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Objective: This study aimed to characterize the differences in neural function among patients with different functional abilities 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Design: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed to obtain blood-oxygen-level-dependent values for ACLR returned to sports coper participants (CP), non-coper participants (NP), and healthy controls (HC). The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) calculated changes in the standard frequency band (SFB) (0.01–0.08 Hz), Slow4 (0.027–0.073 Hz), and Slow5 (0.01–0.027 Hz). Clinical correlations were investigated. Results: The right cerebellum_8 and bilateral putamen in SFB, while the right cerebellum_crus2 and left putamen in Slow5 were higher in CP than in NP. The ALLF values of the bilateral putamen in Slow4 were increased, while the right parietal lobule in Slow4 and left upper temporal pole in Slow5 were lower in CP than in HC. The ReHo values in the CP group in the right cerebellum_crus2 was higher than that in the NP group in Slow5 (voxel p < 0.05, cluster p < 0.05, Gaussian Random Field theory correction). Y-balance test was correlated with cerebellum ALFF values; Tegner was moderately correlated with putamen ALFF values (p < 0.05). Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-sports, International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Evaluation Form and Tegner scores were correlated with the ReHo values of right cerebellum_crus2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Subcortical function transfer was performed in patients with ACLR who returned to sports postoperatively: the function of the somatosensory brain area decreased, while that of the subcortical cerebellum and basal ganglia and cerebellum ReHo increased in CP, which was correlated with clinical function. ALFF and ReHo are consistent to some extent, and sub-band studies can reveal information on different brain functions compared to the classical band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Ankle Ligament Reconstruction-Return to Sport After Injury (ALR-RSI) scale can be utilized for assessing patients who have previously sustained lateral ankle ligament injury before returning to sport. Given its original development for use in different languages, it is essential to translate and validate this scale for application to the Chinese population. Purposes: To translate and culturally adapt the ALR-RSI scale into a Chinese version and assess its reliability and validity. Study Design: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The procedure of translation and cross-cultural adaptation was performed following the recommended guidelines and the Chinese version of ALR-RSI (ALR-RSI-CHN) was conducted in patients with lateral ankle ligament surgery. Feasibility was assessed by floor/ceiling effects. Reliability was assessed by using Cronbach α as a measure to analyze internal consistency, while the intraclass correlation coefficient was utilized to examine test-retest reliability. Validity was assessed by using Spearman coefficients to analyze the correlations between ALR-RSI-CHN, the Karlsson scale, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale. Results: A total of 66 participants were included. The ALR-RSI-CHN scale showed good feasibility with no floor/ceiling effects. The internal consistency of the scale was adequate with a Cronbach α of 0.93, and test-retest reliability was excellent with an interclass correlation coefficient of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.92-0.99). The ALR-RSI-CHN scale demonstrated moderate correlation with the Karlsson scale (r = 0.48 [ range, 0.26-0.65]) and strong correlation with the AOFAS scale (r = 0.55 [ range, 0.35-0.71]). A significant difference in ALR-RSI-CHN scores was observed between patients who returned to sports and those who did not, with respective scores of 53.60 (range, 44.50-62.69) and 42.25 (range, 35.51-49) (P =.04). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the ALR-RSI-CHN scale had satisfactory psychometric properties, rendering it a feasible, reliable, and valid instrument for evaluating patients who have lateral ligament surgery in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The limb symmetry index (LSI) is a metric of strength restoration. It is key to successfully return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The threshold for return to sports is generally considered an LSI of ≥85%. Purpose: To develop a statistical model for predicting the recovery of knee extension and flexion strength (with LSI ≥85%) at 6 months after ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence: 3. Methods: Patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction between November 2015 and December 2020 were included. The patients were classified into 2 groups: "pass" if the LSI at 6 months postoperatively was ≥85% and "fail" if the LSI was <85%. Factors in 25 categories with 74 levels, including patient characteristics, periarticular procedures, intra-articular lesions and treatment, and perioperative management, were collected. A multivariable logistic regression combined with backward variable elimination was used to determine the predictive parameters for recovery of knee extension and flexion strength. Results: A total of 948 patients were included. Graft site, preoperative isokinetic strength, treatment of meniscal injury, and injured side (left vs right) were identified as general predictors for both knee extension and flexion strength. For knee extension strength, age at injury and partial weightbearing duration were identified as additional predictors. For knee flexion strength, type of meniscal injury, surgeon volume, cartilage procedures, and periarticular procedures were identified as additional predictors. The Nagelkerke R 2 of the final model was 0.178, and the c -statistic was 0.716 (95% CI, 0.676-0.754). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated good calibration (P =.879). Conclusion: Several factors including preoperative isokinetic strength, treatment of meniscal injuries, left vs. right side and graft site were found to predict recovery of ≥85% LSI in knee extension and flexion strength. Despite the numerous factors that were analyzed, the predictive power was moderate (c-statistic = 0.716), indicating there were other nonincluded factors that significantly influence strength performance at 6 months postoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To assess recommendations for when adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients may return to athletic activities after surgery. METHODS: A web-based survey was administered to members of AO Spine. The survey consisted of surgeon demographic information and questions asking when a patient undergoing a long thoracolumbar fusion (> 5 levels) with pelvic fixation for ASD would be allowed to resume unrestricted range of motion (ROM), non-contact sports, and contact sports postoperatively. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine predictors for time to resume each activity. RESULTS: One hundred twenty four members responses were included for analysis. The majority of respondents would allow unrestricted ROM within 3 months postop ( 3 months: 19%]. For when to return to non-contact sports, the most common responses were 2-3 months (26.6%), 3-4 months (26.6%), and 6-12 months (18.5%). For when to return to contact sports, the majority advised > 4 months postop [> 4 months: 4-6 months (19.2%), 6-12 months (28.0%),  > 12 months (28.8%) versus

Background: After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), asymmetry is likely to persist in single-leg (SL) vertical jump and drop jump performance than in SL hop distance. However, its relationship with the return to sport (RTS) remains unclear. Hypothesis/Purpose: This study aimed to determine the association between vertical jump performance after primary ACLR using hamstring tendon autograft and RTS at a pre-injury competitive level. Study design: Cross-sectional study Methods: Patients who underwent primary ACLR using hamstring tendon autograft were recruited for this study. Participants who returned to pre-injury competition after ACLR were recruited at least eight months postoperatively. Knee condition was assessed, including joint laxity, range of motion, muscle strength, and knee pain intensity during sports activities. Performance variables were also assessed, including SL hop distance, jump height in SL vertical jump, and reactive strength index (RSI; jump height/contact time) in SL drop jump. Participants were asked to subjectively report whether they had returned to the same level of competition as pre-injury and their perceived sport performance intensity. Those who answered "Yes" to the dichotomous question and had a postoperative subjective athletic performance of > 80% were categorized into the Yes-RTS group. The primary outcome was the ability to achieve RTS at the preinjury level. Results: Sixty-five patients (female, 35; male, 30) at 13.0 (13.0) [median (interquartile)] months after ACLR participated in this study. Thirty-nine (60%) were assigned to the Yes-RTS group. Regarding knee conditions, the No-RTS group had a significantly higher knee pain intensity, as assessed using a numerical rating scale (p<0.001, effect size -0.45). In the performance tests, the No-RTS group exhibited a significantly lower limb symmetry index of RSI during the SL drop jump compared to the Yes-RTS group (p=0.002, effect size 0.81). Conclusion: Patients unable to achieve RTS after primary ACLR using hamstring grafts are more likely to exhibit asymmetric performance during the SL drop jump test, suggesting the significance of assessing jump symmetry when evaluating post-ACLR rehabilitation success. Level of Evidence: 3c [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To report clinical and activity-specific outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) for full-thickness supraspinatus tears in active individuals aged less than or equal to 45 years. The pre hoc hypothesis was that patients in this age group would demonstrate significant improvements in clinical outcomes following ARCR along with a significant improvement of athletic abilities. Methods: Patients were included in this study if they were (1) active individuals aged between 18 and 45 years at the time of surgery, (2) had a full-thickness rotator cuff tear of the supraspinatus tendon with or without anterior or posterior extension, and (3) underwent ARCR. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcomes scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score; Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand; Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation; and Short Form-12 Physical Component Summary were prospectively collected and postoperative patient satisfaction (scale of 1-10) was recorded at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. Attainment of the minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptom state for the ASES was calculated. Athletic activity–specific outcomes and return to activity were investigated prospectively via a custom-made comprehensive questionnaire. Results: Between November 2005 and June 2020, of 1149 RCRs performed by the senior author, 54 patients (mean age 40.9 years, 13 female; follow-up 69.7 ± 35.2 months in a range of 24.6-179.6 months) were included into the outcomes analysis. Of those, 4 patients (7.4%) had progressed to revision RCR. At a follow-up of 5.8 years, outcome scores had significantly improved compared to preoperative baselines (ASES 55.6 ± 13.8 to 90.1 + 15.8; P

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) continues to be associated with a variable rate of return to sports and a concerning rate of further anterior cruciate ligament injury. Persistent functional deficits may explain these results and support the need to keep exploring lower limb functional indexes, especially during vertical jumping. This would help improve rehabilitation through the return-to-sports continuum and improve postoperative outcomes. Hypothesis: Vertical jumping performance indexes are impaired among patients 7 months after ACLR. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 202 patients who underwent ACLR and 50 healthy participants performed single-leg vertical jump (SLVJ) and single-leg drop jump (SLDJ) testing. Jump height (H) as well as reactive strength index (RSI) were assessed and the limb symmetry index (LSI) of each parameter was compared between both groups. Vertical jumping indexes were also compared between healthy participants and the injured and contralateral legs of ACLR patients. Frequency analysis (chi-square test) of participants exhibiting an LSI >90% for each parameter was calculated in both groups. The level of association between SLVJ-H, SLDJ-H, and SLDJ-RSI was evaluated using the Pearson coefficient (r). Results: At 6.6 ± 0.7 months (mean ± SD) postoperatively, participants after ACLR exhibited poorer LSI than the control group for all parameters (79.1 ± 14.8 vs 93.9 ± 4.5, 77.3 ± 14.6 vs 93.4 ± 5.2, and 71.9 ± 17.4 vs 93.4 ± 3.8; all P <.001; for the SLVJ-H, SLDJ-H, and SLDJ-RSI, respectively). Vertical jumping performance was lower on both injured and contralateral legs compared with healthy participants (all P <.001). Only 27%, 25%, and 16% of the ACLR patients exhibited an LSI >90% for the SLVJ-H, SLDJ-H, and SLDJ-RSI, respectively, in comparison with 80%, 72%, and 86% in the control group. Moderate correlations were observed between SLDJ-H and SLVJ-H (r = 0.494; P <.001) as well as between SLDJ-RSI and SLVJ-H (r = 0.488; P <.001) in the ACLR group. Conclusion: Vertical jumping indexes (both symmetry and absolute values) were highly impaired 7 months after ACLR. Deficits were more marked for reactive strength ability. Clinicians should focus on restoring vertical jumping abilities to improve functional performance after ACLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spondylolysis is common in athletes participating in gymnastics, football, dance, and weightlifting. Few studies have reviewed return to sports (RTS) rates in young athletes after surgical intervention for spondylolysis. Purposes: We sought to review the literature on RTS frequencies and timing, as well as postoperative treatment, in children and adolescents who underwent spondylolysis surgery. Methods: This was a systematic review, using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases, of primary, peer-reviewed studies published from 2014 to 2022 that investigated child and adolescent RTS after spondylolysis surgery. Each author independently reviewed each study's design, number of participants, age range, fixation, postoperative course of treatment, frequency of RTS, and reasons for failure of RTS. Results: The initial search produced 106 articles; 25 were reviewed in full and 9 were included in the final analysis, with a combined total of 177 patients. Sample sizes ranged from 5 to 52 participants. The most common fixations were direct repair (6 studies, n = 120), indirect repair (3 studies, n = 22), and fusion (2 studies, n = 35). Five studies mentioned the use of immediate postoperative immobilization. Physical therapy programs were initiated most often at 6 weeks postoperatively. The RTS rate of the 177 athletes (median age younger than 23 years) was 76% to 100%. The most common reason for failure to RTS was lower back pain. Conclusions: This systematic review suggests that young athletes RTS at a high rate following spondylolysis surgery, but more rigorous study is warranted. The review also found varied preferred fixation methodologies and postoperative treatment regimens across the available studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is the most frequent ligament injury in athletes and is often accompanied by a traumatic meniscus tear. When a patient is submitted to a concomitant ACL reconstruction and meniscal repair, early rehabilitation caution might slightly delay knee function progress, potentially affecting gains in range of motion, strength recovery and subsequent return to sports. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the evolution of isokinetic parameters in professional athletes who underwent ACL reconstruction, with and without concomitant meniscal repair. Methods. Isokinetic parameters of fifty-eight professional athletes were assessed at the pre-surgery stage, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12, and +12 months post-surgery. Employing linear mixed-effect models, the effects of time and meniscal repair on knee extensors and flexors peak torque, bilateral asymmetry index, and hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio were analyzed. Results. There was a main effect of the time on the peak torque outcomes in the injured side and bilateral asymmetry index of the knee extensors and flexors. However, the main effect of meniscus repair was not significant for all outcomes. Concurrently, there was no main effect of any factor on the hamstrings-to-quadriceps strength ratio. Conclusions. Generally, our analysis revealed that associated meniscal repair did not influence the recovery of muscle strength in athletes. Additionally, athletes require a minimum of 9 months to exhibit significant enhancement in isokinetic parameters compared to their preoperative performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine test–retest reliability and responsiveness of the short version (6‐item) Hip Return to Sport after Injury (Hip‐RSI) scale in patients following hip arthroscopy. Methods: The study included 100 hip arthroscopy patients responding to a digital survey including the short version (6‐item) Hip‐RSI, International Hip Outcome Tool (short version) (iHOT‐12) and RTS status 3, 6 and 9 months following surgery. The Hip‐RSI was administered twice at 3‐month follow‐up. Test–retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Responsiveness was tested by correlations between changes in Hip‐RSI and iHOT‐12 scores and by comparing change in Hip‐RSI scores of patients who progressed on the return to sport (RTS) continuum (from return to any sport to return to performance) to patients who did not, using independent samples t‐tests. Results: Hip‐RSI was found to have excellent test–retest reliability on the individual (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.90 [0.83–0.94]) and group level (ICC [95% CI]: 0.95 [0.91–0.97]) with a standard error of measurement of 5.53 and smallest detectable change of 15.3 on the individual and 2.2 on the group level. Hip‐RSI was found responsive to change through positive correlations of changes in scores with changes in iHOT‐12 scores from 3 to 6 months (r [95% CI]: 0.51 [0.35–0.65]; p < 0.001) and from 3 to 9 months following arthroscopy (r [95% CI]: 0.61 [0.57–0.79); p < 0.001). Further responsiveness was shown by significant mean changes in scores among patients that progressed on the RTS‐continuum (3–6 months: 8.6 [95% CI: 3.8– 13.5); 3–9 months: 12.6 [5.6–19.7]). Conclusion: The short version (6‐item) Hip‐RSI demonstrated excellent test–retest reliability and responsiveness to change in the evaluation of psychological readiness to RTS following hip arthroscopy. Level of Evidence: Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Quality of Patient-Surgeon Relationship (QPASREL) is an 11-item questionnaire developed and validated to assess the relationship between practitioners and patients on recovery and return to work after surgery. Purpose: To evaluate the association of patient-surgeon relationship (PSR) and patient-physical therapist relationship (PPR), as measured by QPASREL, with a patient's return to sports (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study targeted patients who underwent primary ACLR at a specialized sports surgery referral center between January and May 2021. Patients who had revision surgery, multiligamentous knee injury, and sedentary status were excluded from the study. Patients were grouped based on ability to RTS at the preinjury level 1 year postoperatively (RTS group and no-RTS group). The primary outcome was rate of RTS at 1 year postoperatively, and the primary dependent variables were the quality of PSR and PPR as measured by QPASREL scores at 6-month intervals. Secondary outcomes were the correlation and discriminative capacity of the QPASREL compared with the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) scores (collected at 6-month intervals). Results: The study included 243 patients. Patients in the RTS group exhibited a higher mean PPR QPASREL score (36.6 ± 5.1) compared with no-RTS patients (34.8 ± 5.2; P =.01) as well as a higher mean PSR score (35.7 ± 5.1) compared with no-RTS patients (33.8 ± 5.9; P =.01). Multivariate analysis showed that every 5-point increase in the QPASREL scores for PPR and PSR resulted in a 39% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.39; P = 0.014) and 35% (OR = 1.35, P = 0.021) increased odds of RTS, respectively. A weak yet positive correlation was found between QPASREL and ACL-RSI. The predictive capacity of the QPASREL (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.60 for PPR and 0.61 for PSR), although significant, was less powerful compared with that of the ACL-RSI (AUC = 0.73). Conclusion: The quality of the PPR and PSR, as measured by QPASREL scores, demonstrated a significant association with RTS rates at 1 year after ACLR. A weak yet positive correlation was found between QPASREL and ACL-RSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveThis study aimed to characterize the differences in neural function among patients with different functional abilities 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).DesignResting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed to obtain blood-oxygen-level-dependent values for ACLR returned to sports coper participants (CP), non-coper participants (NP), and healthy controls (HC). The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) calculated changes in the standard frequency band (SFB) (0.01–0.08 Hz), Slow4 (0.027–0.073 Hz), and Slow5 (0.01–0.027 Hz). Clinical correlations were investigated.ResultsThe right cerebellum_8 and bilateral putamen in SFB, while the right cerebellum_crus2 and left putamen in Slow5 were higher in CP than in NP. The ALLF values of the bilateral putamen in Slow4 were increased, while the right parietal lobule in Slow4 and left upper temporal pole in Slow5 were lower in CP than in HC. The ReHo values in the CP group in the right cerebellum_crus2 was higher than that in the NP group in Slow5 (voxel p

Introduction Pectoralis major muscle ruptures, once considered rare, are now more common, especially in young male athletes and weightlifters involved in high-intensity sports. This injury can significantly impair upper limb function, leading to pain, weakness, and potential disability. Exploring and understanding available treatment options, particularly the promising role of orthobiologic therapies like PRP, is essential for optimizing recovery and achieving the best outcomes. Purpose The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness and the role of orthobiologic treatments such as PRP in enhancing healing and functional recovery for pectoralis major muscle ruptures. Conslusions The treatment of pectoralis major muscle ruptures requires a tailored approach that considers the injury's severity, the patient's activity level, and their goals. Nonoperative treatment can be effective for partial tendinous tears, muscle belly tears, muscle origin tears, and complete tendinous tears in sedentary individuals or when surgery is not feasible. Surgical intervention generally provides superior functional outcomes, particularly for athletes and those with complete ruptures. Orthobiologic treatments, such as ultrasound-guided PRP injections, provide a promising complement to conservative management, with potential benefits in pain reduction and accelerated functional recovery. Studies indicate that PRP-treated patients report higher satisfaction and better outcomes compared to those without PRP treatment. Nevertheless, many questions remain regarding the optimal formulation, dosage, and rehabilitation protocols for PRP. To fully understand PRP's effectiveness and refine its applications in sports medicine, more rigorous and long-term studies are needed. Additionally, further research is required to improve nonoperative treatment and rehabilitation protocols, ensuring optimal outcomes for all patients.

Abstract Background Collarbone fracture is a common injury, particularly among athletes involved in contact sports and participating in endurance activities. Conventional treatment requires surgery and postoperative immobilization, resulting in an average return-to-sport timeframe of approximately 13 weeks. This case challenges the established treatment protocols, aiming to expedite recovery and enable a quicker resumption of high-intensity athletic activities. Case presentation A 24-year-old Caucasian athlete completed a Half-Ironman Triathlon (70.3) merely three weeks post-collarbone fracture. Utilizing Extracorporeal Magneto-Transduction Therapy (EMTT) alongside surgical intervention, the patient achieved accelerated healing and remarkable performance outcomes without encountering any adverse effects. Conclusions The integration of EMTT into the treatment paradigm for bone fractures alters the traditional understanding of recovery timelines and rehabilitation strategies. This case highlights the potential benefits of electromagnetic wave therapy in expediting the healing process and enabling athletes to resume high-level sports activities at an earlier stage.

Abstract Purpose Resistance to fatigue is a key factor in injury prevention that needs to be considered in return-to-sport (RTS) scenarios, especially after severe knee ligament injuries. Fatigue should be induced under game-like conditions. The SpeedCourt (SC) is a movement platform for assessing multidirectional sprint performance, typical of game-sports, due to change-of-direction movements in response to a visual stimulus. Designing adequate fatigue protocols requires the suitable arrangement of several loading variables such as number of intervals, sprint distance or work/relief ratio (W:R). Therefore, this study analysed the acute fatigue effects of different SC protocols on metabolic load, cognitive function and neuromuscular performance. Methods Eighteen female soccer players (mean ± SD; age: 23.1 ± 4.6 years) of the 1st German Division participated in this randomised, crossover study. Using a random allocation sequence, players completed four volume-equated protocols differing in W:R and sprint distance per interval (P1:12 × 30 m, W:R = 1:2 s; P2:12 × 30 m, W:R = 1:3 s; P3:18 × 20 m, W:R = 1:2 s; P4:18 × 20 m, W:R = 1:3 s). Pre- and post-exercise, metabolic load was measured per blood lactate concentration (BLaC), cognitive function per reaction time (RT), and neuromuscular performance including multiple rebound jumps (MRJ height, primary outcome variable; Reactive Strength Index, RSI) and 5 m sprint times (SP5). Results Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant main time effects (p

Background: Evidence on return to sports/work after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is limited, especially in a young, high-demand population. Purpose: To (1) identify whether preoperative knee pathology or intraoperative correction was associated with successful return to duty (RTD) and (2) assess whether postoperative complications and reoperation were associated with failure to RTD. Study Design: Case series; Level of Evidence, 4. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of a consecutive series of patients in the Military Health System aged 18 to 55 years with medial compartment osteoarthritis who underwent HTO between 2003 and 2018. Concomitant meniscal and cartilage procedures were included, while cases with concomitant ligamentous procedures were excluded. The inclusion criteria were as follows: active-duty military status, minimum 2-year follow-up, preoperative knee radiographs, and pre- and postoperative long-leg alignment radiographs. Preoperative Kellgren-Lawrence grades and pre- and postoperative hip-knee-ankle angles were measured. The primary outcome was RTD. Failure was defined as knee-related medical separation from the military or conversion to total knee arthroplasty. The secondary outcome was reoperation. Results: A total of 55 HTOs were performed in 50 patients who met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 39 years old (range, 22.8-55 years). The mean follow-up was 5 years (range, 2.1-10.7 years). Ten knees (18.2%) failed HTO (1 conversion to total knee arthroplasty, 9 medical separations), 15 additional knees (27.3%) had permanent activity restrictions, and 30 knees (54.5%) returned to duty without restrictions. Reoperation occurred in 36.4% of knees and was associated with medical separation (P =.039). Younger age was associated with medical separation (P =.003) and permanent restrictions (P =.006). Patients with a postoperative varus deformity of >5° were more likely to undergo medical separation (P =.023). Conclusion: In a young, high-demand population, HTO succeeded in returning 54.5% of knees to full duty without restriction despite 36.4% of knees requiring reoperation. Residual varus deformity or reoperation was associated with lower RTD rates. No association was identified between RTD and preoperative osteoarthritis grading or deformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between graft maturity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and return to sports (RTS) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is unclear. Purpose: To compare signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) values and ACL graft T2* (gradient echo) values between patients who did RTS and those who did not RTS (NRTS) after ACL reconstruction and to evaluate the predictive value of T2* mapping for RTS after ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: At a minimum of 9 months after arthroscopic single-bundle ACL reconstruction with autologous hamstring tendon graft, 82 patients underwent RTS assessment as well as MRI evaluation. The patients were classified into RTS (n = 53) and NRTS (n = 29) groups based on the results of the assessment. The SNQ values in the proximal, middle, and distal regions of the graft and the T2* values of the graft were measured on MRI. The correlation between T2* values and RTS was assessed using Spearman correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to compare the diagnostic performance, and the optimal T2* cutoff value for detecting RTS was determined based on the maximum Youden index. Results: At 9 months after ACL reconstruction, the proximal, middle, and mean SNQ values in the RTS group were significantly lower than those in the NRTS group (proximal: 17.15 ± 4.85 vs 19.55 ± 5.05, P =.038; middle: 13.45 ± 5.15 vs. 17.75 ± 5.75, P =.001; mean: 12.37 ± 2.74 vs 15.07 ± 3.32, P <.001). The T2* values were lower in the RTS group (14.92 ± 2.28 vs 17.69 ± 2.48; P <.001) and were correlated with RTS (r = −0.41; P =.02). The area under the curve of T2* was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.75-0.83), and the optimal cutoff value for T2* was 16.65, with a sensitivity and specificity for predicting failure to RTS of 67.9% and 88.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Study findings indicated that the SNQs (mean, proximal, and middle) and the T2* values of the graft in the RTS group were significantly lower than those in NRTS group. A T2* value of 16.65 was calculated to predict patients who failed RTS tests with a sensitivity of 67.9% and specificity of 88.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blood flow restriction training (BFRT) is a safe and potentially effective adjunctive therapeutic modality for postoperative rehabilitation related to various knee pathologies. However, there is a paucity of literature surrounding BFRT in high-performance athletes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose: To (1) compare the overall time to return to sports (RTS) in a cohort of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes who underwent a standardized rehabilitation program either with or without BFRT after ACLR and (2) identify a postoperative time interval for which BFRT has the maximum therapeutic benefit. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 55 student-athletes who underwent ACLR between 2000 and 2023 while participating in NCAA Division I sports at a single institution were included in this study. Athletes were allocated to 1 of 2 groups based on whether they participated in a standardized postoperative rehabilitation program augmented with BFRT (BFRT group; n = 22) or completed the standardized protocol alone (non-BFRT group [control]; n = 33). Our primary outcome measure was time to RTS. The secondary outcome measure was handheld dynamometry quadriceps strength testing at various postoperative time points, converted to a limb symmetry index (LSI). Quadriceps strength was not tested between the BFRT and non-BFRT groups because of the limited amount of data on the control group. Results: The mean age at the date of surgery was 18.59 ± 1.10 years for the BFRT group and 19.45 ± 1.30 years for the non-BFRT group (P =.011), and the mean RTS time was 409 ± 134 days from surgery for the BFRT group and 332 ± 100 days for the non-BFRT cohort (P =.047). For the BFRT group, the mean quadriceps strength LSI increased by 0.67% (95% CI, 0.53%-0.81%) for every week of rehabilitation, and there was a significantly positive rate of change in quadriceps strength in weeks 13-16 compared with weeks 9-12 (ΔLSI, 8.22%; P <.001). Conclusion: In elite NCAA Division I athletes, a statistically significant delay was observed in RTS with BFRT compared with standardized physical therapy alone after undergoing ACLR. There also appeared to be an early window during the rehabilitation period where BFRT had a beneficial impact on quadriceps strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exertional compartment syndrome (ECS) is an underdiagnosed cause of lower extremity pain among athletes. The condition can be managed operatively by fasciotomy to relieve excess compartment pressure. However, symptom recurrence rates after fasciotomy are considerable, ranging from 3% to 17%. Hypothesis: Leg paresthesia and its distribution during ECS episodes would be a significant predictor of outcomes after fasciotomy. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent fasciotomy for ECS at our center from 2010 to 2020 (institutional review board no. 21-00107). We measured postoperative outcomes including pain frequency and severity, Tegner activity level, and return to sport. Significant predictors of outcomes were identified using multivariable linear and logistic regression. P values <0.05 were considered significant. Results: A total of 78 legs (from 42 male and 36 female participants) were included in the study with average follow-up of 52 months (range, 3-126 months); 33 participants (42.3%) presented with paresthesia. Paresthesia was an independent predictor of worse outcomes, including more severe pain at rest (P = 0.05) and with daily activity (P = 0.04), reduced postoperative improvement in Tegner scores (P = 0.04), and lower odds of return to sport (P = 0.05). Those with paresthesia symptoms in the tibial nerve distribution had worse outcomes than those without paresthesia in terms of preoperative-to-present improvement in pain frequency (P < 0.01), pain severity at rest (P < 0.01) and with daily activity (P = 0.04), and return to sport (P = 0.04). Conclusion: ECS patients who present with paresthesia have worse pain and activity outcomes after first-time fasciotomy, but prognosis is worst among those with tibial nerve paresthesia. Clinical Relevance: Paresthesia among ECS patients is broadly predictive of more severe recurrent leg pain, reduced activity level, and decreased odds of return to sport after fasciotomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with complex proximal tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) tend to overestimate the prognosis of their injury, potentially due to factors such as a limited understanding, optimism, and the influence of the pain intensity. Understanding the reasons behind this misperception is crucial for healthcare providers to effectively communicate with patients and establish realistic expectations for treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes of TPFs, with a particular focus on patient-reported outcome measures concerning functional recovery, pain levels, and overall satisfaction with treatment. The authors aim to provide valuable insights into the realistic expectations and potential limitations that patients may encounter during their recovery journey. Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, all surgically treated TPFs between January 2014 and December 2019 with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included. Several patient-reported outcome measures were obtained, including the International Knee documentation Committee Score (IKDC), Lyholm score, Tegner score, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Fractures were classified according to Schatzker, and then subgrouped into simple (Schatzker I–III) and complex (Schatzker IV–VI) fractures. Results: A total of 54 patients (mean age 51.1 ± 11.9 years, 59.3% female) with a mean follow-up time of 3.9 years were included. Schatzker II fractures were present in 48% (n = 26) of the cases, with Schatzker III in 6% (n = 3), Schatzker IV fractures in 6% (n = 3), and Schatker VI fractures in 41% (n = 22) of the cases. All outcome scores showed a significant improvement between the first year after surgery and the last follow-up (mean: 3.9 years). Simple fractures showed significantly lower patient-reported outcomes when compared to the preinjury state; however, good to excellent results were observed. Patient-reported outcomes of complex fractures showed no significant changes in the study period with good to excellent results. When it comes to the Lysholm score, there were no significant differences in the outcome between simple and complex fractures. Furthermore, there was a return-to-sports rate of 100%, with high rates of changing sporting activity in 25% (simple fractures) and 45% in complex fractures. Conclusions: The data from this study showed that both simple and complex tibial plateau fractures show favorable outcomes at the midterm follow-up, and that injury severity does not correlate with worse results. While patients may tend to overestimate the recovery speed, this research highlights the importance of long-term follow-up, demonstrating a substantial improvement between one year post-surgery and the final evaluation. Return-to-sports rates were high, with adjustments needed for certain activities. However, patients should recognize the need to shift to lower-impact sports and the lengthy recovery process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Collarbone fracture is a common injury, particularly among athletes involved in contact sports and participating in endurance activities. Conventional treatment requires surgery and postoperative immobilization, resulting in an average return-to-sport timeframe of approximately 13 weeks. This case challenges the established treatment protocols, aiming to expedite recovery and enable a quicker resumption of high-intensity athletic activities. Case presentation: A 24-year-old Caucasian athlete completed a Half-Ironman Triathlon (70.3) merely three weeks post-collarbone fracture. Utilizing Extracorporeal Magneto-Transduction Therapy (EMTT) alongside surgical intervention, the patient achieved accelerated healing and remarkable performance outcomes without encountering any adverse effects. Conclusions: The integration of EMTT into the treatment paradigm for bone fractures alters the traditional understanding of recovery timelines and rehabilitation strategies. This case highlights the potential benefits of electromagnetic wave therapy in expediting the healing process and enabling athletes to resume high-level sports activities at an earlier stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) is a well-known source of pain in the shoulder, especially in active patients. Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes and return-to-sports rate after all-arthroscopic suprapectoral tenodesis of the LHBT using a small knotless anchor. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: In this retrospective study, 27 patients—who underwent all-arthroscopic tenodesis of the LHBT using a 2.7-mm knotless polyether ether ketone anchor—were evaluated. Sports activities, the return-to-sports rate, and other sports-related parameters (eg, pain during sports, level of sports) were examined. Sports-related data, the Constant score with isometric force (at 90° of abduction in the scapular plane), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score, the visual analog scale (VAS) score for satisfaction, range of motion, and the presence of a Popeye deformity were assessed at a mean follow-up of 15.3 ± 8.7 months. The data were initially analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The postoperative ASES, Constant, and SST scores were 81.61, 85.74 and 8.85, respectively. Of the 27 patients, 4 patients (14.8%) showed a Popeye deformity. Preoperatively, 25 patients (92.6%) participated regularly in some type of sports activity. All 25 patients (100.0%) were able to return to sports activities after surgery. 24 (96.0%) returned to the same level preoperatively, with 88.0% (22/25) within 6 months. Patient satisfaction with the outcome was high (VAS score: 2.15 ± 2.78). Neither bicipital groove pain nor cramping was reported. There were no signs of osteolytic bone around the anchor or a fracture of the humeral bone. Conclusion: Our clinical results after using a 2.7-mm knotless anchor for LHBT tenodesis as well as the return-to-sports rate were satisfying. Using an anchor this size can lower the risk of cortical bone damage and therefore the risk of fractures of the humeral head while still enabling patients to perform at a high level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Resistance to fatigue is a key factor in injury prevention that needs to be considered in return-to-sport (RTS) scenarios, especially after severe knee ligament injuries. Fatigue should be induced under game-like conditions. The SpeedCourt (SC) is a movement platform for assessing multidirectional sprint performance, typical of game-sports, due to change-of-direction movements in response to a visual stimulus. Designing adequate fatigue protocols requires the suitable arrangement of several loading variables such as number of intervals, sprint distance or work/relief ratio (W:R). Therefore, this study analysed the acute fatigue effects of different SC protocols on metabolic load, cognitive function and neuromuscular performance. Methods: Eighteen female soccer players (mean ± SD; age: 23.1 ± 4.6 years) of the 1st German Division participated in this randomised, crossover study. Using a random allocation sequence, players completed four volume-equated protocols differing in W:R and sprint distance per interval (P1:12 × 30 m, W:R = 1:2 s; P2:12 × 30 m, W:R = 1:3 s; P3:18 × 20 m, W:R = 1:2 s; P4:18 × 20 m, W:R = 1:3 s). Pre- and post-exercise, metabolic load was measured per blood lactate concentration (BLaC), cognitive function per reaction time (RT), and neuromuscular performance including multiple rebound jumps (MRJ height, primary outcome variable; Reactive Strength Index, RSI) and 5 m sprint times (SP5). Results: Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant main time effects (p <.05) with improved performance post-exercise in RT (504 vs. 482 ms, d = 1.95), MRJ height (24.0 vs. 24.8 cm, d = 0.77), RSI (1.39 vs. 1.43, d = 0.52), and SP5 (1.19 vs. 1.17 s, d = 0.56). There was significant main time (p <.001) and time x protocol interaction effects in BLaC (p <.001). P1 induced higher BLaC values (4.52 ± 1.83 mmol/L) compared to P2 (3.79 ± 1.83 mmol/L; d = 0.74) and P4 (3.12 ± 1.83 mmol/L; d = 1.06), whereas P3 (4.23 ± 1.69 mmol/L) elicited higher BLaC values compared to P4 (d = 0.74). Conclusion: All protocols caused an improved cognitive function and neuromuscular performance. The former may be related to enhanced noradrenergic activation or exercise specificity which induced an improved stimulus processing. The latter may be explained by a possible post-activation performance enhancement effect on jump and sprint performance. A shorter relief duration in W:R as opposed to sprint distance per interval produced higher BLaC values. The protocols may serve as reference data for improved RTS decision-making in elite female soccer players. Trial registration: Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS), No.: DRKS00033496, Registered 19. Februar 2024, Retrospectively Registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to examine test–retest reliability and responsiveness of the short version (6‐item) Hip Return to Sport after Injury (Hip‐RSI) scale in patients following hip arthroscopy. Methods The study included 100 hip arthroscopy patients responding to a digital survey including the short version (6‐item) Hip‐RSI, International Hip Outcome Tool (short version) (iHOT‐12) and RTS status 3, 6 and 9 months following surgery. The Hip‐RSI was administered twice at 3‐month follow‐up. Test–retest reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Responsiveness was tested by correlations between changes in Hip‐RSI and iHOT‐12 scores and by comparing change in Hip‐RSI scores of patients who progressed on the return to sport (RTS) continuum (from return to any sport to return to performance) to patients who did not, using independent samples t‐tests. Results Hip‐RSI was found to have excellent test–retest reliability on the individual (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.90 [0.83–0.94]) and group level (ICC [95% CI]: 0.95 [0.91–0.97]) with a standard error of measurement of 5.53 and smallest detectable change of 15.3 on the individual and 2.2 on the group level. Hip‐RSI was found responsive to change through positive correlations of changes in scores with changes in iHOT‐12 scores from 3 to 6 months (r [95% CI]: 0.51 [0.35–0.65]; p

Whether social determinants of health are associated with clinical outcome following concussion among adolescents is not well established. The present study examined whether neighborhood-level determinants are associated with clinical recovery time following concussion in adolescents. Participants included adolescent student athletes (n = 130; mean age = 16.6, standard deviation = 1.2; 60.8% boys, 39.2% girls) who attended one of nine selected high schools in Maine, USA. The Area of Deprivation Index (ADI), an indicator of neighborhood disadvantage was used to group high schools as either high or low in neighborhood disadvantage. Athletic trainers entered injury and recovery dates into an online surveillance application between September 2014 and January 2020. Chi-squared analyses and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to compare the groups on two clinical outcomes: days to return to school and days to return to sports. Results of chi-squared tests did not reveal between-group differences in return to school at 21 or 28 days. However, groups differed in the percentage of adolescents who had returned to sports by 21 days (greater neighborhood disadvantage, 62.5%, lesser neighborhood disadvantage 82.0%, χ2 = 4.96, p = 0.03, odds ratio [OR] = 2.73, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-6.74) and 28 days (greater neighborhood disadvantage, 78.6%, lesser neighborhood disadvantage 94.0%, χ2 = 5.18, p = 0.02, OR = 4.27, 95% CI, 1.13-16.16) following concussion. A larger proportion of adolescents attending schools located in areas of greater neighborhood disadvantage took more than 21 and 28 days to return to sports. These results indicate an association between a multi-faceted proxy indicator of neighborhood disadvantage and clinical outcome following concussion. Further research is needed to better characterize factors underlying group differences in time to return to sports and the interactions between neighborhood disadvantage and other correlates of clinical recovery following concussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A limb symmetry index (LSI) of >90% for single-leg horizontal hop distance is recommended as a cutoff point for safe return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Despite achieving this threshold, abnormal lower limb biomechanics continue to persist in athletes after ACLR. Symmetry in single-leg vertical hop height appears to be more difficult to achieve and can be a better representation of knee function than single-leg horizontal hop distance. Purpose: To explore whether an LSI of >90% for single-leg vertical hop height can represent normal lower limb biomechanics in athletes during a bilateral vertical jump after ACLR. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: According to the LSI for single-leg vertical hop height, 46 athletes who had undergone ACLR with an autologous ipsilateral bone–patellar tendon–bone or hamstring tendon graft were divided into a low symmetry group (LSI <90%; n = 23) and a high symmetry group (LSI >90%; n = 23), and 24 noninjured athletes were selected as the control group. The kinematic and kinetic characteristics during a bilateral vertical jump were compared between the low symmetry, high symmetry, and control groups. Results: During the propulsion phase of the bilateral vertical jump, the operated side in the high symmetry group showed a lower knee extension moment than the nonoperated side (P =.001). At peak vertical ground-reaction force, the operated side in the high symmetry group showed a lower knee internal rotation moment compared with the control group (P =.016). Compared with the nonoperated side, the operated side in the high symmetry group showed a higher hip extension moment (P =.002), lower knee extension moment (P <.001), lower ankle plantarflexion moment (P <.001), and lower vertical ground-reaction force (P =.023). Conclusion: Despite achieving an LSI of >90% for single-leg vertical hop height, athletes after ACLR showed abnormal lower limb biomechanical characteristics during the bilateral vertical jump. Clinical Relevance: Symmetrical single-leg vertical hop height may not signify ideal biomechanical or return-to-sports readiness in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a pathomechanical process whereby abnormal contact between proximal femur and acetabulum at end range of hip motion induces chondrolabral lesions within the hip joint. Surgery followed by a rehabilitation program or physical therapy with possible addition of an intra-articular corticosteroid injection are the two predominant treatments. The majority of authors recognize that a well-designed rehabilitation protocol is essential to achieve good outcomes with both nonoperative and surgical treatment. However, there is little evidence about what is the best rehabilitation protocol and most of the literature available is based on expert level opinion. This current review investigates the recent literature on nonoperative and postoperative rehabilitation protocol and return to play in FAI patients and describes our approach. Recent Findings: Historically, rehabilitation protocols for treatment of FAI as well as return to play protocols were based on experts' opinion and low-level evidence studies. In order to improve standardization of protocols and to allow a better comparison in between different protocols, different authors have created standardized rehabilitation protocols with consensus building methods comparing them with other treatment options in high-level evidence trials (FASHIoN trial, etc.). Summary: Despite the excellent results reported after nonoperative and post-surgical rehabilitation, and the high RTP rate after FAI treatment, there is a significant variability in between protocols. Further high-level evidence studies are necessary in order to establish a gold standard in rehabilitation and RTP protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose To analyze return to work and sports, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (CWDFO) for valgus deformity and lateral compartmental osteoarthritis. Methods Thirty-three patients underwent isolated CWDFO in our center between January 2018 and June 2020 were enrolled, of whom 32 and 23 patients were included in the return-to-work and return-to-sports analyses, respectively. Short Form-36 (SF-36), Tegner score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were compared preoperatively and postoperatively. And postoperative complications were recorded. Results Overall, 33 patients were contacted at a mean follow-up of 37.94 ± 6.68 months, with a median age of 35 years (range: 26–63 years) at the surgery time. The physical component summary of SF-36 (p

Abstract Background Patella fractures are relatively rare fractures and only little is known about the postoperative return to sports after patella fractures. Methods This retrospective study presents information on functional outcome after operative treatment of patella fractures as well as time until return to sports and patients’ complaints after open-reduction internal-fixation (ORIF) of patella fractures. Results Overall, 39 patients after ORIF of patella fractures were evaluated at our Level-I trauma center with a mean follow-up of 42 months. The mean time until return to sports was 7 ± 3.9 months. No significant difference was found for functional outcome with respect to body mass index (BMI) or age. Fracture consolidation was accomplished after a mean of 6.9 ± 2.9 months besides a relatively low complication rate of 5.1% (n = 2). Conclusion The results demonstrate a high return to sports rate of 90.3%. However, only 51.6% were able to perform sports on their pre-injury level or above. Trial Registration The study was retrospectively registered at DRKS (No: DRKS00031146).

Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) strives to preserve knee biomechanics and function after the meniscal rupture. However, patients undergoing APM experience long-term impacts like proprioceptive deficit and functional decline. This study aimed to examine and compare the effects of aquatic and leg cycling trainings on young athletes undergone APM. Ninety-seven male athletes with APM were assigned to aquatic training group (ATG, n = 49) and cycling training group (CTG, n = 48). Both intervention trainings were conducted three times a week for 6 weeks after 2 weeks of APM. The rehabilitation training was the same in each session. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire scores, knee joint position sense, Y-balance test, and isokinetic knee strength were measured before and after the interventions. Significant improvements were observed after the trainings regarding measured variables for both ATG and CTG groups. Comparison of the two groups found that ATG group had higher scores in IKDC and Y-balance test, greater muscle power, and lower absolute error in the joint position sense test compared to the CTG group. ATG and CTG are thus considered effective training interventions in early rehabilitation phase following the APM. Moreover, ATG may be more conducive than CTG in improving subjective knee symptoms, proprioception, and muscle power.

Abstract Background The evidence regarding the usefulness of assessment tools to support decisions of return-to-sport after surgery for patellar instability is scarce. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the feasibility of functional tests assessing readiness for return-to-sport six months after patellar stabilizing surgery. However, there is little evidence on what a functional assessment should include to support these decisions following surgery for patellar instability. Therefore the purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of functional tests assessing readiness for return-to-sport six months after patellar stabilizing surgery. Methods In this cross-sectional study a prospective cohort of 78 patients were subjected to a range of return-to-sport readiness tests at six months after surgery for patellar instability with an “a la carte” approach. Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ), single-legged hop tests and isokinetic strength tests were performed. In addition, self-reported function was measured with the Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument 2.0 (BPII) and Norwich Patellar Instability score (NPI). Return-to-sport clearance criteria were defined as: ≤4 cm YBT-LQ anterior reach difference between legs, leg-symmetry-index (LSI) ≥ 95% in the YBT-LQ composite score, mean sum score LSI ≥ 85% of all single-leg hop tests and LSI ≥ 90% in isokinetic quadriceps strength. Results Sixty-four patients (82%) were able to complete all functional tests, while only eleven (14%) patients were deemed ready for return-to-sport, passing all return-to-sport clearance criteria. Patients with bilateral problems demonstrated worse performance in the contralateral leg, which resulted in higher LSI scores compared to individuals with unilateral instability. A supplementary finding was that the extent of surgery (MPFL-R only versus combined surgery) did not predict and mainly did not affect self-reported function or functional performance at the follow-up. Conclusion The functional assessment used in the current study seems feasible to conduct at six months after patellar stabilizing surgery. However, current suggested clearance standards and the use of leg-symmetry-index seems inappropriate for patients with patellar instability. Therefore, further exploration of appropriate tests and return-to-sport clearance criteria is justified. Trial registration clinicaltrial.gov, NCT05119088. Registered 12.11.2021 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05119088 .

Introduction: Traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures are the most common spinal injuries and the proper treatment is controversial. In central Europe in particular, these fractures are often treated with minimally invasive anterior-posterior reduction and fusion, whereas a conservative approach is preferred in the USA. Independent of the treatment strategy, no data exists regarding the outcome related to return to activity level/sport. Research question: The aim of this study was to evaluate the return to sports and activity levels after 360° fusion in patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurological deficits. Methods: Between January 2013 and December 2022, 46 patients aged 18 to 40 years underwent partial or complete vertebral body replacement in the thoracolumbar region due to traumatic burst fractures without neurologic deficit as an isolated injury. Patients were contacted retrospectively by phone calls to assess their activities using a modified version of the Tegner activity scale at different time points: Before trauma, 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. Results: After applying exclusion criteria, data collection was complete for 28 patients. The median modified Tegner activity scale was 5.4 before sustaining the fracture, declined to 2.9 at three months post-trauma, improved to 4.2 at six months, and reached 5.0 at 12 months. The majority (83%) of patients achieved their pre-accident activity level within 12 months. No significant differences were observed between patients with partial or complete corpectomy. Conclusion: This is the first study assessing return to sports/physical activity based on the modified Tegner scale in young patients undergoing 360° fusion for spinal burst fractures. The majority of patients (83%) return to the pre-injury activity level within 12 months after surgery.

Purpose: To analyze return to work and sports, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after closing-wedge distal femoral osteotomy (CWDFO) for valgus deformity and lateral compartmental osteoarthritis. Methods: Thirty-three patients underwent isolated CWDFO in our center between January 2018 and June 2020 were enrolled, of whom 32 and 23 patients were included in the return-to-work and return-to-sports analyses, respectively. Short Form-36 (SF-36), Tegner score, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were compared preoperatively and postoperatively. And postoperative complications were recorded. Results: Overall, 33 patients were contacted at a mean follow-up of 37.94 ± 6.68 months, with a median age of 35 years (range: 26–63 years) at the surgery time. The physical component summary of SF-36 (p < 0.001) increased significantly at 1 year postoperatively. All patients returned to work, including 96.86% who returned to the same level of work in 1.89 ± 0.98 months, and to sports, including 78.26% who returned to the same sport level in 6.50 ± 2.05 months. Rates of returning to work (p = 0.215) and sports (p = 0.165) did not differ with work/sports intensity. Tegner scores (p = 0.025) and VAS pain scores (p < 0.001) decreased, and KOOS (p < 0.001) increased at 1 year postoperatively. Revision/conversion surgery was not required. In all, 30.43% patients reported a subjective decrease in sports ability; 82.61% patients considered their sports ability acceptable. Conclusion: Patients returned to work/sports after isolated CWDFO, and had increased HRQoL. Patients playing high-impact sports had lower rates of returning to the same sport level, and may require preoperative counseling. Level of evidence: IV, Case series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. We can state as technical-athletic gestural movements that we might call clinical (pivoting, cutting maneuvers, sidestep cuts, changes of direction) associated with ACL injuries. Objective. This technical report was conducted to research methods of reprogramming basic technical skills in the soccer player after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive surgery. Technical report results. The Interval Kicking Program (IKP) is a model proposed as a neuromotor remodelling of basic gestures and techniques after an ACL injury in soccer player. The teaching progression is ordered regarding the diversified techniques of passing and receiving the ball. The volume, intensity, and progression steps are governed by 1) clinical status (i.e., type of injury, conservative/surgical treatment type, type of sport), 2) performance status, and 3) objective evaluative analysis of periodic follow-ups. The steps provided by the IKP can be 15 and end with the introduction of the player into technical drills with the presence of opponents the first sessions include about 30 minutes of sport-specific, low-intensity exercises, while in the last ones, the volume remains constant, but the intensity and technical complexity of the movements increase. Conclusions. In this technical report, we have highlighted how IKP can be a teaching model for reprogramming basic technical skills in the soccer player after injury. It remains fair to point out how aberrant technical movement partners, side-to-side asymmetries, and postural dysfunction are predictive of the risk of compliance and second injury. Further studies and insights are needed to customize the reprogramming of the soccer player's gestural movements during return to play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional recovery has for long been the focus of rehabilitation after an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. It is now increasingly recognized that more attention should be given to patients' mental recovery, their psychological readiness for returning to sport, after such an injury. Within this relatively new field of science, clinicians need clarity on when and how psychological factors should be monitored and how inexpedient psychological responses may be addressed during rehabilitation. In this Expert Opinion suggestions on how targeting psychological readiness may improve rehabilitation and return-to-sport evaluations are made based on current evidence—and issues in need of further clarification are addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patella fractures are relatively rare fractures and only little is known about the postoperative return to sports after patella fractures. Methods: This retrospective study presents information on functional outcome after operative treatment of patella fractures as well as time until return to sports and patients' complaints after open-reduction internal-fixation (ORIF) of patella fractures. Results: Overall, 39 patients after ORIF of patella fractures were evaluated at our Level-I trauma center with a mean follow-up of 42 months. The mean time until return to sports was 7 ± 3.9 months. No significant difference was found for functional outcome with respect to body mass index (BMI) or age. Fracture consolidation was accomplished after a mean of 6.9 ± 2.9 months besides a relatively low complication rate of 5.1% (n = 2). Conclusion: The results demonstrate a high return to sports rate of 90.3%. However, only 51.6% were able to perform sports on their pre-injury level or above. Trial Registration The study was retrospectively registered at DRKS (No: DRKS00031146). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), many athletes do not return to their sport, often driven by concerns about re-injury. Psychological support strategies might help, but are not routinely included in rehabilitation after ACLR. The BAck iN the Game (BANG) intervention is a 24-week eHealth program delivered via smartphone application (app), beginning directly after ACLR, with a self-directed approach that aims to target the specific challenges athletes encounter in rehabilitation. Aim: To describe athletes' experiences of using the BANG app during rehabilitation, to support returning to sport following ACLR. Method: Participants were athletes, in contact and/or non-contact pivoting sports, who had ACLR with the goal to return to sports. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted 6–10 months after their ACLR; all had access to the BANG intervention. Verbatim transcripts were analysed with a qualitative content analysis. Results: The 19 participants were 17–30 years, mean 21.6 years (SD 3.5); 7 men and 12 women. The analysis generated three main categories. (A) Interacting with the app illustrated how, when, or why the participants engaged with the app. The app was helpful because of its varying content, the notifications served as reminders and participants stopped using the app when no longer needing it. (B) Challenging experiences with the app illustrated that the app itself came with some difficulties e.g., content not appearing with the right timing and material not tailored to their sport. (C) Supportive experiences with the app reflected how the app facilitated the participants' rehabilitation progress; it included positive aspects of the app content and navigation, boosting their confidence to return to sport, and motivated them to continue with rehabilitation. Conclusion: The analysis of the interviews illustrates athletes' awareness in interacting with, and the challenging and supportive experiences of using the app. The BANG app might provide support for returning to sport, primarily psychological support, as an adjunct to regular physiotherapy-guided rehabilitation. Athletes' experiences of the BANG app could be improved by healthcare professionals providing additional advice about when to use which content and why. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03959215. Registered 22 May 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There exists a considerable amount of evidence regarding short-term outcomes of shoulder arthroscopy in athletes; however, mid- to long-term data are limited. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to evaluate studies assessing mid- to long-term outcomes and rates of return to sport in athletes undergoing primary shoulder arthroscopy. A search for the systematic review was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase on 14 March 2023. Study parameters, as well as their respective outcomes, were described in detail and compiled into diagrams. Five studies were included, which contained data on a total of 307 shoulders in patients with mean ages ranging from 20.3 to 26.9 years and mean follow-up times ranging from 6.3 to 14 years. The arthroscopic Bankart repair was the primary surgical intervention performed in all five studies. The overall rate of return to sport was 84% (range, 70–100%) across the studies. The rate of return to sport at pre-injury level was 65.2% (range, 40–82.6%) across four studies. The overall rate of recurrent instability was 17.3%, with redislocation specifically occurring in 13.7% of patients across all studies. The overall rate of revision surgery was 11.1%. Athletes who underwent primary shoulder arthroscopy demonstrated favorable outcomes and a high rate of RTS at a minimum follow-up of 5 years. However, rates of recurrent instability, redislocation, and revision surgery occurred at less than favorable numbers, which emphasizes the importance of proper patient selection when considering candidates for arthroscopic versus open repairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are very common among the athletic population. ACL reconstruction (ACLR) performed because of these injuries is one of the procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons using different grafting methods. This study aims to compare the data related to post-operative 6-month isokinetic strength values, strength-related asymmetry rates, time parameters, and joint angle in athletes who underwent ACLR with the Modified All-inside (4ST) technique, on both the healthy knee (HK) and the ACLR-applied sides. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 athletes from various sports on whom the 4ST ACLR technique had been applied by the same surgeon were evaluated retrospectively. Lysholm, Tegner, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores of the patients were obtained pre-operative and at 6 months post-operative. Isokinetic knee extension (Ex) and flexion (Flx) strengths on the HK and ACLR sides of the patients were evaluated with a series of four different angular velocities (60, 180, 240, and 300°/s). In addition to peak torque (PT) and hamstring/quadriceps ratio (H/Q) parameters, the findings were also evaluated with additional parameters such as joint angle at peak torque (JAPT), time to peak torque (TPT), reciprocal delay (RD), and endurance ratio (ER). Results: There was a significant improvement in the mean Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC scores after surgery compared with pre-operative levels (p < 0.05). As for PT values, there were significant differences in favor of the HK in the 60, 180, and 300°/s Ex phases (p < 0.05). In terms of the H/Q and (hamstring/hamstring)/(quadriceps/quadriceps) (HH/QQ) ratios, there were significant differences at 300°/s (p < 0.05). In terms of JAPT, there were significant differences in the 300°/s Ex and 180°/s Flx phases (p < 0.05). In terms of TPT, there were significant differences in the 300°/s Ex phase (p < 0.05). In terms of RD and ER, no significant difference was observed between the HK and ACLR sides at any angular velocity. Conclusions: Although differences were observed in PT values, particularly in the Ex phase, this did not cause a significant change in H/Q ratios. Similar results were observed for additional parameters such as JAPT, TPT, RD, and ER. The results show that this ACLR technique can be used in athletes in view of strength gain and a return to sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background While there have been reliability studies conducted on several upper extremity functional performance tests (UEFPT), there are several complicating factors that inhibit the ability to draw definitive consensus about the reliability of the tests in both females and males. Having reliability estimates for UEFPT in the same cohort facilitates direct comparison of their relative and absolute reliability. Purpose To establish the test-retest reliability of the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST), seated medicine ball chest pass test (SMBCPT) and hands-release push-up test (HRPUT) in a cohort of males and females with a history of non-overhead sport participation. A secondary purpose was to examine the associations between the three UEFPT. Study Design Test-retest reliability, single cohort study. Methods Forty adults (20 females, 20 males) with a history of non-overhead sport participation completed three UEFPT during two data collection sessions three to seven days apart. Measures of systematic bias, absolute reliability and relative reliability were computed between the sessions. Additionally, correlational analyses were conducted between the three UEFPT. Results Only the UECKCST (both sexes) demonstrated significant (p≤ 0.003) second session performance improvements. All three tests exhibited excellent relative reliability (intraclass correlational coefficients ≥ 0.823) and except for the HRPUT in males, coefficients of variation were all below 8.8%. Except for a significant relationship (r=.691, p=0.001) between the UECKCST and SMBCPT for the females there were no other associations between the three UEFPT. Conclusion All three UEFPT demonstrated sufficient reliability. Thus, all three assessments can be used for serial assessments to progress a patient through rehabilitation as well as contribute to the criteria used in making return to sport decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inferior return to sports (RTS) and functional outcomes have been reported in women after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to evaluate the results of combined ACLR and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) in young women with a high-grade pivot shift (grade ≥2). It was hypothesized that combined ACLR and ALLR would result in better RTS and rotational stability than isolated ACLR. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Two groups were retrospectively evaluated and compared. Group I (n = 39; mean age, 31.1 ± 5.7 years) underwent isolated ACLR using hamstring autografts; group C (n = 39; mean age, 30.4 ± 6.1 years) underwent combined ACLR and ALLR. Subjective outcome measures included the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective form, Lysholm, Tegner, and ACL–Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI). Objective tests included a KT-2000 arthrometer stress test, a pivot-shift test, an isokinetic strength test, a Y-balance test, and a single-leg hop test. A postoperative questionnaire was administered to determine the rates and types of RTS, quality of sports performance, and reinjury and satisfaction rates. Subjective scores and clinical tests were performed at 2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging and second-look arthroscopy were conducted during the 1- and 2-year follow-ups, respectively. Results: The mean follow-up for groups I and C were 30.4 ± 3.9 and 29.3 ± 3.5 months, respectively (P =.194). Patients in group C had better anteroposterior (P =.001) and rotational (P =.005) stability and higher ACL-RSI scores (P =.025) than those in group I. Group C had higher composite and posteromedial reach scores on the Y-balance test than group I (P =.014 and P =.010, respectively). A total of 26 (66.7%) patients in group C and 17 (43.6%) in group I returned to their prior level of sports (P =.040). Rerupture of the ACL graft and contralateral ACL rupture occurred in 2 (5.1%) and 2 (5.1%) patients in group I, respectively, compared with no rerupture or contralateral ACL rupture in group C. Conclusion: Combined ACLR and ALLR in young women with a high-grade pivot shift was associated with better knee stability parameters, dynamic postural stability, and psychological readiness to RTS than isolated ACLR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of rotator cuff repair is increasing; however, no study has assessed patients who have returned to golf activity after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Methods: The subjects of the survey were 633 patients who were at least two years postoperative after rotator cuff repair from January 2005 to December 2017. From August 2019 to October 2019, survey responses were collected via an online questionnaire or phone calls and a total of 197 patients were reviewed retrospectively to study about returning to golf after rotator cuff repair. The detailed survey included 12 questions specific to the patient's golf career, performance, time of return to play, and symptoms related to golf activity. Depending on the size of the rotator cuff tear, each question was statistically analyzed to determine whether there were differences in the time of return to golf, uncomfortable symptoms when golfing, and distance of the driving. Results: Of the 197 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, there were 145 patients (73.6%) returned to golf. In the analysis results of 145 patients, the longer the golf career, the greater the chance of returning to golf. Sixty (30.5%) people returned to golf at 1 year after surgery. Twenty-one patients (10.7%) improved and 46 patients (23.4%) maintained their driving distance, whereas 78 patients (39.6%) had a worse driving distance after surgery. Ten patients (5.1%) improved and 97 patients (49.2%) maintained their golf score, but 38 patients (19.3%) had worse golf scores after surgery. Symptoms when playing golf were reported in the order of no symptoms (62.1%), a limited range of motion (13.1%), muscle weakness (11.1%), and anxious about their operated shoulder (10.3 %). Men were 6.9 times more likely to return to golf than women (odds ratio, 6.9; 95% confidence interval, 3.2-14.8). The younger the age and the shorter the time since surgery, the higher the golfing return rate. The rate of returning to golf was high in the group of patients with good tissue quality during surgery (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–2.6). Conclusion: The golfing return rate after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was higher than expected (73.6%) and most players returned at 1 year after surgery. Especially, in the case of young males, their golf scores were maintained or improved and they were able to return to golf earlier after surgery. Better tissue quality in the intraoperative torn tendon was associated with a greater chance of returning to golf.

Purpose: To review athletes’ reasons not to return to sport (RTS) after surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability, comparing capsulolabral repair and bony reconstruction procedures. The hypothesis is that the most common reason for patients unable to RTS is not due to physical inability of the shoulder. Methods: A systematic review was performed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. PubMed, Embase/Ovid, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews/Wiley, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials/Wiley, SPORTDiscus/Ebsco, and Web of Science/Clarivate Analytics were searched in collaboration with an information specialist up to August 11, 2022. Observational and interventional studies reporting reasons for no RTS following surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability were included. Quality assessment of studies was conducted using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria and Risk of Bias (RoB) assessment. Forest plots were generated to show an overview of the proportion shoulder function independent reasons for each study. Results: Sixty-three studies were included reporting on 3545 athletes, of which 2588 (73%) underwent capsulolabral repair versus 957 (27%) who underwent surgical treatment with bony reconstruction procedures. A total of 650 athletes (18%) were unable to RTS. The reason not to RTS was most frequently shoulder function independent (70%) compared to shoulder function dependent (30%) following both capsulolabral repair and bony reconstruction procedures. Most cited reasons for no RTS after capsulolabral repair were fear of reinjury (17%), personal reasons or change of priorities (11%) and retirement/discharge of military service or sports team (10%). Of these reasons, 106 (22%) were not specified other than being shoulder function dependent or shoulder function independent. Most cited reasons for no RTS after bony reconstruction procedures were fear of reinjury (12%), shoulder pain (10%), and retirement/discharge of military service or sports team (9%). Of these reasons, 74 (44%) were not specified other than being shoulder function dependent or shoulder function independent. Forest plots showed a variation from 0% to 100% shoulder independent reasons for both capsulolabral repair and bony reconstruction procedures. Conclusion: The majority of athletes who did not RTS following surgical treatment for anterior shoulder instability did so due to shoulder function independent reasons, such as fear of reinjury. However, there was a high variety between studies and many reasons were unspecified, warranting unified definitions for reasons of patients that do not RTS.

Abstract Background Despite good physical function, many athletes do not return to sports after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). One important reason for this is fear of new injury. The aim of this study was to investigate young athletes’ experiences of knee-related fear after an ACLR and how they perceive this fear to affect them in their sporting and everyday life. Methods A qualitative interview study was conducted, using semi-structured interviews. Athletes who were active in contact or pivoting sport before an ACL injury, with the goal of returning to the same sport and who scored highly on fear of new injury at six months post-ACLR, were asked to participate. Ten athletes (six women and four men, aged 17–25 years), were interviewed by an independent researcher, 7–9 months after ACLR. Content analysis employing an abductive approach was used. Results The analysis resulted in three categories with associated subcategories: 1. The expressions of fear; (i) reason for fear, (ii) changes in fear over time, and (iii) injury situation. 2. Reactions, consequences, and adaptations; (i) reactions, (ii) behavioural adaptation and influence on rehabilitation and daily life, (iii) present consequences, and (iv) consequences for the future. 3. Fear and adaptations related to returning to sports; (i) fear related to returning to sports and, (ii) adaptations in sports and life due to fear. Fear was described in broad and complex ways, with fear of a new injury being expressed as one of several aspects. Various reasons (e.g., seeing others getting injured in the past, previous experience of injury, failed rehabilitation, perceived knee instability) were given to explain the fear, and athletes reacted both physically and mentally to fear. Both positive and negative adaptations to fear were described, in both daily life and sports. Conclusion The results contribute to an increased understanding of fear as an essential psychological factor to consider during rehabilitation and leaves the way open for research to investigate how physiotherapists can work to manage fear better among ACLR patients.

Background: The evidence regarding the usefulness of assessment tools to support decisions of return-to-sport after surgery for patellar instability is scarce. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the feasibility of functional tests assessing readiness for return-to-sport six months after patellar stabilizing surgery. However, there is little evidence on what a functional assessment should include to support these decisions following surgery for patellar instability. Therefore the purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of functional tests assessing readiness for return-to-sport six months after patellar stabilizing surgery. Methods: In this cross-sectional study a prospective cohort of 78 patients were subjected to a range of return-to-sport readiness tests at six months after surgery for patellar instability with an "a la carte" approach. Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ), single-legged hop tests and isokinetic strength tests were performed. In addition, self-reported function was measured with the Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument 2.0 (BPII) and Norwich Patellar Instability score (NPI). Return-to-sport clearance criteria were defined as: ≤4 cm YBT-LQ anterior reach difference between legs, leg-symmetry-index (LSI) ≥ 95% in the YBT-LQ composite score, mean sum score LSI ≥ 85% of all single-leg hop tests and LSI ≥ 90% in isokinetic quadriceps strength. Results: Sixty-four patients (82%) were able to complete all functional tests, while only eleven (14%) patients were deemed ready for return-to-sport, passing all return-to-sport clearance criteria. Patients with bilateral problems demonstrated worse performance in the contralateral leg, which resulted in higher LSI scores compared to individuals with unilateral instability. A supplementary finding was that the extent of surgery (MPFL-R only versus combined surgery) did not predict and mainly did not affect self-reported function or functional performance at the follow-up. Conclusion: The functional assessment used in the current study seems feasible to conduct at six months after patellar stabilizing surgery. However, current suggested clearance standards and the use of leg-symmetry-index seems inappropriate for patients with patellar instability. Therefore, further exploration of appropriate tests and return-to-sport clearance criteria is justified. Trial registration: clinicaltrial.gov, NCT05119088. Registered 12.11.2021 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05119088. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical recovery after sport-related concussion varies as a function of pre-injury and acute factors. Whether, or the extent to which, concussion history is associated with clinical outcome after sport-related concussion is uncertain, because research has produced mixed findings. The present study aimed to assess whether a history of previous concussions was associated with prolonged clinical recovery after a subsequent sport-related concussion. The sample comprised 780 adolescent student athletes (mean age = 16.3, standard deviation = 1.3 years; 56.8% boys, 43.2% girls) whose school participated in the Maine Concussion Management Initiative (MCMI). Survival analyses were used to compare recovery times among adolescents with a history of 0, 1, or ≥2 previous concussions after a subsequent sport-related concussion. The two primary outcomes of interest were the number of days to return to school and sports. There were no statistically significant differences in total time to return to school and sports, or the proportion of adolescents who returned to school and sports at most intervals (e.g., 7, 14, 28 days), between those with 0, 1, or ≥2 previous concussions. A greater proportion of adolescents, however, with a history of ≥2 previous concussions remained out of sports at 28 days compared with those with no previous concussions (23.5% vs. 12.7%; odds ratio [OR] = 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–3.73). Having sustained prior concussions was not associated with time to return to school after a subsequent sport-related concussion. A greater proportion of adolescents, however, with two or more previous concussions experienced a prolonged return to sports. Further research is warranted to identify risk factors for worse outcomes among the subset of adolescents with a history of multiple previous concussions who experience prolonged recoveries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of retear after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) on clinical outcomes of patients remains controversial. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of retear on strength recovery, return to previous levels of work, and return to sports participation. It was hypothesized that retears (1) would not have a significant effect on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and (2) would significantly inhibit strength recovery and return to previous work and sports. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The authors collected data from patients who underwent ARCR between January 2015 and December 2019. All included patients had undergone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and strength measurements 1 year postoperatively. Minimum 2-year postoperative PROMs (Constant score, pain visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation) and status on work and sports participation were collected, and PROM scores, strength recovery (percentage compared with the contralateral shoulder), return to work, and return to sports were compared between patients with versus without retear on 1-year postoperative MRI. Additionally, factors related to return to work and sports were identified through multivariable regression analysis. Results: A total of 159 patients were included, of whom 19 (11.9%) had evidence of retear. Return-to-work and return-to-sports status was evaluated in 134 (84.3%) and 93 (58.5%) patients, respectively. There were no significant differences in PROM scores between patients with and without retears; however, patients with retears exhibited significantly worse supraspinatus strength recovery (73% vs 86%; P =.018) and external rotation strength recovery (78% vs 88%; P =.030) compared with patients with intact shoulders. There were no between-group differences in return to work or sports. Active workload was associated with unsuccessful return to work, whereas preoperative participation in shoulder sports was associated with successful return to work. Conclusion: Patients with postoperative retears had significantly worse postoperative strength recovery than patients with intact shoulders. Active workload and preoperative shoulder sports participation were factors associated with ability to return to work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Return to sports (RTS) is a goal for most patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Although it has been reported that women RTS at a significantly lower rate compared with men, demographic and contextual factors that may be associated with this have not been investigated. Purpose: To compare RTS rates between men and women and investigate factors that may be associated with different rates of RTS in an Australian context. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 1338 patients who underwent primary ACLR between January 2014 and December 2017 were invited to complete a detailed sports participation questionnaire 2 to 7 years after surgery. RTS rates were calculated and compared between men and women overall and after stratifying by age at surgery (<20, 20-29, 30-39, or ≥40 years) and geographical location (metropolitan or rural). Contingency analysis was performed to compare factors associated with rates of RTS. Results: The survey completion rate was 81% (1080/1338). Overall, women had a significantly lower RTS rate compared with men (65.4% vs 74.9%; P =.001). However, when patients were grouped by age, the lower rate of RTS for women was significant only in the 20- to 29-year age group (P =.01). For athletes who returned to sports, there was no sex-based difference when comparing the levels of RTS. When grouping patients based on geographical location, there was a significantly lower rate of RTS in metropolitan-based women compared with metropolitan-based men (P <.001) and rural-based women (P =.042). Conclusion: Although women returned to sports at a lower rate than men overall, this difference was predominantly seen in the 20- to 29-year age bracket and in those who lived in metropolitan areas. There was no difference between men and women regarding the RTS level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Anterior shoulder instability is frequent among young athletes. Surgical treatment for this injury aims to facilitate an early return to sports (RTS). However, the rate of recurrent instability after surgery is reportedly high among young patients, and it is unclear whether surgery ensures satisfactory RTS. The purpose of this study was to verify the clinical outcomes and RTS after arthroscopic Bankart repair in competitive teenage athletes without critical bone loss in the glenoid. Methods We retrospectively reviewed competitive teenage athletes who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair. Patients with large bony defects in the glenoid, larger than 20% of the healthy side, were excluded. Clinical outcomes, recurrent instability, the final level of RTS, and the time needed for RTS were analyzed. Results In total, 50 patients with a mean follow-up period of 44.5 ± 19.6 (range, 24–85 months) months were included. The mean age at surgery was 16.8 ± 1.7 (range, 13–19 years) years. Two patients (4.0%) experienced recurrent instability. All patients returned to sports, 96% of patients participated competitively, and 76% achieved a complete return to the pre-injury level without any complaints. The time for RTS was 6.6 ± 2.7 months (range, 3–18 months), to competitions was 9.3 ± 4.0 (range, 6–24 months) months, and to complete return was 10.6 ± 4.3 (range, 8–24 months) months. The complete return rates varied by sports type, with 82% in contact athletes, 59% in dominant-hand overhead athletes, and 100% in other athletes (P = 0.026). Other preoperative factors or concomitant lesion such as bony Bankart, superior labrum tear, or humeral avulsion of glenohumeral ligament lesion did not affect the complete RTS. Conclusion Arthroscopic Bankart repair is an effective surgical procedure for anterior shoulder instability, even among competitive teenage athletes. Sports type was the only factor associated with complete RTS after surgery.