Treatment of Chondral Lesions in the Knee / Tratamento das lesões condrais no joelho

Abstract Articular cartilage injuries are common and lead to early joint deterioration and osteoarthritis. Articular cartilage repair techniques aim at forming a cartilaginous neo-tissue to support the articular load and prevent progressive degeneration. Several techniques are available for this purpose, such as microfracture and chondrocyte transplantation. However, the procedural outcome is often fibrocartilage, which does not have the same mechanical resistance as cartilaginous tissue. Procedures with autologous osteochondral graft have a morbidity risk, and tissue availability limits their use. As such, larger lesions undergo osteochondral transplantation using fresh or frozen grafts. New techniques using minced or particulate cartilage fragments or mesenchymal stem cells are promising. This paper aims to update the procedures for treating chondral lesions of the knee.

Resumo As lesões da cartilagem articular são comuns e levam à deterioração precoce da articulação e ao desenvolvimento da osteoartrite. As técnicas de reparo da cartilagem articular visam a formação de um neo-tecido cartilaginoso capaz de suportar carga articular e evitar a progressão da degeneração. Há várias técnicas disponíveis para esse fim, como a microfratura e o transplante de condrócitos. Entretanto muitas vezes o desfecho do procedimento é a formação de fibrocartilagem, que não possui a mesma resistência mecânica do tecido cartilaginoso. Em outros procedimentos, nos quais é realizado enxerto osteocondral autólogo, há risco de morbidade associada ao procedimento, além da disponibilidade limitada de tecido. Por esse motivo, o transplante osteocondral, utilizando enxertos a fresco ou congelados tem sido utilizado para lesões de maior volume. Por fim, novas técnicas utilizando fragmentos de cartilagem picada ou particulada, assim como o uso de células tronco mesenquimais se apresentam como promissores. O objetivo desse artigo é realizar uma atualização dos procedimentos para tratamento das lesões condrais do joelho.

Stress fractures.

Stress fractures (SF) represent 10%-20% of all injuries in sport medicine. An SF occurs when abnormal and repetitive loading is applied on normal bone: The body cannot adapt quickly enough, leading to microdamage and fracture. The etiology is multifactorial with numerous risk factors involved. Diagnosis of SF can be achieved by identifying intrinsic and extrinsic factors, obtaining a good history, performing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory and imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging is the current gold standard). Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a known risk factor. In addition, for women, it is very important know the menstrual status to identify long periods of amenorrhea in the past and the present. Early detection is important to improve the chance of symptom resolution with conservative treatment. Common presentation involves complaints of localized pain, with or without swelling, and tenderness on palpation of bony structures that begins earlier in training and progressively worsens with activity over a 2- to 3-week period. Appropriate classification of SF based on type, location, grading, and low or high risk is critical in guiding treatment strategies and influencing the time to return to sport. Stress injuries at low-risk sites are typically managed conservatively. Studies have suggested that calcium and vitamin D supplementation might be helpful. Moreover, other treatment regimens are not well established. Understanding better the pathophysiology of SFs and the potential utility of current and future bone-active therapeutics may well yield approaches that could treat SFs more effectively.

Bilateral femoral neck stress fractures in a high-performance young female runner.

A 16-year-old female patient showed up at the orthopaedics unit complaining of intolerable pain on her left hip. While being questioned and her clinical history written down, she shared that as part of her daily exercise routine, she ran 10 miles (16 km) daily at a speed of 9.5-10.5 mph (15-17 km/hour). MRI was consequently ordered, confirming the presence of a stress fracture. Therefore, immediate suspension of physical activity was indicated, followed by the prescription of crutches as well as restricted weight bearing. Gradually, she recovered complete functionality and approximately a month after she had entirely healed. While on a skiing trip, again she abruptly developed an acute pain on her right hip. Another MRI was ordered; its result confirmed a new stress fracture. Her previous treatment has proved so successful, a conservative approach was once again prescribed for her, showing optimum results 6 months later.

Humeral stress fracture in a female CrossFit athlete: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Humeral stress fractures are rare injuries usually related to sports practice and joint overload without a direct trauma. A proximal humeral stress fracture has never been reported in a CrossFit athlete. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a stress fracture in the humerus of a 22-year-old woman after intense CrossFit training. Patient's previous medical history included amenorrhea and reduced Vitamin D levels. The patient was treated conservatively and resumed CrossFit training after she was advised not to until follow up imaging. CONCLUSIONS: We present the MRI features of the case and emphasize the difficulties in diagnosis due to multiple possible causes of shoulder pain in a CrossFit athlete and by negative findings on early radiographs. Hormonal variations, Vitamin D insufficiency and the patient's attitude towards exercise were important factors that contributed for the stress injury after weight-lifting in CrossFit.

Fractura por estrés del cuello del fémur en una niña hiperactiva tratada con metilfenidato: Reporte de caso / Femoral neck stress fracture in a hyperactive child taking methylphenidate. Case report

Las fracturas por estrés afectan, con mayor frecuencia, a personas físicamente activas con hueso normal y son infrecuentes en los niños con placa de crecimiento abierta. Aun más infrecuentes son las fracturas por estrés del cuello femoral en la población pediátrica. Sin embargo, constituyen entidades muy importantes debido al riesgo de complicaciones graves, como la necrosis avascular. Se describe el caso de una niña de 7 años medicada con metilfenidato que sufrió una fractura por estrés del cuello del fémur atípica. La paciente consulta por dolor inguinal derecho sin limitaciones en las actividades cotidianas. La radiografía muestra una fractura por estrés del cuello del fémur, que se confirma con tomografía. Se instaura un tratamiento conservador, y la paciente está asintomática a las cuatro semanas. Este caso representa una alerta sobre esta infrecuente entidad en la que podrían presentarse errores diagnósticos. Investigaciones recientes también sugieren la posible participación de fármacos, como el metilfenidato, en la desmineralización ósea, que podría constituir un posible factor de riesgo de fractura. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Stress fractures most commonly affect physically active individuals with normal bone, and they are rare in children with open growth plates. Even rarer are femoral neck stress fractures in pediatric age. Nevertheless, they constitute a very important entity due to the risk of severe complications, such as avascular necrosis. A seven-year-old girl, treated with methylphenidate, who suffered an atypical femoral neck stress fracture is presented. Patient complained of right inguinal pain without daily life activity limitations. The radiograph showed a stress femoral neck fracture, confirmed by CT imaging. Conservative treatment was instituted and the patient became asymptomatic after 4 weeks. This case report alerts the clinicians about this rare entity that might be misdiagnosed. Recent research also suggests a possible involvement of drugs, such as methylphenidate, in bone demineralization, which might constitute a possible risk factor for fractures. Level of Evidence: IV

[Autologous chondrocytes implantation versus microfracture for the treatment of knee cartilage lesions]. / Implantación de condrocitos autólogos versus microfracturas para el tratamiento de lesiones del cartílago en la rodilla.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of microfracture therapy (MF) versus implantation of autologous chondrocytes (MACI) in the management of chondral lesions of the knee 3 cm2 and follow up to 12 months post treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2017. Patients with one or more chondral lesions in knee 3 cm2 were included to compare MF versus MACI therapy for the repair of chondral lesion. Clinical and functional evaluations were carried out prior to the surgical treatment and 12 months later, with measurement of the range of motion, EVA, Oxford scale and Lequesne index. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included in MF and 12 patients in MACI. The most frequent lesion was located in the Patella in eight patients (67%). It showed an increase in the arcs of motion, as well as improvement in the comparison between baseline and follow-up at 12 months: in EVA, MF demonstrated 48.4% and MACI 57.5% (p 0.05); Oxford scale: MF 32.65% and MACI 51.04% (p 0.05); index of Lequesne: MF 40.12% and MACI 50%. Two cases of joint effusion were presented in MACI, which were resolved with the realization of arthrotomies. CONCLUSION: In this study, significant improvement was demonstrated in MACI with pain relief, functionality, and range of motion compared to the treatment of MF in lesions 3 cm2 of the articular cartilage of the knee after one year of follow-up.

OBJETIVO: Comparar la eficacia clínica y la seguridad de la terapia de microfracturas (MF) versus implantación de condrocitos autólogos en membrana (MACI) en el manejo de lesiones condrales de rodilla 3 cm2 y el seguimiento a 12 meses postratamiento. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva, de Enero de 2016 a Diciembre de 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes con una o varias lesiones condrales en rodilla 3 cm2 para comparar la terapia MF versus MACI para la reparación de lesión condral. Se realizaron valoraciones clínicas y funcionales previas al tratamiento quirúrgico y 12 meses posteriores, con medición de los arcos de movimiento, escala EVA, Oxford e índice de Lequesne. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 12 pacientes en MF y 12 pacientes en MACI. La lesión más frecuente se localizó en la patela en ocho pacientes (67%). Se demostró incremento en los arcos de movimiento, así como mejoría en la comparación entre el nivel basal y en el seguimiento a 12 meses: en EVA, MF mostró 48.4% y MACI 57.5% (p 0.05); escala de Oxford: MF 32.65% y MACI 51.04% (p 0.05); índice de Lequesne: MF 40.12% y MACI 50%. Se presentaron dos casos de derrame articular en MACI, que se resolvieron con la realización de artrotomías. CONCLUSIÓN: En este estudio se demostró mejoría significativa en MACI con alivio del dolor, funcionalidad y arcos de movimiento en comparación con el tratamiento de MF en lesiones 3 cm2 del cartílago articular de rodilla después de un año de seguimiento.

Fractura bilateral del cuello femoral por fatiga / Bilateral stress fracture of the femoral neck

Las denominadas fracturas por fatiga o por estrés ocurren en un hueso normal sometido a reiterados episodios de esfuerzo, aunque de menor requerimiento para causar una fractura aguda. Se presenta a una paciente de 63 años de edad, obesa, con antecedentes de salud anterior que comienza a presentar dolor en ambas regiones de la articulación de la cadera, limitando los movimientos e imposibilitando la marcha. Se le realizaron estudios de imagen donde se le diagnosticó una fractura bilateral del cuello femoral, la izquierda de mejor identificación que la derecha. El tratamiento consistió en osteosíntesis de la fractura izquierda con clavo deslizante, y tratamiento conservador mediante reposo de la cadera derecha. La evolución fue satisfactoria, a los 3 meses habían desaparecido los síntomas y a los 6 meses la paciente deambulaba sin dificultad. La asistencia temprana a esta afección es importante para decidir la terapéutica a emplear y de esta manera evitar las complicaciones(AU)

The so called fatigue or stress fractures occur in a normal bone subjected to repeated episodes of stress, albeit of lesser requirement to cause an acute fracture. We present a 63-year-old obese patient with a history of previous health that begins to present pain in both regions of the hip joint, limiting movements and making gait impossible. Imaging studies were performed in which a bilateral fracture of the femoral neck was diagnosed, the left being better identified than the right one. The treatment consisted of osteosynthesis of the left fracture with a sliding nail, and conservative treatment by resting the right hip. The evolution was satisfactory, at 3 months the symptoms had disappeared and at 6 months the patient walked without difficulty. Early care for this condition is important in deciding which therapy to use and thus avoid complications(AU)

Aspectos clínicos de las fracturas por stress / Clinical features of stress fractures

Las fracturas de stress son el resultado de la reiteración de cargas mecánicas en ciclos de intensidad, duración y frecuencia variables que, aplicadas como estímulos únicos, no serían suficientes para provocarlas. En líneas generales, el mecanismo propuesto para la generación de las fracturas de stress por fatiga es un desborde de la capacidad reparatoria de las microfracturas provocadas por las cargas de un exigente entorno mecánico, que corre a cargo de la remodelación ósea. Inicialmente fueron reportadas en el personal militar (en especial reclutas durante el período de instrucción) y luego en deportistas de diversas disciplinas que implican correr y/o saltar. Siendo esta la población primariamente en riesgo, se identificaron numerosos factores adicionales. En esta revisión se expondrán solamente aquellos de naturaleza endocrinometabólica y biomecánica. El síntoma inicial más frecuente de las fracturas por fatiga es el dolor focal, y su frecuencia es alta en los miembros inferiores. Se presenta al final de la actividad física, para luego extenderse a todo su curso y, finalmente, afectar también la deambulación diaria. El examen físico típicamente denota hipersensibilidad o dolor localizado sobre el área del hueso afectado, que a veces puede estar tumefacta. El diagnóstico se basa en las imágenes; la resonancia magnética nuclear es a de mayor sensibilidad y especificidad y la que permite un diagnóstico temprano, lo que es importante para prevenir un potencial progreso de la lesión a una fractura completa, osteosíntesis retardada o no unión, y necrosis ósea. (AU)

Stress fractures are the result of repeated cyclical loading whose intensity, duration and frequency are variable. These loads, applied as single stimuli, would not be enough to produce them. Overall, the proposed mechanism that generates fatigue fractures is an overflow in repair capacity, which is normally run by bone remodeling. They were first reported in military population (especially recruits during the training period) and later in athletes of various disciplines that involve running and / or jumping. This is primarily the population at risk. Other factors have been identified, only endocrine, metabolic and biomechanical will be discussed. The most common initial symptom of fatigue fractures is focal pain and frequency is high in the lower limbs. They appear at the end of physical activity, then spread throughou their course, and ultimately affect the daily ambulation. Physical examination typically shows hypersensitivity or localized pain on the area of the affected bone, which can sometimes be swollen. Diagnosis is based on images. Nuclear magnetic resonance has the highest sensitivity and specificity and allows early diagnosis, what is essential to prevent a potential progression of injury to a complete fracture, delayed healing or nonunion and bone necrosis. (AU)

Surgical management of exertional anterior compartment syndrome of the leg / Tratamiento quirúrgico del síndrome compartimental anterior de la pierna por esfuerzo excesivo

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristic presentation of exertional leg pain in athletes and to discuss the diagnostic options and surgical management of exertional anterior compartment syndrome of the leg in this group of patients. METHODS: Data from a series of athletes presenting with exertional leg pain were analysed and categorized according to aetiology. RESULTS: Sixty-six athletes presenting with exertional leg pain in 102 limbs were analysed. Sixteen patients in a first group of 20 patients with a provisional diagnosis of exertional anterior compartment syndrome of the leg underwent a closed fasciotomy with complete resolution of symptoms. A second group of 42 patients were diagnosed as medial tibial stress syndrome and a third group of four patients had confirmed stress fracture of the tibia. CONCLUSION: Exertional leg pain is a common presenting complaint of athletes to sports physicians and physiotherapists. Careful analysis can lead to an accurate diagnosis and commencement of effective treatment. Exertional anterior compartment syndrome can be successfully treated utilizing a closed fasciotomy with a rapid return to sport.

OBJETIVO: Describir las manifestaciones características del dolor en la pierna que presentan los atletas, y discutir las opciones de diagnósticos y tratamiento quirúrgico del síndrome compartimental de la pierna en este grupo de pacientes. MÉTODOS: Los datos de una serie de atletas con dolor en la pierna debido al esfuerzo excesivo en los ejercicios, fueron analizados y categorizados según la etiología. RESULTADOS: Sesenta y seis atletas con dolor de piernas debido al esfuerzo excesivo en 102 miembros fueron analizados. Dieciséis pacientes en un primer grupo de 20 pacientes con un diagnóstico provisional de síndrome compartimental anterior de la pierna por esfuerzo experimentaron fasciotomía cerrada con resolución completa de los síntomas. Un segundo grupo de 42 pacientes fueron diagnosticados con síndrome de estrés medial de la tibia, y a un tercer grupo de cuatro pacientes se le confirmó fractura por estrés o sobrecarga de la tibia. CONCLUSIÓN: El dolor de la pierna por esfuerzo en los ejercicios es una queja común con las que los acuden a los médicos y fisioterapeutas de la medicina deportiva. Un análisis cuidadoso puede conducir a un diagnóstico preciso y al comienzo de un tratamiento eficaz. El síndrome compartimental anterior por esfuerzo puede tratarse con éxito utilizando una fasciotomía cerrada que permita un rápido retorno a la actividad deportiva.

Surgical management of exertional anterior compartment syndrome of the leg.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristic presentation of exertional leg pain in athletes and to discuss the diagnostic options and surgical management of exertional anterior compartment syndrome of the leg in this group of patients. METHODS: Data from a series of athletes presenting with exertional leg pain were analysed and categorized according to aetiology. RESULTS: Sixty-six athletes presenting with exertional leg pain in 102 limbs were analysed. Sixteen patients in a first group of 20 patients with a provisional diagnosis of exertional anterior compartment syndrome of the leg underwent a closed fasciotomy with complete resolution of symptoms. A second group of 42 patients were diagnosed as medial tibial stress syndrome and a third group of four patients had confirmed stress fracture of the tibia. CONCLUSION: Exertional leg pain is a common presenting complaint of athletes to sports physicians and physiotherapists. Careful analysis can lead to an accurate diagnosis and commencement of effective treatment. Exertional anterior compartment syndrome can be successfully treated utilizing a closed fasciotomy with a rapid return to sport.

An iliac bone stress fracture in a basketball player.

The authors describe the case of an athlete from the Brazilian national men's basketball team (sub-16) who reported pain in the right iliac region at the end of the season. Clinical and imaging exams revealed an iliac bone stress fracture. A conservative treatment of removing the load from the fracture in combination with physical therapy was chosen. The athlete improved satisfactorily and returned to the sport at the same level as prior to the injury after 14 weeks of treatment.

Les ultrasons pulsés de faible intensité dans le traitement des fractures / Pulsed ultrasound of low intensity in the treatment of fractures

La présente note informative est une revue de la littérature sur l'efficacité, l'innocuité et le coût de l'utilisation des ultrasons pulsés de faible intensité pour traiter les fractures de stress ou celles dues à un traumatisme, qu'elles soient fraîches ou qu'elles présentent un retard ou même un échec de consolidation. Elle traite également des indications et des politiques de couverture en vigueur dans d'autres pays. Elle représente donc une mise à jour de la note technique publiée en 2004 par l'Agence d'évaluation des technologies et des modes d'intervention en santé (AETMIS) et répond à une demande du ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS). Les plus récentes données probantes confirment que l'utilisation des ultrasons pulsés de faible intensité dans le traitement des fractures n'est pas la source de préoccupations majeures au regard de l'innocuité. Cependant, l'incertitude demeure quant à l'efficacité relative et au rapport coût/efficacité de cette option thérapeutique. En effet, tandis que certains auteurs rapportent des résultats positifs, la majorité des quelques études qui portent sur les fractures fraîches montrent que les ultrasons pulsés de faible intensité ne sont pas associés à une réduction significative du temps de guérison des fractures, observable par radiographie, ou à une amélioration de la fonctionnalité. Pour ce qui est des fractures qui présentent un retard ou un échec de consolidation, les rares études qui ont examiné l'effet du traitement sur le temps de guérison ne sont pas concluantes; aucune étude n'a abordé l'effet sur la fonctionnalité. Les deux seules études sur les fractures de stress ne montrent aucun avantage des ultrasons. De surcroît, la preuve est affaiblie par l'hétérogénéité des études, les lacunes méthodologiques qu'elles comportent (elles reposent notamment sur des populations de petite taille) et l'absence de lien entre la guérison observable par radiographie et les résultats cliniques. Les rares évaluations économiques, basées sur des modélisations, montrent des résultats contradictoires relativement aux fractures fraîches et la plupart sont muettes en ce qui concerne les autres types de fracture. De plus, l'utilisation des ultrasons pulsés de faible intensité dans le traitement des fractures ne fait pas consensus parmi les organismes d'évaluation qui se sont penchés sur la question. Alors que le National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), au Royaume-Uni, a émis un avis positif sur l'efficacité et l'innocuité de cet appareil (bien qu'il appartienne à chaque autorité régionale du National Health Service (NHS) de l'inclure dans les services assurés), la Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), en France, l'exclut de sa liste des produits couverts. Par ailleurs, aux États-Unis, les assureurs publics et privés couvrent habituellement, à certaines conditions, l'utilisation des ultrasons pulsés de faible intensité dans le traitement de fractures non consolidées de tout autre os que le crâne ou les vertèbres. En revanche, ces assureurs ne couvrent pas l'appareil à ultrasons pour le traitement des fractures dont la guérison est retardée et la politique de couverture varie ou n'est pas précisée relativement au traitement des fractures fraîches et des fractures de stress. En définitive, bien que les ultrasons pulsés de faible intensité aient un effet thérapeutique sur certains types de fracture, l'incertitude persiste quant à leur efficacité relative et à leur rapport coût/efficacité. Les données sur l'efficacité réelle, dans un contexte clinique courant, ne sont pas disponibles et aucune étude n'a abordé de façon adéquate les répercussions sur la qualité de vie. En conséquence, l'INESSS conclut que la preuve est insuffisante pour justifier l'introduction de cette technologie dans les services offerts par le régime public d'assurance maladie. Puisque la recherche se poursuit, certains des essais cliniques randomisés étant d'ailleurs réalisés au Canada, l'INESSS assurera une veille des résultats qui en découleront.(AU)

This information brief is a literature review of the efficacy, safety and cost of using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound to treat stress and trauma fractures, whether fresh or exhibiting delayed union or even non-union. This brief also looks at the current indications and coverage policies in other countries. It therefore constitutes an update of the technology brief published in 2004 by the Agence d'évaluation des technologies et des modes d'intervention en santé (AETMIS) and is in response to a request from the ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS). The latest evidence confirms that the use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound to treat fractures is not a source of major safety concerns. However, uncertainty remains with regard to the relative efficacy and the cost-effectiveness of this treatment option. Indeed, although a few authors report positive results, most of the studies and there are only a few of them involving fresh fractures show that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound is not associated with a significant reduction in radiographic fracture healing time or in improved functional outcomes. As for fractures exhibiting delayed union or non-union, the rare studies that have examined the effect of this treatment on healing time are not conclusive, and no study has examined its effect on functional outcomes. The only two studies involving stress fractures do not show ultrasound to confer any benefit. Furthermore, the evidence is weakened by the studies' heterogeneity, their methodological weaknesses (in particular, these studies are based on small populations) and the absence of a link between radiographic healing and clinical outcomes. The rare economic evaluations, which are based on models, show contradictory results for fresh fractures, and most are silent with regard to the other types of fractures. Furthermore, the use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound to treat fractures has not gained consensus among the assessment agencies that have examined this matter. While the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom has issued a favourable opinion regarding the use of this device (even though it is up to each regional authority of the National Health Service (NHS) to include it among the insured services), France's Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) has excluded it from its list of covered services. In the United States, public and private insurers usually cover, subject to certain conditions, the use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound for the treatment of non-union fractures of all bones except the skull and vertebrae. However, these insurers do not cover the ultrasound device for the treatment of fractures with delayed healing, and the coverage policy varies or is not specified for the treatment of fresh fractures and stress fractures. In short, although the use of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound may have a therapeutic effect on certain types of fractures, uncertainty persists over its relative efficacy and its cost-effectiveness. Evidence on clinical effectiveness is not available and no study has adequately addressed impact on quality of life. Consequently, INESSS concludes that the evidence is insufficient to justify including this technology among the services offered by the public health insurance plan. Since research is ongoing, with, incidentally, some of the randomized clinical trials being carried out in Canada, INESSS will be monitoring their results.(AU)

[Stress fractures in athletes. role of magnetic resonance imaging in predicting injury morbidity]. / Fracturas por estres en deportistas valor de la resonancia magnetica en la prediccion de la morbilidad.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful tool for stress fractures (SF) diagnosis, allowing the estimation of injury severity. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between the severity of SF in athletes determined by magnetic resonance imaging and the morbidity estimated as the time to return to sport. Thirty-four cases of stress fractures, (29 athletes; 12 female, 17 male; age 26.3 +/- 12.5), were studied by radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. Injuries were classified according to Arendt's scale and they were analyzed according to site, activity level, delay in diagnosis and time needed to return to sports. The tibia was the most affected bone (n=12; 35.2%), followed by the tarsal navicular (n=5; 14.7%), and the metatarsals (n=4; 11.7%). Injury severity according to magnetic resonance imaging appearance was: grade 1=14.7%; grade 2=14.7%; grade 3=38.2%; grade 4=32.4%. The main finding was the positive significant correlation between injury severity and recovery time (r=0.66, p=0.0002). In conclusion, significant correlation exists between stress fracture injury severity determined by magnetic resonance image and recovery time in athletes. The use of a systematic graded magnetic resonance image evaluation may assist the physician to define clinical management, supervise the rehabilitation program and estimate the return to sport activity.

Fracturas por estrés en deportistas: valor de la resonancia magnética en la predicción de la morbilidad / Stress fractures in athletes: role of magnetic resonance imaging in predicting injury morbidity

La resonancia magnética ha mostrado ser una herramienta eficaz para el diagnóstico precoz de las fracturas por estrés y para la determinación de la gravedad de estas lesiones. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la relación entre la gravedad de las fracturas por estrés en deportistas, determinada por resonancia magnética y la morbilidad, estimada por el tiempo de retorno al deporte. Se estudiaron 34 casos de fracturas por estrés, correspondientes a 29 deportistas (12 mujeres; 17 varones; edad 26.3 ± 12.5 años), medianteradiografías y resonancia magnética. Las lesiones fueron clasificadas en cuatro grados según la escala de Arendt. Se determinaron la localización anatómica, el nivel de actividad, el tiempo de diagnóstico y el tiempode retorno a la actividad deportiva. Los huesos más afectados fueron la tibia (n=12; 35.2%), el escafoides tarsiano (n=5; 14.7%) y los metatarsianos (n=4; 11.7). La gravedad de las lesiones fue: grado 1: 14.7%; grado 2: 14.7%; grado 3: 38.2%; grado 4: 32.4%. La correlación entre la gravedad de la lesión y el tiempo de recuperación fue de r=0.66 (p=0.0002). Como conclusión, existe una correlación positiva significativa entre la gravedad de la fractura por estrés, determinada por resonancia magnética, y el tiempo de recuperación. La utilización sistemática de esta clasificación puede ayudar a definir con mayor precisión el cuadro clínico, controlar la rehabilitación y estimar el retorno a la actividad deportiva.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful tool for stress fractures (SF) diagnosis, allowing the estimation of injury severity. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between the severity of SF in athletes determined by magnetic resonance imaging and the morbidity estimated as the time to return to sport. Thirty-four cases of stress fractures, (29 athletes; 12 female, 17 male; age 26.3 ± 12.5), were studied by radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. Injuries were classified according to Arendt´s scale and they were analyzed according to site, activity level, delay in diagnosis and time needed to return to sports. The tibia was the most affected bone (n=12; 35.2%), followed by the tarsal navicular (n=5; 14.7%), and the metatarsals (n=4; 11.7%). Injury severity according to magnetic resonance imaging appearance was: grade 1=14.7%; grade 2=14.7%; grade 3=38.2%; grade 4=32.4%. The main finding was the positive significant correlation between injury severity and recovery time (r=0.66, p=0.0002). In conclusion, significant correlation exists between stress fracture injury severity determined by magnetic resonance image and recovery time in athletes. The use of a systematic graded magnetic resonance image evaluation may assist the physician to define clinical management, supervise the rehabilitation program and estimate the return to sport activity.

Fracturas por estrés en deportistas: valor de la resonancia magnética en la predicción de la morbilidad / Stress fractures in athletes: role of magnetic resonance imaging in predicting injury morbidity

La resonancia magnética ha mostrado ser una herramienta eficaz para el diagnóstico precoz de las fracturas por estrés y para la determinación de la gravedad de estas lesiones. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la relación entre la gravedad de las fracturas por estrés en deportistas, determinada por resonancia magnética y la morbilidad, estimada por el tiempo de retorno al deporte. Se estudiaron 34 casos de fracturas por estrés, correspondientes a 29 deportistas (12 mujeres; 17 varones; edad 26.3 ± 12.5 años), medianteradiografías y resonancia magnética. Las lesiones fueron clasificadas en cuatro grados según la escala de Arendt. Se determinaron la localización anatómica, el nivel de actividad, el tiempo de diagnóstico y el tiempode retorno a la actividad deportiva. Los huesos más afectados fueron la tibia (n=12; 35.2%), el escafoides tarsiano (n=5; 14.7%) y los metatarsianos (n=4; 11.7). La gravedad de las lesiones fue: grado 1: 14.7%; grado 2: 14.7%; grado 3: 38.2%; grado 4: 32.4%. La correlación entre la gravedad de la lesión y el tiempo de recuperación fue de r=0.66 (p=0.0002). Como conclusión, existe una correlación positiva significativa entre la gravedad de la fractura por estrés, determinada por resonancia magnética, y el tiempo de recuperación. La utilización sistemática de esta clasificación puede ayudar a definir con mayor precisión el cuadro clínico, controlar la rehabilitación y estimar el retorno a la actividad deportiva.(AU)

Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful tool for stress fractures (SF) diagnosis, allowing the estimation of injury severity. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between the severity of SF in athletes determined by magnetic resonance imaging and the morbidity estimated as the time to return to sport. Thirty-four cases of stress fractures, (29 athletes; 12 female, 17 male; age 26.3 ± 12.5), were studied by radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging. Injuries were classified according to Arendt´s scale and they were analyzed according to site, activity level, delay in diagnosis and time needed to return to sports. The tibia was the most affected bone (n=12; 35.2%), followed by the tarsal navicular (n=5; 14.7%), and the metatarsals (n=4; 11.7%). Injury severity according to magnetic resonance imaging appearance was: grade 1=14.7%; grade 2=14.7%; grade 3=38.2%; grade 4=32.4%. The main finding was the positive significant correlation between injury severity and recovery time (r=0.66, p=0.0002). In conclusion, significant correlation exists between stress fracture injury severity determined by magnetic resonance image and recovery time in athletes. The use of a systematic graded magnetic resonance image evaluation may assist the physician to define clinical management, supervise the rehabilitation program and estimate the return to sport activity.(AU)

Sacral stress fracture: an unusual cause of low back pain in an amateur tennis player.

Stress fractures are common in athletes, and their incidence in sport is estimated at 2-4%. A case is reported of a stress fracture of the sacrum in an amateur tennis player. The patient was treated with rest and physiotherapy, focusing on stretching programmes and analgesic treatments, followed by an educational programme of tennis training and muscle strengthening. This appears to be the first report of this pathology in a tennis player.