Outcome Metrics in Pediatric Sports Medicine: Do PROMIS Computer-adaptive Testing Metrics Correlate With Pedi-IKDC?

BACKGROUND: A modified version of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), the Pedi-IKDC, is a validated patient-reported outcome measure in pediatric patients with knee pain. However, this questionnaire is lengthy and can fatigue patients, leading to inconsistent outcome collection. Thus, we sought to compare more easily attainable Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer adaptive testing patient reported outcomes to the gold standard Pedi-IKDC. METHODS: We prospectively collected PROMIS scores and Pedi-IKDC scores in 100 new, consecutive patients presenting with knee pain to a pediatric sports medicine practice. Patients were excluded if they provided an incomplete Pedi-IKDC, had prior ipsilateral lower extremity surgery, or significant associated medical comorbidities. PROMIS domains including Mobility, Pain Interference, and Upper Extremity (control) were compared with the Pedi-IKDC with Pearson correlations. The number of questions in each metric was analyzed. Floor and ceiling effects of each test were also assessed. RESULTS: The average age of the study cohort was 14 years (range, 7 to 18 y) with 53% female and 47% male. 70% of patients completed the Pedi-IKDC questionnaire, compared with 100% with PROMIS tests. The average Pedi-IKDC score was 48.8±22.3 (range, 5.4 to 100). Mean scores for Mobility, Pain Interference, and Upper Extremity domains were 38.4±10.1, 53.5±10.3, and 49.7±8.7, respectively. All tests demonstrated similar and acceptable floor and ceiling effects (<15%). The length of the Pedi-IKDC (22 questions) was roughly double that of combined PROMIS Pain Interference and Mobility tests (11.9±2.3 questions). Pedi-IKDC scores correlated with tested PROMIS measures (Mobility/Pain Interference, r=0.42/-0.49). When 7 highly functional patients with significant pain symptoms were removed for a secondary analysis, Mobility and Pain correlations improved to 0.69 and -0.67, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PROMIS Mobility and Pain scores demonstrate moderate correlations with the Pedi-IKDC, highlighting these tests are not capturing the same patient experiences. These correlations are weakened by a small group of painful yet highly functioning patients. The Pedi-IKDC was significantly longer and had a much lower completion rate than PROMIS tests, highlighting a need for a validated computer adaptive testing in evaluating pediatric patients with knee pain. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Bone substitutes and implantation depths for subchondral bone repair in osteochondral defects of porcine knee joints.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the optimal material and implantation method for subchondral bone repair. METHODS: Four osteochondral defects in a femoral groove were created in both knees of 12 pigs, and the total number of defects was 96. Eight defects were left empty (empty group). Beta-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) bone substitutes with 75 and 67 % porosity were implanted in 30 and 29 defects, respectively (ß-TCP75 and ß-TCP67 groups). Hydroxyapatite (HA) bone substitutes with 75 % porosity were filled in 29 defects (HA group). Bone substitutes were implanted at 0, 2, or 4 mm below the subchondral bone plate (SBP). The reparative tissue was assessed using microfocus computed tomography and histology 3 months after implantation. RESULTS: Regardless of the kind of bone substitutes, the defects were filled almost completely after implanting them at the level of the SBP, while the defects remained after implanting them at 2 or 4 mm below the SBP. Reparative tissue of the ß-TCP75 group was similar to the normal cancellous bone, while that of the ß-TCP67 or HA group was not. CONCLUSIONS: Subchondral bone defects were filled almost completely only when bone substitutes were implanted at the level of the SBP. The reparative tissue after implanting the ß-TCP bone substitutes with 75 % porosity was the most similar to the normal cancellous bone. Therefore, implanting the ß-TCP bone substitutes with 75 % porosity at the level of the SBP could be recommended as a treatment method for subchondral bone repair in osteochondral defects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Arthroscopic meniscal allograft transplantation with two tibia tunnels without bone plugs: evaluation of healing on MR arthrography and functional outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Meniscal allograft transplantation seems to be a valid therapeutic option to restore the knee function and limit the development of osteoarthritis after menisectomy. No surgical technique has been shown to provide better results than others. The main objective of this study was to assess graft healing after arthroscopic meniscal allograft transplantation without bone plugs. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscal allograft transplantation during 2005-2010. The meniscal horns were fixed through two tibia tunnels without bone plugs. The primary endpoint was graft healing according to Henning's criteria on MR arthrography (MRA) at 6-month follow-up. The secondary endpoints were the KOOS questionnaire, the IKDC score, measurement of the joint space and meniscal extrusion on both MRA at 6-month and MRI at last follow-up. The series included 22 patients, mean age 37 ± 7.5 years. The allograft was lateral in 20 cases and medial in 2 cases. The mean follow-up was 4.4 ± 1.6 years with one lost to follow-up. RESULTS: MR arthrography was performed in 14/21 patients at 6-months of follow-up: 8/14 (57.1%) had total graft healing, 2/14 (14.3%) partial healing and 4/14 (28.6%) no healing. At final follow-up, all functional scores had significantly improved. The average pre- and post-operative joint space thickness was similar. MRI showed meniscal extrusion in 75% of patients. CONCLUSION: The meniscal allograft transplantation without bone plugs effectively treats painful and functional sequellae of meniscectomies. The graft healed in most patients at 6-month follow-up. The long-term clinical relevance of meniscal extrusion has to be evaluated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective study, Level IV.

The use of early immobilization in the management of acute soft-tissue injuries of the knee: results of a survey of emergency physicians, sports medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based guidelines on the use of immobilization in the management of common acute soft-tissue knee injuries do not exist. Our objective was to explore the practice patterns of emergency physicians (EPs), sports medicine physicians (SMPs) and orthopedic surgeons (OS) regarding the use of early immobilization in the management of these injuries. METHODS: We developed a web-based survey and sent it to all EPs, SMPs and OS in a Canadian urban centre. The survey was designed to assess the likelihood of prescribing immobilization and to evaluate factors associated with physicians from these 3 disciplines making this decision. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 44 of 112 (39%): 17 of 58 (29%) EPs, 7 of 15 (47%) SMPs and 20 of 39 (51%) OS. In cases of suspected meniscus injuries, 9 (50%) EPs indicated they would prescribe immobilization, whereas no SMPs and 1 (5%) OS would immobilize (p = 0.002). For suspected anterior cruciate ligament injuries, 13 (77%) EPs, 2 (29%) SMPs and 5 (25%) OS said they would immobilize (p = 0.005). For lateral collateral ligament injuries, 9 (53%) EPs, no SMPs and 6 (32%) OS would immobilize (p = 0.04). All respondents would prescribe immobilization for a grossly unstable knee. CONCLUSION: We found that EPs were are more likely to prescribe immobilization for certain acute soft-tissue knee injuries than SMPs and OS. The development of an evidenced- based guideline for the use of knee immobilization after acute soft-tissue injury may reduce practice variability.

CONTEXTE: Il n'existe pas de lignes directrices factuelles sur le recours à l'immobilisation pour la prise en charge des traumatismes aigus communs qui affectent les tissus mous du genou. Notre objectif était d'explorer les habitudes de pratique des urgentologues, des médecins du sport et des chirurgiens orthopédistes quant au recours à l'immobilisation pour la prise en charge initiale de ces blessures. MÉTHODES: Nous avons conçu un sondage Web et l'avons fait parvenir à tous les urgentologues, médecins du sport et chirurgiens orthopédistes d'un centre urbain canadien. Le sondage visait à évaluer la probabilité que l'immobilisation soit prescrite et à dégager les facteurs associés à ce type de décision chez les praticiens de ces 3 disciplines. RÉSULTATS: Le taux de réponse global a été de 44 sur 112 (39 %) : 17 urgentologues sur 58 (29 %), 7 médecins du sport sur 15 (47 %) et 20 chirurgiens orthopédistes sur 39 (51 %). Dans les cas où l'on soupçonnait une blessure du ménisque, 9 urgentologues (50 %) ont indiqué qu'ils prescriraient l'immobilisation, contre aucun médecin du sport et 1 (5 %) chirurgien orthopédiste (p = 0,002). Dans les cas où l'on soupçonnait une blessure du ligament croisé antérieur, 13 urgentologues (77 %), 2 médecins du sport (29 %) et 5 chirurgiens orthopédistes (25 %) ont affirmé qu'ils immobiliseraient (p = 0,005). Dans les cas de blessure au ligament collatéral latéral, 9 urgentologues (53 %), aucun médecin du sport et 6 chirurgiens orthopédistes (32 %) immobiliseraient (p = 0,04). Tous les répondants ont dit prescrire l'immobilisation pour un genou manifestement instable. CONCLUSION: Nous avons constaté que les urgentologues étaient plus susceptibles de prescrire l'immobilisation pour certains traumatismes aigus affectant les tissus mous du genou comparativement aux médecins du sport et aux chirurgiens orthopédistes. La formulation de lignes directrices factuelles sur le recours à l'immobilisation du genou après un traumatisme aigu des tissus mous pourrait réduire la variabilité des pratiques.

Medical Care of the Aquatics Athlete.

Competitive swimmers are affected by several musculoskeletal and medical complaints that are unique to the sport. 'Swimmer's shoulder,' the most common overuse injury, is usually caused by some combination of impingement, rotator cuff tendinopathy, scapular dyskinesis, and instability. The condition may be treated with training modifications, stroke error correction, and strengthening exercises targeting the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and core. Implementation of prevention programs to reduce the prevalence of shoulder pathology is crucial. Knee pain usually results from the breaststroke kick in swimmers, and the 'egg beater' kick in water polo players and synchronized swimmers. Lumbar back pain also is common in aquatics athletes. Among the medical conditions of particular importance in swimmers are exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, respiratory illnesses, and ear problems. Participants in other aquatics sports (water polo, diving, synchronized swimming, and open water swimming) may experience medical ailments specific to the sport.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in a Division I university sports medicine program.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively document musculoskeletal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use and how it affects diagnosis, playing status, and treatment of Division I university athletes. We hypothesized that MRI often has little or no effect on the diagnosis or treatment plan. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Division I university sports medicine program. PATIENTS: Division I university varsity athletes. INTERVENTIONS: Data were collected of musculoskeletal MRI use in varsity student athletes for 2 full academic years from 2010 to 2012 at a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I institution. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Timing of the injury, first physician visit, and MRI and pre- and post-MRI diagnosis, playing status, and treatment (surgical vs nonsurgical). RESULTS: Eighty-six MRIs were obtained during the 2 years studied. Average age was 19.9 (18-23) years. Forty-five percent of injuries occurred during competition season, 34% occurred preseason, and 21% occurred postseason. There was a change in diagnosis in 13 athletes (15.1%, 1 led to surgery performed after completion of the season), and there was a change in participation status in 8 athletes (9.3%, 5 increased and 3 decreased). Treatment plan changed in 1 athlete (1.2%). No athlete required surgery immediately after an MRI that was not already being planned. Every athlete treated nonsurgically pre-MRI was able to finish their season. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging was obtained in 14% of athletes and did not demonstrate a clear benefit over history, examination, and radiographs. Magnetic resonance imaging did change diagnosis in 15% of cases, though it did not appreciably change the playing status or treatment plan.

Resorption and remodeling of hydroxyapatite-poly-L-lactic acid composite anterior cruciate ligament interference screws.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the progression of hydroxyapatite-poly-L-lactic acid (HA-PLLA) interference screw resorption and remodeling in patients after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: Sixty-five patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft or allograft fixed at both the femur and tibia with HA-PLLA screws were evaluated. We evaluated 10 patients each at 2, 3, and 4 years postoperatively, whereas 35 patients were evaluated at 5 years postoperatively. In all patients a physical examination was performed and functional outcome scores and computed tomography (CT) analysis were obtained at follow-up. RESULTS: Screw tract densities determined by CT at 5 years postoperatively were higher than muscle and were similar to the surrounding bone. At 4 years, 80% to 90% of screws were completely resorbed. At 5-year follow-up, 29% of patients showed complete ossification of the screw tract in the femur versus 34% in the tibia. There was no tunnel widening or sclerosis noted. Subjective and objective clinical results remained high throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The HA-PLLA interference screws are slowly resorbed over time, and the majority are completely resorbed between 3 and 4 years after ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft or allograft. Osteoconductivity and remodeling were confirmed by CT scans, and no tunnel widening, sclerosis, cysts, or inflammatory changes were noted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Understanding the different physical examination tests for suspected meniscal tears.

Meniscal tears are common in sport medicine practice. Many articles and textbooks discuss the relative validity of the different components of the physical examination with respect to their sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values as if they were diagnostic tests. In this article, we demonstrate why this approach is limited, including the heterogeneous nature of meniscal tear pathology (e.g., posterior vs anterior). Therefore, in this article, we categorize all the published tests in the literature with regards to the mechanism underlying a positive test. We believe our approach provides the clinician with additional tools to diagnose tears. Future research should explore predictive models based on the different components accounting for heterogeneous pathology and different patient contexts.

[Imaging of knee prostheses]. / Imagerie des prothèses du genou.

The authors present a pictorial essay illustrating the different types of knee prostheses, their normal appearances, as well as the imaging features (radiographs, CT, US) of the main complications that may occur.

Gouty tophi caused limited knee range of motion: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gout is a disease of purine metabolism characterized by monosodium urate crystal deposition. Gouty tophi can mimic many conditions such as infection or neoplasm. OBJECTIVE: We descriptively presented a case of a 29-year-old male with gouty toph. Data was obtained from patient chart. This patient presented with limited knee joint range of motion after sport injury. Arthroscopic examination was performed in order to confirm the diagnosis of the meniscal injury. RESULTS: The result showed the synovium with white toothpaste-like chalky urate crystals in the joint cartilage. CONCLUSION: An atypical presentation of gouty tophi can sometime mislead to diagnose an internal derangement of the knee.

The pre-signing medical examination: The radiologists' role.

PURPOSE: to review the role of the radiologist in reporting pre-signing medical imaging prior to athlete transfer between clubs. METHOD: When a professional athlete transfers from one club to another they may undergo a transfer or "pre-signing" medical examination, of which imaging forms a major component. The purpose of imaging is to enable the overseeing sports physician to make a risk assessment on the athlete that may influence decisions such as the duration of contract offered. Imaging studies have to be performed and reported often within limited time constraints, usually by MSK radiologists specialised in sports imaging. This article describes the role of the sports radiologist in reporting pre-signing medical imaging studies, and discusses some of the common pathology identified, as well as some of the ethical and medicolegal issues encountered. RESULTS: Not applicable. This is a review article. CONCLUSION: the sports radiologists report of the pre-signing medical is an important component of the decision making process to sign an athlete, and is closely linked to the physical examination.

Diagnosis and treatment of posterior cruciate ligament injuries.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are less common than other knee injuries and may result in a spectrum of symptoms and disability. The predictive factors that may determine which patients with isolated PCL lesions will develop knee pain and degenerative arthritis have yet to be identified. As such, the optimal treatment algorithm for these patients remains a matter of debate. This article provides a concise review of the anatomy and function of the PCL, as well as an overview of diagnostic methods and treatment options for patients with PCL injuries.

Sonographically Guided Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injections: Technique and Validation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and validate a technique for sonographically guided posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injections. DESIGN: Prospective, cadaveric laboratory investigation. SETTING: Procedural skills laboratory. SUBJECTS: Eight unembalmed, cadaveric, mid-thigh-knee specimens (4 left knees and 4 right knees) obtained from 4 male and 4 female donors aged 57 to 64 years (mean 60.8 years) with body mass indices of 27.7 to 36.5 kg/m(2) (mean 32 kg/m(2)). METHODS: A 5-2-MHz curvilinear probe and a 22-gauge, 78-mm stainless steel needle was used to inject 2 mL of diluted blue latex into the PCL of each specimen using an in-plane, caudad-to-cephalad approach. At a minimum of 24 hours postinjection, each specimen was dissected to assess the presence and distribution of latex within the PCL. MAIN OUTCOME: Presence and distribution of latex within the PCL. RESULTS: All 8 injections accurately delivered latex throughout the PCL, including the tibial and femoral footprints. In 2 of 8 specimens (25%), a small amount of latex was noted to extend beyond the PCL and into the joint space. No specimens exhibited evidence of needle injury of latex infiltration with respect to the popliteal neurovascular bundle, menisci, hyaline cartilage, or anterior cruciate ligament. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographically guided intraligamentous PCL injections are technically feasible and can be performed with a high degree of accuracy. Sonographically guided PCL injections should be considered for research and clinical purposes to deliver therapeutic agents into the PCL postinjury or postreconstruction.

Physical examination of the knee.

Even with the rapid advancement in technology and medical imaging, there is still no substitute for the history and physical examination that can be obtained from a patient. With a well-performed history and physical, the majority of pathology can be determined prior to any expensive imaging or surgical procedures. The knee is one of the most commonly injured joints, and its function is critical to basic ambulation and participation in sports, work, and activities of daily living. This article reviews the key concepts to a complete evaluation of the knee and highlights aspects of the physical examination and radiographic imaging that best aid in diagnosing knee pathology.

Wrestling and sports medicine.

The coverage of wrestling events from the perspective of medical personnel is reviewed here. Considerations are made regarding the role of medical personnel, the supplies that are important for wrestling event coverage, and the injuries that are frequently encountered in wrestling. Attention is given to treatment of injuries and conditions that are largely specific to wrestling.

Symposium on sports medicine: Part I. Current concepts in the treatment of ligamentous instability of the knee.

Ligamentous injury to the knee remains a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problem. Modern knowledge of the pathoanatomy of various instability problems has made diagnosis of injuries to key structures possible. Aggressive treatment, nonoperative and operative, has vastly improved the prognosis for return to stable function of the knee.

Knee injuries in skiing. A prospective study from northern Sweden.

This paper evaluates 420 ski injuries occurring in Northern Sweden in 1977. Our main aim was to correlate knee injuries with types of skiing and to note a change in incidence with evolution of equipment. Fifty-eight lesions (13.8%) affected the knee joint which is about the same frequency as 10 years earlier nor has introduction of high stiff boots in downhill skiing increased incidence of knee injuries. Cross-country and long-distance skiing produced more knee injuries (24.7%) than downhill skiing (11.4%). Cross-country skiers were older and more women in this group sustained knee injuries. The use of non-release type bindings is probably the main reason for this higher incidence but age and different skiing techniques seem to contribute.

Magnetic resonance imaging of knee disorders. Clinical value and cost-effectiveness in a sports medicine practice.

To prospectively evaluate the clinical value of magnetic resonance imaging of the knee in a referral sports medicine practice, we performed a three-part study. First, we asked 72 consecutive patients a series of clinically relevant questions regarding the ordering of their magnetic resonance imaging scans. Second, we asked the treating physicians at our center if the magnetic resonance imaging findings changed the diagnosis or treatment. Third, we compared the clinical evaluation with the findings on magnetic resonance imaging scans for 37 patients who had arthroscopic confirmation. From the physician's perspective, in only three cases would the results of the scan have changed the diagnosis. Information from the scans was judged to contribute to patient treatment in only 14 of 72 patients. Finally, comparison of clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging findings with findings during arthroscopic procedures showed that clinical evaluation had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for diagnosis of anterior cruciate ligament injuries, whereas magnetic resonance imaging was 95% sensitive and 88% specific. For isolated meniscal lesions, the clinical assessment had a sensitivity and specificity of 91% compared with 82% and 87%, respectively, for magnetic resonance imaging. For evaluation of articular surface damage, the predictive value of a positive test was 100% for clinical assessment and 33% for the magnetic resonance imaging. We conclude that magnetic resonance imaging is overused in the evaluation of knee disorders and not a cost-effective method for evaluating injuries when compared with a skilled examiner. Clinical assessment equals or surpasses the magnetic resonance imaging in accuracy.