Epidemiology of Sports Injuries Among High School Athletes in the United States: Data From 2015 to 2019.

Background: Nearly 8 million high school students in the United States participate in sports each year. With the lack of recent population data, an update to previous studies on US high school athletes is needed. Purpose: To update the epidemiology of sports injuries in high school athletes in the United States. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: The data from the National Health School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study, including 100 nationally representative high schools, were obtained for 9 high school sports (boys' football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, and baseball and girls' soccer, basketball, volleyball, and softball) between the 2015 and 2019 academic years. Injury rates were calculated as the ratio of injuries per 1000 athlete exposures (AEs), defined as 1 athlete participating in 1 practice or competition. Data on injured body area, injury type (sprains/strains, concussions, contusions, and fractures), time loss, and need for surgery were also obtained. Rate ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs and P values were calculated. Results: Athletic trainers reported 15,531 injuries during 6,778,209 AEs, with an overall rate of 2.29 injuries per 1000 AEs. Injury rates were highest in football (3.96), girls' soccer (2.65), and boys' wrestling (2.36). The overall injury rate was lower in girls' sports (1.86) compared with boys' sports (2.52) (RR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.71-0.76]; P < .001) and was higher in competition compared with practice (RR, 3.39 [95% CI, 3.28-3.49]; P < .001). The most commonly injured body areas were the head/face (24.2%), ankle (17.6%), and knee (14.1%). Sprains/strains (36.8%) and concussions (21.6%) were the most common diagnoses. Overall, 39.2% and 34% of injuries resulted in a time loss of <1 week and 1 to 3 weeks, respectively. Surgery was required in 6.3% of injuries, with wrestling (9.6%), girls' basketball (7.6%), and boys' baseball (7.4%) being the sports with the highest proportion of injuries needing surgery. Conclusion: Study findings demonstrated that boys' football, girls' soccer, and boys' wrestling had the highest injury rates, with boys' sports overall having higher injury rates than girls' sports. Sprains/strains and concussions were the most common diagnoses. Few injuries required surgery.

Perioperative Management of Traditional and Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Hip Fracture Patients.

Hip fractures are an increasingly common injury in the senior population and almost always require surgical fixation or prosthetic replacement. These surgeries, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, are considered high-risk for bleeding, especially in a population fraught with comorbidities and often presenting on anticoagulation medications. Direct oral anticoagulants represent a class of drugs that have been becoming more popular in use in this population, with many benefits over the historically used Warfarin. There are recommendations for preoperative discontinuation and postoperative resumption of these medications, which can be more readily managed for elective surgeries. However, there is a paucity of literature detailing best practice guidelines for the perioperative management of direct oral anticoagulants when a patient presents with a hip fracture. This review article summary of the periprocedural management of DOACs for hip surgery was developed by examining the American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, Perioperative Guidelines on Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Agents written by anesthesiologists, various retrospective studies, and drug labels for pharmacokinetic data. These recommendations should be used as a guideline, along with the collaboration of multidisciplinary hospital teams during inpatient admission, to manage these complex patients.

Misinformation About Orthopaedic Conditions on Social Media: Analysis of TikTok and Instagram.

Introduction Social media outlets such as TikTok (TT) and Instagram (IG) have surged as a method to disseminate information. More recently, healthcare professionals have targeted this space as a means to provide medical education and advice. With the ever-growing content on these applications, there is significant variability and quality of material available, which can lead to the dissemination of misinformation. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy and popularity of content on common orthopaedic pathology on TT and IG. Methods Content on TT and IG related to six common orthopaedic conditions - achilles tendon tear, ACL tear, meniscus tear, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tear, and ankle sprains - was evaluated between April and June 2022. The top ten posts for the top two associated hashtags for each condition were reviewed. The quality of each post was analyzed using the DISCERN instrument, rating each on a scale of 1 to 5. Each post was characterized by the author's profession (physician, physical therapist, chiropractor, etc.) and content type (educational, testimonial, personal, promotional, and entertainment). Popularity and engagement metrics such as "comments," "likes," and "shares" were also collected. Results There were 165,666,490 views on TT and 9,631,015 views on IG amongst the six common aforementioned orthopaedic conditions. Content created by physicians had less overall engagement (16.1%) compared to content created by non-physicians (83.9%). The quality of content on average was low (mean misinformation index 2.04 ± 1.08 (1-5)1. Physician-created posts in comparison to non-physician posts were significantly more accurate (mean misinformation index score 3.38 ± 1.12 vs 1.89 ± 0.94, p<0.0001). Conclusions Common orthopaedic conditions such as Achilles tendon tears, ACL tears, and meniscus tears are frequently the focus of content posted on TT and IG; however, this information is often not medically accurate. Increased physician engagement may help to rectify this misinformation.

Accuracy of a Smartphone Software Application Compared With a Handheld Goniometer for Measuring Shoulder Range of Motion in Asymptomatic Adults.

Background: Typically, shoulder range of motion (ROM) measurements are performed in a clinic setting, where physicians, physical therapists (PTs), and occupational therapists make use of a goniometer. Purpose: To determine the accuracy of a smartphone-based ROM software application (app) in assessing active shoulder ROM and compare the measurements with traditional goniometry as measured by a PT. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: This prospective, nonblinded study was conducted at a single institution with adult asymptomatic participants with full active ROM of both shoulders. Participants were enrolled between June 1 and 15, 2021. Each participant self-assessed their active shoulder ROM using the PeerWell smartphone app. A single PT concurrently measured each participant's active shoulder ROM using a handheld universal goniometer. Bilateral shoulder ROM (forward flexion, abduction [AB], external rotation, internal rotation [IR], and extension) was measured 2 times for each participant. Interrater reliability between the smartphone app and PT measurements as well as intrarater reliability for each method of measurement were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and limits of agreement were analyzed for the difference in measurement methods. Results: Data were analyzed for 60 shoulders (30 right, 30 left) from 30 participants (mean age, 31.4 ± 11.7 years; 73% female). The interrater reliability between the 2 methods was excellent for all movements (ICCs, 0.90-0.96). For all movements except shoulder AB, the mean difference in the measurements between the 2 methods was <1.3°; the mean difference in AB ROM was 2.08°. For all movements except IR, both PTs and the app showed excellent intrarater reliability (ICCs >0.90); for IR, good intrarater reliability (ICC ≥0.75) was observed. Conclusion: The PeerWell smartphone app provided measurements comparable with manual measurements taken by a PT using a goniometer. These data provide evidence that the smartphone app is a reliable and valid tool for measuring shoulder ROM and show promise for measuring and monitoring patient ROM remotely.

Diversity in Orthopaedic Surgery Residencies Based on Allopathic Medical School Affiliation.

Orthopaedic surgery is one of the most competitive and least diverse specialties in medicine. Affiliation of an orthopaedics with an allopathic medical school impacts research opportunities and early exposure to clinical orthopaedics. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential effect allopathic medical school affiliation has on orthopaedic surgery resident demographics and academic characteristics. Methods: All 202 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited orthopaedics programs were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 consisted of residency programs without an affiliated allopathic medical school, and Group 2 consisted of programs with an affiliated allopathic medical school. Affiliations were determined by cross-referencing the ACGME residency program list with the medical school list published by Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Program and resident characteristics were then compiled using AAMC's Residency Explorer including region, program setting, number of residents, and osteopathic recognition. Resident characteristics included race, gender, experiences (work, volunteer, and research), peer-reviewed publications, and US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 scores. Results: Of the 202 ACGME-accredited orthopaedics residencies, Group 1 had 61 (30.2%) programs, and Group 2 had 141 (69.8%) programs. Group 2 had larger programs (4.9 vs. 3.2 resident positions/year; p < 0.001) and 1.7 times the number of residency applicants (655.8 vs. 385.5; p < 0.001). Most Group 2 residents were allopathic medical school graduates, 95.5%, compared with 41.6% in Group 1. Group 1 had 57.0% osteopathic medical school graduates, compared with 2.9% in Group 2. There were 6.1% more White residents in Group 1 residencies (p = 0.025), and Group 2 residencies consisted of 3.5% more Black residents in relation to Group 1 (p = 0.03). Academic performance metrics were comparable between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that candidates who successfully match into an orthopaedic surgery residency program achieve high academic performance, regardless of whether the program was affiliated with an allopathic medical school. Differences may be influenced by increased representation of minority faculty, greater demand for allopathic residents, or stronger emphasis on promotion of diversity in those residency programs. Availability of Data and Material: Available on reasonable request. Level of Evidence: Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Concussions in the Women's National Basketball Association: Analysis of Incidence, Return-to-Play Timing, and Player Performance From 1997 to 2020.

Background: The extent to which concussions affect Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) athletes has not been thoroughly examined. Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and impact of concussion injuries occurring in the WNBA. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Publicly available records were searched to identify all documented basketball-related concussions from WNBA seasons 1997 to 2020. Player demographics, injury details, and basketball career information were collected. Concussion incidence and return-to-play (RTP) timing were evaluated before and after the institution of the WNBA concussion protocol in 2012. Minutes per game and game score per minute were compared 5 games before and 5 games after the concussion was sustained. Player game availability and RTP performance were also compared with an age-, body mass index-, position-, and experience-matched control group of players who did not sustain any injuries during the index season. Results: A total of 70 concussions among 55 players were reported in the WNBA from 1997 to 2020, with a mean incidence of 2.9 ± 2.3 concussions per season. After the implementation of the WNBA concussion protocol, the incidence significantly increased from 1.7 to 5.0 concussions per season (P < .001). All players returned after a first-time concussion, missing a mean of 3.8 ± 4.7 games and 17.9 ± 20.7 days. After the adoption of the concussion protocol, the time to RTP significantly increased with games missed (P = .006) and days missed (P = .006). Minutes per game and game score per minute were not significantly affected by sustaining a concussion (P = .451 and P = .826, respectively). Conclusion: Since the adoption of the WNBA concussion protocol in the 2012 season, the incidence of concussions increased significantly. Athletes retained a high rate of RTP after missing a median of 4 games, and the time to RTP increased after the institution of the concussion protocol. Player game availability and performance within the same season were not significantly affected by concussion injuries after a successful RTP.

High Return to Play Rate and Reduced Career Longevity Following Surgical Management of Athletic Pubalgia in National Basketball Association Players.

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of surgical treatment of athletic pubalgia (AP) on game use and performance metrics in National Basketball Association (NBA) players. METHODS: A retrospective review of all NBA players who underwent surgical management for AP from 1996 to 2018 was performed. A matched control group was created for comparison. The index period was defined as the entire NBA season in which surgery occurred, including the corresponding offseason. Player demographics, use (games played, games started, and minutes per game) and performance (player efficiency rating) metrics were collected for all players. Statistical analysis was performed to compare data before and after return to play. RESULTS: Thirty players with a history of surgical management for AP were included in the final analysis. Following surgery for AP, NBA players were found to have a return to play (RTP) rate of 90.91% (30/33). The average RTP following surgery was 4.73 ± 2.62 months. Compared with control athletes, athletes in the AP group played significantly fewer seasons postinjury (4.17 ± 2.70 vs 5.49 ± 3.04 seasons, respectively; P = .02). During the first year following RTP, NBA players experienced significant reductions in game use and performance, both when compared with the year prior and matched control athletes (P < .05). At 3-year follow-up, players continued to demonstrate significant reductions in game use (minutes per game, P < .05) but not performance. CONCLUSIONS: Following surgical treatment of AP, NBA players demonstrated a high RTP rate, but shortened career. A short-term reduction in game use and performance metrics was found the year of return following surgery. However, 3-year follow-up performance metrics normalized when compared with healthy controls. STUDY DESIGN: Level III; retrospective case-control study.

Impact of Patellar Tendinopathy on Player Performance in the National Basketball Association.

BACKGROUND: The extent to which patellar tendinopathy affects National Basketball Association (NBA) athletes has not been thoroughly elucidated. PURPOSE: To assess the impact patellar tendinopathy has on workload, player performance, and career longevity in NBA athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: NBA players diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy between the 2000-2001 and 2018-2019 seasons were identified through publicly available data. Characteristics, return to play (RTP), player statistics, and workload data were compiled. The season of diagnosis was set as the index year, and the statistical analysis compared post- versus preindex data acutely and in the long term, both within the injured cohort and with a matched healthy NBA control cohort. RESULTS: A total of 46 NBA athletes were included in the tendinopathy group; all 46 players returned to the NBA after their diagnosis. Compared with controls, the tendinopathy cohort had longer careers (10.50 ± 4.32 vs 7.18 ± 5.28 seasons; P < .001) and played more seasons after return from injury (4.26 ± 2.46 vs 2.58 ± 3.07 seasons; P = .001). Risk factors for patellar tendinopathy included increased workload before injury (games started, 45.83 ± 28.67 vs 25.01 ± 29.77; P < .001) and time played during the season (1951.21 ± 702.09 vs 1153.54 ± 851.05 minutes; P < .001) and during games (28.71 ± 6.81 vs 19.88 ± 9.36 minutes per game; P < .001). Players with increased productivity as measured by player efficiency rating (PER) were more likely to develop patellar tendinopathy compared with healthy controls (15.65 ± 4.30 vs 12.76 ± 5.27; P = .003). When comparing metrics from 1 year preinjury, there was a decrease in games started at 1 year postinjury (-12.42 ± 32.38 starts; P = .028) and total time played (-461.53 ± 751.42 minutes; P = .001); however, PER at 1 and 3 years after injury was unaffected compared with corresponding preinjury statistics. CONCLUSION: NBA players with a higher PER and significantly more playing time were more likely to be diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy. Player performance was not affected by the diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy, and athletes were able to RTP without any impact on career longevity.

Functional Outcomes and Return to Sport After Cartilage Restoration of the Knee in High-level Athletes.

Articular cartilage injuries of the knee are being observed with increasing frequency in athletes and have proven to be difficult to treat given the limited regenerative ability of cartilage and the potential for progressive joint degeneration. A wide range of surgical treatments such as microfracture, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and osteochondral autograft and allograft have demonstrated promising results in these high-demand individuals. These procedures permit healing of cartilage defects while decreasing pain and restoring function with patient-reported outcomes demonstrating significant improvement at short-, mid-, and long-term follow-up. Most athletes are able to return to play after cartilage restoration of the knee, regardless of the surgical technique used. Although there is a large degree of heterogeneity across the literature and no consensus as to the optimal technique, osteochondral autograft transfer seems to offer the highest rate of return to sport and return to play at preinjury level. However, autologous chondrocyte implantation and osteochondral allograft transplantation are often used for larger defects or salvage after previous procedures, so results may be confounded. In addition, a multitude of factors including patient history, characteristics of the chondral lesion, and postoperative management may affect functional outcomes in athletes.

Anterior Cruciate Reconstruction with Quadriceps Autograft using QuadLink Anterior Cruciate Ligament FiberTag TightRope Implant.

Quadriceps tendon autografts have been shown to be a reliable option for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The graft allows for optimal functional outcomes while reducing donor site morbidity. Although quadriceps graft fixation can be achieved using a variety of techniques, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal technique. Additionally, femoral fixation techniques have variance in durability and reproducibility. The purpose of this Technical Note and video is to provide our preferred method of quadriceps tendon autograft preparation and fixation using the Quad Link ACL FiberTag TightRope Implant in a single-bundle ACL reconstruction.

Effect of Achilles Tendon Rupture on Player Performance and Longevity in National Basketball Association Players.

BACKGROUND: National Basketball Association (NBA) players who return to sport (RTS) after Achilles tendon rupture have been reported to have poor outcomes. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Achilles tendon ruptures on player performance and career longevity in NBA athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: NBA players who sustained Achilles tendon ruptures between 1970 and 2019 were identified using publicly available resources and were matched 1:1 to a healthy control group by age, position, height, and body mass index. Demographic characteristics, player utilization (games and minutes), and performance efficiency rating (PER) were documented for all athletes. The season of Achilles tendon rupture was set as the index year, and statistical analysis compared postindex versus preindex data both acutely and in the long term. Percentages relative to preoperative values were calculated to compare the injured and control groups in a standardized fashion. RESULTS: Of 47 players, 34 (72.3%) with Achilles tendon ruptures returned to play at the NBA level after surgical intervention. A total of 7 players were excluded from the study. No differences were found in demographic characteristics or PER (2 years before injury) between the remaining 27 players and matched controls. The injured players had significantly shorter careers compared with control players (3.1 ± 2.3 vs 5.8 ± 3.5 seasons, respectively; P < .05). Injured players demonstrated significant declines in games per season (GPS), minutes per game (MPG), and PER at 1 year and 3 years after RTS compared with preindex baseline (P < .05). Injured players, compared with control players, had reduced relative percentages of games started (GS) (50% vs 125%, respectively), MPG (83% vs 103%), and PER (80% vs 96%) at 1 year after return (P < .05), but reductions at extended 3-year follow-up were seen only in GPS (71% vs 91%) and GS (39% vs 99%) (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Our study found that 72.3% of NBA players returned to play after Achilles tendon repair, but they had shorter careers compared with uninjured controls. Players returning from Achilles tendon repairs had decreased game utilization and performance at all time points relative to their individual preindex baseline. However, for the injured players when compared with controls, game utilization but not performance was found to be decreased at 3-year follow-up.

Effect of Workload After ACL Reconstruction on Rerupture Rates in NBA Players.

BACKGROUND: Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common and potentially career-altering injury sustained by players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Strategies have been employed by the league to prevent reinjury of players after ACL reconstruction (ACLR), including minute restrictions and rest games; however, it remains unknown whether workload metrics after ACLR influence the risk for reinjury and revision surgery. PURPOSE: To evaluate whether workload changes after return to play (RTP) from primary ACLR influences the risk of rerupture in NBA players. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: We identified NBA players from 1975 to 2018 who underwent primary ACLR as well as those who required revision ACLR. Primary outcomes included workload measures such as games played, games started, and minutes per game. Secondary outcomes included in-game performance statistics. Statistical analysis was used to compare relative workload and performance 3 years before and 3 years after undergoing primary ACLR. Workload was also compared between the control group of NBA players who underwent primary ACLR and those who required revision ACLR. RESULTS: A total of 68 players who underwent primary ACLR were included, 8 of whom subsequently required revision ACLR. In their first season upon RTP, control players (primary ACLR) demonstrated a significant reduction in all workload metrics relative to the season before injury (P < .001), while the revision group demonstrated an unchanged to increased workload. In a comparison between the primary and revision groups during the first season after RTP, the primary group demonstrated significantly fewer games started (mean ± SD, 22.2 ± 3.0 vs 35.8 ± 8.3; P = .039) and minutes per game (20.5 ± 1.1 vs 27.0 ± 3.1; P = .048) than revision players. The primary ACLR group demonstrated reduced cumulative workload trends for the first 3 years after RTP relative to 3 years before injury, which was not demonstrated in the revision ACLR group, albeit statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Our study found that after ACLR, a reduction in workload parameters relative to preinjury baseline was associated with players who did not sustain rerupture. Further study is required to determine if workload measures following RTP from primary ACLR should be individualized relative to preinjury baseline.

Return to Play and Performance in the Women's National Basketball Association After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) athletes continues to increase. There is a paucity of data regarding return-to-play (RTP) rates and performance after ACL reconstruction in these athletes. PURPOSE: To quantify RTP rates and performance after ACL reconstruction in WNBA athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: All ACL tears sustained in the WNBA from 1997 through 2018 were identified. Body mass index (BMI), age, and position at the time of injury were collected for each player. RTP rates were calculated, and performance data were collected for each player before and after injury to determine changes in playing time and statistical performance. Players who successfully returned to play after ACL reconstruction were compared with a group of healthy controls who were matched by age, years of experience, position, height, and BMI. Statistics at 1 and 3 years after injury were compared to assess acute and longitudinal changes in performance relative to preinjury baseline. RESULTS: A total of 59 WNBA players sustained ACL tears during the study period, and 41 (69.5%) were able to successfully RTP. Players played a mean of 7.5 ± 12.8 fewer games, played 5.0 ± 9.2 fewer minutes per game, and scored 3.7 ± 5.0 fewer points per game in their first year after RTP compared with the year before injury. Athletes with ACL reconstruction demonstrated significantly decreased performance measures regarding games played, games started, minutes, rebounds, assists, and blocks per game in their first season after RTP compared with control athletes in the same indexed year; however, these differences resolved by year 3 after surgery. CONCLUSION: WNBA athletes have a high RTP rate after ACL reconstruction. Players may experience an initial decrease in playing time and performance when returning to play; however, these variables were found to return to baseline over time.

Quadriceps Tendon Autograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has received increased attention, as more studies compare clinical outcomes between QT, bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB), and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts. Biomechanically, QT has similar properties to BPTB and to HT. QT has shown equivalent stability, patient-reported outcome measures, strength and graft failure rates, and decreased donor site morbidity compared with BPTB and HT. All three autografts have excellent clinical outcomes. Ultimately, anterior cruciate ligament graft selection should be a discussion between a physician and their patient while considering a patient's age, activity level, and occupation.

Effect of Concussions on the Performance of Running Backs and Wide Receivers in the National Football League.

BACKGROUND: Concussion injuries are common in professional football players; however, their effect on player performance remains unclear. PURPOSE: To quantify the effect of concussions on the performance of running backs and wide receivers in professional football players. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Concussion data from the National Football League were collected for a period of 4 seasons (2012-2015) for running backs and wide receivers. Age, experience, position, time to return to play, yearly total yards, and touchdowns were recorded. A power rating (total yards divided by 10 plus touchdowns multiplied by 6) was calculated for each player's injury season as well as for the 3 seasons before and after their respective injury. A control group of running backs and wide receivers without an identified concussion injury who competed in the 2012 season was assembled for comparison. Player performance up to 3 seasons before and after the injury season was examined to assess acute and longitudinal changes in player performance. RESULTS: A total of 38 eligible running backs and wide receivers sustained a concussion during the study period. Thirty-four (89%) players were able to return to competition in the same season, missing an average of 1.5 ± 0.9 games; the remaining 4 players returned in the subsequent season. Power ratings for concussed players were similar to those of controls throughout the study period. Concussed players did not suffer an individual performance decline upon returning within the same season. Furthermore, no significant difference in change of power rating was observed in concussed players in the acute (±1 year from injury; -1.2 ± 4.8 vs -1.1 ± 3.9, P = .199) or chronic (±3 years from injury; -3.6 ± 8.0 vs -3.0 ± 4.5, P = .219) setting compared with controls. All concussed players successfully returned to competition in either the index or next season. CONCLUSION: A high rate of National Football League running backs and wide receivers are able to return to play after a concussion injury. These players were found to perform at a similar level in both the acute and long-term period after concussion.

The role of prehabilitation with a telerehabilitation system prior to total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the usage of prehabilitation on a telehealth platform prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and its impact on short-term outcomes. Specifically, the study examined whether patients participating in a prehabilitation program impacted length of stay (LOS) and discharge disposition. METHODS: A total of 476 consecutive patients who underwent TKA at three institutions were included. The average age of the 476 patients was 65.1 years (range, 35 and 93 years). There was a total of 114 patients who utilized the novel prehabilitation program that provided exercises, nutritional advice, education regarding home safety and reducing medical risks, and pain management skills prior to surgery. A group of 362 patients who did not utilize the program formed the control cohort. The outcomes evaluated were LOS and discharge disposition to home, home with health aide (HHA), or skilled nursing facility (SNF). RESULTS: The average LOS in the prehabilitation group was significantly shorter than in the control group (2.0 vs. 2.7 days, P<0.001). Additionally, prehabilitation patients had more favorable discharge disposition status in comparison to the control group. In the prehabilitation patients, 77.2% went home without assistance, compared to 42.8% in the control group (P<0.001). Also, significantly fewer patients in the prehabilitation group were discharged to a SNF when compared to the control group (1.8% vs. 21.8%, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Prehabilitation preceding TKA in the current study showed early benefits in LOS and discharge disposition. This study will help expand the current literature and educate orthopaedic surgeons on a novel technology. To truly appreciate the role of telerehabilitation in the setting of TKA, further investigation is needed to investigate long-term outcomes, cost analysis, and patient and clinician satisfaction.

Short-term Medical Complications Following Short Versus Long Cephalomedullary Nails.

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate whether there is an increased rate of short-term medical complications following short vs long cephalomedullary nails for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures. A total of 899 patients treated surgically with cephalomedullary nails from January 1, 2005, to September 1, 2014, were included. Patients who received short nails (n=334) were older and had a higher incidence of coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus compared with patients who received long nails (n=565). The incidences of 30-day medical complications, including myocardial infarction, stroke, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, blood transfusion, non-surgical site infection, surgical site infection, and mortality, were recorded. The orthopedic complications of periprosthetic fracture of the ipsilateral hip and implant failure through the latest outpatient follow-up were recorded. No significant difference was found between nails for any studied medical complication (63.5% short vs 66.0% long, P=.4393) or mortality (6.9% short vs 5.3% long, P=.3322). There was also no significant difference in the incidence of orthopedic complications (P=.70). Longer operating room time was associated with superficial surgical site infection. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(5):e636-e642.].

The Effect of Abnormal Vitamin D Levels in Athletes.

Vitamin D is a lipophilic prohormone integral to musculoskeletal, autoimmune, oncologic, cardiovascular, and mental health. Of particular importance to the orthopedic surgeon is the role of vitamin D in the regulation of bone mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. Although vitamin D-related skeletal pathologies are rare in industrialized nations, emerging research in the field has shown that most American adults have inadequate levels of vitamin D. Even among athletes, there is a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, which may place competitors at risk of stress fractures, illness, and delayed muscle recovery. Adequately identifying vitamin D-deficient individuals in need of supplementation is important to help optimize performance and prevent future injury. The goal of this review is to describe the epidemiology of vitamin D deficiency and its effects on athletic performance and musculoskeletal health. Future double-blinded studies of vitamin D supplementation in athletes are needed. We recommend treating athletes who have insufficient or deficient vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D Insufficiency Among Professional Basketball Players: A Relationship to Fracture Risk and Athletic Performance.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is believed to play a role in influencing fracture risk and athletic performance. Insufficiency of vitamin D affects an estimated three-quarters of the United States population. Hypovitaminosis D has also been demonstrated to be quite common among professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). PURPOSE: To determine whether a relationship exists between vitamin D levels and fracture risk and athletic performance (as measured by NBA draft status) among elite basketball players. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: Data were obtained from the NBA regarding combine participants from 2009 through 2013. This information included vitamin D level, demographic information, fracture history, and NBA draft status. The data were analyzed to determine associations between vitamin D level and fracture risk and NBA draft status. RESULTS: Vitamin D levels were measured for 279 players at the NBA Combine from 2009 through 2013. Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was seen in 32.3% of athletes, vitamin D insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL) was seen in 41.2%, and sufficient levels of vitamin D (>30 ng/mL) were present in only 26.5%. A total of 118 players had a history of at least 1 fracture. Vitamin D level was not predictive of fracture risk. Contrary to our hypothesis, players with a history of stress fracture had a significantly greater mean vitamin D level than those without such history (30.7 vs 25.1 ng/mL; P = .04). A majority (79.6%) of participants were selected in the NBA draft. Players with deficient vitamin D levels had a significantly lower rate of being drafted into the NBA (P = .027). The NBA draft rate was found to increase with increasing levels of vitamin D (P = .007). CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D is quite common among NBA Combine participants, affecting 73.5%. While no significant relationship was found between vitamin D level and fracture history, patients with a history of stress fracture had significantly greater mean vitamin D levels. Additionally, participants with greater vitamin D levels were more likely to be drafted into the NBA. This information supports the potential role of vitamin D in influencing athletic performance.

Remplissage Versus Modified Latarjet for Off-Track Hill-Sachs Lesions With Subcritical Glenoid Bone Loss.

BACKGROUND: Off-track Hill-Sachs lesions have been associated with high rates of recurrent shoulder instability. Both arthroscopic Bankart with remplissage and modified Latarjet have been described to treat off-track Hill-Sachs lesions. However, few comparative studies exist between the 2 techniques in heterogeneous populations. HYPOTHESIS: Remplissage would have similar recurrence rates and clinical outcomes to modified Latarjet for off-track Hill-Sachs lesions with subcritical glenoid bone loss. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2015, 189 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability, off-track Hill-Sachs lesion, and less than 25% glenoid bone loss were identified. Arthroscopic Bankart with remplissage (group A) was performed in 98 patients, and modified Latarjet (group B) was performed in 91 patients. Surgeries were performed by multiple fellowship-trained surgeons at 2 centers. The mean follow-up time was 3.2 years. Patients were assessed for their risk of recurrence using the Instability Severity Index Score and had preoperative 3-dimensional imaging to assess humeral and glenoid bone loss, along with measurement of the glenoid track. Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion, recurrence rate, subsequent procedures, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: When comparing the remplissage and Latarjet groups, the remplissage group had a higher VAS pain score (2.2 vs 1.55, P = .041) and less internal rotation motion in abduction (40.9° vs 53.2°, P = .006). The complication rate was higher in the Latarjet group (12.1% vs 1%, P = .002). There was no difference between the 2 groups in patient-reported outcomes, such as WOSI and SANE. In addition, there was no difference between the 2 groups in revision rate and episodes of recurrent instability. In subgroup univariate analysis of revision patients, the remplissage group had higher VAS pain score (3.6 vs 2.2, P = .001), higher recurrence rate (34.8% vs 10.3%, P = .042), higher revision rate (43.5% vs 15.4%, P = .019), and lower complication rate (4.35% vs 28.2%, P = .024). For patients with >15% glenoid bone loss, Latarjet had lower recurrence rate (6.06% vs 28.6%, P = .034) and lower revision rate (3.03% vs 21.4%, P = .041). In collision and contact athletes, Latarjet had better WOSI scores (138 vs 231, P = .019) and lower recurrence rate (30% vs 0%, P = .005). In multivariate analysis, the odds of recurrence in the remplissage group were higher than in the Latarjet group in patients with previous instability surgery (3.56, P = .006), collision and contact athletes (2.37, P = .02), those with 10% to 15% glenoid bone loss (1.28, P = .04), and those with >15% glenoid bone loss (6.48, P = .001). CONCLUSION: For off-track Hill-Sachs lesions with subcritical glenoid bone loss, both the remplissage and modified Latarjet can achieve satisfactory results with the initial surgical intervention in the general population, but a higher complication rate was observed in the Latarjet group. However, Latarjet appears to be a better choice in patients with revision instability surgery, collision and contact athletes, and those with >10% glenoid bone loss.