Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of Radiographic Characteristics in Skeletally Immature Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears: A PLUTO Study Group Reliability Study.

BACKGROUND: Radiographic measurements of limb alignment in skeletally immature patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are frequently used for surgical decision-making, preoperative planning, and postoperative monitoring of skeletal growth. However, the interrater and intrarater reliability of these radiographic characteristics in this patient population is not well documented. HYPOTHESIS: Excellent reliability across 4 raters will be demonstrated for all digital measures of length, coronal plane joint orientation angles, mechanical axis, and tibial slope in skeletally immature patients with ACL tears. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis). METHODS: Three fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons and 1 medical student performed 2 rounds of radiographic measurements on digital imaging (lateral knee radiographs and long-leg radiographs) of skeletally immature patients with ACL tears. Intrarater and interrater reliability for continuous radiographic measurements was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) across 4 raters with 95% CIs for affected and unaffected side measurements. Interrater reliability analysis used an ICC (2, 4) structure and intrarater reliability analysis used an ICC (2, 1) structure. A weighted kappa coefficient was calculated for ordinal variables along with 95% CIs for both interrater and intrarater reliability. Agreement statistic interpretations are based on scales described by Fleiss, and Cicchetti and Sparrow: <0.40, poor; 0.40 to 0.59, fair; 0.60 to 0.74, good; and >0.74, excellent. RESULTS: Radiographs from a convenience sample of 43 patients were included. Intrarater reliability was excellent for nearly all measurements and raters. Interrater reliability was also excellent for nearly all reads for all measurements. CONCLUSION: Radiographic reliability of long-leg radiographs and lateral knee x-rays in skeletally immature children with ACL tears is excellent across nearly all measures and raters and can be obtained and interpreted as reliable and reproducible means to measure limb length and alignment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Pediatric and Adolescent Figure Skating Injuries: A 15-Year Retrospective Review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of injuries sustained by young figure skaters who were evaluated at regional pediatric sports medicine clinics. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review (2003-2017). SETTING: Sports medicine clinics at a tertiary-level pediatric medical center. PATIENTS: Two hundred ninety-four figure skaters (271 female and 23 male). Age rage: 9 to 19 years. Mean age: 14.2 ± 2.3 years. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mechanism of injury (acute vs overuse), injured body areas, diagnoses for most commonly injured body areas, and distribution of bone stress injuries. RESULTS: Eight hundred sixty-four figure skating-related injuries were identified. Approximately 68.9% were overuse and 31.1% were acute. In female figure skaters, the most frequently injured body areas were foot/ankle (29.6%), knee (19.3%), and back (15.8%). In male figure skaters, they were foot/ankle (25.4%), hip (16.4%), and knee (14.9%). Most common diagnoses at these body areas were tendinopathy (foot/ankle), extensor mechanism (knee), and posterior column bone stress injuries (back). All injuries to anterior knee structures, excluding bone contusions, were categorized as extensor mechanism injuries. About 11.8% of all injuries were bone stress reactions/fractures with the majority occurring at the back (42.2%), foot/ankle (32.4%), and lower leg (15.7%). CONCLUSION: Most injuries sustained by figure skaters were overuse and occurred most commonly at the foot/ankle (29.6%), knee (19.3%), and back (15.8%). Approximately 1 in 10 injuries were bone stress reactions/fractures, and nearly 1 in every 3 skaters who presented with back pain was diagnosed with a posterior column bone stress injury. Health care providers who take care of young figure skaters need to maintain a high index of suspicion for overuse injuries, especially bone stress reactions/fractures.

Symptomatic Discoid Meniscus in Children and Adolescents: A Review of 470 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Discoid meniscus is a congenital variant, typically involving the lateral meniscus, that comprises a spectrum of meniscal shapes and degrees of instability in an estimated 1% to 15% of the population. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical and operative course of a large cohort of children and adolescents patients with symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus. METHODS: Medical records of 470 knees with symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus in 401 patients ages 18 years or younger diagnosed at a single institution between 1991 and 2016 were reviewed retrospectively for patient characteristics, treatment course (nonoperative and/or operative), and complications. Surgical reports were reviewed in the operative group. RESULTS: The series included 401 patients of mean age 11.6 years (range: 1 mo-18.9 y), of which 222 (55%) were female, and 69 (17%) had bilateral involvement. Of 470 knees, 83 (18%) were initially managed nonoperatively. Of these, 32 knees (39%) failed nonoperative management and were converted to surgical treatment at a median of 7.9 months (interquartile range: 4.0-15.1). In total, 419 knees were managed surgically with saucerization (partial meniscectomy) with or without meniscal repair/stabilization; 84 knees (20%) required at least one concurrent nonmeniscal procedure. Discoid meniscus tears were reported in 264/419 knees (63%) intraoperatively; horizontal cleavage tears were most common. Reoperation was required for 66/379 cases (17%) with clinical follow-up, at a median of 19.6 months (range: 9.2-34.9) after index saucerization; 60/379 cases (16%) had ongoing pain and/or mechanical symptoms at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: With a failure rate of 39% (32/83 knees), nonoperative management for discoid lateral meniscus frequently convert to surgical treatment. During surgery, meniscus tearing and instability are common and should be anticipated. Postoperatively, 33% (126/379) of knees with clinical follow-up underwent either reoperation, or had ongoing symptoms of the knee at final follow-up. Discoid mensical retear is the most common complication (94%, 62/66) prompting repeat surgery, and should be discussed with families before the index operation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-descriptive case series.

Surgical Management of Medial Discoid Meniscus in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients.

BACKGROUND: Medial discoid meniscus (MDM) is an exceedingly rare anatomic abnormality that presents similarly to other meniscal pathologies. Symptomatic MDM is typically managed arthroscopically with mixed short-term and long-term outcomes, although the existing knowledge about MDM is limited. The purpose of this study was to describe the presentation and surgical treatment of MDM in pediatric and adolescent patients. METHODS: Medical records of 12 knees with MDM in 8 pediatric and adolescent patients treated between 1991 and 2016 were reviewed retrospectively for patient characteristics, clinical manifestations, radiographic findings, operative techniques, and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 446 knees diagnosed arthroscopically with discoid menisci, lateral discoid meniscus was noted in 434 knees (97.3%) and MDM was present in 12 knees (2.7%). The MDM series included 8 patients of mean age 13.8 years (range: 7.8 to 19.8), of which 5 were males (63%), and 4 (50%) had bilateral involvement. Of the 11 knees with available clinical records, all cases presented symptomatically (pain, mechanical symptoms); 10 (91%) had concurrent physical exam findings. On intraoperative examination, discoid morphologies were described as complete in 4/8 knees (50%) or incomplete in 4/8 (50%), with associated instability in 6/12 (50%). Meniscal tears were reported in 9 cases (75%)-primarily, horizontal cleavage tears. Saucerization was performed in 11 knees (92%), with medial meniscal repair in 7 (58%), when indicated. Retear of the medial meniscus occurred in 4/11 knees (36%) at a mean of 25.8 months postoperation; 2 knees required revisions. One knee developed arthrofibrosis and underwent arthroscopic lysis of adhesions. CONCLUSIONS: MDM is a rare diagnosis, representing 3% of all discoid menisci, with a nonspecific clinical manifestation. Operative management of symptomatic MDM typically involves saucerization and meniscal repair, when indicated, for concurrent tears. Symptom resolution is common short-term, but long-term outcomes include recurrent meniscal tears. Subsequent observational studies are important to evaluate long-term outcomes, such as arthritic changes, with the advancement of arthroscopic techniques for meniscal preservation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective case series.

Long-term Minimum 15-Year Follow-up After Lateral Discoid Meniscus Rim Preservation Surgery in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Discoid meniscus is a congenital variant typically affecting the lateral meniscus of the knee. Historically, surgical intervention when symptomatic consisted of total meniscectomy; however, after degenerative changes were observed, current treatments now focus on rim preservation with arthroscopic saucerization and meniscal repair for instability, when indicated. The purpose of our study was to examine long-term patient-reported outcomes of lateral discoid meniscus (LDM) treated with meniscal-preserving techniques. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients treated arthroscopically for LDM at a single institution at a minimum of 15 years ago were retrospectively identified and contacted by mailers and telephone to participate. Subjective functional outcomes and patient satisfaction data were collected using a questionnaire that included the validated International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Lysholm Score, Marx Activity Rating Scale, Tegner Activity Score, and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index Osteoarthritis Index. Patient and surgical characteristics and patient-reported outcomes were summarized by mean and SD, median and interquartile range (interquartile range), or frequency and percent, as appropriate. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients contacted (response rate of 46/98 eligible), 25 (54%) completed the questionnaires. The mean (±SD) age at initial surgery was 10.8 (±3.4) and 30.3 (±3.7) years at final follow-up. The mean (±SD) follow-up time from initial surgery was 19.5 (±2.8) years (range, 16 to 27). Patient-reported outcomes included: International Knee Documentation Committee 77.4±17.2, Lysholm 78.6±21, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index 7.6±11.3, Tegner Activity 7 (of 10), and Marx Activity Rating Scale 8 (of 10). Eleven (44%) cases underwent subsequent LDM-related surgery on the ipsilateral knee(s). There were no cases of total knee replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, patient-reported outcomes were favorable at a minimum of 15-year follow-up after rim-preserving saucerization of LDM. While two thirds of patients were satisfied with their surgical outcomes, nearly half of patients underwent revision saucerization with or without meniscal repair. Subsequent long-term follow-up studies with objective outcome measures are important to further elucidate the natural history of LDM and understand how rim-preserving procedures may prevent the development of degenerative processes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series, prognostic study.

Posterior Ankle Decompression With Os Trigonum or Stieda Process Resection in Dancers: Case Series Report and Review of the Literature.

This case series reports the outcome of posterior ankle decompression and os trigonum or Stieda process resection utilizing an open posterolateral approach in 54 professional, pre-professional, and dedicated recreational dancers. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon at the same facility between 2008 and 2018. The surgical technique is described in detail. Data related to results of the surgery were gathered via follow-up questionnaire and verified by referencing the patients' medical records. Outcomes were self-assessed in terms of categories ranging from excellent through moderate to poor. Eighty-nine percent of the dancers (N = 48 of 54) chose excellent or good, 11% (N = 6) chose moderate, and none selected poor. These results were compared with those achieved in 17 previous studies reporting the use of both open (posterolateral and posteromedial) and arthroscopic/endoscopic techniques in dancers. This comparison found similarly favorable reported outcomes, but also great variation in methodology for determining patient reported outcomes (PROs). While the preferred surgical technique for posterior ankle decompression remains controversial, the open posterolateral approach utilized in this series resulted in high expectation of return to dance with minimal complications. The need for a dancer-specific PRO tool is discussed.

Revision ACL Reconstruction in Children and Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in pediatric patients has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to assess the demographics, technique, and results of ACL revision surgery in children and adolescents. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series with outcomes assessment of patients 18 years old and younger who underwent revision ACL surgery over a 16-year period at a single institution. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, clinical and operative data, and patients were contacted for outcomes at a minimum of 1 year after revision surgery. RESULTS: Ninety revision ACL reconstructions were performed by 7 surgeons in 88 patients (44 male, 44 female). Average patient age at the time of revision was 16.6 years (SD, 1.7), and 28.8% of patients were skeletally immature. Time to failure after primary ACL reconstruction was 1.28 years (SD, 1.1) and revision surgery was performed 1.56 years (SD, 1) after the index procedure. Revision graft type included allograft (61.1%), patellar tendon (21.1%), hamstring (16.7%), and iliotibial band (1.1%). There was a 20% graft reinjury rate. Subsequent surgical procedures after revision were required in 25.5% of knees. Twenty percent of revision reconstructions had contralateral ACL injuries, and this percentage was higher (33%) among those who went on to injure their revision graft. Median outcome scores collected from 44 patients (50%) at a mean of 5.1 years following surgery (SD, 3.4) were: Pedi-IKDC 79.9, Lysholm 84.5, and Tegner 9.0. Sixty-nine percent of patients reported returning to sports, however, only 55.2% of these reported being able to return to the same level of play. CONCLUSIONS: Revision ACL reconstruction in pediatric patients was associated with suboptimal patient-reported outcomes, high complication rates, relatively high graft retear rates, high risk of contralateral ACL injury, and compromised return to sports rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Effect of Graft Type on Thigh Circumference, Knee Range of Motion, and Lower-Extremity Strength in Pediatric and Adolescent Males Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

CONTEXT: To treat anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, ACL reconstruction (ACLR) surgery is currently a standard of the care. However, effect of graft type including bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB), hamstring tendon, or iliotibial band (ITB) on thigh size, knee range of motion (ROM), and muscle strength are understudied. OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative thigh circumference, knee ROM, and hip and thigh muscle strength in adolescent males who underwent ACLR, based on the 3 different autograft types: BTB, hamstring (HS), and ITB. SETTING: Biomechanical laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Male ACLR patients who are younger than 22 years of age (total N = 164). INTERVENTION: At 6- to 9-month postoperative visits, thigh circumference, knee ROM, and hip and thigh muscle strength were measured. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Deficits of each variable between the uninvolved and ACLR limb were compared for pediatric and adolescent ACLR males in the BTB, HS, and ITB cohorts. Baseline characteristics, including physical demographics and meniscus tear status, were compared, and differences identified were treated as covariates and incorporated in analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Data were from 164 adolescent male ACLR patients [mean age 15.7 (1.2) years]. There were no statistical differences in thigh circumference, knee ROM, hip abductor, and hip-extensor strength among the 3 autografts. However, patients with BTB demonstrated 12.2% deficits in quadriceps strength compared with 0.5% surplus in HS patients (P = .002) and 1.2% deficits in ITB patients (P = .03). Patients with HS showed 31.7% deficits in hamstring strength compared with 5.4% deficits in BTB (P = .001) and 7.7% deficits in ITB (P = .001) groups at 6- to 9-month postoperative visits. CONCLUSION: Adolescent male ACLR patients with BTB and HS autografts demonstrated significant deficits in quadriceps and hamstring strength, respectively, at 6 to 9 months postoperatively. Minimal lower-extremity strength deficits were demonstrated in pediatric male ACLR patients undergoing ITB harvest.

Effect of Graft Type on Balance and Hop Tests in Adolescent Males Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Context: Recent epidemiology studies indicated a steady increase of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in young athletes. ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is currently a standard of care, but the effect of ACLR graft including bone patellar tendon bone (BTB), hamstring tendon (HT), or iliotibial band (ITB) on balance and hop performance is understudied. Objective: To compare balance and hop deficits between uninvolved and reconstructed limbs in each autograft type (aim 1) and among the 3 autograft groups (aim 2). Setting: Biomechanical laboratory. Participants: Male ACLR patients who are younger than 22 years (total N = 160; BTB: N = 19, HT: N = 108, ITB: N = 33). Intervention: Approximately 6 to 9 months following ACLR, Y-balance and 4 types of hop tests were measured bilaterally. Main Outcome Measures: Limb symmetry index of balance and hop tests within each graft type and between the 3 graft types. Results: In the BTB group, significant anterior reach, single hop, triple hops, and cross-over hops deficits were observed on the ACLR limb compared with the uninvolved limb. The HT group showed significant deficits in single hop, triple hops, and cross-over hops on the ACLR limb relative to the uninvolved limb. Compared with the uninvolved limb, significantly decreased triple hops and 6-m timed hop deficits in the ACLR limb were recorded in the ITB group. When controlling for confounders and comparing among the 3 autograft types, the only significant difference was anterior reach, in which the BTB group showed significant deficits. Conclusion: Compared with the uninvolved limb, significant hop deficits in ACLR limb were prevalent among adolescent ACLR at ∼6 to 9 months postoperatively. After controlling covariates, significantly reduced anterior reach balance was found in the BTB group compared with the HT and ITB groups.

Opioid Overprescription After Knee Arthroscopy and Related Surgery in Adolescents and Young Adults.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the number of opioids prescribed with the amount of pain medication required after knee arthroscopy and related surgery in adolescent and young adult patients to determine the effectiveness of current pain-control practices at a single institution. The secondary purpose was to determine what demographic or surgical factors are associated with increased opioid intake. METHODS: Adolescent and young adult patients who underwent knee arthroscopy and related surgery, including ligament reconstruction or tibial tubercle osteotomy, between May and August 2016 were provided pain-control logbooks in which they were asked to maintain a record of daily pain medication intake. The outcome of the study was defined as the total number of opioids consumed per patient. RESULTS: One hundred patients returned completed logbooks, 56% of whom were female patients. The average age was 17.54 years (standard deviation [SD], 3.51 years). Most patients underwent an open procedure concurrent with knee arthroscopy (60%), underwent nerve block placement (51%), and underwent injection of local anesthesia (91%). Use of both intravenous acetaminophen and ketorolac during the perioperative period was also common (41%). Patients were prescribed an average of 50.98 oxycodone pills (SD, 12.50 pills) and reported consuming an average of 16.52 pills (SD, 13.94 pills), approximately 32.4% of those prescribed. Eleven percent never consumed opioids, and only 1 patient requested a refill during the 21-day postoperative period. Multivariate analysis showed that increased weight, longer surgery time, and increased diazepam use were most closely associated with increased opioid consumption. CONCLUSIONS: After knee arthroscopy and related surgery, including ligament reconstruction or tibial tubercle osteotomy, adolescent and young adult patients are commonly overprescribed opioids, consuming on average only approximately one-third of those prescribed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Critical components of neuromuscular training to reduce ACL injury risk in female athletes: meta-regression analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine key components in neuromuscular training that optimise ACL injury reduction in female athletes using meta-regression analyses. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-regression. DATA SOURCES: The literature search was performed in PubMed and EBSCO. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Inclusion criteria for the current analysis were: (1) documented the number of ACL injuries, (2) employed a neuromuscular training intervention that aimed to reduce ACL injuries, (3) had a comparison group, (4) used a prospective control study design and (5) recruited female athletes as participants. Two independent reviewers extracted studies which met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality of included study and strength of recommendation were evaluated. Number of ACL injuries and participants in control and intervention groups, age of participants, dosage of neuromuscular training, exercise variations within neuromuscular training and status of verbal feedback were extracted. RESULTS: The meta-regression analyses identified age of participants, dosage of neuromuscular training, exercise variations within neuromuscular training and utilisation of verbal feedback as significant predictors of ACL injury reduction (p=0.01 in fixed-effects model, p=0.03 in random-effects model). Inclusion of 1 of the 4 components in neuromuscular training could reduce ACL injury risk by 17.2-17.7% in female athletes. No significant heterogeneity and publication bias effects were detected. Strength of recommendation was rated as A (recommendation based on consistent and good-quality patient-oriented study evidence). CONCLUSIONS: Age of participants, dosage of neuromuscular training, exercise variations within neuromuscular training and utilisation of verbal feedback are predictors that influence the optimisation of prophylactic effects of neuromuscular training and the resultant ACL injury reduction in female athletes.

The Reliability and Validity of a Pediatric Back Outcome Measure.

OBJECTIVE: Young athletes not uncommonly complain of back pain. Many patient-reported outcome measures are used to evaluate back pain, but none have been designed specifically to assess young, athletic patients. The Micheli Functional Scale (MFS) was developed to measure impairment due to back pain in this population. This study examined the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the MFS used in routine clinical assessments. DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort Study. SETTING: Pediatric sports medicine specialty clinic. INTERVENTIONS: Patients presenting with a chief concern of back pain over 1 year (n = 93) were enrolled in the study. Study subjects were administered the MFS and the revised Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at each visit as part of routine clinical care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reliability of the MFS was assessed by calculating Cronbach alpha (α). Concurrent validity was determined by measuring Spearman coefficient (rs) for the correlations between the MFS and ODI. RESULTS: Ninety-three patients (50 female, 43 male), mean age 14.1 ± 2.3 years were enrolled and 242 clinic encounters (71 initial/171 follow-up visits) analyzed. The MFS had acceptable item reliability (α = 0.786) and concurrent validity: the MFS and ODI were strongly and positively correlated [rs = 0.824 (P < 0.001)]. The MFS was comparatively more reliable and valid when used in follow-up versus initial visits. CONCLUSIONS: The MFS is a reliable and valid instrument in assessing young athletes with back pain, although the instrument has different performance characteristics on initial versus follow-up assessments. Further work is needed to refine the MFS to enhance the instrument's reliability, validity, and responsiveness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides further insight into an outcome measure of clinical use in evaluating young athletes with back pain.

Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the Skeletally Immature Athlete.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the percentage of skeletally immature athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and reconstruction. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Boston Children's Hospital Division of Sports Medicine. PATIENTS: Eligible participants were identified by chart review. Males and females aged ≤14 year old who were greater than 2 years after ACL reconstruction surgery seen between January 2001 and May 2009. A total of 250 patients completed the questionnaires. ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS: Age, sex, mechanism, and sport played at time of ACL injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Response to the survey was 75% (250 of 333) which was analyzed using descriptive statistics to provide a summary of the study cohort. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was applied to determine time to return to sports participation after ACL reconstruction with Greenwood formula used to calculate 95% confidence intervals around the estimated percentage returning at 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24-month follow-up. RESULTS: After undergoing ACL reconstruction, 96% of skeletally immature athletes are able to return to sports at the same skill level. Median time to return to sports was 9 months postoperative, with most athletes returning to sports (85%) by 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: After undergoing ACL reconstruction, most child athletes are able to return to sports and 50% of these athletes return within 9 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: After undergoing ACL reconstruction, 96% of athletes ≤14 year old are able to return to sports at the same skill level. Median time to return to sports was 9 months postoperative, with most athletes returning to sports (85%) by 12 months. In our study, patients cited physical limitation, loss of interest in sport, and fear of reinjury as reasons for not returning to previous level of sport. Return to sport may be improved by additional research into sports-specific training and rehabilitation in this cohort.

Early Results of Drilling and/or Microfracture for Grade IV Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment is recommended for patients with unstable osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow. However, little information is available comparing the anticipated results from the host of techniques. In this investigation, clinical and radiographic resolution as well as return to sports rates were assessed in adolescent patients following loose body (LB) removal and drilling/microfracture of grade IV lesions. METHODS: We reviewed 21 adolescents treated with LB removal and drilling/microfracture for grade IV elbow OCD. Patients with additional elbow pathology, prior elbow surgery, or <1 year follow-up were excluded. Clinical resolution was defined as resolution of tenderness and radiographic resolution as resolution of edema on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Return to sport rates and Timmerman scores were assessed. Mean clinical and MRI follow-up times were 2.2±1.19 and 2.4±1.54 years, respectively. Clinical and radiographic parameters associated with clinical and/or radiographic resolution or return to sports were determined using penalized likelihood logistic regression. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to evaluate the change in range of motion and in Timmerman scores. RESULTS: Fifteen (71.4%) patients had either clinical or radiographic resolution at most recent follow-up. Nine (50%) had complete resolution on MRI, whereas 13 (61.9%) were nontender at their follow-up. Four patients with recurrent LBs underwent revision surgery. There were no complications in the 21 index procedures. Eighteen (85.7%) patients returned to any sport, whereas 14 (66. 7%) returned to their primary sport. Elbow flexion and extension improved by medians of 12 and 21 degrees, respectively (P=0.002, 0.01). Timmerman scores improved by a median of 30 (P=0.001). Shorter duration of symptoms correlated with smaller OCD lesions (P=0.03) and with improved clinical or radiographic resolution and return to sport rates. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients with grade IV elbow OCD achieves clinical and/or radiographic resolution and return to sports 2 years after LB removal and drilling/microfracture. Recurrence may be seen, however, and further investigation is needed to assess the efficacy of this technique compared with other treatment strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

National Strength and Conditioning Association Position Statement on Long-Term Athletic Development.

There has recently been a growing interest in long-term athletic development for youth. Because of their unique physical, psychological, and social differences, children and adolescents should engage in appropriately prescribed exercise programs that promote physical development to prevent injury and enhance fitness behaviors that can be retained later in life. Irrespective of whether a child is involved in organized sport or engages in recreational physical activity, there remains a need to adopt a structured, logical, and evidence-based approach to the long-term development of athleticism. This is of particular importance considering the alarmingly high number of youth who fail to meet global physical activity recommendations and consequently present with negative health profiles. However, appropriate exercise prescription is also crucial for those young athletes who are physically underprepared and at risk of overuse injury because of high volumes of competition and an absence of preparatory conditioning. Whether the child accumulates insufficient or excessive amounts of exercise, or falls somewhere between these opposing ends of the spectrum, it is generally accepted that the young bodies of modern day youth are often ill-prepared to tolerate the rigors of sports or physical activity. All youth should engage in regular physical activity and thus should be viewed as "athletes" and afforded the opportunity to enhance athleticism in an individualized, holistic, and child-centered manner. Because of emerging interest in long-term athletic development, an authorship team was tasked on behalf of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) to critically synthesize existing literature and current practices within the field and to compose a relevant position statement. This document was subsequently reviewed and formally ratified by the NSCA Board of Directors. A list of 10 pillars of successful long-term athletic development are presented, which summarize the key recommendations detailed within the position statement. With these pillars in place, it is believed that the NSCA can (a) help foster a more unified and holistic approach to long-term athletic development, (b) promote the benefits of a lifetime of healthy physical activity, and

The Effectiveness of a Functional Knee Brace on Joint-Position Sense in Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Reconstructed Individuals.

It is estimated that approximately 350,000 individuals undergo anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery in each year in the US. Although ACL-reconstruction surgery and postoperative rehabilitation are successfully completed, deficits in postural control remain prevalent in ACL-reconstructed individuals. In order to assist the lack of balance ability and reduce the risk of retear of the reconstructed ACL, physicians often provide a functional knee brace on the patients' return to physical activity. However, it is not known whether use of the functional knee brace enhances knee-joint position sense in individuals with ACL reconstruction. Thus, the effect of a functional knee brace on knee-joint position sense in an ACL-reconstructed population needs be critically appraised. After systematically review of previously published literature, 3 studies that investigated the effect of a functional knee brace in ACL-reconstructed individuals using joint-position-sense measures were found. They were rated as level 2b evidence in the Centre of Evidence Based Medicine Level of Evidence chart. Synthesis of the reviewed studies indicated inconsistent evidence of a functional knee brace on joint-position improvement after ACL reconstruction. More research is needed to provide sufficient evidence on the effect of a functional knee brace on joint-position sense after ACL reconstruction. Future studies need to measure joint-position sense in closed-kinetic-chain fashion since ACL injury usually occurs under weight-bearing conditions.

High knee abduction moments are common risk factors for patellofemoral pain (PFP) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in girls: is PFP itself a predictor for subsequent ACL injury?

BACKGROUND: Identifying risk factors for knee pain and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can be an important step in the injury prevention cycle. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated two unique prospective cohorts with similar populations and methodologies to compare the incidence rates and risk factors associated with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and ACL injury. METHODS: The 'PFP cohort' consisted of 240 middle and high school female athletes. They were evaluated by a physician and underwent anthropometric assessment, strength testing and three-dimensional landing biomechanical analyses prior to their basketball season. 145 of these athletes met inclusion for surveillance of incident (new) PFP by certified athletic trainers during their competitive season. The 'ACL cohort' included 205 high school female volleyball, soccer and basketball athletes who underwent the same anthropometric, strength and biomechanical assessment prior to their competitive season and were subsequently followed up for incidence of ACL injury. A one-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate potential group (incident PFP vs ACL injured) differences in anthropometrics, strength and landing biomechanics. Knee abduction moment (KAM) cut-scores that provided the maximal sensitivity and specificity for prediction of PFP or ACL injury risk were also compared between the cohorts. RESULTS: KAM during landing above 15.4 Nm was associated with a 6.8% risk to develop PFP compared to a 2.9% risk if below the PFP risk threshold in our sample. Likewise, a KAM above 25.3 Nm was associated with a 6.8% risk for subsequent ACL injury compared to a 0.4% risk if below the established ACL risk threshold. The ACL-injured athletes initiated landing with a greater knee abduction angle and a reduced hamstrings-to-quadriceps strength ratio relative to the incident PFP group. Also, when comparing across cohorts, the athletes who suffered ACL injury also had lower hamstring/quadriceps ratio than the players in the PFP sample (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In adolescent girls aged 13.3 years, >15 Nm of knee abduction load during landing is associated with greater likelihood of developing PFP. Also, in girls aged 16.1 years who land with >25 Nm of knee abduction load during landing are at increased risk for both PFP and ACL injury.

A closer look at overuse injuries in the pediatric athlete.

OBJECTIVE: To examine male-female differences in pediatric overuse sports injuries. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional epidemiological study. SETTING: Tertiary level sports medicine division in a large academic pediatric medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Five percent probability sample of patients 5 to 17 years seen from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2009. About 3813 charts reviewed. Final study cohort included 1614 patients. INTERVENTION: Nonlinear decomposition analysis of male-female differences in overuse injuries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Age, body mass index, history of previous injury, and activity type (contact/collision, team vs individual, "high overuse"). RESULTS: Females sustained approximately half of the total injuries. Fifty-two percent of the injuries were overuse, 61% to the lower extremity. A high proportion of tennis players, swimmers, dancers, track athletes, runners, gymnasts, and cheerleaders were seen for overuse injuries. Females sustained more overuse injuries versus males (63% and 40%, respectively). Males playing team sports have a 5.3 times higher likelihood of being seen for an overuse injury compared with males not playing team sports (P < 0.01). High-overuse sport participation increased overuse injury odds by a factor of 10 for males versus 3.6 for females (P ≤ 0.01 for males and females). Forty-six percent of the male-female difference in overuse injuries could be attributed to sport/activity characteristics-contact/collision, team, and high overuse. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of the sex discrepancy in overuse injuries in this cohort was attributed to compositional differences in sports played. Future research is needed to investigate the independent effect of sex on risk for pediatric sports injuries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides a unique analysis of male-female differences in pediatric sports injuries and is the first study to estimate the impact of the different characteristics (ie, collision, team, high overuse) of sports children play on overuse injuries sustained by young athletes. The findings will help guide future prevention efforts.

Internal Fixation of Unstable In Situ Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Capitellum.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist regarding the indications and expected outcomes of internal fixation of unstable in situ osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the capitellum. The objective of this investigation was to characterize healing rates, clinical results, and functional outcomes of internal fixation of unstable in situ OCD lesions in adolescents. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed of 26 elbows in 24 patients who underwent internal fixation for unstable in situ OCD. Mean age at surgery was 14.1 years; 7 patients had open physes. Mean lesion width and thickness were 12.0 and 5.4 mm, respectively. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic variables of patients who went on to healing versus revision procedures were compared with univariate analysis. Classification and regression tree analysis identified optimal threshold values associated with healing. Functional outcomes were assessed with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Timmerman, and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument scores. Mean clinical follow-up was 39 months (range, 12 to 96 mo). RESULTS: Twenty of 26 elbows healed. Patients who healed were younger (P=0.01) and had smaller sagittal plane lesion widths (P=0.03) than patients who underwent revision. Classification and regression tree analysis identified 15.3 years and 13 mm as the threshold values distinguishing patients who did and did not heal. Overall, mean arc of elbow motion improved from 109 degrees preoperatively to 127 degrees at last follow-up (P=0.001). Mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved from 68 to 92 (P<0.001). Of 18 questionnaire respondents, two thirds reported full return to their prior level of sports participation without elbow complaint; 9 had excellent final Timmerman scores, 5 good, and 4 fair. Mean Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument upper extremity and sports scores were 98 and 93, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Healing, return to sports, and good to excellent functional outcomes may be expected in the majority of patients undergoing internal fixation of unstable in situ OCD lesions of the capitellum, particularly in younger patients with lesions <13 mm in sagittal width. Higher levels of evidence must further differentiate the optimal surgical treatments of unstable OCD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Results of Surgical Management of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Ankle in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of published literature on operative management of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in the ankle in adolescents. This study seeks to elucidate patient and lesion characteristics associated with surgical success and failure as well as reporting functional outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective chart review identified all patients aged 18 years old or younger surgically treated for OCD of the ankle at our institution from 2001 to 2010. This included 109 ankles in 100 patients (75 female, 25 male), mean age 14.3 ± 2.3 years (range, 7 to 18 y), with a median follow-up of 3.3 years (range, 1 to 10.8 y). Patient and lesion data, surgical procedure, clinical results, and complications were recorded. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed in 80 ankles. A return to sport survey and a Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) was sent to all patients. Multivariate statistical analysis evaluated predictors of reoperation rate, Berndt and Harty clinical grade, and FAOS scores. Kaplan-Meier analysis was applied to determine freedom from reoperation. RESULTS: The OCD lesion was most commonly found on the medial talus (80, 73%). The most common procedures performed included transarticular drilling (59, 54%), fixation (22, 20%), and excision microfracture (27, 26%). The overall rate of reoperation was 27% (29/109). Berndt and Harty clinical grade was poor (33, 30%), fair (23, 21%), and good (53, 49%). Reoperation rates were significantly higher for OCD lesions in which postoperative radiographs had no change or looked worse (10/16, 63%) (P = 0.002). Thirty-six of 44 survey respondents (82%) were satisfied and 37 (84%) returned to sports at a median time of 6 months. Average FAOS score was 77 ± 18. Multiple linear regression confirmed that female sex and elevated body mass index were significant negative predictors for FAOS score. CONCLUSIONS: The reoperation rate following surgical intervention for OCD of the ankle is high. Females and those with a higher body mass index may have worse subjective functional ankle outcomes.