Metabolic, cognitive and neuromuscular responses to different multidirectional agility-like sprint protocols in elite female soccer players - a randomised crossover study.

PURPOSE: Resistance to fatigue is a key factor in injury prevention that needs to be considered in return-to-sport (RTS) scenarios, especially after severe knee ligament injuries. Fatigue should be induced under game-like conditions. The SpeedCourt (SC) is a movement platform for assessing multidirectional sprint performance, typical of game-sports, due to change-of-direction movements in response to a visual stimulus. Designing adequate fatigue protocols requires the suitable arrangement of several loading variables such as number of intervals, sprint distance or work/relief ratio (W:R). Therefore, this study analysed the acute fatigue effects of different SC protocols on metabolic load, cognitive function and neuromuscular performance. METHODS: Eighteen female soccer players (mean ± SD; age: 23.1 ± 4.6 years) of the 1st German Division participated in this randomised, crossover study. Using a random allocation sequence, players completed four volume-equated protocols differing in W:R and sprint distance per interval (P1:12 × 30 m, W:R = 1:2 s; P2:12 × 30 m, W:R = 1:3 s; P3:18 × 20 m, W:R = 1:2 s; P4:18 × 20 m, W:R = 1:3 s). Pre- and post-exercise, metabolic load was measured per blood lactate concentration (BLaC), cognitive function per reaction time (RT), and neuromuscular performance including multiple rebound jumps (MRJ height, primary outcome variable; Reactive Strength Index, RSI) and 5 m sprint times (SP5). RESULTS: Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant main time effects (p < .05) with improved performance post-exercise in RT (504 vs. 482 ms, d = 1.95), MRJ height (24.0 vs. 24.8 cm, d = 0.77), RSI (1.39 vs. 1.43, d = 0.52), and SP5 (1.19 vs. 1.17 s, d = 0.56). There was significant main time (p < .001) and time x protocol interaction effects in BLaC (p < .001). P1 induced higher BLaC values (4.52 ± 1.83 mmol/L) compared to P2 (3.79 ± 1.83 mmol/L; d = 0.74) and P4 (3.12 ± 1.83 mmol/L; d = 1.06), whereas P3 (4.23 ± 1.69 mmol/L) elicited higher BLaC values compared to P4 (d = 0.74). CONCLUSION: All protocols caused an improved cognitive function and neuromuscular performance. The former may be related to enhanced noradrenergic activation or exercise specificity which induced an improved stimulus processing. The latter may be explained by a possible post-activation performance enhancement effect on jump and sprint performance. A shorter relief duration in W:R as opposed to sprint distance per interval produced higher BLaC values. The protocols may serve as reference data for improved RTS decision-making in elite female soccer players. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS), No.: DRKS00033496 , Registered 19. Februar 2024, Retrospectively Registered.

Late-stage rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A multicentre randomised controlled trial (PReP).

BACKGROUND: At the completion of formal rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, functional capacity is only restored in a small proportion of affected individuals. Therefore, the end of formal rehabilitation is not the end of functional rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To compare adherence to and effectiveness of a late-stage rehabilitation programme with usual care after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: This prospective, double-blind, multicentre, parallel group, randomised controlled trial, included people aged 18 to 35 years after formal rehabilitation completion (mean [SD] 241 [92] days post-reconstruction). Participants were block-randomised to a 5-month neuromuscular performance intervention (Stop-X group) or usual care (medically prescribed standard physiotherapy, individual formal rehabilitation, home-exercises). All outcomes were measured once/month. Primary outcome was the normalised knee separation distance on landing after drop jump. Baseline-adjusted linear mixed models were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 112 participants (Stop-X: 57; Usual care: 55,) were analysed. Initially, mean (SD) intervention frequency (units/week) was higher in the Stop-X than the Usual care group: 2.65 (0.96) versus 2.48 (1.14) units/week in the first and 2.28 (1.02) versus 2.14 (1.31) units/week in the second month. No between-group*time(*baseline)-differences were found for the primary outcome. Between-group*time-effects favoured the Stop-X-group at 2 months (fewer self-reported knee problems during sport, KOOS-SPORT) (estimate = 64.3, 95 % CI 24.4-104.3 for the Stop-X), more confidence to return to sport (ACL-RSI) (62.4, 10.7-114.2), fewer pain-associated knee problems (KOOS-PAIN) (82.8, 36.0-129.6), improved everyday activity abilities (KOOS-ADL) (71.1, 6.4-135.7), and improved limb symmetry index in the front hop for distance at 3 and 4 months (0.34, 0.10-0.57; 0.31, 0.08-0.54). No between-group*time-effects occurred for kinesiophobia, symptom-associated knee problems or balance hops performance. At the end of the intervention, 79 % of the Stop-X and 70 % of the Usual care participants (p < 0.05) had successfully returned to their pre-injury sport type and level. CONCLUSIONS: The Stop-X intervention was slightly superior to usual care as part of late-stage rehabilitation after ACL-reconstruction. The small benefit might justify its use after formal rehabilitation completion.

Management after acute injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Part 3: Recommendation on surgical treatment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this consensus project was to give recommendations regarding surgical treatment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injured patient. METHODS: For this consensus process, an expert, steering and rating group was formed. In an initial online meeting, the steering group, together with the expert group, formed various key topic complexes for which multiple questions were formulated. For each key topic, a structured literature search was performed by the steering group. The results of the literature review were sent to the rating group with the option to give anonymous comments until a final consensus voting was performed. Sufficient consensus was defined as 80% agreement. RESULTS: During this consensus process, 30 topics regarding the surgical management and technique of ACL reconstruction were identified. The literature search for each key question resulted in 30 final statements. Of these 30 final statements, all achieved consensus. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus process has shown that surgical treatment of ACL injury is a complex process. Various surgical factors influence patient outcomes. The proposed treatment algorithm can be used as a decision aid for the surgeon. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

The End of the Formal Rehabilitation Is Not the End of Rehabilitation: Knee Function Deficits Remain After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To rate athletes' functional ability and return to sport (RTS) success at the end of their individual, formal, medically prescribed rehabilitation after anterior anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: In our prospective multicenter cohort study, 88 (42 females) adults aged 18-35 years after acute unilateral ACL rupture and subsequent hamstring grafting were included. All patients were prospectively monitored during their rehabilitation and RTS process until the end of their formal rehabilitation and RTS release. As outcome measures, functional hop and jump tests (front hop, balance hops, and drop jump screening test) and self-report outcomes (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, ACL-RTS after injury) were assessed. Literature-based cut-off values were selected to rate each performance as fulfilled or not. RESULTS: At 7.5 months (SD 2.3 months) after surgery, the percentage of participants meeting the functional thresholds ranged from 4% (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score SPORT) and over 44% (ACL-RTS after injury sum score) to 59% (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score activities of all daily living) in the self-report and from 29% (Balance side hop) to 69% (normalized knee separation distance) in performance testing. Only 4% fulfilled all the cut-offs, while 45% returned to the same type and level of sport. Participants who successfully returned to their previous sport (type and level) were more likely to be "over-cut-off-performers." CONCLUSIONS: The low share of the athletes who fulfilled the functional RTS criteria highlights the importance of continuing the rehabilitation measures after the formal completion to assess the need for and success of, inter alia, secondary-preventive therapies.

Anatomic repair and ligament bracing as an alternative treatment option for acute combined PCL injuries involving the posteromedial or posterolateral corner-results of a multicentre study.

INTRODUCTION: Combined PCL injuries involving the posteromedial/-lateral corner (PMC/PLC) usually require surgical management. Literature shows controversy regarding the standards of treatment. Suture-augmented repair leads to excellent results in acute knee dislocations but has not been investigated clinically in combined PCL injuries. The purpose of this multicentre study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of this technique in acute combined PCL injuries. MATERIALS & METHODS: N = 33 patients with acute combined PCL injuries involving the PMC/PLC were treated by one-stage suture repair with ligament bracing of the PCL and suture repair of the accompanying PMC/PLC injuries with/without ligament bracing or primary augmentation by semitendinosus autograft. Outcome was assessed by IKDC questionnaire, Lysholm Score, Tegner Activity Scale and KOOS. Additional PCL stress-radiography was performed. RESULTS: N = 31 patients with combined PCL injuries (female: male = 7:24; age 39.1 ± 13.8 years) with a follow-up of 16.8 ± 9.6 months were finally evaluated. 18 had PMC injuries, 13 PLC injuries. 32.2% presented with accompanying meniscal tears (70% medial meniscus). 19.4% showed cartilage injuries grade III-IV. Complications included one infection and four knee stiffnesses. Three had symptomatic postoperative instability, all affiliated to the PLC group. The IKDC was 69.8 ± 16.5, Lysholm score 85 ± 14.4 and KOOS 89.7 ± 8.1. Median loss of activity (Tegner) was 0.89 ± 1.31. Comparing PMC and PLC, all scores showed a tendency towards more favourable outcomes in the PMC group (n.s.). Stress-radiography showed an overall side-to-side difference of 3.7 ± 3.8 mm. Subgroup evaluation showed statistically significant better results (p = 0.035) of PMC (2.5 ± 1.5 mm) versus PLC (5.8 ± 5.6 mm). CONCLUSIONS: One-stage suture repair with ligament bracing is a viable technique for acute combined PCL injuries and predominantly leads to good and excellent clinical outcomes. Patients with PLC injuries show a tendency towards inferior outcomes and higher instability rates compared to PMC injuries. These results may help in therapy planning and counselling patients with these rare injury pattern. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

The influence of distribution, severity and volume of posttraumatic bone bruise on functional outcome after ACL reconstruction for isolated ACL injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Posttraumatic MRI of ACL tears show a high prevalence of bone bruise (BB) without macroscopic proof of chondral damage. Controversial results are described concerning the association between BB and outcome after ACL tear. Aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of distribution, severity and volume of BB in isolated ACL injuries on function, quality of life and muscle strength following ACL reconstruction (ACLR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI of n = 122 patients treated by ACLR without concomitant pathologies were evaluated. BB was differentiated by four localizations: medial/lateral femoral condyle (MFC/LFC) and medial/lateral tibial plateau (MTP/LTP). Severity was graded according to Costa-Paz. BB volumes of n = 46 patients were quantified (software-assisted volumetry). Outcome was measured by Lysholm Score (LS), Tegner Activity Scale (TAS), IKDC, isokinetics and SF-36. Measurements were conducted preoperatively (t0), 6 weeks (t1), 26 weeks (t2) and 52 weeks (t3) after ACLR. RESULTS: The prevalence of BB was 91.8%. LTP was present in 91.8%, LFC 64.8%, MTP 49.2% and MFC 28.7%. 18.9% were classified Costa-Paz I, 58.2% II and 14.8% III. Total BB volume was 21.84 ± 15.27 cm3, the highest value for LTP (14.31 ± 9.93 cm3). LS/TAS/IKDC/SF-36/isokinetics improved significantly between t0-t3 (p < 0.001). Distribution, severity and volume had no influence on LS/TAS/IKDC/SF-36/isokinetics (n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: No impact of BB after ACLR on function, quality of life and objective muscle strength was shown, unaffected by concomitant pathologies. Previous data regarding prevalence and distribution is confirmed. These results help surgeons counselling patients regarding the interpretation of extensive BB findings. Long-time follow-up studies are mandatory to evaluate an impact of BB on knee function due to secondary arthritis.

Effectiveness of the SMART training intervention on ankle joint function in patients with first-time acute lateral ankle sprain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is the most common injury in the field of everyday and sports-related activities. There is a high rate of patients with LAS who will develop chronic ankle instability (CAI). A possible explanation for this high rate is an insufficient rehabilitation and/or a premature return to intense exercise and workloads. Currently, there are general rehabilitation guidelines for LAS but there is a lack of standardized evidenced-based rehabilitation concepts for LAS, which effectively reduce the high CAI rate. The primary aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of a 6-week sensorimotor training intervention (SMART-Treatment, SMART) in contrast to standard therapy (Normal Treatment, NORMT) after an acute LAS on perceived ankle joint function. METHODS: This study will be a prospective, single-center, interventional randomized controlled trial with an active control group. Patients (14-41 years) with an acute LAS and a MRI confirmed lesion or rupture of at least one ankle ligament will be included. Exclusion criteria are acute concomitant injuries of the ankle, pre-injuries of the ankle, serious lower-extremity injuries of the last 6 months, lower-extremity surgery, and neurological diseases. The primary outcome measure will be the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT). Secondary outcomes include the Foot and Ankle Ability Measurement (FAAM), isokinetic and isometric strength diagnostics, joint repositioning sense, range of motion, measurements of postural control, gait and run analysis, and jump analysis. This protocol will follow the SPIRIT guidance. DISCUSSION: Current management of LAS rehabilitation lacks since there is a high rate of patients developing a CAI. It has been shown that exercise therapy improves ankle function in acute LAS as well as in patients with CAI. It is further recommended to address specific impairment domains in ankle rehabilitation. However, empirical data for such a holistic treatment algorithm is missing. Therefore, this study has the potential to improve the healthcare for LAS patients and might be used for a future standardized evidence-based rehabilitation concept. TRIAL REGISTRATION: "Prospectively registered" ISRCTN - ISRCTN13640422 17/11/2021; DRKS (German Clinical Trials Register) - DRKS00026049.

Brace-Free Rehabilitation after Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Hamstring Tendon Autograft Is Not Inferior to Brace-Based Rehabilitation-A Randomised Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The postoperative use of a rehabilitative knee brace after isolated primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) using a hamstring tendon (HT) autograft is controversial. A knee brace may provide subjective safety but can cause damage if applied incorrectly. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a knee brace on clinical outcomes following isolated ACLR using HT autograft. METHODS: In this prospective randomised trial, 114 adults (32.4 ± 11.5 years, 35.1% women) underwent isolated ACLR using HT autograft after primary ACL rupture. Patients were randomly assigned to wear either a knee brace (n = 58) or no brace (n = 56) for 6 weeks postoperatively. An initial examination was performed preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 4, 6, and 12 months. The primary endpoint was the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score to measure participants' subjective perceptions. Secondary endpoints included objective knee function assessed by IKDC, instrumented knee laxity measurements, isokinetic strength tests of the knee extensors and flexors, Lysholm Knee Score, Tegner Activity Score, Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury Score, and quality of life determined by Short Form-36 (SF36). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant or clinically meaningful differences in IKDC scores between the two study groups (3.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.39 to 7.97, p = 0.03 for evidence of non-inferiority of brace-free compared with brace-based rehabilitation). The difference in Lysholm score was 3.20 (95% CI -2.47 to 8.87); the difference in SF36 physical component score 0.09 (95% CI -1.93 to 3.03). In addition, isokinetic testing did not reveal any clinically relevant differences between the groups (n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: Brace-free rehabilitation is non-inferior to a brace-based protocol regarding physical recovery 1 year after isolated ACLR using HT autograft. Consequently, the use of a knee brace might be avoided after such a procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study.

Contributors to self-report motor function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Numerous functional factors may interactively contribute to the course of self-report functional abilities after anterior cruciate ligament  (ACL)-reconstruction. This study purposes to identify these predictors using exploratory moderation-mediation models in a cohort study design. Adults with post unilateral ACL reconstruction (hamstring graft) status and who were aiming to return to their pre-injury type and level of sport were included. Our dependent variables were self-reported function, as assessed by the the KOOS subscales sport (SPORT), and activities of daily living (ADL). The independent variables assessed were the KOOS subscale pain and the time since reconstruction [days]. All other variables (sociodemographic, injury-, surgery-, rehabilitation-specific, kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), and the presence or absence of COVID-19-associated restrictions) were further considered as moderators, mediators, or co-variates. Data from 203 participants (mean 26 years, SD 5 years) were finally modelled. Total variance explanation was 59% (KOOS-SPORT) and 47% (KOOS-ADL). In the initial rehabilitation phase (< 2 weeks after reconstruction), pain was the strongest contributor to self-report function (KOOS-SPORT: coefficient: 0.89; 95%-confidence-interval: 0.51 to 1.2 / KOOS-ADL: 1.1; 0.95 to 1.3). In the early phase (2-6 weeks after reconstruction), time since reconstruction [days] was the major contributor (KOOS-SPORT: 1.1; 0.14 to 2.1 / KOOS-ADL: 1.2; 0.43 to 2.0). Starting with the mid-phases of the rehabilitation, self-report function was no longer explicitly impacted by one or more contributors. The amount of rehabilitation [minutes] is affected by COVID-19-associated restrictions (pre-versus-post: - 672; - 1264 to - 80 for SPORT / - 633; - 1222 to - 45 for ADL) and by the pre-injury activity scale (280; 103 to 455 / 264; 90 to 438). Other hypothesised contributors such as sex/gender or age were not found to mediate the time or pain, rehabilitation dose and self-report function triangle. When self-report function is rated after an ACL reconstruction, the rehabilitation phases (early, mid, late), the potentially COVID-19-associated rehabilitation limitations, and pain intensity should also be considered. As, for example, pain is the strongest contributor to function in the early rehabilitation phase, focussing on the value of the self-report function only may, consequently, not be sufficient to rate bias-free function.

Management after acute injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), part 2: management of the ACL-injured patient.

PURPOSE: The aim of this consensus project was to create a treatment algorithm for the management of the ACL-injured patient which can serve as an aid in a shared decision-making process. METHODS: For this consensus process, a steering and a rating group were formed. In an initial face-to-face meeting, the steering group, together with the expert group, formed various key topic complexes for which various questions were formulated. For each key topic, a structured literature search was performed by the steering group. The results of the literature review were sent to the rating group with the option to give anonymous comments until a final consensus voting was performed. Sufficient consensus was defined as 80% agreement. RESULTS: During this consensus process, 15 key questions were identified. The literature search for each key question resulted in 24 final statements. Of these 24 final statements, all achieved consensus. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus process has shown that ACL rupture is a complex injury, and the outcome depends to a large extent on the frequently concomitant injuries (meniscus and/or cartilage damage). These additional injuries as well as various patient-specific factors should play a role in the treatment decision. The present treatment algorithm represents a decision aid within the framework of a shared decision-making process for the ACL-injured patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Management after acute rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Part 1: ACL reconstruction has a protective effect on secondary meniscus and cartilage lesions.

PURPOSE: The aim of this consensus project was to validate which endogenous and exogenous factors contribute to the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and to what extent ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction can prevent secondary damage to the knee joint. Based on these findings, an algorithm for the management after ACL rupture should be established. METHODS: The consensus project was initiated by the Ligament Injuries Committee of the German Knee Society (Deutsche Kniegesellschaft, DKG). A modified Delphi process was used to answer scientific questions. This process was based on key topic complexes previously formed during an initial face-to-face meeting of the steering group with the expert group. For each key topic, a comprehensive review of available literature was performed by the steering group. The results of the literature review were sent to the rating group with the option to give anonymous comments until a final consensus voting was performed. Consensus was defined a-priori as eighty percent agreement. RESULTS: Of the 17 final statements, 15 achieved consensus, and 2 have not reached consensus. Results of the consensus were summarized in an algorithm for the management after ACL rupture (infographic/Fig. 2). CONCLUSION: This consensus process has shown that the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis is a complex multifactorial process. Exogenous (primary and secondary meniscus lesions) and endogenous factors (varus deformity) play a decisive role. Due to the complex interplay of these factors, an ACL reconstruction cannot always halt post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the knee. However, there is evidence that ACL reconstruction can prevent secondary joint damage such as meniscus lesions and that the success of meniscus repair is higher with simultaneous ACL reconstruction. Therefore, we recommend ACL reconstruction in case of a combined injury of the ACL and a meniscus lesion which is suitable for repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.

Return to Sports and Activity in Tumor Orthopaedics. / Wiederkehr zu körperlicher Aktivität und Sport in der Tumororthopädie.

As survival rates associated with the multimodal treatment of malignant bone cancer (osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma) are satisfactory, health-related quality of life and the return to activity and sports by the affected patients have attracted increasing attention in recent years. Nowadays, limbs can be salvaged for most patients using modular endoprostheses. Such patients are typically adolescents and young adults who have high activity levels and thereby high demands for multimodal cancer treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the activity levels and sporting proficiencies that can be attained after modular endoprosthetic treatment of bone sarcomas as well as the extent to which physiotherapeutic and sports interventions influence functional outcome and activity levels.This non-systematic review of the literature focused on the return to activity and sports after modular endoprosthetic treatment of lower extremities bone sarcomas in adolescents and young adults. The electronic database PubMed was screened for relevant publications on this issue. A treatment algorithm for return to activity and sports in tumor orthopaedics is proposed.The objective activity level (gait cycles per day and gait intensities) in patients treated for bone sarcomas is reduced in short- and long-term follow-ups compared with healthy controls and patients with other cancers (leukaemia). Although a negative impact is observed in terms of motor performance, it shows improvement over time. Functional assessment at 12 postoperative months is sensible as neoadjuvant chemotherapy is completed by then. In long-term follow-up, patients with bone sarcomas can achieve high sports activity levels, i.e., type of sport, frequency/week and UCLA score, after modular endoprosthetic reconstruction. The maximum level is attained at 5 years postoperatively. Nevertheless, there is a shift from high- and intermediate- to low-impact sports. Only 20% of the patients participate in school sports regularly without limitations. The localisation of bone sarcoma, but not the rate of postoperative complications, influences the postoperative activity level. Individualised sports-related interventions during and after multimodal treatment can improve the short-term activity levels; moreover, "serious games" can improve motor performance and postural control. There is no evidence that intense activity levels leads to early loosening of the endoprosthesis. There is insufficient valid data on activity and sports after modular endoprosthetic treatment of bone sarcomas of the upper extremities.High preoperative activity levels of young patients with bone sarcomas must be considered in tumour orthopaedics. Limitations on sports activities have a significant negative impact on the quality of life and mental health of such patients. Therefore, tumour orthopaedic treatment has to focus on preserving an improvement in these factors. The overall existing evidence concerning this issue is weak. Additional studies to evaluate the ability to return to specific sports activities are desirable, as well as prospective interventional studies.

[Rupture of the pectoralis major muscle in amateur athletes: a rare injury or often overlooked?] / Die Ruptur des M. pectoralis major beim Hobbysportler ­ seltene Verletzung oder oft übersehen?

INTRODUCTION: A rupture of the pectoralis major muscle is a rare injury pattern overall, but it is frequently described in athletes, particularly in weightlifting. The risk of sustaining this type of injury is present especially during the eccentric phase of muscle loading. An association between such injuries and the abuse of anabolic steroids is described in the literature, but there is no coherent evidence to support this. We report the case of a young patient with a normal habitus who suffered a humeral rupture of the pectoralis major muscle during recreational sports. There was no history of excessive weight training or use of anabolic steroids. CASE HISTORY: This 33-year-old patient reported a sudden onset of left pectoral pain during training on the chest fly machine as well as a whip-like popping sound, followed by an immediate painful restriction of movement in the left arm. A clinical examination revealed a mild haematoma located on the left medial upper arm with localised tenderness and a discrete asymmetry of the contour of the pectoral muscles. Due to the typical medical history, we established the indication for surgical exploration although the clinical picture was rather discrete and only an incomplete rupture was seen in an MRI scan. Intraoperatively, we detected a complete rupture of the sternocostal part of the pectoralis major muscle with marked retraction and haematoma. Reinforcement and reinsertion were performed at the "footprint" using titanium anchors (2 x 5.5mm Corkscrew FT, Arthrex, Florida). The patient was able to resume his sports activities at the pre-traumatic level four months after surgery. CONCLUSION: A rupture of the insertion of the pectoralis major muscle must also be considered in amateur athletes with a typical history. The characteristic clinical symptoms described in the literature mostly refer to competitive athletes and bodybuilders, but these injuries can also be diagnosed in amateur athletes with lower muscle mass by subtle clinical examination. Nevertheless, there is a considerable risk of underestimating the extent of the injury. In case of doubt, surgical exploration should be performed promptly in amateur athletes. Surgical refixation of the humeral rupture of the pectoralis major muscle is the gold standard and should not be reserved to high-performance athletes.

Treatment of Combined Injuries to the ACL and the MCL Complex: A Consensus Statement of the Ligament Injury Committee of the German Knee Society (DKG).

BACKGROUND: Different indications and treatment options for combined injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament complex (MCL) are not clearly defined. PURPOSE: To perform a modified Delphi process with the Committee for Ligament Injuries of the German Knee Society (DKG) in order to structure and optimize the process of treating a combined injury to the ACL and MCL. STUDY DESIGN: Consensus statement. METHODS: Scientific questions and answers were created based on a comprehensive literature review using the central registers for controlled studies of Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane including the terms medial collateral ligament, anterior cruciate ligament, MCL, ACL, and outcome used in various combinations. The obtained statements passed 3 cycles of a modified Delphi process during which each was readjusted and rated according to the available evidence (grades A-E) by the members of the DKG Ligament Injuries Committee and its registered guests. RESULTS: The majority of answers, including several questions with >1 graded answer, were evaluated as grade E (n = 16) or C (n = 10), indicating that a low level of scientific evidence was available for most of the answers. Only 5 answers were graded better than C: 3 answers with a grade of A and 2 answers with a grade of B. Only 1 answer was evaluated as grade D. An agreement of >80% (range, 83%-100%) among committee members was achieved for all statements. CONCLUSION: The results of this modified Delphi process offer a guideline for standardized patient care in cases of combined injuries to the ACL and MCL.

Delayed functional therapy after acute lateral ankle sprain increases subjective ankle instability - the later, the worse: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is one of the most common injuries in everyday and sports activities. Approximately 20-40 % of patients with LAS develop a chronic ankle instability (CAI). The underlying mechanisms for CAI have not yet been clearly clarified. An inadequate rehabilitation after LAS can be speculated, since the LAS is often handled as a minor injury demanding less treatment. Therefore, the aims of this retrospective study were to determine the CAI rate depending on age and sex and to identify possible determinants for developing CAI. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2018 we applied the diagnostic code "sprain of ankle" (ICD S93.4) to identify relevant cases from the database of the BG Klinikum Duisburg, Germany. Patients received a questionnaire containing the Tegner-Score, the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) and the Foot and Ankle Disability Index. Additionally, there were questions about the modality and beginning of therapy following LAS and the number of recurrent sprains. There was a total of 647 completed datasets. These were divided into a CAI and non-CAI group according to a CAIT cut-off-score with CAI ≤ 24 and non-CAI > 24 points, representing one out of three criteria for having CAI based on international consensus. RESULTS: The overall CAI rate was 17.3 %. We identified a higher CAI rate in females and within the age segment of 41 to 55 years. A later start of therapy (> 4 weeks) after acute LAS significantly increases ankle instability in CAIT (p < .05). There was a significantly higher CAIT score in patients having no recurrent sprain compared to patients having 1-3 recurrent sprains or 4-5 recurrent sprains (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Females over 41 years show a higher CAI rate which implies to perform specific prevention programs improving ankle function following acute LAS. A delayed start of therapy seems to be an important determinant associated with the development of CAI. Another contributing factor may be a frequent number of recurrent sprains that are also linked to greater levels of subjective ankle instability. Therefore, we would recommend an early start of functional therapy after acute LAS in the future to minimize the development of CAI.

Infection following fractures of the proximal tibia - a systematic review of incidence and outcome.

BACKGROUND: To systematically review all available studies of operatively treated proximal tibia fractures and to report the incidence of superficial or deep infection and subsequent outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature in Medline, Cochrane, Embase and GoogleScholar was conducted to identify studies with cohorts of patients with infection after surgical treatment of proximal tibia fractures. Studies were included according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies were analysed for methodological deficiencies and quality of outcome reporting based on the Level of Evidence (LOE) and Coleman Methodology Scoring (CMS.) RESULTS: In total 32 studies were included. There was heterogeneity between the studies, in terms of subject of the studies, outcome criteria, fracture type and classification, surgical techniques and length of follow-up. Therefore, no meta-analysis could be performed. The average CMS was 54.2 (range 36-75). The included studies were 25 case series (LOE IV), 6 were prospective cohort studies (LOE III) and one was a prospective randomized trial (LOE I). 203 (12.3%, range: 2.6-45.0%) infections occurred in the overall population (n = 2063). Those were divided into 129 deep infections and 74 superficial infections. Revision due to infection was reported in 29 studies, microbiological results in 6, respectively. 72 (55,8%) of 129 cases reporting outcome after deep infection had an unsatisfactory outcome with substantial limitations of the affected joint and leg. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative infections are a challenge, sometimes requiring several revisions and often with a worse outcome. Further studies with structured study protocols should be performed for a better understanding of risk factors to improve treatment outcomes.