Telemedicine Evaluation of Hip Ailments.

Background During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, telemedicine has provided new means of patient care while still allowing for physical examination and history to be obtained. Hip ailments are a common musculoskeletal problem leading to limited function. Today, we lack a standardized telemedicine hip evaluation protocol. Aim The aim of this manuscript is to provide an efficient means of extracting relevant information while performing telemedicine examinations of the hip. Methods The authors have created a step-by-step evaluation guide for physicians to evaluate hip complaints, including inspection, palpation, range of motion, strength testing, functional assessment, gait analysis, and special testing, with images of each maneuver. Results  We have developed a table of evaluation questions and instructions and a glossary of images of each maneuver to facilitate hip examination via telemedicine. Conclusions This manuscript provides a structured template for performing a telehealth examination of hip ailments.

Self-reported foot strike patterns and sonographic evidence of Achilles tendinopathy in asymptomatic marathon runners.

It is unknown whether ultrasound findings and symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy in runners correlate with foot strike patterns. We aimed to examine the relationships among Achilles tendon ultrasound findings in runners with or without Achilles tendinopathy, their foot strike patterns, and their training regimens. We recruited marathon runners 18 years of age or older with no history of Achilles tendon pain or surgery participating in the 2018 DONNA Marathon. Participants completed surveys and underwent Achilles tendon sonographic evaluations and were categorized by foot strike patterns. Seventy-nine runners were included; 22 (28%) with forefoot, 30 (38%) midfoot, and 27 (34%) hindfoot strike patterns. Foot strike pattern was not associated with tendon hyperaemia (P = 1.00) or hypoechogenicity (P = .97), and there was no association of cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon with peak weekly distance while training. Sonographic characteristics of Achilles tendinopathy did not correlate with foot strike patterns or training regimens. Although not statistically significant, it is worth noting that cross-sectional area was 1 mm2 larger per every 1 kg/m2 increase in body mass index.

Seeing Double: A Case of ACL Tears in Monozygotic Twin Female Athletes Within 48 Hours.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a serious issue for young athletes. These injuries are devastating and costly, leading to significant time away from sports, and substantial financial cost. A case is presented in which monozygotic twin sisters sustained ACL injuries within 48 hours of one another. Limited research is available studying twins with ACL tears and the risk factors associated with them. This is the first reported case of monozygotic sisters that are high-level athletes with ACL tears in such close proximity to one another. Enhanced knowledge of genetic contribution to ACL injuries is important to better understand predisposing factors and to develop preventative approaches. More research is needed to support a distinct association between ACL rupture and genetic variants.