para a análise estatística, o nível de significância foi fixado em 0,05. RESULTADOS: A lesão mais comum foi ruptura do tendão patelar (n = 9; 64,29%) seguida de ruptura do tendão do quadríceps (n = 5, 35,71%). A intrassubstância foi a localização mais acometida (57,15%), seguida pela junção miotendinosa (21,43%) e pela inserção óssea patelar (21,43%). As rupturas do tendão do quadríceps foram mais prevalentes em pacientes com mais de 50 anos; por outro lado, as rupturas do tendão patelar tenderam a ocorrer em indivíduos mais jovens. À exceção de um paciente, todos os demais apresentavam reconhecidos fatores de risco para degeneração e ruptura tendínea: 75% dos casos sofriam de doenças, 50% tinham histórico de uso e/ou abuso de drogas e 37,5% apresentavam simultaneamente histórico de doença e uso de drogas. Os valores médios obtidos para a ADM de flexão foram de 124,6° ± 9,43 (110-140°); no escore de Kujala, os valores médios foram de 89,57 ± 6,02 (78-94). Mais da metade dos pacientes se queixou de dor residual e fraqueza muscular no quadríceps. A idade média dos indivíduos que se queixaram de dor residual era menor. CONCLUSÃO: As rupturas bilaterais do tendão nas rupturas do aparelho extensor do joelho são lesões raras e graves e na maioria dos casos estão associadas a fatores de risco. O reparo cirúrgico precoce e a instauração de um programa de reabilitação intensiva para rupturas bilaterais do tendão extensor do joelho podem levar resultados funcionais satisfatórios em médio e longo prazo, apesar dos níveis não negligenciáveis de dor residual, fraqueza muscular no quadríceps e atrofia.

Simultaneous bilateral patellar tendon rupture / Rupturas bilaterais simultâneas dos tendões patelares

ABSTRACT Bilateral patellar tendon rupture is a rare entity, often associated with systemic diseases and patellar tendinopathy. The authors report a rare case of a 34-year-old man with simultaneous bilateral rupture of the patellar tendon caused by minor trauma. The patient is a retired basketball player with no past complaints of chronic knee pain and a history of steroid use. Surgical management consisted in primary end-to-end tendon repair protected temporarily with cerclage wiring, followed by a short immobilization period and intensive rehabilitation program. Five months after surgery, the patient was able to fully participate in sport activities.

RESUMO As rupturas bilaterais dos tendões patelares são uma entidade rara, muitas vezes associadas com doenças sistêmicas e tendinopatia patelar. Apresentamos um caso raro de um homem de 34 anos com rotura bilateral simultânea dos tendões patelares causada por trauma leve. O paciente é um jogador de basquetebol aposentado, sem queixas de dor crônica do joelho e com história de consumo de esteroides. O tratamento cirúrgico consistiu na reparação tendinosa primária de ponta a ponta, protegida temporariamente com banda de cerclage, seguida de curto tempo de imobilização e programa intensivo de reabilitação. Aos cinco meses após a cirurgia, o paciente era capaz de participar sem restrições de atividades desportivas.