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The aim of the present study was to compare the differences in joint coordination patterns and variability in the lower extremity between the first and second landing phases of the drop jump. Eighteen resistance-trained men (age: 22.8 ± 1.8 years) performed drop jumps from a height of 0.40 m. An eight-camera motion capture system was utilized to record kinematic trajectories. Modified vector coding technique and circular statistics were used to determine the coordination pattern and variability of the following joint couples during the first and second landings: hip frontal–knee frontal (HfKf), hip sagittal–knee frontal (HsKf), hip sagittal–knee sagittal (HsKs), knee frontal–ankle frontal (KfAf), knee sagittal–ankle frontal (KsAf), and knee sagittal–ankle sagittal (KsAs). Statistical differences in the distribution frequencies of coupling angles and variability between the dominant and nondominant limbs across the two landing phases were compared using two-way repeated analysis of variance and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. During the second landing phase, the proportion of HsKs, KfAf, and KsAs showing in-phase coordination was reduced but the proportion of KfAf and KsAs showing proximal joint (knee) coordination was increased (p <.05). Significant differences in bilateral asymmetry were observed only for the HfKf and KfAf patients (p <.05). HsKs, KfAf, and KsAf varied considerably during the second landing phase (p <.05). Joint coordination patterns during the second landing phase of the drop jump differed considerably from those during the first landing phase, thereby increasing the risk of knee and ankle injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Rehabilitation after an anterior cruciate ligament injury is recommended to be started soon after the injury. When surgery is required, research supports the delivery of physiotherapy before anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (prehabilitation) to optimize recovery and positive outcomes. Individuals attending prehabilitation have never been questioned regarding their adherence to prehabilitation, perception of utility in meeting needs, upcoming events, or anticipated recovery goals. Design: Mixed methods cross-sectional study: Methods: 25 individuals before anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (43% of eligible individuals from 12 clinics during the delivery period) were surveyed on their mindset and recovery expectancies. Semistructured interviews conducted in 9 of 25 participants assessed their lived experience of prehabilitation. Results: Participants reported that preventing a reinjury (96% of responses) and feeling confident during daily activities about their knee (92%) were the higher rating expectations at this stage of their treatment course. Three themes were developed from the interviews and analyses. (1) Participants reported that prehabilitation was a period full of challenges with memories of the injury and uncertainties. (2) They viewed prehabilitation as a step to move forward by finding support and self-motivating. (3) They believed that prehabilitation would have positive impacts on the treatment outcomes. Participants were confident that prehabilitation would accelerate the recovery of muscle volume (88%) and strength (84%). Conclusion: Participants had positive experiences of prehabilitation, aligning with the findings on functional outcomes in the existing literature on prehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context : In March 2020, public health concerns resulted in school closure throughout the United States . The prolonged sport cessation may affect knee injury risk in high school athletes. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare risk of knee injuries in high school athletes during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 academic years, and stratify by gender, severity, mechanism of injury, injury type, and knee anatomic region . Design : Historical-prospective cohort study . Methods : This historical- prospective cohort study included 176 schools in 6 states matched by sport participation in control and COVID years from July 1, 2019 to June 30,2021. Injury rates per 1000 athletes per year were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. A negative binomial regression was performed to assess potential differences in knee injuries between academic years . Results: 94, 847 and 72,521 high school athletes participated in the 2019-2020(19-20) and 2020-2021 (20-21) seasons. Knee injury risk was higher in the 20-21 season (19-20: 28.89% [27.82-29.96-]; 20-21: 33.82% [32.50-35.14]). Risk increased for male athletes from 2019- 2020 to 2020-2021 (19-20: 29.42% [28.01-30.83]; 20-21 : 40.32% [38.89-41.75]). Female knee injury risk was similar between years (19-20: 25.78% [24.29-27.27]; 20-21: 26.03% [24.31-27.75]). Knee injuries increased by a ratio of 1.2 ([95% CI, 1.1- 1.3], P <.001) during 2020-2021. Conclusions,· Knee injury risk and relative risk increased among males in 2020-2021. Results indicate changes in knee injury risk following return from COVID shelter in place among high school athletes and implicate potential negative downstream effects of interrupted sports training and participation on high school injury risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior studies have explored the relationship between knee valgus and musculoskeletal variables to formulate injury prevention programs, primarily for females. Nonetheless, there is insufficient evidence pertaining to professional male soccer players. Here, the aim was to test the correlation of lateral trunk inclination, hip adduction, hip internal rotation, ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and hip isometric strength with knee valgus during the single-leg vertical jump test. Twenty-four professional male soccer players performed a single-leg vertical hop test, hip strength assessments, and an ankle dorsiflexion range of motion test. A motion analysis system was employed for kinematic analysis. Maximal isometric hip strength and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion were tested using a handheld dynamometer and a digital inclinometer, respectively. The correlation of peak knee valgus with peak lateral trunk inclination was.43 during the landing phase (P =.04) and with peak hip internal rotation was −.68 (P <.001). For knee valgus angular displacement, only peak lateral trunk inclination presented a moderate positive correlation (r =.40, P =.05). This study showed that trunk and hip kinematics are associated with knee valgus, which could consequently lead to increased knee overload in male professional soccer players following a unilateral vertical landing test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Meniscal root tears can lead to early knee osteoarthritis and pain. This study aimed (1) to compare clinical and radiological outcomes between patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscal root repair after meniscal root tears and those who received non-surgical treatment, and (2) to identify whether baseline MRI findings could be potential predictors for future treatment strategies. METHODS: Patients with meniscal root tears were identified from our picture archiving and communication system from 2016 to 2020. Two radiologists reviewed radiographs and MRI studies using Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading and a modified Whole Organ MRI Scoring (WORMS) at baseline and follow-up. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) of follow-up radiographs and MRI studies were 134 (44-443) days and 502 (260-1176) days, respectively. MR images were assessed for root tear-related findings. Pain scores using visual analogue scale (VAS) and management strategies (non-surgical vs. arthroscopic root repair) were also collected. Chi-squared tests and independent t-tests were used to assess differences regarding clinical and imaging variables between treatment groups. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between baseline MRI findings and each future treatment. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included. VAS pain scores were significantly (p

Introduction Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) pose a significant problem for active duty service members (ADSMs). MSIs may compromise readiness and are one of the main reasons for separation from the Navy and long-term disability. Implementation of optimal treatment strategies rests on understanding the characteristics of MSI complaints in a given population. This study reports on the frequency and nature of MSI complaints of ADSMs seeking care at a military treatment facility (MTF). Materials and Methods As part of a larger quasi-experimental study, data on MSIs from ADSMs reporting to an MTF were collected. Subjects completed a baseline questionnaire during an initial evaluation, including the self-reported MSIs for which participants were seeking care, time since onset, and other MSI comorbidities. Results Of the 289 respondents, 118 (41%) were female and 172 (59%) were male. The mean age was 33 years (SD = 8). The most frequently reported injury was low-back pain (n  = 79, 27%), followed by knee pain (n  = 60, 21%) and shoulder pain (n  = 55, 19%). Thirty-four (12%) respondents reported injuries to the ankle or foot. The remaining respondents (21%) reported injuries to the neck, mid-back, arm or hand, hip, or other. Sixty-five (22%) reported an acute/subacute injury of less than 3 months, whereas 224 (78%) reported chronic injury >3 months. Furthermore, MSI comorbidities were reported by 233 (80%) of respondents with 128 of those reporting more than one. Conclusions Back and knee injuries were most prevalent in ADSMs reporting an MSI at a Navy shore-based MTF. Shoulder injuries were also common. Of interest, 80% of ADSMs reported at least one MSI comorbidity and 80% reported chronic injury in this study. These rates are higher than those found in a previous study of ADSMs deployed on a carrier. This is notable because chronicity and multiple MSIs are obstacles to readiness. Our findings suggest that ADSMs reporting to shore-based facilities may be at higher risk for disability than their deployed counterparts. This information is important to the development of targeted care to improve readiness in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Methods Results Conclusions Level of Evidence Intraoperative laxity assessments in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are subjective, with few studies comparing against standardised preoperative and postoperative assessments. This study compares coronal knee laxity in TKA patients awake and anaesthetised, preprosthesis and postprosthesis implantation, evaluating relationships to patient‐reported outcome measures.A retrospective analysis of 49 TKA joints included preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans, stress radiographs and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) questionnaire results preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. The imaging was used to assess functional laxity (FL) in awake patients, whereas computer navigation measured intraoperative surgical laxity (SL) preimplantation and postimplantation, with patients anaesthetised. Varus and valgus stress states and their difference, joint laxity, were measured.SL was greater than FL in both preimplantation [8.1° (interquartile range, IQR 2.0°) and 3.8° (IQR 2.9°), respectively] and postimplantation [3.5° (IQR 2.3°) and 2.5° (IQR 2.7°), respectively]. Preimplantation, SL was more likely than FL to categorise knees as correctable to ±3° of the mechanical axis. Preoperative FL correlated with KOOS Symptoms (r = 0.33, p = .02) and quality of life (QOL) (r = 0.38, p = .01), whereas reducing medial laxity with TKA enhanced postoperative QOL outcomes (p = .02).Functional coronal knee laxity assessment of awake patients is generally lower than intraoperative surgical assessments of anaesthetised patients. Preoperative SL may result in overcorrection of coronal TKA alignment, whereas preoperative FL better predicts postoperative patient outcomes and reflects the patients' native and tolerable knee laxity. Preoperative FL assessment can be used to guide surgical planning.Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Methods Results Conclusion Level of Evidence After unsatisfactory results in a first‐in‐human clinical investigation with an anatomically shaped medial meniscus prosthesis, the prosthesis and its fixation technique were altered. This interim analysis of a prospective single‐arm clinical investigation aims to evaluate safety and clinical performance in a first‐in‐human study with the redesigned meniscus prosthesis system.Ten patients suffering from medial postmeniscectomy pain syndrome were treated with the meniscus prosthesis. Patient‐reported outcome measures were obtained at baseline and at 6‐week, 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐month follow‐up. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained to evaluate joint degeneration and prosthesis location.The device alterations resolved the issues occurring with the previous design, but four prostheses were explanted after fixation failure or subluxation of the prosthesis. Five out of six patients who reached 1‐year follow‐up reported a clinically significant improvement of the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score pain subscale. Imaging revealed no adverse effects on joint degeneration.The failure mechanisms that occurred with the previous design have been resolved, but the new fixation technique introduced new safety issues. Improvement of positioning and fixation techniques are considered essential future adaptations to reduce the risk of failure. The good clinical outcomes reported by the patients reaching 1‐year follow‐up indicate that the medial meniscus prosthesis is a potential solution for patients suffering from postmeniscectomy pain syndrome.Level II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several barriers exist in Alberta, Canada to providing accurate and accessible diagnoses for patients presenting with acute knee injuries and chronic knee problems. In efforts to improve quality of care for these patients, an evidence-informed clinical decision-making tool was developed. Forty-five expert panelists were purposively chosen to represent stakeholder groups, various expertise, and each of Alberta Health Services' 5 geographical health regions. A systematic rapid review and modified Delphi approach were executed with the intention of developing standardized clinical decision-making processes for acute knee injuries, atraumatic/overuse conditions, knee arthritis, and degenerative meniscus. Standardized criteria for screening, history-taking, physical examination, diagnostic imaging, timelines, and treatment were developed. This tool standardizes and optimizes assessment and diagnosis of acute knee injuries and chronic knee problems in Alberta. This project was a highly collaborative, province-wide effort led by Alberta Health Services' Bone and Joint Health Strategic Clinical Network (BJH SCN) and the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute (ABJHI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic neuropathy is a major cause of morbidity among diabetics, usually affecting patients with long-standing diabetes and advancing age. We present a case of atypical first clinical presentation of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in a pediatric patient. A 15-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with complaints of right foot weakness associated with mild paresthesia of 1-week duration. There were complaints of polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss in the same timeframe. On subsequent examination, the patient exhibited signs of right-sided foot drop with weak ankle dorsiflexion and eversion, accompanied by impaired sensation over the dorsum of the right foot. Lab results confirmed a diagnosis of T1DM and the patient was started on subcutaneous insulin injections. The patient's foot drop recovered within one month of insulin initiation. This case highlights that T1DM may present atypically as acute onset neuropathy in pediatric patients, making it an important differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare short‐term patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) of two contemporary matrix‐associated autologous chondrocyte implantation (M‐ACI) products for the treatment of large articular cartilage defects of the knee. Methods: A retrospective, registry‐based, matched‐pair analysis was performed, comparing PRO of patients undergoing isolated M‐ACI with either Spherox™, a spheroid‐based ACI (Sb‐ACI), or NOVOCART™ Inject, a hydrogel‐based ACI product (Hb‐ACI), for a focal full‐thickness cartilage defect of the knee ≥4 cm2. Matching parameters included age, sex, body mass index, defect size, defect localization, symptom duration and previous surgeries. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score were obtained up to the 24‐month follow‐up. The total KOOS response rate and percentage of patients attaining a substantial clinical benefit (SCB) in KOOS subscores were calculated. Results: A total of 45 patients per group were matched. The response rate after 24 months was not significantly different between the groups (Sb‐ACI 64.4% vs. Hb‐ACI 82.2%, p = 0.057). The number of patients with a SCB at 24 months was not significantly different in any KOOS subscore, despite significantly higher improvement of the total KOOS (14.8 ± 16.2 vs. 21.5 ± 15.4, p = 0.047) and KOOS pain in the Hb‐ACI group (12.2 ± 18.6 vs. 20.6 ± 19.1, p = 0.037). The IKDC score in the Hb‐ACI group was significantly higher at the 12‐ and 24‐month follow‐up (60.7 ± 20.2 vs. 70.9 ± 18.0, p = 0.013). Conclusion: The response rate and number of patients achieving an SCB were not significantly different between patients treated with Sb‐ACI or Hb‐ACI. Both procedures can achieve favourable 2‐year PRO. Hb‐ACI was associated with better PRO between 1 and 2 years postoperatively; however, the clinical relevance of this benefit is yet to be proven. Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective comparative study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patellofemoral disorders are common in the world of soccer and impact players across all levels and ages of the sport. Patellofemoral disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions, from anterior knee pain to patellar instability, and are often influenced by complex biomechanical factors and anatomic variations that can predispose to these conditions. in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on injury prevention strategies and data-driven approaches, championed by organizations like the Union of European Football Associations and individual professional clubs. conservative management remains the initial approach for many players, including physical therapy and supportive devices. However, surgical intervention, particularly in cases of recurrent patellar dislocations, is often necessary. The understanding of patellofe-moral biomechanics in soccer continues to evolve and offers opportunities for more effective injury prevention and tailored treatment strategies. Despite the challenges, a comprehensive approach to patellofemoral disorders in soccer is essential to preserve player health, enhance performance, and sustain the sport's vitality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soccer is considered the most popular sport in the world. The game involves frequent agile maneuvers, such as rapid accelerations/decelerations and pivoting, and carries an inherent risk of high-speed collisions, which can lead to lower extremity injury. Knee and meniscus injuries can cause significant pain and disability, precluding participation in the sport. Understanding the diagnosis and management of meniscal injuries in soccer players is essential to the care of these athletes. This paper reviews meniscal anatomy, biomechanics, and mechanisms of injury; discusses the work-up, diagnosis, and management of meniscus injuries; and reports on rehabilitation, return to sport, and outcomes after meniscal injuries in soccer players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Mobile applications (apps) may be beneficial to promote self-management strategies to mitigate the risk of developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis in military members following a traumatic knee injury. This study investigated the efficacy of a mobile app in facilitating behavior modification to improve function and symptomology among military members. Materials and Methods This is a preliminary pre and post hoc analysis of a randomized control trial. The MARX scale, Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP) questionnaire, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritic Outcome Score Readiness to Manage Osteoarthritis Questionnaire were completed at baseline, 6-week, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up. Participants in the treatment arm completed the System Usability Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxon sum of ranks test, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Cohen's d effect size. Results A total of 28 participants were included. Between-group differences for baseline and 6-week follow-up were significantly improved in the injured knee ICOAP constant pain score for the treatment group (treatment: −4.2 ± 12, 95% CI: −11.5, 3.1; control: 5.5 ± 9.9, 95% CI: 0.9, 10.1; P  = .035, effect size = 0.905). Within-group differences for baseline and 6-week follow-up demonstrated a significant decline in the injured knee ICOAP constant pain score among the control group (signed-rank: 16.0, P  = .031, Cohen's d  = 0.339). No other significant differences were observed. A good System Usability Scale score for usability was found (76.6 ± 8.8). Conclusions These results indicate that the mobile app is easy to use and may contribute to improved constant pain symptomology for patients at risk for post-traumatic osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Multi-ligament knee injuries (MLKI) are serious and challenging to manage. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of surgical timing on both early and long-term outcomes following an MLKI. Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was employed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were identified using a combination of relevant keywords encompassing "multi-ligament knee injury," "knee dislocation," "reconstruction," "repair," "surgery," and "timing," and their synonyms, along with appropriate Boolean operators. Selection of articles (systematic reviews and meta-analyses) adhered to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was conducted utilizing data extracted from primary studies. Results: Early surgery for MLKI demonstrated a significant advantage over delayed surgery, reflected by significantly higher Lysholm scores (Mean Difference [MD] 3.51; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.79, 5.22), IKDC objective scores (Mantel–Haenszel Odds Ratio [MH-OR] 2.95; 95% CI 1.30, 6.69), Tegner activity scores (MD 0.38; 95% CI 0.08, 0.69), and Mayer's ratings (MH-OR 5.47; 95% CI 1.27, 23.56). In addition, we found a significantly reduced risk of secondary chondral lesions (MH-OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.23, 0.48), lower instrumented anterior tibial translation in the early surgery group (MD −0.92; 95% CI −1.83, −0.01), but no significant difference was observed in the secondary meniscal tears, between the two groups. However, the early surgery group also exhibited a significantly increased risk of knee stiffness (MH-OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.22, 5.01) and a greater likelihood of requiring manipulation under anaesthesia (MH-OR 3.91; 95% CI 1.10, 13.87). Conclusion: Early surgery for MLKI improves function, and stability, and reduces further articular cartilage damage, but increases the risk of stiffness. Level of Evidence: IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Multi-ligament knee injuries (MLKIs) are rare and complex knee lesions and are potentially associated with intra-articular injuries, especially meniscal tears. Understanding the meniscal tear patterns involved in MLKI can help the orthopedic surgeon treat these complex injuries. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence, classification, and treatment of meniscal injuries in a cohort of patients with MLKIs and carry out an updated review of the evidence available. Materials and methods: Descriptive retrospective study. Patients with a history of reconstructive surgery for MLKI performed between 2013 and 2023 were included. Informed consent was obtained from all patients included in the study. Patient demographics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, and operative reports were reviewed. Groups were then formed based on ligament injury patterns. Meniscal tears were identified by MRI and through diagnostic arthroscopy for each patient. The association between meniscal lesions and injury patterns was calculated through Fisher's exact test. Agreement between the presence of meniscal tear on MRI and in diagnostic arthroscopy was measured using the kappa test. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI were calculated. We inferred the presence of a meniscal tear by injury pattern using the Agresti-Coull confidence interval. For the statistical analysis, a significance of 5% and a confidence interval of 95% were considered. Results: Seventy patients with MLKIs were included, with a mean age of 30.69 years (SD 10.65). Forty-seven patients had meniscal lesions (67.1%). Of them, 6 had only medial meniscus tears, 31 had only lateral meniscus tears, and 10 had lesions of both menisci, comprising 57 meniscal lesions in total. An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) + medial collateral ligament/posteromedial corner (MCL/PMC) was the most common injury pattern (52.86% of all patients). Of these 37 patients, 78.38% had meniscal injuries, and most of them (68.97%) were only lateral meniscus injuries. The odds ratio (OR) of having a meniscal tear when having an ACL + medial-side injury was 4.83 (95% CI; 0.89–26.17). Patients with ACL + lateral-side injury pattern had meniscal tears in 42.86%. The lateral meniscus was involved in 100% of these patients. 62.5% of medial meniscus injuries were treated by meniscal repair, and 37.5% by partial meniscectomy. 58.54% of lateral meniscus injuries were treated by meniscal repair, and 39.02% by partial meniscectomy. Agreement calculated using the kappa test between MRI and diagnostic arthroscopy for medial meniscal lesions was 78.57%, and for lateral meniscal lesions was 84.29%. Conclusion: The ligament injury pattern and the side of the injured collateral ligament influenced the incidence and laterality of meniscal damage. ACL + medial-side injuries were shown to have significantly greater meniscal damage compared to other injury patterns. It is crucial to have a high index of suspicion, obtain a high-quality MRI, and arthroscopically evaluate any possible meniscal lesions in MLKIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]