Young men undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft and anteromedial drilling outperform at 5- to 10-year follow-up in terms of graft stability and activity levels compared to those undergoing reconstruction with hamstring autograft and transtibial drilling.

OBJECTIVE: To compare 5- to 10-year outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in young men performed with bone-patellar tendon bone (BPTB) autograft and anteromedial portal to reconstruction with hamstring autograft and transtibial technique. It was hypothesised that in young adult men, at 5- to 10-year follow-up, superior restoration of knee laxity and activity levels would be demonstrated using BPTB autograft and anteromedial portal technique. METHODS: Ninety-four men who had ACL reconstruction with BPTB autograft and anteromedial portal were eligible for comparison to 106 men who had reconstruction with hamstring autograft and transtibial technique. Inclusion criteria were: (1) age 18-35 years, (2) ACL tear caused by sports trauma only, (3) no concomitant ligament reconstruction and (4) 5- to 10-year follow-up. Outcome measures compared between the two groups included Lachman and pivot shift tests, KT side-to-side difference, Tegner and Marx scores, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC)-subjective score, Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS), Short Form (SF)-36, and single hop test for distance. P value â€‹< â€‹0.05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS: Forty-five patients with BPTB and 55 patients with hamstring ACL reconstruction were available for in-person assessment at 5-10 years after surgery. Outcomes in the BPTB group compared to the hamstring group showed KT difference 1.4 â€‹± â€‹1.9 mm vs. 2.8 â€‹± â€‹2.3 mm (p â€‹< â€‹0.01), pivot shift grade 2-3 in 4% vs. 34% (p â€‹< â€‹0.01), return to preinjury Tegner level in 51% vs. 36% (p â€‹= 0.1) and to preinjury Marx score in 29% vs. 11% (p â€‹= 0.02), and IKDC-subjective 88 â€‹± â€‹10 vs. 82 â€‹± â€‹13 vs (p â€‹< â€‹0.01), respectively. Statistically significant inter-relationships were found between KT side-to-side difference and the Tegner, Marx and IKDC-subjective scores at follow-up (r â€‹= â€‹-0.314, p â€‹< â€‹0.01; r â€‹= â€‹-0.263, p â€‹< â€‹0.01; r â€‹= â€‹-0.218, p â€‹= â€‹0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Young men undergoing ACL reconstruction with patellar tendon autograft and anteromedial drilling outperform at 5- to 10-year follow-up in terms of graft stability and activity levels compared to young men undergoing reconstruction with hamstring autograft and transtibial drilling. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (Retrospective cross-sectional comparative study).

Ipsilateral Quadriceps Tendon-Bone ACL Revision Reconstruction to Address Failed Primary Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone ACL Reconstruction with Persistent Patellar Bone Defect.

Bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft is a popular graft choice for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in active young adults. In case of BPTB ACLR failure, the 3 most popular autograft choices for a revision surgery include contralateral BPTB, contralateral or ipsilateral hamstrings autograft, and contralateral or ipsilateral quadriceps tendon autograft. Quadriceps tendon autograft has been gaining increasing popularity in recent years in this respect, but using quadriceps tendon-bone autograft in the setup of a previous use of ipsilateral BPTB autograft deserves special technical considerations, with emphasis on preserving patellar bone integrity. We describe a technique for performing revision ACLR after failed primary BPTB ACLR by using ipsilateral quadriceps tendon-bone autograft in the setup of persistent distal patellar bone defect. Using this autograft benefits the advantages of highly resilient graft tissue in addition to fast bone-to-bone healing on the femoral side, and it can be an excellent choice in revision reconstruction for surgeons who prefer tendon-bone autograft for highly active young adults and specifically when the patients underwent bilateral primary autologous BPTB ACLRs.

All-Autograft Multiligament Knee Reconstruction of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament, Anterior Cruciate Ligament, and Posterolateral Corner (KD-IIIL).

Multiligament knee reconstruction constitutes a challenging entity. While allograft use gained popularity in this scenario because it can reduce surgery time and the risk of donor-site morbidities, in some places high-quality allografts are not readily available. In addition, allografts are subjected to some disadvantages compared with autografts, including slower biological incorporation and risk of disease transmission. Choosing and using wisely autografts to address these cases becomes valuable for these reasons. In this manuscript a technique is described for performing all-autograft multiligament knee reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament, anterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner.

Inside-out Repair of Extensive Meniscal Tears Using Posteromedial and Posterolateral Neurovascular Protective Windows.

Three popular repair techniques for preserving the torn meniscus are the all-inside, outside-in, and inside-out techniques. Among these, the inside-out technique has shown low failure rates, and it therefore remains the gold-standard technique for repairing the torn meniscus. For extensive and chronic meniscal tears, proper use of this technique has become fundamental for knee surgeons. Nevertheless, challenges in using this technique include a higher risk of catching the neurovascular bundles on the posteromedial and posterolateral sides of the knee and difficulties in reducing and stabilizing chronically displaced meniscal fragments. In this article, the inside-out technique is revisited with an emphasis on anatomic details of how to avoid the neurovascular bundles while addressing extensive and chronic meniscal lesions.

Accuracy measures of 1.5-tesla MRI for the diagnosis of ACL, meniscus and articular knee cartilage damage and characteristics of false negative lesions: a level III prognostic study.

BACKGROUND: MRI is the most accurate imaging modality for diagnosing knee pathologies. However, there is uncertainty concerning factors predicting false negative MRI, such as meniscal tear patterns as well as patient factors. The aims of this study were to report 1.5-Tesla MRI accuracy of ACL, meniscus and articular cartilage damage and characterize false negative lesions. METHODS: Two hundred eighteen consecutive knee arthroscopies performed in our institution between 2013 and 2016 and their respective prospectively-collected MRI reports were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were age > 15 years-old, primary arthroscopy, 1.5-Tesla MRI performed at the same institution, and time interval MRI-surgery < 6 months. Exclusion criteria were revision arthroscopy and arthroscopic-assisted fracture fixation or multiligament surgery. Accuracy measures and Kappa coefficients were calculated comparing the MRI diagnosis to the arthroscopic findings. Moreover, the arthroscopic findings of false negative MRI were compared to the findings of true positive MRI using the Fisher-exact test. Pearson correlation was used for testing the correlation between MRI accuracy and patient age. RESULTS: The highest accuracy was observed in medial meniscus and in ACL findings. For the medial meniscus sensitivity, specificity, agreement, and Kappa coefficient were 77, 92, 86%, and 0.7, and for the ACL these measures were 82, 97, 87%, and 0.73. MRI accuracy was lower in the lateral meniscus and articular cartilage with Kappa coefficient 0.42 and 0.3, respectively. More specifically, short peripheral tears in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus were characteristic of false negative findings compared to true positive findings of the MRI (p <  0.01). MRI accuracy correlated negatively compared to arthroscopic findings with patient age for the medial meniscus (r = - 0.21, p = 0.002) and for articular cartilage damage (r = - 0.45, p <  0.001). CONCLUSION: 1.5-Tesla MRI will accurately diagnose ACL and medial meniscal tears and can reliably complete the diagnostic workup following physical examination, particularly in young adults. This modality however is not reliable for diagnosing short peripheral tears at the posterior horn of the medial meniscus and partial thickness articular cartilage lesion of the femoral condyles. For these lesions, definitive diagnosis may require cartilage-specific MRI sequences or direct arthroscopic evaluation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level III.

Combined reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral and medial patellotibial ligaments: outcomes and prognostic factors.

PURPOSE: To report outcomes after combined medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) and medial patellotibial ligament (MPTL) reconstruction and test associations between prognostic factors and clinical outcomes. It was hypothesised that combined MPFL and MPTL reconstruction would result in significant improvement in function, and that outcomes would be associated with age, sex, Beighton score, concomitant articular lesions, and preoperative function. METHODS: All combined reconstructions of MPFL and MPTL were reviewed. Inclusion criterion was minimum 2-year follow-up. Exclusion criteria were age at surgery ≥ 35 years and concomitant osteotomies. Kujala, Tegner and Marx scores were completed prospectively. Patients were evaluated at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Associations between potential prognostic factors and Kujala and Tegner scores were tested using bivariate analyses followed by multivariate regression models. RESULTS: Of 22 patients (26 knees), 19 (23 knees) met inclusion criteria, and 16 (20 knees) were available for follow-up. Mean age at surgery was 18 years (range 14.5-23). Mean follow-up was 43 months (range 24-73). Postoperative Kujala score significantly improved compared to before surgery (86.4 ± 12.5 vs. 54.9 ± 15.2, p < 0.01). Postoperative Tegner score was nonsignificantly higher compared to before surgery (4.8 ± 2.4 vs. 4 ± 3, p = ns) and lower compared to before first patella dislocation (4.8 ± 2.4 vs. 5.9 ± 1.2, p < 0.01). Postoperative Kujala score was associated with male sex (p = 0.02), with medial patellofemoral chondral lesions (p = 0.01) and with preoperative Kujala score (p = 0.05). Postoperative Tegner score was associated with male sex (p < 0.01), with preoperative Tegner level (p < 0.01), and with Beighton score (p < 0.01). Patella apprehension was recorded in two knees (10%) in two patients. CONCLUSION: Combined MPFL and MPTL reconstruction in young adults results in significant improvement in subjective knee function with minimal risks, although preinjury activity levels are not consistently restored. Associated factors of improved outcome include higher preoperative knee scores and activity levels, medial patellofemoral chondral lesions, decreased Beighton scores, and male sex. This supports the advisability of the procedure and can also assist in setting realistic goals for specific groups of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

Surgical excision of symptomatic mature posttraumatic myositis ossificans: characteristics and outcomes in 32 athletes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report characteristics and outcomes of surgical excision of symptomatic mature posttraumatic myositis ossificans in adult athletes. The hypothesis was that surgical excision of the ossified mass in these circumstances can effectively relief symptoms and result in return to high-level sports with minimal postoperative complications. METHODS: All operations involving excision of posttraumatic heterotopic ossifications performed between 1987 and 2015 were reviewed. Included cases had isolated excision of posttraumatic myositis ossificans, whereas excluded cases had: (1) concomitant reattachment of tendon to bone; (2) chronic overuse injuries which preceded the development of the heterotopic mass or large calcifications which were excised from tendon-to-bone insertions; and (3) excision of heterotopic ossification from a ligament, capsule, or tendon insertion following avulsion injury without tendon-to-bone repair. After surgery, return to sports was allowed at 4-6 weeks. RESULTS: Of 57 athletes undergoing excision of heterotopic ossifications, 32 were eligible as isolated excision of posttraumatic myositis ossificans. Twenty-four (75%) were ice hockey or soccer players. Median age was 23 years. Prior to surgery, patients were unable to continue their sports. At surgery, the ossification was excised from a thigh muscle in 27 (84%) cases. Median follow-up was 2 years (range 1-20 years). Outcome was Good/Excellent in 26 (81%) patients, corresponding to return to preinjury sports with minimal symptoms at sports activities. Preinjury Tegner activity level was resumed after surgery in 30 of 32 (94%) athletes, of whom 28 (94%) were involved in high-level sports corresponding to Tegner levels 8-10. No postoperative complications were recorded other than minimal insensitive areas at the periphery of skin incisions. CONCLUSION: In high-level athletes who present chronic disabling mature posttraumatic myositis ossificans that interferes with their sports career, surgical excision of the heterotopic mass results in effective clinical improvement with return to sports and minimal postoperative risks. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

Arthroscopic Excision of Osteoid Osteoma of the Talus.

Osteoid osteoma is a benign tumor that can cause significant pain and disability. Excision of the tumor can be accomplished with open surgery or, as advocated in recent years, with computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency ablation. In this article, a unique arthroscopic approach to excise an osteoid osteoma of the talus is presented. This was possible by relying on a clear intra-articular prominent osteophyte, which was used as a landmark to indicate tumor location in accordance with preoperative CT views. This technique enabled excision of the tumor with concomitant arthroscopic decompression of the osteophyte, which contributed to symptoms of anterior ankle impingement.

Factors Associated With Improved Function and Maintenance of Sports Activities at 5 to 10 Years After Autologous Hamstring ACL Reconstruction in Young Men.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data regarding associated factors of return to sports activities at more than 5 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. PURPOSE: To test interrelationships between patient characteristics, concomitant articular lesions, graft laxity, and maintenance of sports activities at 5 to 10 years after ACL reconstruction. It was hypothesized that at 5 to 10 years after the operation in young adult men, maintenance of greater activity level and better knee function would be associated with greater preinjury activity level, younger age at reconstruction, absence of concomitant articular lesions, and minimal graft laxity at follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: One hundred six men with autologous hamstring ACL reconstruction between the ages of 18 and 35 years were reviewed at 5 to 10 years after surgery. Excluded patients had contralateral ACL tear, revision reconstruction, or another injury impairing function. Fifty-five patients were eligible and available for follow-up. Independent variables included preinjury Tegner score, time interval from injury to surgery, smoking status, age, articular lesions, KT side-to-side difference, and pivot-shift grade. Main outcome measures were Tegner activity level, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) score at 5 to 10 years after surgery. RESULTS: Greater Tegner activity level at follow-up was associated in a regression model with greater preinjury Tegner activity level (correlation coefficient, 0.423; P = .01), lower KT difference (correlation coefficient, -0.278; P = .04), and negative pivot shift (correlation coefficient, -0.277; P = .05). Younger age at operation predicted return to greater Tegner activity level in a univariate analysis (correlation coefficient, -0.266; P = .05) but not in a regression model (not significant). Chondral lesions at surgery predicted lower IKDC subjective scores (71.4 ± 14.3 vs 84.1 ± 11.5; P < .01) and KOOS scores but did not affect maintenance of sports activities. CONCLUSION: At 5 to 10 years after autologous hamstring ACL reconstruction in young men, predictors of greater sports activity level are primarily high preinjury activity level and reestablishment of knee laxity. Younger age at operation and moderate chondral lesions have lower impact in this respect.

Pubic Osteomyelitis in a Combat Training Soldier: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Infectious osteomyelitis of the symphysis pubis, known as pubic osteomyelitis is a rare condition with potentially devastating consequences. To the best of our knowledge, this article is the first reported case of a military trainee presenting with pubic osteomyelitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a unique case of a patient who simultaneously suffered a combination of local recurrent stress to the symphysis pubis area, and slow-healing multiple palm and finger lacerations which probably acted as distant ports of bacterial entry that concomitantly led to his illness. RESULTS: The patient went through a 6-month period of a complex diagnostic process and an antibiotic treatment with strict activity limitations, after which a full recovery was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, when treating combat trainees or athletes whose daily life combines extensive physical training and potential ports of entry for bacteria, the treating physician should be aware of the potential for infectious osteomyelitis. Understanding the pathophysiology described would aid physicians when taking the patient history, and conducting an appropriate physical examination. The combination of a relevant history, pubic pain, high fever, and skin lacerations should alert the physician to the possibility of pubic osteomyelitis. When considering prevention, along with a well-designed training course for both soldiers in training camps and athletes, the significance of hygiene and treatment of superficial wounds or skin abrasions cannot be overemphasized.

Outcomes at a Minimum of 2 Years After Medial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Using Partial-Thickness Quadriceps Tendon-Bone Autograft.

This study reports outcomes at a minimum of 2 years after a technique using quadriceps tendon-bone autograft for medial collateral ligament reconstruction. This technique effectively restored medial stability in medial collateral ligament-deficient knees. It is particularly valuable when nonirradiated allograft is unavailable or harvesting medial knee restraints (semitendinosus) for medial collateral ligament reconstruction is to be avoided. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(3):e557-e562.].

Combined Reconstruction of the Medial Collateral Ligament and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Using Ipsilateral Quadriceps Tendon-Bone and Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autografts.

The exclusive autograft choice for medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction that has been described until today is the semitendinosus tendon. However, this has some potential disadvantages in a knee with combined MCL-anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, including weakening of the hamstring's anterior restraining action in an already ACL-injured knee and nonanatomic distal MCL graft insertion when leaving the semitendinosus insertion intact at the pes anserinus during reconstruction. Moreover, because some surgeons prefer to use the hamstring for autologous ACL reconstruction, the contralateral uninjured knee hamstring needs to be harvested as a graft source for the MCL reconstruction if autografts and not allografts are the surgeons' preference. We describe a technique for performing combined reconstruction of the MCL and ACL using ipsilateral quadriceps tendon-bone and bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts. This technique of MCL reconstruction spares the hamstring tendons and benefits from the advantage provided by bone-to-bone healing on the femur with distal and proximal MCL tibial fixation that closely reproduces the native MCL tibia insertion.

[A NOVEL GENDER-SPECIFIC VEST FOR FEMALE INFANTRY RECRUITS DOES NOT REDUCE THE INCIDENCE OF OVERUSE PAIN SYNDROMES: A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY AMONG 240 RECRUITS].

INTRODUCTION: Overuse pain syndromes constitute a troublesome byproduct of military infantry training, particularly in female fighters. These injuries result in lost days of training, pain and discomfort and can affect fitness and fighting abilities. We hypothesized that a gender specific vest would reduce the incidence of overuse pain syndromes in a population of female recruits during basic training. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the effect of a novel gender-specific combat vest on the incidence of lower back pain (LBP), anterior knee pain syndrome (AKPS), and plantar heel foot pain (PHFP) among female recruits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective randomized study was conducted among 243 female border police infantry recruits who were followed over 4-months of basic training. In this group, 101 females were equipped with standard unisex special unit fighting vest (SUFV) and compared to 139 females who were equipped with a novel well-padded new fighting vest (NFV), specifically designed to fit the upper body morphology of females. This novel vest was supplied in three sizes, and equipped with adjustable straps. Information regarding the occurrence of overuse injuries was collected every two weeks. Medical records and clinic visits were evaluated. Attention was given to complaints of low back pain (LBP), anterior knee pain (AKP) and plantar heel foot pain (PHFP). RESULTS: Two hundred and forty recruits completed the study. Three recruits were lost to follow-up. Anterior knee pain was recorded in 65% of recruits in the SUFV group versus 62% in the NFV group (p = ns). Lower back pain was recorded in 86% of the SUFV group versus 82% in the NFV group (p = ns), and plantar heel foot pain was recorded in 73% of the SUFV group versus 69% in the NFV group (p = ns). DISCUSSION: Overuse pain injuries are more commonly reported among female fighters. These injuries result in lost days of training, pain and discomfort and can affect combat ability. Several researchers have found that changes in fighting equipment, such as size and weight, can affect the rates of these injuries. There is still a lack of information regarding changes related to gender-based fighting equipment and their effects. CONCLUSION: A gender-specific combat vest, designed to fit the upper female body, did not have any protective effect on the occurrence of overuse pain syndromes of the back, knee and foot in this study. It seems that in order to reduce the incidence of these injuries in female recruits, emphasis should be directed at other factors such as modifications in equipment weight, as well as modifications in the intensity of the training programs.

[CLINICAL AND ARTHROSCOPIC FINDINGS IN MENISCAL INJURY AND KNEE INSTABILITY: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY].

INTRODUCTION: Medical history and physical examination are expected to provide the basic knowledge allowing diagnosis of a disease and thus enabling to plan the course of treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine this hypothesis by comparing pre-operative diagnosis of meniscal and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries to final surgical findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We prospectively compared the pre-surgical diagnosis to the arthroscopic findings in 753 arthroscopic procedures. RESULTS: Clinical diagnosis of a medial meniscal (MM) tear was proven by arthroscopy in 65% of cases. Clinical diagnosis of a lateral meniscal (LM) tear was proven by arthroscopy in 54% of cases. Clinical complaints of instability correlated with partial or complete ACL rupture in 85% of cases. The accuracy of the clinical examination concerning ACL integrity ranged from 86% to 90%. Lachman and Pivot tests were slightly superior to the Drawer test. DISCUSSION: Arthroscopic surgery is the most common surgical procedure in orthopedics. The diagnosis, which is based on history and physical examination in most cases, allows proper management of the case and an appropriate treatment plan. In most scenarios, these operations are conducted based on the diagnosis and treatment performed before surgery. In this study we showed that even in experienced and skilled hands, a clinical diagnosis of meniscal tear was approved by arthroscopy in only 54% to 65% of cases. A clinical diagnosis of ACL injury was approved by arthroscopy, in 99% of cases. CONCLUSION: When planning conservative treatment or surgical intervention for a knee injury, it should be kept in mind that the clinical diagnosis of ACL rupture is highly reliable, while the clinical diagnosis of meniscal injury is only moderately reliable. Thus, especially when planning surgical intervention, the utilization of further imaging would be desirable when isolated meniscal injury is suspected.

[SPORT MEDICINE].

Sports Medicine is a relatively new subject in medicine and includes a variety of medical and paramedical fields. Although sports medicine is mistakenly thought to be mainly for sports professionals/athletes, it actually encompasses the entire population, including the active and non-active healthy populations, as well as the sick. Sports medicine also engages amateur sportsmen and strives to promote physical activity and quality of life in the general population. Hence, the field involves all ages from childhood to old age, aiming to preserve and support every person at every age. Sports medicine, which started developing in the 19th century, is today a specialty, primary or secondary, in many countries, while in others it is a fellowship or under the jurisdiction of local or sports authorities. In Israel, the field exists since the 1950's and is advanced. The Sports Medicine Society founded a 3-year course of continued education in sport medicine as part of the Tel-Aviv University Faculty of Medicine. Later on, a fellowship in general Sports Medicine and in Orthopedic Sports Medicine were developed within the Israel Medical Association. A year ago, Israel formally became a member of the global "Exercise is Medicine" foundation, and under this title promotes education for health care providers on exercise prescription. The understanding of the importance of physical activity and fitness as part of a healthy lifestyle is increasing in Israel, as well as the number of amateur athletes, and the profession of sports medicine takes a big part in this process.

Extensive Arthroscopic Chondroplasty for Cartilage Hyperplasia of the Femoral Condyle Causing Recurrent Knee Locking in a Patient With Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia.

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia is a genetically heterogeneous group of diseases causing altered enchondral ossification. It may affect the knee, among other joints, with variable clinical manifestations. In this report, we present a case of a young adult patient with multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, presenting recurrent catching and locking of the knee due to hyperplastic irregular cartilage. Although radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging of his knee were inconclusive with regard to the source of symptoms, arthroscopic examination revealed a flap of irregular and extensive hypertrophic cartilage of the medial femoral condyle that was causing catching during knee motions. This was treated by extensive arthroscopic resection of the hypertrophic cartilage with the knee held in a deep flexion position and symptoms resolved uneventfully. The case emphasizes the importance of a thorough arthroscopic examination when radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging may overlook the specific source for symptoms, and shows the potential for symptom resolution by arthroscopic intervention in these unusual circumstances.

Reduced Anterior Cruciate Ligament Vascularization Is Associated With Chondral Knee Lesions.

This study tested the association between periligamentous vascularization of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the presence of chondral knee lesions via retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 702 consecutive knee arthroscopic procedures. In each case, the ACL periligamentous envelope was documented as follows: (1) vascular, where the ACL was covered with blood vessels along its entire length; (2) centrally avascular, where the central third of the ACL was not covered but peripheral vascularized coverage was present; and (3) avascular, where there was no blood vessel coverage of the ACL. Inclusion criteria for the study were as follows: (1) age older than 18 years and (2) normal knee ligament laxity. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to test the association between chondral lesions and each of the variables: sex, age, meniscus tear, decreased ACL vascularity, and concomitant chondral lesion in another knee compartment. The cohort included 516 knees. In the univariate analysis, all variables were associated with a chondral lesion, but only older age and decreased ACL vascularity were associated with chondral lesions in each knee compartment. In the regression model, only decreased ACL vascularity was associated with chondral lesions in each knee compartment. For avascular knees, the odds ratio was 2.84 for medial femoral condyle lesions (95% confidence interval, 1.73-4.68; P=.000), 2.44 for lateral femoral condyle lesions (95% confidence interval, 1.19-5.03; P=.015), and 2.48 for patellofemoral lesions (95% confidence interval, 1.55-3.97; P=.000). The findings showed that decreased ACL periligamentous vascularization is associated with chondral lesions of the femoral condyles in knees with preserved ACL laxity. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e737-e743.].

Surgical excision of posttraumatic ossifications at the proximal hamstrings in young athletes: technique and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Proximal hamstring tears can be associated with chronic disability related to the unusual formation of heterotopic ossifications. The role for operative intervention in these circumstances has not been clearly defined. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical management of young athletes who had chronic disability related to proximal hamstring ossifications after eccentric load injuries. The hypothesis was that after surgical excision of posttraumatic heterotopic ossifications at the proximal hamstrings with concomitant repair of the tendons to the ischium, significant functional improvement with low risk of postoperative complications can be expected at minimum 2-year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: The cases of 11 consecutive male athletes who developed chronic disability associated with heterotopic ossifications at the proximal hamstring muscles after sports-related tears were reviewed. During surgery, the ossified mass was meticulously excised, and the tendons were debrided and fixed to the ischium. At minimum 2-year follow-up, self-reported outcome was rated as excellent, good, moderate, or poor. Operative reports and office visits were reviewed. Activity level before the injury and at latest follow-up was graded with the Tegner scale. RESULTS: The median age at injury was 17 years (range, 13-25 years). Sports activities included ice hockey, soccer, track and field athletics, and judo. Mean interval from injury to surgery was 45 months. The smallest ossified mass was 2 × 2 × 4 cm and the largest, 3 × 4 × 9 cm. Median follow-up was 4 years (range, 2-10 years). Six patients had excellent, 1 patient had good, and 4 patients had moderate outcomes; 7 of them were able to return to preinjury activities (Tegner score, 7-10). There were 2 cases of loss of skin sensation at the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve distribution, but neither patient described this as significantly interfering with any activity. All patients had symmetric side-to-side single-legged hop test and a 5 out of 5 on hamstring muscle strength at latest follow-up. CONCLUSION: Heterotopic ossifications that develop at the proximal hamstrings after eccentric load injuries can be associated with significant chronic disability. These cases can be effectively treated by surgical excision of the ossified masses and concomitant debridement with suture fixation of the proximal hamstring tendons to the ischium. Return to preinjury activities is expected in the majority of these cases, with low postoperative risks.

Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) as a treatment for high ankle sprain in elite athletes: a randomized control trial.

PURPOSE: Syndesmotic sprains are uncommon injuries that require prolonged recovery. The influence of ultrasound-guided injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the injured antero-inferior tibio-fibular ligaments (AITFL) in athletes on return to play (RTP) and dynamic stability was studied. METHODS: Sixteen elite athletes with AITFL tears were randomized to a treatment group receiving injections of PRP or to a control group. All patients followed an identical rehabilitation protocol and RTP criteria. Patients were prospectively evaluated for clinical ability to return to full activity and residual pain. Dynamic ultrasound examinations were performed at initial examination and at 6 weeks post-injury to demonstrate re-stabilization of the syndesmosis joint and correlation with subjective outcome. RESULTS: All patients presented with a tear to the AITFL with dynamic syndesmosis instability in dorsiflexion-external rotation, and larger neutral tibia-fibula distance on ultrasound. Early diagnosis and treatment lead to shorter RTP, with 40.8 (±8.9) and 59.6 (±12.0) days for the PRP and control groups, respectively (p = 0.006). Significantly less residual pain upon return to activity was found in the PRP group; five patients (62.5 %) in the control group returned to play with minor discomfort versus one patient in the treatment group (12.5 %). One patient in the control group had continuous pain and disability and subsequently underwent syndesmosis reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: Athletes suffering from high ankle sprains benefit from ultrasound-guided PRP injections with a shorter RTP, re-stabilization of the syndesmosis joint and less long-term residual pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

An unusual case of leg pain in a competitive cyclist: a case report and review of the literature.

Cycling has become a popular recreational and competitive sport. The number of people participating in the sport is gradually increasing. Despite being a noncontact, low-impact sport, as many as 85% of athletes engaged in the sport will suffer from an overuse injury, with the lower limbs comprising the majority of these injuries. Up to 20% of all lower extremity overuse injuries in competitive cyclists are of a vascular source. A 39-year-old competitive cyclist had a 5-year history of thigh pain during cycling, preventing him from competing. The patient was eventually diagnosed with external iliac artery endofibrosis. After conservative treatment failed, the patient underwent corrective vascular surgery with complete resolution of his symptoms and return to competitive cycling by 1 year. Since its first description in 1985, there have been more than 60 articles addressing external iliac artery endofibrosis pathology.