Prognostic factors associated with failure to return to sport following primary arthroscopic Bankart repair: a retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Even though many studies have been published regarding return-to-sport (RTS) rates following arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR), evidence regarding prognostic factors for which patients do not RTS is limited. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors that are associated with failure to RTS and failure to return to preinjury level of sport (RTPS) following primary ABR. The hypothesis was that prognostic factors for failure to RTS and failure to RTPS would be similar to those predisposing recurrence. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective case-control study including 6 Dutch hospitals was performed. Consecutive patients who underwent primary ABR between 2014 and 2019 were invited to participate and received a questionnaire. Sports participation was assessed before symptom onset, at 6 months postoperatively, and at final follow-up. Failure to RTS was defined as no return to any sport, and failure to RTPS was defined as no return to the same level (or a higher level) of sport. Prognostic factors for failure to RTS or failure to RTPS were identified using logistic regression. Covariates for the regression analysis were selected based on univariate analyses. RESULTS: This study included 318 patients with a mean follow-up period of 4.2 years (standard deviation, 1.8 years). Of these 318 patients, 26 (8.2%) did not RTS and 100 (31%) did not RTPS. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that glenoid bone loss (odds ratio [OR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.15; P = .001) and overhead use of the shoulder during work (OR, 3.77; 95% CI, 1.45-9.85; P = .007) were prognostic factors for failure to RTS. In addition, it showed that preoperative professional sports level (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.07-8.05; P = .04) and preoperative body mass index (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.21; P = .04) were prognostic factors for failure to RTPS. Repair of a bony Bankart lesion (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.15-0.81; P = .02) and the presence of an anterior labral periosteal sleeve avulsion (ALPSA) (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.20-0.97; P = .04) were identified as factors that facilitated RTPS. CONCLUSION: This study identified glenoid bone loss and overhead use of the shoulder during work to be associated with failure to RTS. Moreover, preoperative sports level and preoperative body mass index were found to be associated with failure to RTPS. In contrast, a bony Bankart lesion and an anterior labral periosteal sleeve avulsion (ALPSA) lesion facilitated RTPS. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these factors and determine which part of the effect can be attributed to (failure of) surgical treatment or changes in behavior.

Effectiveness of local exercise therapy versus spinal manual therapy in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: medium term follow-up results of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence has shown benefits of spinal manipulations in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). There is scarcity regarding medium term effects of spinal manual therapy on outcome measures in PFPS patients. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of local exercise therapy and spinal manual therapy for knee pain, function and maximum voluntary peak force (MVPF) velocity of the quadriceps in PFPS patients. METHODS: Forty-three patients with PFPS were randomly assigned to a local exercise or spinal manual therapy group. The local exercise group received six sessions (one session per week) of supervised training of the knee-and hip muscles with mobilization of the patellofemoral joint. The spinal manual therapy group received six interventions (one intervention per week) of high velocity low thrust manipulations at the thoracolumbar region, sacroiliac joint, and/or hip. All patients were also asked to do home exercises. Maximum, minimum and current pain were measured using the visual analogue scale. Function was assessed with the anterior knee pain scale (AKPS) and MPFV was recorded using a Biodex System 3 dynamometer. Patients were assessed before intervention, after 6 weeks of intervention and after 6 weeks of follow-up. Between-group differences at assessments were analysed by way of analysis of covariance with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Pain and functionality improved more following spinal manipulative therapy than local exercise therapy. After 6 weeks of intervention the between-group difference (local versus spinal) for maximal pain was 23.4 mm [95% CI: 9.3, 37.6; effect size (ES): 1.04] and - 12.4 [95% CI: - 20.2, - 4.7; ES: 1.00] for the AKPS. At 6 weeks of follow-up the between-group difference for maximal pain was 18.7 mm [95% CI: 1.4, 36.0; ES: 0.68] and - 11.5 [95% CI: - 19.9, - 3.3; ES: - 0.87] for the AKPS. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that spinal manual therapy is more effective than local exercise therapy in improving pain and function in patients with PFPS in the medium term. We suggest for future research to investigate whether combining local exercise therapy and spinal manual therapy is more effective than either single intervention on its own. This clinical trial study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee METC Z under registration number NL57207.096. and registered retrospectively in ClinicalTrials.gov PRS with registration ID number NCT04748692 on the 10th of February 2021.

Microcrack-associated bone remodeling is rarely observed in biopsies from athletes with medial tibial stress syndrome.

The pathology of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is unknown. Studies suggest that MTSS is a bony overload injury, but histological evidence is sparse. The presence of microdamage, and its potential association with targeted remodeling, could provide evidence for the pathogenesis of MTSS. Understanding the pathology underlying MTSS could contribute to effective preventative and therapeutic interventions for MTSS. Our aim was to retrospectively evaluate biopsies, previously taken from the painful area in athletes with MTSS, for the presence of linear microcracks, diffuse microdamage and remodeling. Biopsies, previously taken from athletes with MTSS, were evaluated at the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the Indiana University. After preparing the specimens by en bloc staining, one investigator evaluated the presence of linear microcracks, diffuse microdamage and remodeling in the specimens. A total of six biopsies were evaluated for the presence of microdamage and remodeling. Linear microcracks were found in 4 out of 6 biopsies. Cracking in one of these specimens was artefactual due to the biopsy procedure. No diffuse microdamage was seen in any of the specimens, and only one potential remodeling front in association with the microcracks. We found only linear microcracks in vivo in biopsies taken from the painful area in 50% of the athletes with MTSS, consistent with the relationship between linear cracks and fatigue-associated overloading of bone. The nearly universal absence of a repair reaction was notable. This suggests that unrepaired microdamage accumulation may underlie the pathophysiological basis for MTSS in athletes.

Factors associated with a more rapid recovery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using multivariate analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the past, several studies investigated factors that are prognostic or associated with outcome after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A recent review showed that only limited evidence is available for most studied factors, and that insufficient analysis methods were used commonly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to add more weight to the existing evidence, about factors that are associated with a more rapid outcome after ACL reconstruction. The second aim was to use multivariate analysis to study the possible factors independently. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted with a follow-up of six months. Before surgery, patient variables were scored. Surgical variables were scored during arthroscopic ACL reconstructions with a single-bundle technique and hamstring autograft. The Lysholm score and subscales of the Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were assessed six months post surgery. A multiple analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used to identify prognostic factors for outcome. RESULTS: In total, 118 patients were included. Patients, aged ≤30years, with a subjective knee score ≥ six, with normal flexion range of motion (ROM) of the knee, with flexion and extension strength deficit of ≤20%, and those with no previous knee surgery in the same knee at baseline scored significantly higher on outcome after multivariate analysis. No significant effect of surgical factors could be found. CONCLUSION: Younger age, higher subjective knee score, normal knee flexion, normal knee flexion and extension strength, and no previous knee surgery in the patients' history at baseline are associated with a more rapid recovery after ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

Prevalence of unrecognized heart failure in older persons with shortness of breath on exertion.

AIMS: The majority of patients with heart failure are diagnosed in primary care, but underdiagnosis is common. Shortness of breath is a prevalent complaint of older persons and one of the key symptoms of heart failure. We assessed the prevalence of unrecognized heart failure in elderly patients presenting to primary care with shortness of breath on exertion. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a cross-sectional selective screening study. Patients aged 65 years or over presenting to primary care with shortness of breath on exertion in the previous 12 months were eligible when not known to have an established, echocardiographic confirmed diagnosis of heart failure. All participants underwent history taking, physical examination, electrocardiography, and a blood test of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP). Only those with an abnormal electrocardiogram or NTproBNP level exceeding the exclusionary cut-point for non-acute onset heart failure (>15 pmol/L (≈125 pg/mL) underwent open-access echocardiography. An expert panel established presence or absence of heart failure according to the criteria of the European Society of Cardiology heart failure guidelines. The mean age of the 585 participants was 74.1 (SD 6.3) years, and 54.5% were female. In total, 92 (15.7%, 95% CI 12.9-19.0) participants had heart failure: 17 (2.9%, 95% CI 1.8-4.7) had heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (≤45%), 70 (12.0%, 95% CI 9.5-14.9) had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and five (0.9%, 95% CI 0.3-2.1) had isolated right-sided heart failure. CONCLUSION: Elderly primary care patients with shortness of breath on exertion often have unrecognized heart failure, mainly with preserved ejection fraction.

Strategy to recognize and initiate treatment of chronic heart failure in primary care (STRETCH): a cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with heart failure are diagnosed and managed in primary care, however, underdiagnosis and undertreatment are common. We assessed whether implementation of a diagnostic-therapeutic strategy improves functionality, health-related quality of life, and uptake of heart failure medication in primary care. METHODS/DESIGN: A selective screening study followed by a single-blind cluster randomized trial in primary care. The study population consists of patients aged 65 years or over who presented themselves to the general practitioner in the previous 12 months with shortness of breath on exertion. Patients already known with established heart failure, confirmed by echocardiography, are excluded. Diagnostic investigations include history taking, physical examination, electrocardiography, and serum N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels. Only participants with an abnormal electrocardiogram or an N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide level exceeding the exclusionary cutpoint for non-acute onset heart failure (> 15 pmol/L (≈ 125 pg/ml)) will undergo open-access echocardiography. The diagnosis of heart failure (with reduced or preserved ejection fraction) is established by an expert panel consisting of two cardiologists and a general practitioner, according to the criteria of the European Society of Cardiology guidelines.Patients with newly established heart failure are allocated to either the 'care as usual' group or the 'intervention' group. Randomization is at the level of the general practitioner. In the intervention group general practitioners receive a single half-day training in heart failure management and the use of a structured up-titration scheme. All participants fill out quality of life questionnaires at baseline and after six months of follow-up. A six-minute walking test will be performed in patients with heart failure. Information on medication and hospitalization rates is extracted from the electronic medical files of the general practitioners. DISCUSSION: This study will provide information on the prevalence of unrecognized heart failure in elderly with shortness of breath on exertion, and the randomized comparison will reveal whether management based on a half-day training of general practitioners in the practical application of an up-titration scheme results in improvements in functionality, health-related quality of life, and uptake of heart failure medication in heart failure patients compared to care as usual. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01202006.

Impact of Patient Sex on Clinical Outcomes: Data From an Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Registry, 2008-2013.

BACKGROUND: The Combined Quality Care Anterior Cruciate Ligament registry provides data for clinical research regarding primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. PURPOSE: To explore the data with regard to the clinical outcomes between sexes after ACL reconstruction in a Dutch population. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Data involving patients diagnosed with an ACL tear and eligible for surgery were recorded. Isokinetic muscle strength, functional muscle performance, and anterior-posterior translation of the knee joint were documented preoperatively and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. Patients completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm, and Tegner rating scales during each examination using a web-based questionnaire. RESULTS: Approximately 90% of ACL injuries occurred during sport activities. The mean (SD) age at surgery was 28 (11) years for both men and women, and the majority of patients were treated with hamstring tendon autografts (94%). Four percent received bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts, and 2% of the patients received other grafts. Preoperatively, the KOOS, Lysholm, and Tegner scores were significantly higher in males. Twelve months postoperatively, both sexes showed comparable isokinetic strength (P = .336), knee laxity (P = .680), and hop test for distance (P = .122) when comparing the injured with the uninjured side. Self-reported knee function was comparable between sexes as assessed by the KOOS (P = .202), Lysholm (P = .872), and Tegner (P = .767) questionnaires during the 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: One year after ACL surgery, all patients had improved greatly, showing only minor differences between sexes. The male group showed slightly better results when evaluating self-reported knee questionnaires. Comparable outcomes and knee function between sexes can therefore be presumed with patients who are treated with hamstring tendon autografts in a Dutch population. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results can be used during the clinical evaluation of patients who are eligible for ACL reconstruction.

Preoperative patient and injury factors of successful rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with single-bundle techniques.

PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review was to determine which patient determinants and injury factors, before anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by arthroscopic single-bundle techniques, affect postoperative rehabilitation. METHODS: A search of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Clinical Trials was performed up to February 2013. After application of our inclusion criteria, a final selection was made based on studies' methodologic score assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was planned for each prognostic factor when data were considered clinically and statistically homogeneous. RESULTS: Meta-analysis showed that male patients have better functional outcomes. Qualitative synthesis from 18 high-quality studies showed that patients operated on before 30 years of age reach higher activity levels. Patients with high baseline body mass index have lower activity levels after surgery. Smoking results in more symptoms and lower activity levels and subjective scores. Reconstruction before 3 months results in higher activity levels. Preoperatively, a less than 20% quadriceps strength difference, 50° of tibial external rotation or less, absence of flexion deficits, low knee influence on the patient's activity level, and less anterior knee pain result in higher functional scores. Preoperative anterior laxity difference does not predict functional scores. The prognostic value of preoperative activity and competition level for postoperative functional outcome is controversial. Patients with concomitant meniscal injuries have worse functional outcomes. The prognostic value of concomitant chondral pathology for postoperative functional outcome is controversial. Collateral ligament injury could predict functional scores or activity level. CONCLUSIONS: Male gender, patient age younger than 30 years, reconstruction before 3 months, and high baseline activity level contribute to better functional outcomes. Smoking, high body mass index, quadriceps strength, and range-of-motion deficits affect rehabilitation negatively. Preoperative anterior laxity does not influence rehabilitation. The role of preoperative prognostic injury factors remains unclear because of limited evidence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, systematic review of Level II and III studies.

Use of platelet rich plasma to treat plantar fasciitis: design of a multi centre randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: If conservative treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis fails, often a corticosteroid injection is given. Corticosteroid injection gives temporarily pain reduction, but no healing. Blood platelets initiate the natural healing rate. GPS(R) gives an eightfold concentrate platelets of patients own blood. Injection of these platelets in the attachment of the fascia to the os calcis might induce a healing rate. METHODS AND DESIGN: A randomized controlled multi centre trial will be performed. The study population consists of 120 patients of 18 years and older. Patients with chronic plantar fasciitis will be allocated randomly to have a steroid injection or an autologous platelet concentrate injections. Data will be collected before the procedure, 4,8,12,26 weeks and 1 year after the procedure.The main outcome measures of this study are pain and function measured with questionnaires. CONCLUSION: Recent literature show positive effects for the treatment of tendinosis with autologous platelet injections. The forthcoming trial will compare treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis with a steroid injection versus an autologous platelet injection. Our results will be published as soon as they become available. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT00758641.

Posterolateral elbow impingement in professional boxers.

BACKGROUND: Elbow injury is common in boxing, but it has not been reported in the literature. The onset is often a hyperextension trauma caused by a missed hit. Clinically the boxers complain of pain, stiffness, and an extension deficit. PURPOSE: To evaluate the pathogenesis, diagnostic approach, and arthroscopic treatment of elbow injury in boxers, and to compare these with other sports-related elbow injuries. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2005, a group of 5 professional boxers received a diagnosis of posterior elbow impingement. An arthroscopic debridement was performed. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively with the Hospital for Special Surgery Elbow Assessment Scale. RESULTS: An arthroscopic partial resection of the posterior olecranon tip was performed, and osteophytes and fibrous tissue were removed in this area. Loose bodies were removed from the elbow in 3 patients. They were present in the posterior compartment in 2 patients and the anterior compartment in 1. The Hospital for Special Surgery score showed satisfactory to good improvement after 1 year in all 5 cases. They all showed a normal function at follow-up and had a full return to their sports activities. In contrast with the valgus extension overload syndrome, our patients did not show any signs of concomitant ulnar collateral ligament injury. CONCLUSION: Posterolateral elbow impingement in boxers is caused by hyperextension trauma. Concomitant medial elbow instability was not present. Standard arthroscopic debridement showed good results.