A longevity study to determine appropriate storage conditions for sexual lubricants using spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques.

There has been an increase in the number of reported cases in which assailants have used a condom or sexual lubricant. Sexual predators understand that DNA from seminal fluid is one of the main forms of evidence used to connect a suspect to a victim or crime scene; therefore, the use of condoms in sexual assault cases has increased. This dilemma has led to research into other types of trace evidence (e.g., sexual lubricants). The study presented herein was performed to determine the optimal storage time length and conditions appropriate for storing trace lubricant residue. This research project used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), direct analysis in real time-high resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques to analyze the stored swabs containing sexual lubricants at 8 timepoints over 18 months. Blank, personal lubricant, and condom swabs were stored under several environmental conditions. Swab storage allowed for the determination of whether lubricants degraded, thus adversely affecting the ability to recognize the classification patterns. Resulting spectra from each instrument can be used to identify environmental degradation of lubricant samples and generate investigative leads. Pearson Correlation Coefficients and time plots of the chemical components were used to determine if chemical breakdown occurred for each lubricant and if the pattern changed significantly. Results showed that the strongest correlations occur between the initial timepoint (T 0) and one month (T1m), with correlations decreasing consistently up to eighteen months (T18m). The best storage conditions were determined to be 22 °C at both 16% and 50% humidity. The ability to understand the effects of environment and time to the analysis of sexual lubricants may offer helpful information when analyzing sexual assault kits.

Players' perspectives on successfully returning to professional baseball after medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: As the incidence of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) surgery continues to rise, an improved understanding of baseball pitchers' perspectives on the postoperative recovery process and return to pitching is needed. The purpose of this study was to analyze pitchers' perspectives on recovery after UCLR. METHODS: dDuring the 2018 baseball season, an online questionnaire was distributed to the certified athletic trainers of all 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) organizations. These athletic trainers then administered the survey to all players within their organization including MLB and 6 levels of Minor League Baseball. MLB or Minor League Baseball pitchers who had previously undergone UCLR and participated in a rehabilitation program (or were currently participating in one at time of the survey) were included in the study. RESULTS: There were 530 professional pitchers who met inclusion criteria. The majority (81%) of pitchers began rehabilitation within 2 weeks of surgery, with 51% beginning within 1 week. The majority of pitchers began a long-toss throwing program at 5 and 6 months after surgery (27% and 21%), with 52% making their first throw off a mound between 7 and 9 months. The number of pitchers who participated in a weighted ball throwing program decreased significantly after surgery (20%-11%, P < .001). After UCLR, 56% of pitchers reported no changes regarding pitching mechanics or types of pitches thrown, 42% reported changed mechanics, and only 3% either decreased or stopped throwing a certain pitch type. Overall, 54% believed that their current throwing velocity was faster than their velocity before ulnar collateral ligament injury. Twenty percent of pitchers reported experiencing a setback that resulted in temporary stoppage of their rehabilitation program, the most common reason being flexor tightness or tendonitis (53%). Seventy-six percent reported that they were not concerned about sustaining another elbow injury; however, significantly less (61%; P < .001) stated that they would have UCLR again if necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Although UCLR is generally reported to have excellent clinical outcomes, 20% of pitchers experienced a significant setback during their rehabilitation and only 61% of pitchers, having gone through UCLR and the subsequent recovery, would be willing to undergo revision surgery and repeat the rehabilitation process if it were to become necessary. In addition, 42% of pitchers felt that they had to alter their throwing mechanics to return to pitching. Surgeons and athletic trainers should aim to understand the UCLR recovery process from the pitchers' perspective to better counsel future patients recovering from UCLR.

Prevalence of Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery in 6135 Current Professional Baseball Players: A 2018 Update.

BACKGROUND: As the incidence of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery continues to rise rapidly, an update on the current prevalence and demographics in professional baseball players is warranted. HYPOTHESIS: The prevalence of UCL reconstruction in Major League Baseball (MLB) and Minor League Baseball (MiLB) players will be higher than that previously reported, and the increase in prevalence will be most notable in MiLB pitchers. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: During the 2018 baseball season, an online questionnaire regarding a history of UCL surgery was distributed to the certified athletic trainers of all 30 MLB organizations. These trainers then administered the survey to all players within their organizations, including MLB, MiLB (AAA, AA, High A, Low A, High Rookie, Low Rookie), and Dominican Summer League (DSL) players. Demographics were compared between MLB, MiLB, and DSL players. Results of this 2018 survey were compared with previously published data from the 2012 season to assess the change over time. RESULTS: There were 6135 professional baseball players who completed the survey (66% response rate). The prevalence of UCL reconstruction in all MLB and MiLB players was 13% (637/4928), while the prevalence in DSL players was 2% (20/1207) (P < .001). The prevalence in all MLB and MiLB players (13%) and pitchers (20%) both increased significantly from 2012 (P < .001). MLB pitchers reported a higher prevalence of UCL reconstruction than did MiLB pitchers (26% vs 19%, respectively; P < .001). In 2018, the prevalence of UCL reconstruction has increased significantly in MiLB pitchers (19% vs 15%, respectively; P < .001) and pitchers aged 21 to 30 years (22% vs 17%, respectively; P < .001) compared with 2012. Additionally, United States-born pitchers were more likely to have undergone UCL reconstruction compared with Latin America-born pitchers (23% vs 13%, respectively; P < .001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of UCL reconstruction has increased significantly in professional baseball players over the past 6 years from 10% to 13%. Ultimately, the prevalence of UCL reconstruction has increased most significantly since 2012 in MiLB pitchers, pitchers aged 21 to 30 years, and pitchers born in the United States.

Media perceptions of Tommy John surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction is increasing in professional athletes and the delivery of baseball news by the media exerts a powerful influence on public opinion of the injury and surgery. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the media's perception regarding the causes of UCL injury as well as the indications, risks, benefits, and rehabilitation related to UCL reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey study, Level 3. METHODS: This study utilized an online thirty-question survey designed to assess an individual's perception of UCL reconstruction with regard to risk factors for injury, indications, benefits, surgical details, and rehabilitation. Eligible study participants were members of the media including print, internet, radio and/or television directly involved in the coverage of Major League Baseball (MLB). RESULTS: A total of 516 members of the media with a mean age of 43.6 years completed the survey. In nearly half (47.8%), professional baseball represented 76-100% of their total sports coverage responsibility. INDICATIONS: although the majority answered correctly, 45% did not know if an athlete needed an elbow injury as a prerequisite for UCL reconstruction and 25% believed the primary indication was performance enhancement. As percentage of baseball coverage increased, media members were less likely to believe that an elbow injury was not required (p = 0.038). BENEFITS: eighty percent recognized that pitching speed is typically reduced following surgery, but the remaining 20% felt that velocities actually increased compared with pre-injury velocities. Return to play: fifty-two percent overestimated the ability of pitchers to return to back to professional baseball and 51.2% believed return would occur in 12 or less months. Estimates were higher in those of older age (p = 0.032) and increased percentage of baseball coverage (p < 0.001). Overuse injuries: less than half (48.4%) believed the use of pitch counts to be important in the prevention of UCL injury and 33.2% felt that throwing injuries were not preventable in adolescent baseball. CONCLUSION: Common misconceptions exist regarding UCL reconstruction within the professional baseball media. Efforts for physicians to educate the media on the risks of overuse throwing injuries with emphasis on accurate indications, outcomes, and recovery of Tommy John Surgery are encouraged.

Prevalence of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Surgery in Professional Baseball Players.

BACKGROUND: While the high rate of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries in professional baseball is widely discussed in the media and medical literature, the actual prevalence of UCL reconstruction has not been documented. HYPOTHESIS: The prevalence of UCL reconstruction will be higher among pitchers than nonpitchers, and Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers will have a higher prevalence than will minor league pitchers. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: An online questionnaire was distributed to all 30 MLB organizations. Certified athletic trainers from each team administered the questionnaire to all players in the organization, including major league players and 6 levels of minor league players. Demographic data were compared between major and minor league players. Continuous variables (age, years of professional baseball, country of origin, etc) were compared with Student t tests (P < .05). Categorical variables (level, position, etc) were compared using chi-square analysis (P < .05). RESULTS: A total of 5088 professional baseball players (722 major league and 4366 minor league) participated in the survey. Pitchers represented 53% of all players, and 497 players reported at least 1 UCL reconstruction, demonstrating a prevalence rate of 10% (497 of 5088). Pitchers reported a significantly higher prevalence of UCL reconstruction (16%; 437 of 2706) than nonpitchers (3%; 60 of 2382; P < .001). Among major league pitchers, 25% (96 of 382) had a history of UCL reconstruction, while minor league pitchers showed a 15% (341 of 2324) prevalence (P < .001). Major league pitchers were also significantly older (28.8 ± 3.9 years) than minor league pitchers (22.8 ± 3.0; P < .001). The majority of major leaguers (86%) had their UCL reconstruction as professional pitchers, whereas the majority of minor league pitchers (61%) underwent their UCL reconstruction during high school and college (P < .001). The rates of UCL revision, prior elbow surgery, prior shoulder surgery, and types of UCL graft were similar between the major league and minor league pitchers. No difference in prevalence was shown between pitchers born in the United States versus Latin American countries. CONCLUSION: Pitchers have a high prevalence of UCL reconstruction in professional baseball, with 25% of major league pitchers and 15% of minor league pitchers having a history of the surgery.