Influence of Graft Type on Lower Extremity Functional Test Performance and Failure Rate After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Both autografts and allografts are used to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) after injury; however, it is unclear whether graft source affects lower extremity functional test performance or failure rate in an active military population. OBJECTIVE: To compare lower extremity functional test performance and graft failure rates between ACL grafts [allograft, hamstring, bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB)]. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: Ninety-eight cadets entering a US Service Academy with a history of unilateral ACL reconstruction (ACLR) agreed to participate. Before basic training, participants completed 4 lower extremity functional tests. Active injury surveillance was conducted within the study cohort to identify all subsequent graft failures. RESULTS: Cadets with hamstring autografts outperformed the BTB and allograft groups on the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test-Posteromedial direction and single-leg hop test, respectively. No differences were detected by graft type for the other functional tests. The incidence of subsequent ipsilateral graft failures in patients with autograft was 8.11%. No failures were observed in the allograft group during the follow-up period. After controlling for sex, joint hypermobility, and time since injury and surgery, the risk of graft failure was 9.8 times higher for patients with a hamstring autograft than with a BTB (P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: After ACLR, graft type appears to influence some single-limb measures of lower extremity function and the risk of subsequent failure. Hamstring autografts demonstrated better functional performance but increased risk of graft failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgeons need to weigh the pros and cons of all graft options in relation to the patient's lifestyle. Regardless of graft type, individuals with an ACLR may require additional rehabilitation to regain neuromuscular control during dynamic single-limb tasks and mitigate graft failure.

The Military Orthopedics Tracking Injuries and Outcomes Network: A Solution for Improving Musculoskeletal Care in the Military Health System.

INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal injuries are an endemic amongst U.S. Military Service Members and significantly strain the Department of Defense's Military Health System. The Military Health System aims to provide Service Members, military retirees, and their families the right care at the right time. The Military Orthopedics Tracking Injuries and Outcomes Network (MOTION) captures the data that can optimize musculoskeletal care within the Military Health System. This report provides MOTION structural framework and highlights how it can be used to optimize musculoskeletal care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MOTION established an internet-based data capture system, the MOTION Musculoskeletal Data Portal. All adult Military Health System patients who undergo orthopedic surgery are eligible for entry into the database. All data are collected as routine standard of care, with patients and orthopedic surgeons inputting validated global and condition-specific patient reported outcomes and operative case data, respectively. Patients have the option to consent to allow their standard of care data to be utilized within an institutional review board approved observational research study. MOTION data can be merged with other existing data systems (e.g., electronic medical record) to develop a comprehensive dataset of relevant information. In pursuit of enhancing musculoskeletal injury patient outcomes MOTION aims to: (1) identify factors which predict favorable outcomes; (2) develop models which inform the surgeon and military commanders if patients are behind, on, or ahead of schedule for their targeted return-to-duty/activity; and (3) develop predictive models to better inform patients and surgeons of the likelihood of a positive outcome for various treatment options to enhance patient counseling and expectation management. RESULTS: This is a protocol article describing the intent and methodology for MOTION; thus, to date, there are no results to report. CONCLUSIONS: MOTION was established to capture the data that are necessary to improve military medical readiness and optimize medical resource utilization through the systematic evaluation of short- and long-term musculoskeletal injury patient outcomes. The systematic enhancement of musculoskeletal injury care through data analyses aligns with the National Defense Authorization Act (2017) and Defense Health Agency's Quadruple Aim, which emphasizes optimizing healthcare delivery and Service Member medical readiness. This transformative approach to musculoskeletal care can be applied across disciplines within the Military Health System.

A High-Sensitivity International Knee Documentation Committee Survey Index From the PROMIS System: The Next-Generation Patient-Reported Outcome for a Knee Injury Population.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) measure progression and quality of care. While legacy PROs such as the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) survey are well-validated, a lengthy PRO creates a time burden on patients, decreasing adherence. In recent years, PROs such as the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function and Pain Interference surveys were developed as computer adaptive tests, reducing time to completion. Previous studies have examined correlation between legacy PROs and PROMIS; however, no studies have developed effective prediction models utilizing PROMIS to create an IKDC index. While the IKDC is the standard knee PRO, computer adaptive PROs offer numerous practical advantages. PURPOSE: To develop a nonlinear predictive model utilizing PROMIS Physical Function and Pain Interference to estimate IKDC survey scores and examine algorithm sensitivity and validity. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The MOTION (Military Orthopaedics Tracking Injuries and Outcomes Network) database is a prospectively collected repository of PROs and intraoperative variables. Patients undergoing knee surgery completed the IKDC and PROMIS surveys at varying time points. Nonlinear multivariable predictive models using Gaussian and beta distributions were created to establish an IKDC index score, which was then validated using leave-one-out techniques and minimal clinically important difference analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1011 patients completed the IKDC and PROMIS Physical Function and Pain Interference, providing 1618 complete observations. The algorithms for the Gaussian and beta distribution were validated to predict the IKDC (Pearson = 0.84-0.86; R2 = 0.71-0.74; root mean square error = 9.3-10.0). CONCLUSION: The publicly available predictive models can approximate the IKDC score. The results can be used to compare PROMIS Physical Function and Pain Interference against historical IKDC scores by creating an IKDC index score. Serial use of the IKDC index allows for a lower minimal clinically important difference than the conventional IKDC. PROMIS can be substituted to reduce patient burden, increase completion rates, and produce orthopaedic-specific survey analogs.

Generating the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score Using Multivariable Predictive Models and Computer Adaptive Testing to Reduce Survey Burden.

BACKGROUND: The preferred patient-reported outcome measure for the assessment of shoulder conditions continues to evolve. Previous studies correlating the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) computer adaptive tests (CATs) to the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score have focused on a singular domain (pain or physical function) but have not evaluated the combined domains of pain and physical function that compose the ASES score. Additionally, previous studies have not provided a multivariable prediction tool to convert PROMIS scores to more familiar legacy scores. PURPOSE: To establish a valid predictive model of ASES scores using a nonlinear combination of PROMIS domains for physical function and pain. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The Military Orthopaedics Tracking Injuries and Outcomes Network (MOTION) database is a prospectively collected repository of patient-reported outcomes and intraoperative variables. Patients in MOTION research who underwent shoulder surgery and completed the ASES, PROMIS Physical Function, and PROMIS Pain Interference at varying time points were included in the present analysis. Nonlinear multivariable predictive models were created to establish an ASES index score and then validated using "leave 1 out" techniques and minimal clinically important difference /substantial clinical benefit (MCID/SCB) analysis. RESULTS: A total of 909 patients completed the ASES, PROMIS Physical Function, and PROMIS Pain Interference at presurgery, 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery, providing 1502 complete observations. The PROMIS CAT predictive model was strongly validated to predict the ASES (Pearson coefficient = 0.76-0.78; R2 = 0.57-0.62; root mean square error = 13.3-14.1). The MCID/SCB for the ASES was 21.7, and the best ASES index MCID/SCB was 19.4, suggesting that the derived ASES index is effective and can reliably re-create ASES scores. CONCLUSION: The PROMIS CAT predictive models are able to approximate the ASES score within 13 to 14 points, which is 7 points more accurate than the ASES MCID/SCB derived from the sample. Our ASES index algorithm, which is freely available online (https://osf.io/ctmnd/), has a lower MCID/SCB than the ASES itself. This algorithm can be used to decrease patient survey burden by 11 questions and provide a reliable ASES analog to clinicians.

Pectoralis Major Rupture in Military Academy Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Pectoralis major ruptures are rare injuries that can occur at several parts of the muscle. Little is known of the pathoanatomic process and performance following pectoralis major ruptures in young athletes. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to describe a series of pectoralis major ruptures in military academy athletes at the US Military Academy and US Naval Academy. We hypothesized that military academy athletes will demonstrate a different rupture location than previously reported in older patients. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective case series was performed by analyzing all electronic medical records and imaging software for consecutive pectoralis major ruptures undergoing surgical repair within the student population at 2 military academies. The primary outcome of interest was rupture pattern and location. We also assessed functional recovery following surgery by analyzing push-up performance on the biannual Army Physical Fitness Test and Navy Physical Readiness Test. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2017, a total of 19 cases of pectoralis major ruptures occurred in military academy cadets. Patients ranged in age from 19 to 23 years, with a mean age of 20 years. All injuries occurred during sports activity, with bench press as the most common mechanism of injury (n = 10; 53%). The most common rupture location was the musculotendinous junction (n = 10; 53%), followed by pectoralis major tendon insertion (n = 8; 42%), and only 1 bony avulsion was noted. Physical activity performance following the rupture was negatively affected. The mean ± SD number of push-ups preinjury was 73.20 ± 12.10, which decreased following injury and surgery (66.50 ± 11.98; P = .037). CONCLUSION: Military academy athletes in our study cohort demonstrated a different type of rupture location than has been reported in older cohorts, with the majority experiencing tearing at a location other than the tendon itself. Performance was also negatively affected immediately following repair, but moderate improvement was observed as time from surgery increased.

Meniscus Injuries in the Military Athlete.

Meniscal injuries in the young, active patient are often challenging injuries for the orthopaedic surgeon whose goal is to provide pain-free return to play/military duty and preserve maximal meniscal integrity. In the U.S. military, the incidence rate of meniscal tears is almost 10 times higher than that of the civilian population; although, the rates of reoperation following meniscal repair are fairly similar. The decision to pursue meniscal debridement versus repair is multifactorial depending on tear characteristics, concomitant injury, patient characteristics, and goals. Meniscal allograft transplantation remains reserved as a salvage procedure but with limited goals for potential to return to complete unrestricted military duties. The purpose of this article is to review treatment principles for the military athlete with meniscal pathology.

Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Associated With Military Survival Swim Training.

OBJECTIVES: Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries are relatively common injuries associated with athletic activities and high-energy trauma. Posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries frequently accompany injury to the PCL. Diagnosis can be challenging and requires a comprehensive history and physical examination. Patients frequently report vague, nonspecific symptoms and the mechanism of injury is often useful in localizing injured structures. Two of the more common mechanisms for PCL injury include a direct blow to the proximal anterior tibia with the knee flexed, as well as a significant knee hyperextension injury. With a PCL tear, patients rarely describe an audible "pop" that is commonly reported in ACL injuries. On physical exam, a frequent finding in PCL tears is a loss of 10 to 20° of knee flexion. Although the most common clinical tests for PCL tears include the posterior drawer test, the posterior sag sign, and the quadriceps active test, there is a lack of high-quality diagnostic accuracy studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two cases of U.S. Military Academy Cadets who sustained PCL injuries while removing combat boots during military survival swim training are presented. The results of the clinical examination are accompanied by magnetic resonance imaging results and intraoperative arthroscopic images to highlight key findings. RESULTS: Both patients were evaluated and diagnosed with PCL injures within 10 days of their injuries. Each reported feeling/hearing a "pop," which is atypical in PCL tears. Both patients demonstrated a lack of active and passive knee flexion, which is a commonly reported impairment. One patient was managed nonsurgically with physical therapy and eventually returned to full duty without limitations 9 months after his injury. The other patient, who sustained a combined PCL-PLC injury, underwent a PCL reconstruction and PLC repair and reconstruction 8 weeks after his injury. He returned all training, with the exception of contact/collision sports, 9 months after surgery. Both patient's rehabilitation programs consisted of a progression of exercises to improve range of motion, muscle strength/endurance, motor control, and muscular power. CONCLUSION: Military and sports medicine professionals should be aware of the potential for PCL injury with this unusual, and previously unreported, mechanism of injury during survival swim training. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential to prevent long-term disability.

Pectoralis major injuries: evaluation and treatment.

PM tears most commonly occur in the young athletic male while performing weight-lifting exercises, but can result from any activity whereby the arm is maximally contracted in an extended and externally rotated position. Patients typically present with acute pain, swelling, ecchymosis, deformity, and weakness with adduction and internal rotation. Diagnosis of PM tears can usually be made by history and physical examination, but MRI can be helpful in identifying the extent and location of injury. Most tears occur near the tendon insertion. Nonoperative treatment is generally reserved for proximal tears, low-grade partial tears, and tears in sedentary patients. In most cases these patients will resume full activities of daily living. For all other tears, especially in the young, active athlete, acute (<6 weeks) repair is recommended to return the patient to full strength and function.

The epidemiology of medial collateral ligament sprains in young athletes.

BACKGROUND: A medial collateral ligament (MCL) knee sprain is a prevalent injury in athletic populations that may result in significant time lost to injury. Remarkably little is known of the epidemiology of this injury. PURPOSE: To define the incidence of MCL tears and to determine the demographic and athletic risk factors. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiological study. METHODS: A longitudinal cohort study was performed to examine the epidemiology of isolated MCL sprains at the United States Military Academy (USMA) between 2005 and 2009. Charts and radiographic studies were reviewed by an independent orthopaedic surgeon to identify all new isolated MCL sprains resulting in time lost to sport and activity that occurred within the study period. Incidence rates (IRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated per 1000 person-years at risk and by sex, sport, and level of competition. The IR per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) was also determined. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and respective 95% CIs were calculated between male and female students, intercollegiate and intramural athletes, and male and female intercollegiate athletes involved in selected sports. Chi-square and Poisson regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between the variables of interest and the incidence of MCL sprains, with statistical significance set at P < .05. RESULTS: A total of 128 cadets sustained isolated MCL injuries during 17,606 student person-years from 2005 to 2009. This resulted in an IR of approximately 7.3 per 1000 person-years. Of the 128 injuries, 114 were in male athletes (89%) and 14 were in female athletes (11%). Male cadets had a 44% higher IR than did female cadets (7.60 vs 5.36, respectively), although this was not significant (P = .212). Of 5820 at-risk intercollegiate athletes, 59 (53 male, 6 female) sustained an isolated MCL sprain during 528,523 (407,475 male, 121,048 female) AEs for an overall IR of 10.14 per 1000 person-years and 0.11 per 1000 AEs. The IRR of MCL sprains of men compared with women involved in intercollegiate athletics was 2.87 (95% CI, 1.24-8.18) per 1000 person-years and 2.62 (95% CI, 1.13-7.47) per 1000 AEs. Of 21,805 at-risk intramural athletes, with quarterly participation, 16 (all male) sustained isolated MCL injuries during 225,683 AEs for an overall IR of 0.07 per 1000 AEs. The IRs of MCL injuries of intercollegiate and intramural athletes did not differ significantly. In intercollegiate sports, wrestling (0.57), judo (0.36), hockey (0.34), and rugby (men's, 0.22; women's, 0.23) had the highest IRs per 1000 AEs. When examining men's intercollegiate athletics, the IRRs of wrestling (13.41; 95% CI, 1.80-595.27) and hockey (8.12; 95% CI, 0.91-384.16) were significantly higher compared with that of lacrosse. Among women's intercollegiate sports as well as intramural sports, there were no significant differences in IRs. A median of 16 days was lost to injury, with 2407 total days lost for all injuries. Grade 1 MCL injuries lost a median of 13.5 days, while higher grade injuries lost a median of 29 days. CONCLUSION: Medial collateral ligament injuries are relatively common in athletic cohorts. The most injurious sports are contact sports such as wrestling, hockey, judo, and rugby. Male athletes are at a greater risk than female athletes. Intercollegiate athletes are at a greater risk than intramural athletes. The average amount of time lost per injury was 23.2 days, with greater time lost with higher grade sprains than grade 1 sprains.

Waterproof versus cotton cast liners: a randomized, prospective comparison.

Casting injured extremities can cause complications (eg, itching, odor, rashes, skin maceration), many of which are associated with the inability to wash the extremity because of water retention and slow drying of conventional cast liners. A waterproof cast liner allows casts to become wet and perhaps improves hygiene and comfort. Fifty-nine patients (age, > or = 10 years) with upper or lower extremity injuries were randomized to a waterproof-liner group (n = 29) or a cotton-liner group (n = 30). Both groups had casts made of fiberglass tape. At each clinic visit, patients and physicians completed questionnaires evaluating comfort and skin condition, respectively. The waterproof-liner group had better scores for itch (P = .008), discomfort (P < .001), irritation (P = .002), overall patient score (P = .012), and overall physician score (P = .049).