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Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrinopathies among young women. Ultrasound evidence of polycystic ovaries is one of its crucial diagnostic criteria. Objectives: Our main objective is to study the contribution of ultrasound data in diagnosing PCOS. In addition, we aim to establish a new cutoff point for the use of ultrasound and to determine its sensitivity as well as its specificity. Design: It was a prospective study, including all patients presenting with clinical hyperandrogenism. Methods: The ultrasound examination of these patients was performed using a novel ultrasound machine (18 MHz) compared to an older ultrasound machine (2 Hz–8 MHz). Inclusion criteria encompassed adult female patients over 18 years presenting symptoms suggestive of PCOS, particularly hyperandrogenism and oligo-anovulation, meeting Rotterdam's diagnostic criteria. Prior to inclusion, assessments were conducted to eliminate other potential causes explaining hyperandrogenism or menstrual disorders in both groups. Results: We examined 92 patients diagnosed with PCOS. Menstrual disorders were the main symptoms, with amenorrhea being more frequent in the PCOS group (G1) (48.9% vs the control group (G2): 11.1%). The follicle number was significantly lower in the control group, as assessed by both ultrasound machines (p < 10−3). The accuracy of the new ultrasound device was evaluated compared to the old one using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, revealing a cutoff of 18 follicles (sensitivity of 68.1%, specificity of 100%) and an area under the curve of 0.955. We found a significant difference between the median values of the number of follicles (NF) by both ultrasound machines (18 vs 12). It was positively correlated with an index of r = 0.916. For the volume, it was distinctively higher in G1 (p < 10−3). ROC curve analysis revealed an ovarian volume cutoff of 9.25 ml with a sensitivity of 48.9% and a specificity of 100%. Both ultrasound machines were positively correlated with an index of r = 0.979 (p < 10−3). Conclusion: In conclusion, we were able to establish significant correlations between the new and the old ultrasound devices for both the NF and ovarian volume. Our study is distinctive as it represents the first on the African continent to re-evaluate the ultrasound criterion for PCOS. Plain language summary: Validating ultrasound criteria for PCOS in North African patients In this study, we explored patients using ultrasound to better diagnose Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in North African women. Ovarian follicles are small sacs in a woman's ovaries that not only release eggs but also produce important hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle, prepare the body for pregnancy, and influence many aspects of a woman's health and well-being. We set new standards for measuring follicles and ovaries to improve diagnosis accuracy. Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is often diagnosed using ultrasound in North African women. Current ultrasound standards may not be accurate enough for this group. This study aimed to improve PCOS diagnosis by setting new standards for measuring ovarian sizes and follicle numbers. Methods: We reviewed a new ultrasound method. We then established new measurement thresholds specific to North African women. These new standards were tested for accuracy in diagnosing PCOS. Results: Our new measurement thresholds were more accurate in diagnosing PCOS. The improved standards led to better identification of PCOS in North African women. This suggests that current ultrasound methods might need adjustments based on population-specific data. Conclusions: Using ultrasound with new measurement standards can improve PCOS diagnosis in North African women. Adjusting diagnostic criteria to specific populations may enhance overall healthcare outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Increasing incidence of fragility fractures has spurred development of protocols, largely focused on peri-operative care, with numerous proven benefits. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate outcomes of our hip fracture treatment program regarding successful protocol implementation, compliance, effect on subsequent fracture rates, and mortality during the first decade of adoption. Methods: A retrospective review identified patients >65 years old with fragility hip fractures between 2010 and 2022. The HiROC (+) cohort consisted of patients who received a "High-Risk Osteoporosis Clinic" (HiROC) referral for bone health evaluation and bisphosphonate initiation as indicated. Additional fracture rates and mortality at 3 years were calculated. Protocol implementation and compliance over the first 10 years was analyzed in the four identified cohorts. Results: A total of 1671 fragility hip fractures were identified, with 386 excluded due to insufficient follow-up, with an average age of 81.6 years and a median follow-up of 36.4 months. Of the 1280 included cases, 56% (n = 717) had a HiROC referral placed. HiROC(+) groups had lower subsequent fracture rates at two years, compared to those without referral (28% vs 13%, P < 0.0001) and those completing more steps of the protocol had lower subsequent fracture rates (28% vs 15% vs 13% vs 5%, P < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference was observed between the cohorts for anatomic site of subsequent fractures. Discussion: Greater than half of all eligible patients were successfully captured by the protocol. Patients completing more steps of the protocol had lower subsequent fracture rates. Captured patients demonstrated reduced mortality rates when compared to current literature. Conclusion: Successful implementation of this geriatric hip fracture protocol was associated with reduced additional fractures and mortality rates. Identifying steps of process failures in the protocol can provide opportunities for increased compliance and reduction in future fracture occurrences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following late-life spousal bereavement, sensory and quasi-sensory experiences of the deceased (SED) are commonly reported. This longitudinal study examined SED among 310 older widowed adults 6–10 (T1) and 18–20 (T2) months post loss. Reports of SED in the first 6–10 months after loss were associated with higher symptom levels of prolonged grief, post-traumatic stress, and loneliness at T1. Experiencers of SED were more likely to experience symptoms of prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress above cut-off scores at T1. Importantly, only a minority of the experiencers of SED displayed these elevated levels of bereavement-related distress. In addition, employing multi-level-modeling, a similar trajectory of decreasing bereavement-related distress over time was found for both experiencers and non-experiencers of SED. We argue that SED may be one of several potential reactions to bereavement, which should not be seen as an indicator of grief complications per se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A few studies have documented the long-term results of chondrocyte-based procedures for the treatment of patellofemoral cartilage lesions, but specific results are lacking after matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) for patellar and trochlear lesions. Purpose: To document the clinical results of MACT for the treatment of patellar and trochlear chondral defects at long-term follow-up. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 44 patients were prospectively evaluated after MACT for patellofemoral lesions. There were 24 patients affected by patellar lesions, 16 by trochlear lesions, and 4 with both patellar and trochlear defects. Clinical outcomes were analyzed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective form, EuroQol visual analog scale, and Tegner score for sport activity level before surgery and at follow-up time points of 5, 10, and a minimum of 15 years (mean final follow-up, 17.6 ± 1.6 years). A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to examine the survival to failure. Failure was defined as the need for a second surgery because of the persistence of symptoms related to the primary defect. Results: An overall significant improvement was documented from baseline to the last follow-up. The IKDC subjective score improved in the trochlear group from 41.0 ± 13.3 at baseline to 83.9 ± 21.6 at 5 years (P <.005), remaining stable up to the final follow-up (81.3 ± 20.5). In the patellar group, the IKDC subjective score improved from 36.1 ± 14.4 at baseline to 72.3 ± 17.5 at 5 years (P <.005), remaining stable up to the final follow-up (62.0 ± 20.3). Patients with trochlear lesions presented higher IKDC subjective scores compared with those with patellar lesions at 5 (P =.029), 10 (P =.023), and ≥15 years (P =.006) of follow-up. Similar trends were documented for the Tegner score, while no differences were documented for the EuroQol visual analog scale score between patellar and trochlear lesions. There were 4 failures (9.1%) during the follow-up period. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis did not show statistically significant differences between trochlear and patellar lesions. Conclusion: This hyaluronic acid–based MACT technique offered positive and durable clinical outcomes with a low failure rate at long-term follow-up in patients affected by patellofemoral cartilage lesions. However, trochlear and patellar lesions demonstrated a notable difference in terms of clinical findings and sport activity level, with significantly higher results for patients with trochlear lesions but less satisfactory outcomes for patients with patellar lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The clinical implications of structural integrity have been a subject of long debate. The oversimplified binary categorization of structural integrity into either healing or retear, along with faulty preoperative baselines for comparison, may contribute to the controversy. Purpose: To determine how the quality of structural integrity in a repaired cuff tendon affects both clinical and structural outcomes by dividing the patients into groups based on integrity and using the immediate postoperative baseline (time zero). Study design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 504 patients with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and were followed up for at least a year with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included. The quality of structural integrity was graded using the Sugaya classification. To evaluate clinical outcomes, pain, range of motion, strength, functional scores, and overall satisfaction and function were used for within- and between-group analyses at the last follow-up. For the assessment of structural outcomes, the Goutallier classification for fatty infiltration (FI) and the tangent sign, occupation ratio, and normalized cross-sectional area for muscle atrophy (MA) were used. The baselines for these structural measurements were both the preoperative and the time-zero MRI scans. Results: The mean clinical follow-up period was 31.8 ± 27.5 months, and the MRI follow-up period was 10.9 ± 5.3 months. There were 178 (35.3%), 228 (45.2%), 58 (11.5%), 14 (2.8%), and 26 (5.2%) shoulders with Sugaya grades 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Regardless of structural integrity, all clinical outcomes at a mean follow-up of 31.8 months after repair significantly improved compared with those before repair. Only in shoulders with Sugaya grade 1 did the FI of the supraspinatus muscle improve significantly from baseline. FI of the infraspinatus muscle did not change significantly in those with grades 1 and 2 but worsened in those with grades 3 and 5. MA measured using the occupation ratio improved significantly in shoulders with Sugaya grades 1 and 2 but declined in those with grade 5. Conclusion: This study established a correlation between improved structural integrity of the repaired cuff tendon and enhanced structural outcomes in rotator cuff muscles. Furthermore, the findings revealed that both FI and MA could be reversed in patients exhibiting high-quality structural integrity. However, these structural improvements were not mirrored in the clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Short- and midterm evaluations of arthroscopic meniscal surgery have shown little or no effect in favor of surgery, although long-term effects, including radiographic changes, are unknown. Purpose: To compare the 10-year outcomes in middle-aged patients with meniscal symptoms between a group that received an exercise program alone and a group that received knee arthroscopy in addition to the exercise program with respect to the prevalence of radiographic and symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA), patient-reported outcomes, and clinical status. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Of 179 eligible patients aged 45 to 64 years, 150 were randomized to undergo either 3 months of exercise therapy (nonsurgery group) or knee arthroscopy in addition to the exercise therapy (surgery group). Surgery usually consisted of partial meniscectomy (n = 56) or diagnostic arthroscopy (n = 8). Radiographs were assessed according to the Kellgren-Lawrence score at the baseline and 5- and 10-year follow-ups. Patient-reported outcome measures were reported at the baseline and 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year follow-ups. Clinical status was assessed at a 10-year follow-up. The primary outcomes were radiographic OA and changes in the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Pain subscale (KOOSPAIN) from the baseline to the 10-year follow-up. The primary analysis was performed using the intention-to-treat approach. Results: At the time of the 10-year follow-up, eight patients had died, leaving 142 eligible patients. Radiographic OA was assessed for 95 patients (67%), questionnaires were answered by 110 (77%), and the clinical status was evaluated for 95 (67%). Radiographic OA was present in 67% of the patients in each group (P ≥.999); symptomatic OA was present in 47% of the nonsurgery group and 57% of the surgery group (P =.301). There were no differences between groups regarding changes from baseline to 10 years in any of the KOOS subscales. Conclusion: Knee arthroscopic surgery, in most cases consisting of partial meniscectomy or diagnostic arthroscopy, in addition to exercise therapy in middle-aged patients with meniscal symptoms, did not increase the rates of radiographic or symptomatic OA and resulted in similar patient-reported outcomes at the 10-year follow-up compared with exercise therapy alone. Considering the short-term benefit and no long-term harm from knee arthroscopic surgery, the treatment may be recommended when first-line treatment—including exercise therapy for ≥3 months—does not relieve patient's symptoms. Registration: Clinical Trials NCT01288768 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This quasi-experimental study investigated the preliminary effects of a structured education intervention in a pooled sample of cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) patients in Brazil. Recently enrolled (RE) and long-term enrolled (LTE) patients attended 12 weekly education sessions in addition to three weekly exercise sessions. Patients completed surveys assessing disease-related knowledge, physical activity, food intake, self-efficacy, and health literacy. Functional capacity was assessed by the 6-minutes walking test. All outcomes were assessed at pre-,post-CR, and 6-months follow-up. Bonferroni correction was applied. In total, 69 (69.7%) patients completed all three assessments. There were significant improvements in knowledge pre-to post-test in both subgroups (p < 0.001), and in functional capacity (p ≤ 0.001) and food intake (p ≤ 0.001) pre-to post-test in the RE subgroup. Post-test knowledge was correlated to physical activity, functional capacity and health literacy. This preliminary study suggests the importance of structured education for CR patients. A larger study using a randomized controlled design is needed to determine efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neck pain in a concussion population is an emerging area of study that has been shown to have a negative influence on recovery. This effect has not yet been studied in collegiate athletes. Hypothesis: New or worsened neck pain is common after a concussion (>30%), negatively influences recovery, and is associated with patient sex and level of contact in sport. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Varsity-level athletes from 29 National Collegiate Athletic Association member institutions as well as nonvarsity sport athletes at military service academies were eligible for enrollment. Participants completed a preseason baseline assessment and follow-up assessments at 6 and 24 to 48 hours after a concussion, when they were symptom-free, and when they returned to unrestricted play. Data collection occurred between January 2014 and September 2018. Results: A total of 2163 injuries were studied. New or worsened neck pain was reported with 47.0% of injuries. New or worsened neck pain was associated with patient sex (higher in female athletes), an altered mental status after the injury, the mechanism of injury, and what the athlete collided with. The presence of new/worsened neck pain was associated with delayed recovery. Those with new or worsened neck pain had 11.1 days of symptoms versus 8.8 days in those without (P <.001). They were also less likely to have a resolution of self-reported symptoms in ≤7 days (P <.001). However, the mean duration of the return-to-play protocol was not significantly different for those with new or worsened neck pain (7.5 ± 7.7 days) than those without (7.4 ± 8.3 days) (P =.592). Conclusion: This novel study shows that neck pain was common in collegiate athletes sustaining a concussion, was influenced by many factors, and negatively affected recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even though arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is recognized as a standard treatment option, the risk of postoperative retear is a major concern. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of porcine-derived absorbable patch-type atelocollagen during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 64 patients with rotator cuff tears diagnosed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled prospectively from November 2020 to December 2021. Both groups had repairs using the suture bridge technique. For the atelocollagen group, before securing the lateral anchors, we inserted porcine-derived absorbable patch-type atelocollagen between the footprint and the tendon. On postoperative day 2, the patients underwent MRI to confirm containment of the patch-type atelocollagen. At 6 months and 1 year postoperatively, the signal intensity of the repaired tendon was assessed using MRI. Patients were evaluated using the Constant score as the primary outcome, along with the visual analog scale for pain; range of motion; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score; University of California, Los Angeles, score; and Korean Shoulder Score preoperatively and at 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results: No significant changes in the Constant score as primary outcome, pain or other functional scores, and range of motion were observed between the groups at 1 year postoperatively. The patch-type atelocollagen was confirmed to be contained by the time-zero MRI scan taken 2 days postoperatively. Among the 55 patients included in final analysis, 12 retear cases were recorded (21.8% retear rate). A significantly lower retear rate was found in the atelocollagen group, as 3 cases were observed in this group (10.3%) and 9 cases were observed in the conventional repair group (34.6%) (P =.048). Conclusion: The Constant score was not different between the groups. The retear rate after rotator cuff repair was significantly lower in the group that received porcine-derived absorbable patch-type atelocollagen compared with in the conventional group. Registration: KCT0005184 (Clinical Research Information Service [CRIS]; https://cris.nih.go.kr). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate therapeutic footwear expectations and usability of individuals with diabetes and foot complications. Design: A prospective multicenter study was conducted on participants with a high risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer. Setting: Participants were enrolled in 11 different specialized diabetic foot units in Spain between March 2022 and June 2023. Subjects: Patients with diabetes at moderate to high risk of foot ulceration receiving first therapeutic footwear prescription. Interventions: All the patients included in the research were prescribed with their first pair of therapeutic footwear. Main measures: Primary outcome measures were MOS-pre and MOS-post questionnaires evaluating use and usability of prescribed therapeutic footwear. Secondary outcome measures aimed to evaluate footwear clinical efficacy as ulceration rate and self-reported perceived walking distance per day. Results: The use of therapeutic footwear exceeded the patient's pre-provision prediction of their anticipated use in 94% of people (n = 126). Based on the visual analogic satisfaction scale, the median satisfaction of daily wearing their therapeutic footwear was 7 points, Interquartile Range (IQR) [5–8.25]. During the follow-up period, 39 participants (29.1%) experienced diabetic foot ulcer. Perceived walking distance participants reported an improvement in their perceived walking ability during various daily life activities. Conclusions: Diabetes patients at moderate to high risk of diabetic foot ulcer improved their perception of walking ability after therapeutic footwear prescription. Adherence to the therapeutic footwear prescription resulted in less ulcerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the evolution of depressive symptoms among depressive subtypes based on clinical and functional variables in a sample of primary care in Chile. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in the Maule Region of Chile, focusing on 8 primary care from February 2014 to September 2015. Clinical and functional variables, including Mini International Neuro-psychiatric Interview, Outcome Questionnaire interpersonal and social sub-scales, were applied in a latent class analysis. This analysis categorized 210 patients into 3 subtypes: complex depression (N = 100), recurrent depression (n = 96), and unique depression (n = 14). Complex depression, exhibited a higher probability of suicide attempts, interpersonal and social dysfunction, and association with adverse childhood experiences according the Brief Physical and Sexual Abuse Questionnaire. Patients were monitored over 1 year with the Hamilton scale. The Kruskal-Wallis, non-parametric test, followed by paired Mann-Whitney test evaluated difference in the severity of depressive symptoms between the groups. Additionally, data on mental health interventions were collected. Results: Out of the 210 patients, 89% were women, with a median age of 50 (range 37-58), and 40.1% with only primary education. Sociodemographic characteristics not differ between groups. Significant differences in depressive symptom severity between the groups were found (X 2 90.06, P <.001, Kruskal-Wallis test, η2 = 0.084). Post hoc analyses indicated higher depressive symptoms in complex depression compared to recurrent (Z = −9.501, P <.001) and unique (Z = −2.877, P =.004) depression, with no significant difference between recurrent and unique depression (Z = −1.58, P =.113). There were no differences in the number of medical and psychological controls between the groups. The patients with complex depression required greater modifications in the pharmacological prescriptions than those belonging to the other groups. Conclusion: These results provide additional evidence of a complex depression subtype in primary care in Chile associated with adverse childhood experiences, that had worse resolution of depressive symptoms. Contrary to expectations, patients belonging to this group did not receive further medical and psychological interventions, probably due to a lack of specific clinical recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have investigated the effect of psychological factors on return to sport (RTS), but none has tested the existence of psychological profiles linked to reinjury anxiety and its links with RTS and reinjury. Purpose: To assess the effect of different psychological profiles on RTS and reinjury. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The study screened patients who were involved in all types of sports for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (hamstring and patellar tendon autografts). All participants were included during the RTS phase (90-180 days after ACL reconstruction). Reinjury anxiety, fear of reinjury, kinesiophobia, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, knee confidence, self-esteem, optimism, coping, and pain were measured. Hierarchical cluster analysis (Ward method) and analysis of variance were performed. In the second year after surgery, patients were recontacted by telephone to follow-up. RTS and reinjury were compared by profile type. Results: A total of 162 athletes were initially included, of whom 123 responded regarding RTS and reinjury. Cluster analysis showed a 4-cluster solution (χ2[21] = 428.59; λ =.064; P <.001). Profile 1 (27.8%) was characterized by moderate reinjury anxiety and no depression. Profile 2 (22.8%) was characterized by moderate reinjury anxiety and minor anxious-depressive reaction. Profile 3 (30.9%) was characterized by no reinjury anxiety, no depression, and high confidence. Profile 4 (18.5%) was characterized by high anxiety, high depression, and low confidence. Profile 4 had the lowest self-esteem and optimism scores compared with profile 3 (P <.001). In addition, a higher percentage of men was found in profile 3 as opposed to profile 4 (χ2[3] = 11.35; P <.01). Profile 4 had the highest rate of non-RTS with 54.2% (profile 1: 14.3%, P =.001; profile 2: 25.0%, P =.031; profile 3: 22.2%, P =.011). Finally, patients with profile 3 had a higher risk of reinjury (13.9%) than those with profile 4 (0%) (P =.047), who had an extremely conservative RTS. Conclusion: The different profiles will affect RTS, but also the risk of reinjury exclusively for profiles 3 and 4. Rehabilitation management will probably require all stakeholders to understand psychological profiles of athletes to develop an on-demand rehabilitation plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the prevalence of proximal hamstring avulsion injuries (PHAIs), the understanding of rerupture risk factors and the influence of injury chronicity on these rates remain limited. Purpose: To investigate the rerupture rate after PHAI repair and identify its associated risk factors and the optimal time to primary surgery. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Method: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the French Proximal Hamstring Avulsion Surgery Cohort Study targeting patients surgically treated for PHAI between 2002 and 2022. The primary outcome measure of this study was the rerupture rate of PHAI repair. The secondary outcome measures included the assessment of the potential risk factors for rerupture as well as the investigation of the incidence rate of rerupture for 100 person-years depending on various injury-surgery delay definitions. Results: This study analyzed 740 patients with a mean age of 45.9 years (SD, 13.6 years) and followed up for a mean of 4.9 years (SD, 3.9 years). The rerupture rate was 4.59% (34/740). Most reruptures (75%) occurred within the first 6 months after surgery (median, 88.5 days; interquartile range, 39.5-182 days), and 74% were atraumatic. Univariate analysis identified potential risk factors: longer initial surgery delay (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P =.04) and initial complete ruptures (HR, 4.47; 95% CI, 1.07-18.7; P =.04). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis found the optimal injury-surgery delay cutoff predicting rerupture to be 32 days (area under the curve, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.53-0.71). The relative Youden index was calculated at 0.24, corresponding to a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 59%. Surpassing this cutoff showed the highest HR (2.56), narrowest 95% CI (1.27-5.17), and highest incidence of rerupture (1.42 per 100 person-years) (P =.01). In the multivariate analysis, an injury-surgery delay of >32 days (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.24-5.06; P =.01) and initial complete ruptures (HR, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.04-18.08; P =.04) emerged as significant risk factors for rerupture. Conclusion: This study found a 4.59% rerupture risk after PHAI repair. Most reruptures (75%) occurred within the first 6 months after surgery. Risk factors for rerupture included chronicity and initial complete injury. The optimal threshold for chronicity of PHAI lesions, based on rerupture rate, was marked by an injury-surgery delay of >32 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers throughout the world has been reported, but most studies have been cross-sectional and excluded the Midwestern U.S. healthcare workforce. Objective: This study aimed to longitudinally assess the psychological wellbeing and wellness strategies used by a Midwestern academic health system's workforce at multiple points throughout waves of the COVID-19 pandemic to inform ongoing implementation of appropriate wellness activities. Methods: An anonymous REDCap survey linked within our team-developed wellness education was posted in the employee online newsletter in April (T1), July (T2), October 2020 (T3), and May 2021 (T4). Surveys were open to all employees (approx. 9000) for approximately 12 days at each time point. Anxiety, depressive symptoms, stress, self-efficacy, and self-care activities were assessed. Following each data collection, team members discussed findings and planned wellness education implementation. Results: Response ranged from n = 731 (T1) to n = 172 (T4). Moderate to severe stress was reported by 29.5% (n = 203) of respondents at T1 and 34.0% (n = 108) at T2. At T3, all psychological symptoms significantly increased (p <.001) as COVID-19 surged, with 48.5% (n = 141) of respondents reporting moderate to severe stress. At T4, stress significantly declined (p <.001). Exercise was the most frequently reported coping strategy. Conclusions: Mental health symptoms reported by a Midwestern healthcare workforce increased during surges of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Individuals in non-patient contact roles experienced symptom levels similar to and at times with greater severity than healthcare personnel with patient contact roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anterolateral knee laxity (ALLx) has been linked to tears of the lateral meniscus (LM) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Purpose: To investigate the longitudinal relationship between the signal intensity (SI) of the repaired LM on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and residual ALLx after ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Included were 87 patients who underwent double-bundle ACLR and lateral meniscal repair (mean age, 23.5 years; body mass index, 23.7 kg/m2; 56 women) at a single institution between 2010 and 2019. Proton density-weighted (PDW) and T2-weighted (T2W) MRI was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and the SI ratio (SIR) was calculated as (SI of the repaired LM)/(SI of the posterior cruciate ligament). At the 12-month follow-up, ALLx was evaluated using the pivot-shift test; an International Knee Documentation Committee grade ≥1 indicated residual ALLx. Results: Overall, 12 patients (13.8%) exhibited ALLx at 12 months postoperatively. At 3 months postoperatively, the SIR on PDW images (SIR-PDW) was significantly higher in patients with ALLx versus those without ALLx (1.98 ± 0.77 vs 1.49 ± 0.52, respectively; P = .007); there was no difference in the SIR on T2W images between the groups. SIR-PDW at 3 months postoperatively was correlated negatively with patient age (r = -0.308, P = .004). When patients were stratified into a younger (≤22 years; n = 53; ALLx = 7 [13.2%]) and an older (>22 years; n = 34; ALLx = 5 [14.7%]) group, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for SIR-PDW in the younger group were statistically significant for predicting the prevalence of ALLx at all follow-up times (AUCs, 0.733-0.788) with optimal cutoff values of 2.00 at 3 months, 1.50 at 6 months, and 1.50 at 12 months. Logistic regression analysis revealed that if younger patients consistently had higher SIR-PDW values than the cutoff values, they were more likely to have residual ALLx (odds ratios, 10.24-23.57). Conclusion: For younger patients who underwent both ACLR and lateral meniscal repair, higher MRI SI of the repaired LM was associated with a higher prevalence of residual ALLx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is well known that rotator cuff repair is associated with an overall retear rate of 21% to 26%. However, a cuff retear may not necessarily be associated with poor clinical outcomes. Hypothesis: There would be no difference in clinical outcomes between patients with a cuff retear and those with an intact repair at a midterm follow-up of 5 years. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving patients who received arthroscopic complete repair of the supraspinatus tendon between January 2009 and December 2017. Patients who did not have a postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or who had a follow-up of <5 years were excluded. Clinical outcomes, including the visual analog scale (VAS) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and active forward flexion (FF) of the involved shoulder were assessed at the 2-year and 5-year follow-up points. Results: The study group included 105 patients with a mean follow-up of 85 months. MRI scans were performed at a mean of 20 months. Fourteen full-thickness cuff retears and 91 intact repairs were identified using postoperative MRI scans. Significant improvement in VAS score, ASES score, and FF were found between the preoperative assessment and the 2 designated follow-up points (2 years and 5 years) in both the cuff retear and the intact repair groups (P <.001). The VAS and ASES scores at the 2-year follow-up for the intact repair group were 1.8 ± 2.0 and 80.7 ± 18.1, respectively. The corresponding values for the retear group were 2.3 ± 2.2 and 71.9 ± 19.5, respectively. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in the VAS and ASES scores at the 2-year follow-up. However, patients with an intact repair had a better VAS score (1.4 ± 1.8; P =.049) and ASES score (81.7 ± 17; P =.019) than those with a cuff retear at the 5-year assessment (3.0 ± 2.8 and 67.1 ± 22.9, respectively). In the intact repair group, 91% of patients achieved the minimal clinically important difference for the 5-year VAS score, compared with 54% in the cuff retear group (P <.001). The corresponding values for the 5-year ASES score were 80% and 54%, respectively (P =.044). FF measurements at the 5-year follow-up in patients with intact repair and those with a cuff retear were 161°± 23° and 144°± 37°, respectively (P =.059). Continuous improvement in VAS score and FF between the 2-year and 5-year follow-up was observed in the intact repair group (P =.005 and P =.04, respectively). Conclusion: The patients with an intact repair had better VAS and ASES scores compared with those who had a cuff retear at a midterm follow-up of 5 years. Between the 2-year and the 5-year follow-up, some further improvement was observed in the VAS score and FF in the intact repair group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the setting of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), decompression osteoplasties reconcile deleterious loading patterns caused by cam and pincer lesions. However, native variations of spinopelvic sagittal alignment may continue to perpetuate detrimental effects on the labrum, chondrolabral junction, and articular cartilage after hip arthroscopy. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of pelvic incidence (PI) on postoperative outcomes after hip arthroscopy for acetabular labral tears in the setting of FAI. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective query of prospectively collected data identified patients ≥18 years of age who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAI and acetabular labral tears between February 2014 and January 2022, with 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups. Measurements for PI, pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), and acetabular version were obtained via advanced diagnostic imaging. Patients were stratified into low-PI (<45°), moderate-PI (45°≤ PI ≤ 60°), and high-PI (>60°) cohorts. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), clinically meaningful outcomes (ie, minimal clinically important difference, Patient Acceptable Symptom State, substantial clinical benefit, and maximal outcome improvement), visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, and patient satisfaction were compared across cohorts. Results: A total of 74 patients met eligibility criteria and were stratified into low-PI (n = 28), moderate-PI (n = 31), and high-PI (n = 15) cohorts. Correspondingly, patients with high PI displayed significantly greater values for PT (P =.001), SS (P <.001), acetabular version (P <.001), and acetabular inclination (P =.049). By the 12- and 24-month follow-ups, the high-PI cohort was found to have significantly inferior PROMs, VAS pain scores, rates of clinically meaningful outcome achievement, and satisfaction relative to patients with moderate and/or low PI. No significant differences were found between cohorts regarding rates of revision arthroscopy, subsequent spine surgery, or conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Conclusion: After hip arthroscopy, patients with a high PI (>60°) exhibited inferior PROMs, rates of achieving clinically meaningful thresholds, and satisfaction at 12 and 24 months relative to patients with low or moderate PI. Conversely, the outcomes of patients with low PI (<45°) were found to match the trajectory of those with a neutral spinopelvic alignment (45°≤ PI ≤ 60°). These findings highlight the importance of analyzing spinopelvic parameters preoperatively to prognosticate outcomes before hip arthroscopy for acetabular labral tears and FAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigates the influence of aerobic exercise training on inhibitory control of executive functions in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. Design: Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinic. Participants: Children aged 7–11 with left-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy with emotional and behavioral dysregulation evidenced by scores >28 on Paediatric Symptom Checklist and GMFCS I or II (n = 60). Intervention: Participants were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The control group received standard-of-care physical therapy for 1 h, and the aerobic exercise group received standard-of-care physical therapy for 30 min and moderate-intensity continuous exercise on a bicycle ergometer for 30 min. All groups received treatment three times a week for 12 weeks. Main Measures: The Eriksen Flanker test and Stroop Color–Word test were used to assess inhibitory control of executive function at the baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: Differences between pre- and post-treatment values in the exercise group showed significant improvement in Flanker response accuracy and Stroop response accuracy (p = 0.001) and significant decreases in Flanker congruent reaction time and Stroop congruent reaction time (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences between both groups in Flanker incongruent reaction time and Stroop incongruent reaction time (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Aerobic exercise has a promising effect on inhibitory control of executive function in children with left-sided hemiplegic cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) performed by high-volume surgeons/clinics has been associated with increased graft individualization and decreased operating times, complication rates, and total costs. Purpose: To investigate the influence of surgeon/clinic volume on subjective knee function and revision surgery rates at 2 years after primary ACLR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry were used to study patients who underwent primary ACLR between 2008 and 2019. Surgeons/clinics were categorized based on a combination of total caseload volume (cutoff: 50 ACLRs/surgeon, 500 ACLRs/clinic) and annual volume (cutoff: 29 ACLRs/year/surgeon, 56 ACLRs/year/clinic). The thresholds of minimal important change (MIC), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and treatment failure (TF) relative to the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and KOOS4 (mean score of the KOOS Pain, Symptoms, Sports/Rec, and QoL subscales) were applied. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess variables influencing the MIC, PASS, or TF of the KOOS and KOOS4. Adjusted Cox regression analysis was conducted to determine the hazard ratio of subsequent ACLR. Results: Of 35,371 patients, 16,317 had 2-year follow-up outcome data and were included. Patients who underwent primary ACLR by high-volume surgeons had significantly higher MIC and PASS rates and lower TF rates when compared with patients who underwent the procedure by low-volume surgeons: MICKOOS4: 70.6% vs 66.3%; PASSKOOS4: 46.0% versus 38.3%; and TFKOOS4: 8.7% versus 11.8% (all P <.02). Significantly decreased odds of achieving MICKOOS4 (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.62-0.88) and PASSKOOS4 (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60-0.84) were found for ACLRs performed by low-volume surgeons. Clinic volume did not influence the odds of reaching MIC, PASS, or TF. Overall, 804 patients (2.3%) underwent subsequent ACLR at <2 years, with significantly higher revision rates among patients operated on at high-volume clinics (2.5% vs 1.7%; P <.001). However, in the adjusted Cox regression, surgeon/clinic volume had no influence on subsequent ACLR rates. High-volume surgeons/clinics had decreased time to surgery, operating time, perioperative complication rates, and use of thromboprophylaxis and nonroutine antibiotics (P <.001). Conclusion: Patients who underwent primary ACLR by high-volume surgeons experienced increased improvement and satisfaction regarding subjective knee function. Factors other than surgical volume influenced subsequent surgery rates. Patients might benefit from undergoing primary ACLR by high-volume providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple imputation (MI) is one of the recommended techniques for handling missing data in ordinal factor analysis models. However, methods for computing MI-based fit indices under ordinal factor analysis models have yet to be developed. In this short note, we introduced the methods of using the standardized root mean squared residual (SRMR) and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) to assess the fit of ordinal factor analysis models with multiply imputed data. Specifically, we described the procedure for computing the MI-based sample estimates and constructing the confidence intervals. Simulation results showed that the proposed methods could yield sufficiently accurate point and interval estimates for both SRMR and RMSEA, especially in conditions with larger sample sizes, less missing data, more response categories, and higher degrees of misfit. Based on the findings, implications and recommendations were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Confusion persists regarding the ideal dosage of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of 2 different single-injection PRP dosages in patients with early knee OA—a conventional 4 mL dose and a superdose of 8 mL. It was hypothesized that 8 mL of PRP would be superior to 4 mL of PRP in this patient population. Study Design: Randomized clinical trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Patients with early knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 1 and 2) who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into 2 groups: Group A (n = 50 knees) received a 4-mL PRP injection, and group B (n = 49 knees) received an 8-mL PRP injection, both prepared using the same procedure. Patients were evaluated at the baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), the WOMAC-Pain subscale, the visual analog scale for pain, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and patient satisfaction, and results were compared between the groups. Results: The baseline characteristics of the 2 groups were comparable (group A: mean age, 51.96 ± 6.93 years; group B: mean age, 49.12 ± 9.8 3 years). Leucocyte-depleted PRP with 3.5 times concentration (final product platelet concentration, 706.74 × 103–μL) was injected. The mean absolute platelet count injected was 2.82 ± 0.0012 billion in group A and 5.65 ± 0.0022 billion in group B. All patient-reported outcome scores improved significantly in both groups from the baseline to the final follow-up (P <.001), with overall trends and results significantly better in group B than in group A (P <.001). Patient satisfaction at the 6-month follow-up was also better in group B (96%) compared with group A (68%). Short (2 to 7 days) self-limiting complications, such as pain and stiffness, occurred more often in group B (P <.001). Conclusion: Patients with early knee OA had significantly better improvement in pain and function when treated with an 8-mL injection of PRP compared with a 4-mL injection of PRP. The larger dose of PRP had approximately twice the number of platelets. Registration: CTRI/2020/02/023403 (Clinical Trials Registry-India identifier). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Objective: Venous Leg Ulcers (VLU) present a challenging healing process. Attaining healing is a primary treatment objective, commonly pursued in Primary Health Care (PHC) or Specialist Wound Management Clinics. Our objective was to examine the association and interplay between sociodemographic, health, clinical, and care factors with the outcomes of VLU treatment in patients undergoing care at a Specialist Wound Management Clinic. Methods: Longitudinal, observational study took place in a center for the treatment of chronic injuries linked to PHC. The sociodemographic aspects, health status and habits, clinical and care aspects of patients with VLU were scrutinized over a 1-year period. Results: The sample comprised 103 participants, with some still under treatment (Treatment Group—TG/ n = 60) and others having achieved VLU healing (Healing Group—HG/ n = 43). An association between sociodemographic, health, clinical, and care factors and the healing outcome (HG) was identified. A moderate correlation was observed between factors predisposing to healing in the sociodemographic group and health habits. Notably, among sociodemographic factors, the older age group and improvements in health, particularly the reduced use of alcohol/smoking, appeared to exert the most significant influence on healing. Additionally, specialized service monitoring and the application of compression therapy were contributory factors. Conclusions: These findings substantiate the hypothesis that sociodemographic, health, clinical, and care-related aspects are intertwined with VLU healing. Protective factors associated with healing interacted synergistically, fostering a positive outcome over one year of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hip arthroscopy has become the mainstay surgical intervention for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). However, postoperative outcomes and rates of secondary surgery are mixed in patients with differing levels of preoperative osteoarthritis (OA). Furthermore, there is a paucity of literature comparing patients with and without OA at long-term follow-up. Purpose: To compare outcomes and rates of secondary surgery at minimum 10-year follow-up, including revision hip arthroscopy and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA), in patients with Tönnis grade 1 undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS compared with a propensity-matched control group of patients with Tönnis grade 0. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS between January 2012 and February 2013 were identified. Patients with Tönnis grade 1 were propensity matched in a 1:2 ratio by age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) to patients with Tönnis grade 0. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were collected at varying timepoints including preoperatively and 1, 2, 5, and 10 years postoperatively and compared between the 2 cohorts. Rates of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) achievement at 10 years were evaluated and compared between groups. Rates of secondary surgery including revision hip arthroscopy and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were evaluated. Gross survivorship between cohorts was evaluated using a Kaplan-Meier gross survivorship curve. A subanalysis was performed comparing patients with Tönnis grade 1 who converted to THA and those who did not. Results: A total of 31 patients with Tönnis grade 1 (age, 42.6 ± 9.0 years; BMI, 28.0 ± 6.3) were successfully matched to 62 patients with Tönnis grade 0 (age, 42.1 ± 8.5, P =.805; BMI, 26.1 ± 3.9, P =.117). Both the Tönnis grade 1 and Tönnis grade 0 groups demonstrated significant improvements regarding all PROs at minimum 10 years (P <.05 for all), except for the Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living subscale (HOS-ADL) (P =.066) in the Tönnis grade 1 cohort. No significant difference (P >.05 for all) was noted between cohorts regarding any 10-year PRO. When the authors evaluated comparisons between preoperative and 1-, 2-, 5-, and 10-year PRO measures, significant differences were noted between cohorts regarding 2-year HOS-ADL (P =.021), Hip Outcome Score Sports-Specific subscale (P =.016), and modified Harris Hip Score (P =.026); otherwise, differences did not reach significance. High rates of 10-year MCID and PASS achievement were seen, with no significant differences between groups. Patients with Tönnis grade 1 had significantly higher rates of conversion to THA compared with patients who had Tönnis grade 0 (25.8% vs 4.8%; P =.006). Patients with Tönnis grade 1 had significantly lower gross survivorship compared with those who had Tönnis grade 0 (71.0% vs 85.5%, respectively; P =.04). Conclusion: Hip arthroscopy confers comparable postoperative clinical improvements to patients who have FAIS with and without mild OA; however, the benefits among patients with mild OA may be less durable. Patients with Tönnis grade 1 had significantly higher conversion to THA and reduced gross survivorship compared with patients with no evidence of preoperative OA, suggesting that patients with evidence of OA may need to be cautioned on the higher rate of conversion surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the short- and long-term effects of lower-limb endurance training on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease outpatients. Design: Prospective quasi-experimental study. Setting: 1383-bed teaching hospital in Taiwan. Participants: Overall, 69 outpatients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were enrolled. A total of 60 patients completed the study. Intervention: Training group: Lower-limb endurance training; control group: Education only. Main measures: The modified medical research council score, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test score, pulmonary function test, and number of acute exacerbation within a year. Results: The training group showed significant improvement in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test total score, modified medical research council score (both P < 0.001) at third month sustaining to 12th month (P < 0.001) and presented less events of acute exacerbation (P = 0.011) at 12th month. The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test decreased by 8 points sustaining to 12th month. The training group presented significant post-training functional capacity improvements in 6-min walking distance, lowest oxygen saturation during 6-min walking test, peak workload, maximum inspiratory/ expiratory pressures, and calf circumference. Conclusions: The lower-limb endurance training improved perceived dyspnea in daily activity and health status after completion of training and sustaining for a year. The lower-limb endurance training alleviated disease impacted on reduced acute exacerbations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child maltreatment (CM) is a major global public health issue, and a strong association exists between CM and aggression. However, the underlying mechanism of this association has not been understood to date. The objective of this study was to explore the mediating role of irritability in the association between CM and aggression in Chinese early adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-report questionnaire to evaluate the levels of CM, aggression, and irritability in 5,724 middle school students from the Anhui Province, China. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis of the mediating effect of irritability on the relationship between CM and aggression. We further investigated gender differences in this association using multiple group analyses. CM was positively related to both irritability and aggression, and irritability was positively associated with aggression (p <.01). The mediating effects of irritability between CM and aggression were significant (β =.107, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.077–0.133, p <.05). Males had a higher indirect effect size of the pathway from CM to aggression via irritability compared with females. Overall, irritability was a crucial mediator in the relationship between CM and aggression in Chinese adolescents, and males were more prone to engage in aggression compared with females through the pathway of irritability. Therefore, early irritability characteristics should be carefully monitored in adolescents, and they should be provided adequate support to acquire critical emotion regulation skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe associations between patients' demographic characteristics and access to telemedicine services in an urban tertiary academic medical system across the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify potential barriers to access. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a single-center tertiary academic medical center. The study included adult patients undergoing outpatient otolaryngologic care in person or via telemedicine during 8 week timeframes: before the pandemic, at the onset of the pandemic, and during later parts of the pandemic. Patients were characterized by age, sex, race, insurance type, primary language, portal activation status, income estimate, and visit type. Where appropriate, chi-squared tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and logistic regression were used to compare demographic factors between the cohorts. Results: A total of 14,240 unique patients [median age, 58 years (range, 18-107 years); 56.5% were female] resulting in a total of 29,457 visits (94.8% in-person and 5.2% telemedicine) were analyzed. Patients seen in person were older than those using telemedicine. Telemedicine visits included a higher proportion of patients with private insurance, and fewer patients with government or no insurance compared to in-person visits. Race, income, and English as primary language were not found to have a significant effect on telemedicine use. Conclusion: In an urban tertiary medical center, we found significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics between patients who accessed otolaryngologic care in person versus via telemedicine through different phases of the COVID pandemic, reflecting possible barriers to care associated with telemedicine. Further studies are needed to develop interventions to improve access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]