Cross-cultural adaptation, validity, reliability and responsiveness of the Japanese version of the Victorian Institute of sports assessment for patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P-J).

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to translate, adapt, and test the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Victorian Institute of sports assessment for patellar tendinopathy (VISA-P-J). METHODS: This prospective cohort study registered 43 participants ≥ 18 years old with a history of painful symptoms in the inferior pole of the patella to the proximal patellar tendon lasting ≥ 1 month for patellar tendinopathy. Pain in daily life and during sports activities, symptom classification, and patient global impression of change were assessed at the baseline, 1 week, and 12 weeks. The psychometric properties, test-retest reliability, standard error of measurement, internal consistency criterion validity, construct validity, responsiveness, and interpretability, of the VISA-P-J were calculated according to the COSMIN. RESULTS: The two-way random-effects, absolute agreement intraclass correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability of VISA-P-J was 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.78, 0.93), and the standard error of measurement of VISA-P-J was 0.89. The Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency of VISA-P-J was 0.81. A correlation between VISA-P-J and Roel's classification, Visual Analog Scale for pain (VAS)-Active Daily Living, and VAS-Sports (r = - 0.52, r = - 0.66, r = - 0.86, p < 0.01, respectively) was observed for criterion validity. All hypotheses of the hypothesis-testing method to evaluate construct validity and responsiveness of VISA-P-J were substantiated. The minimal clinically important difference of VISA-P-J was 7 points. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that the VISA-P-J was a reliable, valid, and responsive assessment method for individuals with chronic pain in the patellar tendon.

Arthroscopic Bankart repair with additional footprint fixation using the double-row technique at the 4 o'clock position anatomically restored the capsulolabral complex and showed good clinical results.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical outcome and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings after arthroscopic Bankart repair with additional double anchor footprint fixation (DAFF) at the 4 o'clock position, where the native footprint is widest anatomically, for recurrent anterior shoulder instability. METHODS: Forty-two patients (mean age 27.0 years) with recurrent anterior shoulder instability and without severe glenoid bone defects underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with additional DAFF at the 4 o'clock position. Using three standard portals, single-row repair was performed at the 2, 3, and 5 o'clock positions, and DAFF with the suture bridging technique was conducted at the 4 o'clock position. MRI was performed preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Patients with follow-up periods of ≥1 year were included in the present study and clinically evaluated at the final follow-up. The morphology at the 2 and 4 o'clock positions on radial MRI slices was compared between the preoperative and 6-month postoperative scans, and the footprint of the repaired capsulolabral complex at 6 months postoperatively was compared between the 2 and 4 o'clock positions. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 19.5 ± 6.2 months. The rates of dislocation recurrence and positive apprehension test results were 2.4 and 4.8%, respectively. External rotation was restricted by 3.5°. The University of California at Los Angeles and Rowe scores at the final follow-up were 34.5 ± 1.0 points and 97.2 ± 5.7 points, respectively, representing significant improvements over the preoperative scores (p < 0.01). Although the capsulolabral complex at 6 months postoperatively was firmly repaired at both the 2 and 4 o'clock positions compared to its preoperative state, the footprint of the restored capsulolabral complex was wider at the 4 o'clock position than at the 2 o'clock position (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Additional DAFF at the 4 o'clock position improved the glenohumeral stability and function of the shoulder joint. This study suggests that this technique is a reliable and useful treatment for shoulder instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Effects of Drinking Oxygenated Water on Blood Oxygen Saturation During Exercise Under Normobaric Hypoxic Conditions: A Randomized Placebo-controlled Single-blinded Trial.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of drinking oxygenated water on oxygen saturation during exercise under normobaric hypoxic conditions. Materials: A randomized placebo-controlled single-blinded trial was performed. Twenty-two healthy adults (16 men and 6 women), with a mean age (standard deviation) of 22.4 (2.73) years, participated in the study. The participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an OX group (drinking oxygenated mineral water) and a control group (drinking normal mineral water). Both groups performed walking exercises under normobaric hypoxic conditions. Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate (PR), and walking distance were measured during exercise. Results: SpO2 decreased and PR increased during exercise in both groups. The decrease in SpO2 was smaller and the increase in PR was greater in the OX group compared with those in the control group. No significant difference was found in walking distance between the two groups. Conclusions: Drinking oxygenated water before exercise may inhibit SpO2 reduction under normobaric hypoxic conditions.

Critical shoulder angle in an East Asian population: correlation to the incidence of rotator cuff tear and glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Focus has recently been on the critical shoulder angle (CSA) as a factor related to rotator cuff tear and osteoarthritis (OA) in the European population. However, whether this relationship is observed in the Asian population is unclear. METHODS: The correlation between the CSAs measured on anteroposterior radiographs and the presence or absence of rotator cuff tears or OA changes was assessed in 295 patients. Rotator cuff tears were diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography. OA findings were classified using the Samilson-Prieto classification. The CSAs among the patients with rotator cuff tears, OA changes, and those without pathologies were compared. Multivariable analyses were used to clarify the potential risks for these pathologies. RESULTS: The mean CSA with rotator cuff tear (33.9° ± 4.1°) was significantly greater than that without a rotator cuff tear (32.3° ± 4.5°; P = .002). Multivariable analysis also showed that a greater CSA had a significantly increased risk of rotator cuff tears, with the odds ratio of 1.08 per degree. OA findings showed no significant correlation to the CSAs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that the CSA is greater in those with a rotator cuff tear than in those without a tear or OA changes, which may be an independent risk factor for the incidence of rotator cuff tears in the Japanese population.

Tackler's head position relative to the ball carrier is highly correlated with head and neck injuries in rugby.

OBJECTIVES: To characterise the tackler's head position during one-on-one tackling in rugby and to determine the incidence of head, neck and shoulder injuries through analysis of game videos, injury records and a questionnaire completed by the tacklers themselves. METHODS: We randomly selected 28 game videos featuring two university teams in competitions held in 2015 and 2016. Tackles were categorised according to tackler's head position. The 'pre-contact phase' was defined; its duration and the number of steps taken by the ball carrier prior to a tackle were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 3970 tackles, including 317 (8.0%) with the tackler's head incorrectly positioned (ie, in front of the ball carrier) were examined. Thirty-two head, neck or shoulder injuries occurred for an injury incidence of 0.8% (32/3970). The incidence of injury in tackles with incorrect head positioning was 69.4/1000 tackles; the injury incidence with correct head positioning (ie, behind or to one side of the ball carrier) was 2.7/1000 tackles. Concussions, neck injuries, 'stingers' and nasal fractures occurred significantly more often during tackles with incorrect head positioning than during tackles with correct head positioning. Significantly fewer steps were taken before tackles with incorrect head positioning that resulted in injury than before tackles that did not result in injury. CONCLUSION: Tackling with incorrect head position relative to the ball carrier resulted in a significantly higher incidence of concussions, neck injuries, stingers and nasal fractures than tackling with correct head position. Tackles with shorter duration and distance before contact resulted in more injuries.

Midterm Clinical Results in Rugby Players Treated With the Bristow Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Although surgical shoulder stabilization by coracoid transfer is effective for collision athletes and has a low reinjury rate, no reports have described the midterm results of this procedure in specific patient cohorts of sufficient number or provided subjective assessments of these patients. PURPOSE: To evaluate midterm results after treatment of shoulder instability with the Bristow procedure in a large cohort of rugby players. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: This study included 176 shoulders of 152 competitive rugby players who underwent shoulder stabilization surgery (Bristow procedure with Bankart repair) with a mean follow-up of 4 years (minimum of 2 years) in our institute. The primary outcome measure was the difference in the presurgical and postsurgical functional Rowe score and Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index (WOSI) score and factors affecting these scores. Complication rates and associated factors were also investigated. RESULTS: In total, 176 shoulders of 152 patients underwent the Bristow procedure with Bankart repair, and 93.2% of the players returned to their preinjury competition level at a mean of 6.3 months postoperatively. All Rowe and WOSI scores were significantly improved after surgery. The numbers of shoulders with functional failure as indicated by the Rowe score, WOSI score, and inability to return to the previous level of play were 28 (15.9%), 54 (30.7%), and 12 (6.8%), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses demonstrated that reinjury after surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 35.1) and the number of shoulder dislocations (OR = 11.2-11.4) negatively affected the competition level after return to play, while reinjury (OR = 11.1-17.8), the number of shoulder subluxations (OR = 1.1-2.9), injury in the dominant shoulder (OR = 1.2-2.2), and large bone defects (OR = 1.1-11.5) negatively affected functional scores. Reinjury after shoulder stabilization occurred in 6 of 176 shoulders (3.4%). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that reinjury after surgery occurred more frequently in players at lower versus higher grade levels of competition (OR = 21.0). Although differences were not significant, a trend was noted toward higher postoperative reinjury rates in forward players, those in the upper categories (professional and college), and those with injury in the nondominant shoulder. CONCLUSION: The Bristow procedure provides good midterm outcomes for competitive collision athletes, while postsurgical reinjury, the number of preoperative dislocations and subluxations, and large bone defects negatively affect postsurgical shoulder function. This information may be useful for treatment of shoulder dislocations in collision athletes.

Contact pressure of the coracoacromial arch in shoulders with joint contracture: A cadaveric study.

BACKGROUNDS: There have been many reports describing that the capsular fibrosis of the shoulder joint is the main cause of frozen shoulder, whereas others reported the significance of subacromial impingement as an etiological factor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contact pressure between the coracoacromial arch and the rotator cuff tendons to clarify the contact phenomenon in shoulders with joint contracture. METHODS: Fourteen fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used. Specimens were divided into two groups: normal group (8 shoulders, definition: more than 61° of flexion and abduction and more than 21° of external rotation) and joint contracture group (6 shoulders, definition: less than 60° of flexion and abduction and less than 20° of external rotation). Contact pressure and area beneath the coracoacromial arch were measured by a flexible force sensor during flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation in adduction and abduction, extension and horizontal extension motions. RESULTS: The peak contact pressure under the acromion was observed at 90° in flexion and abduction in the normal group, whereas that in the contracture group was observed at 30° in flexion (P = 0.037) and at 30° in abduction (P = 0.041). Contact pressure in the contracture group was significantly higher than that in the normal group at 20° and 30° of abduction (P = 0.043, P = 0.041, respectively). There were no significant differences of contact pressure during other motions. Although no significant differences of contact pressure beneath the coracoacromial ligament were observed, contact area significantly increased in extension and horizontal extension motion. CONCLUSION: The contact between the acromion and the rotator cuff was observed in lower angles of flexion and abduction in shoulders with contracture than in those without. When treating patients with shoulder contracture, we need to perform rehabilitation taking such an abnormal movement into consideration.

Transosseous-equivalent repair with and without medial row suture tying: a cadaveric study of infraspinatus tendon strain measurement.

BACKGROUND: How the use of the transosseous-equivalent (TOE) technique effects the stress concentration in repaired rotator cuff tendon is unknown. This study was conducted to determine the strain between the intact rotator cuff tendon and the tendon repaired using the TOE technique with and without medial row suture tying. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Strain of the infraspinatus tendon from 10 fresh-frozen cadavers was measured at the (A) tendon insertion, (B) tendon footprint, (C) tendon of the medial suture level, and (D) musculotendinous junction of the tendon. The strain was measured during 2 cycles of internal and external rotations while applying 4 different loads to the infraspinatus. After the intact tendon was evaluated, an artificially created tear of the infraspinatus was repaired using the TOE technique. Medial row sutures were tied in 5 shoulders (T group) and untied in the rest (UT group). The strains at 4 sites were compared between the intact and the TOE-repaired tendon and between the T and UT groups. RESULTS: The strain was significantly reduced at site B in the repaired tendon in the T and UT groups compared with the intact tendon for all loads (P < .05). At site C, the strain increased for all loads in the T group compared with the intact tendon (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The strain of the tendon over the footprint area was significantly smaller than the intact tendon when repaired with the TOE technique. The strain at the medial suture level was significantly greater when the medial sutures were tied compared with those untied.

Induction of melanogenesis by 4'-O-methylated flavonoids in B16F10 melanoma cells.

Agents to control melanogenesis are in demand for the development of cosmetics to improve pigmentation disorders of skin and hair. In this study, we examined and evaluated the effects of flavonoids on melanogenesis in the melanogenic cells model, murine B16F10 melanoma cells. In the course of this study, we found that incubation of the cells in a medium containing 10 µM of the 4'-O-methylated flavonoids, diosmetin (4'-O-methylluteolin), acacetin (4'-O-methylapigenin) or kaempferide (4'-O-methylkaempferol), increased the melanin contents of the cells 3- to 7-fold higher than the control cells. The concentration-dependence test revealed that 20 µM acacetin showed the highest effect, up to 33-fold higher than the vehicle. On the other hand, the corresponding 4'-OH-type flavonoids, luteolin, apigenin and kaempferol, had a significantly smaller effect. Furthermore, by evaluating the melanogenic proteins, we found that the cells treated with 4'-O-methylated flavonoids showed higher tyrosinase activity, as well as upregulation of tyrosinase expression, preceded by activation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases types 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). These results indicate that the 4'-O-methyl group of flavonoids plays an important role in the induction of melanogenesis by activating its major signal transduction pathway through the upregulation of phospho-CREB in murine B16F10 melanoma cells.