[Traumatic brain injuries in winter sports : An overview based on the winter sports skiing, snowboarding and ice hockey]. / Das Schädel-Hirn-Trauma im Wintersport : Ein Überblick anhand der Sportarten Ski, Snowboard und Eishockey.

In winter sports, skiers, snowboarders and ice hockey players have the highest risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). In skiing/snowboarding severe TBIs are of concern; in ice hockey, repetitive minor TBIs are frequent. The main causes of TBI in recreational skiing are collisions with trees; in professionals falls due to technical or tactical mistakes are the main causes. In ice hockey 10-15% of all injuries are due to a sports-related concussion (SRC), mostly caused by player-opponent contact. The pathomechanism in TBI is a combination of rotational and linear acceleration during head impact, which causes a diffuse axonal injury. Long-term complications such as neurodegenerative diseases and functional deficits are of relevance. Prevention by wearing helmets is effective, but less effective in TBI/SRC than in focal injuries.

Injury incidence and specific injury patterns in app-based bodyweight training (Freeletics): results of an international survey with 3668 participants.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze incidences and sport-specific injury patterns among users of a bodyweight-based training method instructed by a smartphone app (Freeletics Bodyweight App). METHODS: An online questionnaire based on current validated epidemiological observation methods was designed using the statistic website Surveymonkey. Subscribers of the Freeletics Bodyweight App were contacted via an online link. Injury incidence, defined as an event leading to a training pause of at least 1 day, was recorded. The type of injury was reported and classified. Furthermore, all participants were asked whether they recognized any positive or negative effects on their subjective health status. The collected data were analyzed using Surveymonkey statistic services. RESULTS: A total of 4365 Freeletics users responded to the questionnaire, 3668 completed forms were subject of further investigation. The injury period prevalence reported by users of the Freeletics App was 24% in men and 21% in women. The most frequently reported site of injury was the shoulder (29%) and the knee joint (28%), with strains (28.5%) and other muscle injuries (14.4%) being the most frequently reported types of injuries. An injury incidence rate of 4.57 per 1000 h was calculated, with injuries occurring less frequently in experienced users. Most participants reported a distinct positive effect of the app-based training on their health status. CONCLUSION: In comparison to other sports activities app-based bodyweight training is associated with a comparably low injury period prevalence. The vast majority of injuries were reported to have resolved within one week.

Return-to-activity after anatomical reconstruction of acute high-grade acromioclavicular separation.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate return-to-activity (RtA) after anatomical reconstruction of acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) separation. METHODS: A total of 42 patients with anatomical reconstruction of acute high-grade ACJ-separation (Rockwood Type V) were surveyed to determine RtA at a mean 31 months follow-up (f-u). Sports disciplines, intensity, level of competition, participation in overhead and/or contact sports, as well as activity scales (DASH-Sport-Module, Tegner Activity Scale) were evaluated. Functional outcome evaluation included Constant score and QuickDASH. RESULTS: All patients (42/42) participated in sporting activities at f-u. Neither participation in overhead/contact sports, nor level of activity declined significantly (n.s.). 62 % (n = 26) of patients reported subjective sports specific ACJ integrity to be at least the same as prior to the trauma. Sporting intensity (hours/week: 7.3 h to 5.4 h, p = .004) and level of competition (p = .02) were reduced. If activity changed, in 50 % other reasons but clinical symptoms/impairment were named for modified behavior. QuickDASH (mean 6, range 0-54, SD 11) and DASH-Sport-Module (mean 6, range 0-56, SD 13) revealed only minor disabilities at f-u. Over time Constant score improved significant to an excellent score (mean 94, range 86-100, SD 4; p < .001). Functional outcome was not correlated with RtA (n.s.). CONCLUSION: All patients participated in sporting activities after anatomical reconstruction of high-grade (Rockwood Type V) ACJ-separation. With a high functional outcome there was no significant change in activity level (Tegner) and participation in overhead and/or contact sports observed. There was no correlation between functional outcome and RtA. Limiting, there were alterations in time spent for sporting activities and level of competition observed. But in 50 % those were not related to ACJ symptoms/impairment. Unrelated to successful re-established integrity and function of the ACJ it should be considered that patients decided not return-to-activity but are very content with the procedure.

Bilateral cartilage T2 mapping 9 years after Mega-OATS implantation at the knee: a quantitative 3T MRI study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate morphological and quantitative MR findings 9 years after autograft transfer of the posterior femoral condyle (Mega-OATS) and to correlate these findings with clinical outcomes. Quantitative MR measurements were also obtained of the contralateral knee and the utility as reference standard was investigated. DESIGN: Both knees of 20 patients with Mega-OATS osteochondral repair at the medial femoral condyle (MFC) were studied using 3T MRI 9 years after the procedure. MR-sequences included morphological sequences and a 2D multislice multiecho (MSME) spin echo (SE) sequence for quantitative cartilage T2 mapping. Cartilage segmentation was performed at the cartilage repair site and six additional knee compartments. Semi-quantitative MR observation of cartilage repair tissue (MOCART) scores and clinical Lysholm scores were obtained. Paired t-tests and Spearman correlations were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Global T2-values were significantly higher at ipsilateral knees compared to contralateral knees (42.1 ± 3.0 ms vs 40.4 ± 2.6 ms, P = 0.018). T2-values of the Mega-OATS site correlated significantly with MOCART scores (R = -0.64, P = 0.006). The correlations between MOCART and Lysholm scores and between absolute T2-values and Lysholm scores were not significant (P > 0.05). However, higher T2 side-to-side differences at the femoral condyles correlated significantly with more severe clinical symptoms (medial, R = -0.53, P = 0.030; lateral, R = -0.51, P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Despite long-term survival, 9 years after Mega-OATS procedures, T2-values of the grafts were increased compared to contralateral knees. Clinical scores correlated best with T2 side-to-side differences of the femoral condyles, indicating that intraindividual adjustment may be beneficial for outcome evaluation.

[The isolated subscapularis tendon tear: arthroscopic and open repair]. / Die isolierte Subskapularisruptur : Arthroskopische und offene Operationstechnik.

OBJECTIVE: Arthroscopic or open reconstruction of isolated subscapularis tendon tears with the use of suture anchors to restore the glenohumeral function and joint biomechanics. INDICATIONS: Traumatic full-thickness tears, chronic tears with a functional deficit or decentration of the humerus head, anterosuperior rotator cuff insufficiency, symptomatic reruptures after prior arthroscopic or open surgical procedures. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Frozen shoulder, atrophy > grade II (Thomazeau) or fatty infiltration > grade III (Goutallier/Fox) of the muscle, high-grade omarthrosis. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Diagnostic arthroscopy and careful tendon release. If the inferior edge of the rupture is reliable visible and the tendon-mobilisation works proper, the repair is performed arthroscopically. The footprint is decorticated lightly and 1-4 suture anchors (depending on the lesion-size) are placed from inferior to superior. Knots are tied starting from caudal in a modified Mason-Allen technique (alternative: single or double mattress stitches) with a slipknot and three half hitches in opposite directions. In case of larger tears, a double-row technique for better reconstruction of the trapezoidal footprint is performed. For open reconstruction, a deltopectoral approach is used to reattache the tendon in an analogous fashion. RESULTS: Arthroscopic or open repair of isolated subscapularis tendon tears (Fox type II-IV) was performed in 35 patients. The Constant score increased significantly after 36 m, with no difference between these two groups. The majority of subscapularis tests were postoperatively negative, 6% in both groups showed a rerupture. A symptomatic period of > 6 m prior to the operation and a high grade atrophy and fatty infiltration of the muscle was correlated with poorer results.

[Subpectoral tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon for pathologies of the long head of the biceps tendon and the biceps pulley]. / Die subpektorale Tenodese der langen Bizepssehne bei Pathologien der langen Bizepssehne und des Pulley-Systems.

OBJECTIVE: The presented surgical technique aims at fixation of the long head of the biceps tendon at the proximal humerus, distal to the bicipital groove, after arthroscopic tenotomy. This preserves the length and shape of the biceps muscle belly and avoids groove tenderness. INDICATIONS: All forms of degenerative changes of the long head of the biceps tendon, biceps instability due to pulley lesions, irreparable SLAP tears. The technique offers a cosmetically favorable outcome compared to a tenotomy. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Old complete tears of the long head of the biceps, significant loss of bone density due to osteoporosis, tumor or bone cysts, implants in the proximal humerus, such as intramedullary nails, stem of total shoulder replacement. The presented technique is not indicated for patients with unspecific chronic shoulder pain or if asymmetric shape of the upper arm due to distal migration of the biceps is not relevant. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: After arthroscopic tenotomy of the long head of the biceps tendon, a small incision at the level of the pectoralis major tendon is made to the axillary fold. The stump of the long head of the biceps tendon is tenodesed to a predrilled hole with a bioabsorbable screw. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: No active training of the biceps for 6 weeks, a sling for comfort is optional until healing of the wound is completed. RESULTS: Clinical studies of several authors have shown significant postoperative increase in all scores evaluated. Safety of the screw fixation and a low complication rate have been proven.

[Autologous transfer of the posterior femoral condyle for large osteochondral lesions of the knee: 5-year results of the Mega-OATS technique]. / Der autologe Transfer der posterioren Femurkondyle bei ausgedehnten osteochondralen Schäden des Knies : 5-Jahres-Ergebnisse der Mega-OATS-Technik.

BACKGROUND: Large osteochondral defects of the weight-bearing zones of the femoral condyles in young and active patients were treated by autologous transfer of the posterior femoral condyle. This technique is a salvage procedure and aims at pain-free mobility of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between July 1999 and December 2000, 18 patients were operated on. Sixteen patients were evaluated using the Lysholm score. X-rays were done, and eight individuals underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis. The average age at the date of surgery was 37.4 (15-59) years, and the mean follow-up time was 55.2 (46-62) months. The mean defect size was 5.4 cm(2) (3.1-7.1). Trauma or osteochondrosis dissecans was pathogenetic in 81%. RESULTS: The Lysholm score showed a significant (p=0.001) increase from a preoperative median of 65.0 to a postoperative median of 86.0 points. Fifteen patients returned to sport activities. X-rays showed a rounding of the osteotomy edge in 12 patients and a partial bone-dense remodelling of the posterior femoral condyle in 11 patients. All MRI examinations showed vital and congruent grafts. CONCLUSION: Thus, the procedure is recommended for treating large and deep focal osteochondral lesions in the weight-bearing zone of the femoral condyle.

The octopus orientation theory.

Starting a new position is an exciting opportunity that can and should be a positive experience. Listed below are some general concepts that may be applied to help the transition. 1. Volunteer to serve on committees. Don't isolate yourself. Consider being cochair of the United Way or of a fund drive. 2. Keep promises. If you commit to something, do it! No matter how trivial or minor the request, it is important to your credibility that you follow through. If asked when you can accomplish a certain task, evaluate the request and add in a safety margin. Report back to the employee and tell them of your timetable, then deliver it earlier than you promised. Exceed their expectations. 3. Set goals and share them with your staff. Stay focused on these goals, keeping the employees' concentration on the objectives. Peter Druker was on target when he wrote: "Concentration is the key to results, no other principle of effectiveness is violated as constantly today as the basic principle of concentration." 4. Distribute "justice to all." It is critical to your success that you always apply fairness, consistency, or whatever term you associate with equality. Don't establish double standards; making exceptions only leads you down a dark path with no end in sight. 5. "Don't fix it unless it's broken." It is like pulling that tiny thread on your new sweater: once pulled, you immediately realize that you have caused an even bigger problem--one that you can't repair.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)