Meniscus repair via collagen matrix wrapping and bone marrow injection: clinical and biomolecular study.

PURPOSE: The functional outcomes of arthroscopic matrix-based meniscus repair (AMMR) in patients two and five years after the treatment clearly show that the use of the collagen matrix and bone marrow aspirate creates favorable biological conditions for meniscus healing. This study not only provides ten follow-up results but also investigates biomolecular mechanisms governing the regenerative process. METHODS: Case series was based on data collected from patients who underwent AMMR procedure, starting with preoperatively through two-year and five-year till ten-year follow-up. The outcomes are presented as IKDC and the Lysholm subjective scores as well as the imaging results. Biomolecular investigation of the membranes utilized in the AMMR procedure include DNA content analysis, cell viability and proliferation study of bone marrow and bone marrow concentrate-derived cells, and cytokine array performed on monocytes cultured on the membranes. CONCLUSION: Data collected from patients who underwent AMMR procedure, starting with pre-operatively through two year and five year till ten year follow-up, indicate the possibility for long-term, stable meniscus preservation. Outcomes are manifested with a visible improvement of the IKDC and the Lysholm subjective scores as well as in the imaging results. The type of the meniscal tear or complexity of the knee injury (isolated AMMR vs. AMMR + ACL) did not affect the clinical outcomes. The study highlighted the role of the membrane in facilitating cell adhesion and proliferation. Additionally, several cytokines were selected as potentially crucial products of the membrane vs. monocyte interactions, driving the tissue regeneration and remodeling. Interestingly, thresholds of what constitutes a safe and well-decellularized membrane according to relevant literature have been significantly breached, but ultimately did not elicit detrimental side effects.

Patients with stage II of the knee osteoarthritis most likely benefit from the intra-articular injections of autologous adipose tissue-from 2 years of follow-up studies.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, chronic, progressive and degenerative disease which affects patients' quality of life and may cause disability and social isolation. OA is a huge economic burden for the patient and a large strain for the whole healthcare system. Articular cartilage has a small potential to repair, with progressively more clinicians emphasizing cellular therapy. Subcutaneous fat tissue in human body is a large reservoir of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and is been harvested in minimally invasive, simple procedure. The purpose of this study was to define a specific group of patients with knee osteoarthritis, who are the most likely to benefit from the treatment with intra-articular injection of an autologous adipose tissue (AAT). METHODS: From 2016 to 2018, 59 symptomatic bilateral and unilateral knee OA patients were treated with a single intra-articular (IA) injection of an autologous adipose tissue (AAT). Before the treatment and at the follow-up, the participant was asked to fulfill the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 (IKDC 2000), The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Health Questionnaire EQ-5D-5L and to quantify the pain in the affected joint with a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Moreover, the patients were asked to: (i) assess their satisfaction with the effects of the conducted treatment: from 0 (unsatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied), (ii) describe the rehabilitation, if it was performed (supervised or individual and duration in weeks) and (iii) indicate any additional treatment applied, like IA injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP), knee arthroscopy, partial or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at the follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of 37 participants (16 males and 21 females) included into statistical analysis was 57.78 ± 7.39 years, the mean BMI was 31.30 ± 7.51. The questionnaires were fulfilled after the average follow-up time of 27 ± 6.5 months. A significant difference (p < 0.05) compared with the baseline, was observed in pain [NRS], WOMAC, KOOS index, pain, symptoms, ADL, Sport and Rec, QoL, EQ-5D-5L index. The satisfaction in the whole group was 6.16 ± 3.07. There was no significant difference between satisfied and unsatisfied patients in BMI and pain [NRS] at the baseline. 6 out of 7 patients with stage IV in K-L were unsatisfied with the effects of the treatment with AAT. DISCUSSION: The main conclusion of this study is that the patients with stage II of the knee OA with normal BMI are were most likely to benefit from IA injection of AAT, in contrast to the patients with stage IV, who will not beware not satisfied with the effectiveness of this kind of treatment. There were no adverse events reported at the donor site as well as in the treated knee joints.

Meniscectomy is still a frequent orthopedic procedure: a pending need for education on the meniscus treatment possibilities.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current status of education of polish surgeons in the subject of meniscus repair possibilities. The analysis of the possible correlations between the number of knee arthroscopy procedures performed by polish surgeons and their decision whether to remove or to repair the damaged meniscus has been performed. METHODS: Two-hundred and five registered orthopedic surgeons took part in surveys. The questionnaire contained the description of 20 patients with different types of meniscus damage and three questions concerning the experience in knee arthroscopy (two questions) and a choice of the treatment method (one question). Comparisons were made between knee arthroscopy experts (> 100 arthroscopies performed per year) and non-experts (≤ 100 cases). RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 194 knee surgeons from Poland with different levels in knee arthroscopy experience. For most cases, experts and non-experts agreed on the meniscus treatment method. Statistically significant differences in the recommended treatment between experts and non-experts were observed in 4 cases, where experts decided to repair the damage rather than to perform the meniscectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Meniscectomy remains a frequent orthopedic procedure, despite meniscal sparing having been advocated for several decades now and despite the existence of meniscus repair technique which gives good clinical outcomes-augmentation of the damaged meniscus with a collagen membrane. Polish surgeons still need education on the meniscus treatment possibilities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Achilles Tendon Reconstruction with Hamstring Graft Indicates Satisfactory Long-Term Outcomes.

Background and objectives: The Achilles tendon, the largest tendon in the body, is vulnerable to injury because of its limited blood supply and the combination of forces to which it is subjected. Given the relevance of the Achilles tendon in the proper function of the foot and ankle, the primary goal of the present study was to use a holistic approach for a comprehensive evaluation of Achilles tendon reconstruction results on multiple levels. Materials and Methods: The study was designed in the following way: 30 patients with partial or total Achilles tendon tears were subjected to the minimally invasive Achilles tendon reconstruction. Patients were then subjected to the clinical, functional and isokinetic tests 12 and 24 months after the treatment. The clinical evaluation included calf circumference measurements and subjective patient-reported tests: ATRS, EQ-5D-5L and VAS scales. The functional evaluation was based on three tests: the weight-bearing lunge test, the heel rise test and single leg hop. Isometric and isokinetic evaluation was performed using a Biodex 3 dynamometer. Results: The calf circumference of the operated limbs was significantly lower than the non-operated limb 12 months after the surgical procedure, however this improved at the second evaluation. All subjective outcomes improved significantly 24 months after the surgery. Significantly better results in the function of the operated limbs were also obtained 24 months after the surgery. However, most of the muscle strength parameters of the operated limbs were already comparable to non-operated ones 12 months after the surgery and were comparable between two evaluation times. Conclusions: The overall results of this extensive evaluation are highly satisfactory and patients returned to their normal physical activity. From a medical point of view, it is assumed that the healing process is completed 12 months after the surgery, however, importantly, our results indicate that we should consider the healing process and the rehabilitation process separately.

Small Noncoding RNAs in Knee Osteoarthritis: The Role of MicroRNAs and tRNA-Derived Fragments.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative knee joint disease that results from the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone, affecting about 3.3% of the world's population. As OA is a multifactorial disease, the underlying pathological process is closely associated with genetic changes in articular cartilage and bone. Many studies have focused on the role of small noncoding RNAs in OA and identified numbers of microRNAs that play important roles in regulating bone and cartilage homeostasis. The connection between other types of small noncoding RNAs, especially tRNA-derived fragments and knee osteoarthritis is still elusive. The observation that there is limited information about small RNAs different than miRNAs in knee OA was very surprising to us, especially given the fact that tRNA fragments are known to participate in a plethora of human diseases and a portion of them are even more abundant than miRNAs. Inspired by these findings, in this review we have summarized the possible involvement of microRNAs and tRNA-derived fragments in the pathology of knee osteoarthritis.

Clinical practice and postoperative rehabilitation after knee arthroscopy vary according to surgeons' expertise: a survey among polish arthroscopy society members.

BACKGROUND: Meniscus repair is a challenging task in knee arthroscopy. Currently, there are a variety of arthroscopic methods available for meniscus repair. The purpose of this study was to determine a consensus in meniscus tear treatment in the environment of Polish orthopaedists. METHODS: A total of 205 registered orthopaedic surgeons participated in the surveys. The survey consisted of 35 questions regarding general arthroscopy and postoperative management, including physicians' level of expertise, anaesthesia, postoperative treatment, rehabilitation and procedures performed. Comparisons were made between knee arthroscopy experts (> 100 arthroscopies performed per year) and non-experts (≤ 100 cases) on aspects of patient care. RESULTS: The most important finding of this study was the agreement among almost all aspects of the knee arthroscopy approach. Consensus among Polish surgeons was noticed in choosing regional anaesthesia for knee arthroscopy, the lack of need for knee braces and knee medications, the of use of LMW heparin for thromboprophylaxis, 1-2 days of hospitalization, the recommendation of rehabilitation and the use of magnetic resonance as a diagnostic test for meniscus damage. Surgical expertise was significantly associated with the performance of meniscus suture procedures (p = 0.009). Experts recommended starting rehabilitation on the day of surgery (p = 0.007) and were more likely to use objective physical tests (p = 0.003). Non-expert surgeons recommended a longer period from meniscus suture to full-range knee motion (p = 0.001) and admitted that patient age does matter for meniscus repair qualification (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: There is consensus among almost all issues of meniscus tear treatment in the environment of Polish orthopaedists; however, the issues of rehabilitation and the use of advanced meniscus repair techniques are associated with surgical expertise.

Autologous adipose tissue injection versus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, controlled study - study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, chronic, progressive and degenerative disease which affects patients' quality of life and may cause disability and social isolation. OA is a huge economic burden for the patient and a large strain for the whole healthcare system. Articular cartilage has a small potential to repair, with progressively more clinicians emphasizing cellular therapy. Subcutaneous fat tissue in human body is a large reservoir of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and is been harvested in minimally invasive, simple procedure. Up to date there is no prospective randomized controlled studies demonstrating effectiveness and role of adipose tissue injections in OA treatment. The purpose of this study is to assess functional and clinical changes among patients with symptomatic knee OA treated with intra-articular injections of autologous adipose tissue or platelet rich plasma (PRP) and to compare efficacy of both therapeutic methods. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Patients who meet inclusion criteria will be allocated to Fat Tissue group or PRP group randomly. Subjects will receive an intra articular injection with autologous adipose tissue and PRP respectively. Patients will be assessed five times: before treatment and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the treatment. The assessment consists of patient reported outcome measures (The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, International Knee Documentation Committee 2000, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the Health Questionnaire EQ- 5D- 5 L), three functional tests (The Timed Up and Go Test, The 5 Times Sit to Stand Test, The 10 m Walk Test) and Maximal Isometric Voluntary Contraction. DISCUSSION: This study protocol has several strengths and weaknesses. One of strongest point of this study is the wide, multidimensional functional assessment which will give a large amount of objective data. On the other hand, lack of blinding has to be considered as a risk of both subject and investigator bias. TRIAL REGISTRATION: name of registry: ClinicalTrials.gov, trial registration number: NCT04321629, retrospectively registered on date of registration.

Minimally invasive reconstruction technique for chronic Achilles tendon tears allows rapid return to walking and leads to good functional recovery.

PURPOSE: Chronic Achilles tendon tears, including chronic ruptures with end gap over 6 cm making end-to-end suturing impossible, can be treated with autologous hamstring graft reconstruction. The primary goal of this study was to present the biomechanical and long-term clinical results of recently developed minimally invasive Achilles tendon reconstruction technique. METHODS: Minimally invasive Achilles tendon reconstruction was applied to 8 foot and ankle cadaveric specimens as well as 18 patients with chronic Achilles tendon tears. Repaired cadavers were subjected to the biomechanical testing using a cyclic loading protocol. Patients with reconstructed Achilles tendon were subjected to the clinical, functional and isokinetic tests at 12 months after the treatment. RESULTS: All of tested Achilles cadaveric specimens survived 2 loading blocks (250 cycles of 10-100 N load followed by additional 250 cycles of 10-200 N load). With three specimens, it was possible to perform the third cyclic loading block with 20-300 N load and two specimens survived the fourth block with 20-400 N load. Therefore, a mean number of 838 cycles (±178) within the range of 509-1000 was recorded. Two specimens which survived all 1000 cycles were pulled to failure at 25 mm/s rate. The results obtained in the load to failure testing were as follows: 398 N and 608 N of maximum load. The results of functional heel rise endurance test and single leg hop for distance test indicated a decrease in the endurance and strength of the injured limb. However, the results of the weight-bearing lunge tests indicated no tendency for elongation of the Achilles tendon. A comparative analysis of the isokinetic test results for the non-injured and injured limb was revealed no statistically significant differences for every isokinetic test (n. s.), with significant difference for isometric strength parameters (p = 0.0006). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the biomechanical tests as well as 1-year extensive functional, clinical and isokinetic results of the minimally invasive technique for chronic Achilles tendon tears are encouraging. Patients returned to their normal physical activity, including sport pre-injury level in most cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Reliability and validity of the Polish version of the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to perform the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) into Polish version, and to evaluate its reliability and validity. METHODS: The ATRS was translated into Polish language according to the Beaton recommendations. A total number of 71 patients previously treated surgically (from 2011 to 2015), due to the Achilles tendon rupture, were enrolled in this study. ATRS-Polish was performed twice within a period of 5-10 days. To evaluate test-retest reliability, intra-rater coefficient (ICC) was calculated. Construct validity was determined by the Spearman's rank coefficient correlation between the ATRS-Polish and a Polish version of EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability was found to be excellent (ICC 0.9). The mean and standard deviation of the first and second assessment amounted 87.4 ± 14.0 and 88.4 ± 13.2, respectively. Construct validity analysis showed a strong correlation between the ATRS and the EQ-5D-5L score (r = - 0.69.) and moderate correlation between ATRS and actual comfort (r = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES: Polish version of the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score was found to be reliable and valid. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Minimally invasive, endoscopic Achilles tendon reconstruction using semitendinosus and gracilis tendons with Endobutton stabilization.

BACKGROUND: Plantaris tendon, peronus brevis tendon and flexor hallucis longus tendon augmentation, commonly used in Achilles tendon rupture, often lead to weakening of injured foot and they require the immobilization after the surgery. It is essential to develop the technique, which gives no such limitation and allows for immediate functional improvement. METHODS: We present our method of minimally invasive, endoscopic Achilles tendon reconstruction using semitendinosus and gracilis tendons with Endobutton stabilization. RESULTS: Posterolateral and posteromedial portals were made approximately 3 cm above the posterosuperior part of the calcaneus to clean the area of the Achilles tendon endoscopically. Then the hamstrings are harvested and prepared for the "Endobutton" system. A midline incision of the skin is performed approximately 1 cm above the posterosuperior part of the calcaneus to approach to the posterosuperior part of the calcaneus. Then under fluoroscopy the calcaneus was drilled through using K-wire. The distal end of the graft equipped with an Endobutton loop was entered into the drilled tunnel in the calcaneus. Later, 8 consecutive skin incisions are performed. Proximal ends of the graft were brought out through the native Achilles tendon reaching medial and lateral skin incisions. The final step was to transfer and tie the graft ends through the most proximal skin incision. CONCLUSIONS: This minimally invasive, endoscopic technique allows reconstruction of the Achilles tendon using semitendinosus and gracilis tendons with Endobutton stabilization and can be used in so-called "difficult", resistant cases as a "salvage procedure".

Exploring dog antler chews as a novel source of collagen supplementation: extraction and characterization of collagen from red deer antlers.

Collagen is the body's most abundant protein and is primarily found in the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments of animals and fish. As the interest in collagen supplementation grows, new sources of this protein are continually being introduced. We have confirmed that red deer antlers are a source of type I collagen. We investigated the effects of chemical treatment, temperature, and time on the extractability of collagen from red deer antlers. The optimal conditions for obtaining the highest collagen yield were determined to be: 1) removing noncollagenous proteins at 25°C for 12 h in an alkaline solution, 2) defatting at 25°C using a 1:10 grounded antler:butyl alcohol ratio, and 3) acidic extraction lasting 36 h using a 1:10 antler:acetic acid ratio. Under these conditions, we obtained a collagen yield of 22.04%. The molecular characterization of red deer antler collagen revealed typical features of type I collagens, including the presence of three α-chains, high glycine content, and high levels of proline and hydroxyproline, as well as helical arrangements. This report suggests that red deer antlers have significant potential as a source of collagen supplements.

Arthroscopic Matrix-Based Meniscus Repair Surgical Technique With "Goat" Instrument.

Human meniscal treatment with an arthroscopic matrix-based meniscal repair technique is a promising procedure. Heretofore, the procedure has required a skilled surgeon with a great amount of experience in knee arthroscopic surgery and meniscal suturing. A surgical technique using a "goat" delivery clamp has been developed. Technique development followed extensive review and the application of earlier arthroscopic matrix-based meniscal repair techniques, along with cadaveric refinement of the proposed arthroscopic technique. The presented technique includes preparation of the meniscus with initial stabilization of the damaged fragments, preparation of the collagen matrix and placement of this matrix into the open jaws of the goat delivery clamp, introduction of the collagen matrix into the knee and placement of this matrix on the meniscus, suturing of the collagen matrix to the meniscus, and bone marrow blood aspirate injection between the collagen matrix and meniscus.

Intra-Articular Injections of Autologous Adipose Tissue or Platelet-Rich Plasma Comparably Improve Clinical and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis.

The use of biologic therapies for the management of knee osteoarthritis (OA) has largely increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and the therapeutic potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous adipose tissue (AAT) injections as a treatment for knee OA. Sixty participants were enrolled in the study: 20 healthy ones and 40 with minimal to moderate knee OA (KL I-III). The OA patients were randomly assigned either to the PRP or to the AAT group. The PRP samples showed a low expression level of NF-κB-responsive gene CCL5 and high expression levels of classic inflammatory and TNF-l INF responses. The AAT injection product was prepared using a Lipogems device, and its regenerative potential as well as the ability for expansion of mesenchymal stem cells were tested in the cell culture conditions. The patient assessments were carried out five times. Significant improvement was observed regardless of the treatment method in the VAS, KOOS, WOMAC and IKDC 2000 subjective evaluations as well as in the functional parameters. Intra-articular injections of AAT or PRP improved pain, symptoms, quality of life and functional capacity with a comparable effectiveness in the patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) for Focal Chondral Lesions of the Knee: A 2-Year Follow-Up of Clinical, Proprioceptive, and Isokinetic Evaluation.

(1) Background: The autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) is a bio-orthopedic treatment for articular cartilage damage. It combines microfracture surgery with the application of a collagen membrane. The aim of the present study was to report a medium-term follow-up of patients treated with AMIC for focal chondral lesions. (2) Methods: Fourty-eight patients treated surgically and 21 control participants were enrolled in the study. To evaluate the functional outcomes, the proprioceptive (postural stability, postural priority) and isokinetic (peak value of maximum knee extensor and flexor torque in relation to body mass and the total work) measurements were performed. To evaluate the clinical outcomes, the Lysholm score and the IKDC score were imposed. (3) Results: Compared to the preoperative values, there was significant improvement in the first 2 years after intervention in the functional as well as subjective outcome measures. (4) Conclusions: AMIC showed durable results in aligned knees.

Complex Meniscus Tears Treated with Collagen Matrix Wrapping and Bone Marrow Blood Injection: Clinical Effectiveness and Survivorship after a Minimum of 5 Years' Follow-Up.

Purpose. To determine the 5-year success rate of the "all-inside" technique of arthroscopic meniscus suture and collagen membrane wrapping along with bone marrow blood injection, to evaluate the progression of degenerative changes and the impact of simultaneous anteriro cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods. Fifty-four consecutive patients with complex meniscal tears were treated with the previously described technique. The subjective scores (International Knee Documentation Committee 2000, Lysholm, EQ-5D-5L) and Barret clinical criteria of meniscal healing were recorded. Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were assessed at 2 and 5 years postoperatively, using the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS) criteria. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed in order to assess the survivorship after the index procedure. Thirty-nine patients were divided into 2 groups: group A-isolated meniscus repair and group B-meniscus repair with concurrent ACL reconstruction. Results. Fifty-four patients were treated and 44 were available for analysis. There was a statistically significant improvement in subjective scores and clinical assessment between the preoperative, 2-year follow-up, and 5-year follow-up time points. EQ-5D-5L utility value was 0.9 ± 1 at final follow-up. The WORMS osteoarthritis severity grade had increased from 6.9 ± 5.0 points at the 2-year follow-up to 11.1 ± 9.6 points at the 5-year follow-up (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the groups after 60 months. The overall survival rate at final follow-up was 88%. Conclusions. The treatment option evaluated in this study has shown very good mid-term clinical and MRI-based outcomes as well as a favorable survival rate. Simultaneous ACL reconstruction is likely a factor for osteoarthritis progression.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Chondral and Osteochondral Defects in the Ankle Using the Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis Technique.

One of the greatest challenges nowadays facing orthopaedic surgeons around the world is the problem of articular cartilage defects and their treatment. The autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis technique is based on 2 elements-drilling into bones and matrix application. The purpose of this article is to present the surgical technique of arthroscopic treatment of chondral or osteochondral defects in the ankle using the autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis technique.

Novel Technique of Achilles Tendon Reconstruction Using Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendon. Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon ruptures are a common clinical problem. While there are many techniques of Achilles tendon reconstruction, there is little evidence that any of them is clearly superior to the others. The most common techniques rely on augmentation of the plantar tendon, peroneus brevis tendon and flexor hallucis longus tendon. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The article describes a novel procedure for Achilles tendon reconstruction using the hamstring grafts, Endobutton stabilization, collagen membrane and the administration of autologous bone marrow cells to the region of the reconstructed tendon. RESULTS: This technique was used by the author (with the good early results) in so-called "difficult cases" as a "salvage procedure". CONCLUSION: The use of a hamstring autograft is safe and does not further affect the injured foot or induce an autoimmune reaction.

[Latest standards of muscle injury prophylactic activities, treatment and rehabilitation]. / Profilaktyka, leczenie i rehabilitacja uszkodzen miesni--wspólczesne zasady postepowania.

Muscle injury represents the highest proportion of sport-linked contusions. Experimental and clinical studies aim at increasingly detailed recognition of muscle physiology and pathophysiology. It would allow to set up functional standards and permit to minimize risk of contusions associated with sport activities. In cases of such contusions it would restrict its sequele and would abbreviate the duration of treatment. In the study elements of prophylaxis, treatment and rehabilitation of injured muscles will be discussed, based on current scientific results. Review study includes data from studies investigating prophylactic activities, types of teratment and the effects of different rehabilitation strategy. Latest standards from First European Congress of Football Medicine, Munich 2004, were also taken into account. The prophylactic activities should focus on education attempting to popularize the knowledge of the role of warm-up activities which precede proper physical effort, muscle stretching and activities augmenting muscle strength. The treatment of muscle injury is related to the extent of their damage. First actions should be focused on the RICE principle (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). In case of torn tissues, local injections of anesthetics, anti-inflammatory agents and regeneration-promoting agents used to be applied. Application of NSAIDs and anti-thrombotic prophylaxis is sound but due to their side effects it is recommended as frequently as it is counterindicated by physicians. A threshold in the therapy, not always noted by therapeutists, involves rapid mobilization of the injured tissue. This involves mobility exercises starting at 3-5 days post-trauma, with no load at the beginning, but starting at days 4 to 6 asssociated with appropriate loading. The recently conducted studies aim at stimulation of rapid muscle regeneration, inhibition of scar formation in the site of injury and elimination of already existing scars. The latter seems most difficult due to the high risk of the repeated muscle injury in the same site. The rehabilitation following trauma with particular attention paid to proprioceptive training is equally important. The risk of another contusion cannot be reduced to minimum until the pre-contusion proprioception level is achieved in the contused extremity.