High Prevalence of Lumbosacral Pathology in Patients with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To establish prevalence of lumbar and lumbosacral pathologies in patients with hip abductor tendon disorders. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients' charts was conducted over a 5-year period, January 2013 to October 2018, using the S76 and M76 International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes. Patients with symptomatic and radiologically confirmed hip abductor tendon disorders (partial and full-thickness tear of the gluteus medius tear with or without gluteus minimus tearing) were included in the study. No exclusion criteria were applied. Patient medical history was examined for concurrent diagnoses of lumbar and lumbosacral pathologies (radiculopathy, lumbar stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and neurogenic claudication). RESULTS: One-hundred and three patients with hip abductor tendon disorders were identified. Forty-seven (45.6%) patients had low-grade partial abductor tears, while 56 (54.4%) of patients had a high-grade partial or complete abductor tear. Fifty (48.5%) patients carried a concomitant lumbosacral diagnosis, with 20 (19.4%) patients being diagnosed with lumbar stenosis and 45 (43.7%) being diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. CONCLUSION: Patients with hip abductor tendon disorders were associated with a high prevalence of underlying lumbar and lumbosacral pathologies. Nevertheless, a causal relationship between these conditions cannot be established. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Retrospective Case Series.

Outcomes of Surgically Treated Fifth Metatarsal Fractures in Major League Soccer Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Sports-related fractures of the fifth metatarsal are common in professional athletes. Data regarding outcomes of surgical management including refracture, complications, and return-to-play statistics are available for other professional American sports with a notable exception of soccer. PURPOSE: To quantify the burden of operative fifth metatarsal fractures in Major League Soccer (MLS) athletes, to compare outcomes as well as refracture and complication rates with other professional sports, to analyze factors that may contribute to treatment failure, and to report on return-to-play characteristics for affected players. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We searched all injuries in the prospectively collected HealtheAthlete database for MLS for operative fifth metatarsal fractures for seasons 2013 to 2017. Additional information regarding each fracture including demographics, treatment, postoperative course, and return-to-play statistics were compiled from HealtheAthlete and supplemented by teams' chief medical officers, coaches, trainers, and online sources. RESULTS: There were 21 fractures in 18 players during the study period. Mean time to radiographic healing was 8.5 weeks (n = 17). Mean time to return to play was 11.1 weeks (n = 19). Of 21 fractures, 20 (95%) players returned to sport. Of 18 players, 4 (22.2%) experienced refracture. Of 18 players, 5 (27.8%) and 2 (11.1%) reported previous stress injuries on the contralateral and ipsilateral limb, respectively. Player performance characteristics showed small declines in the first year of return that improved by the second year. CONCLUSION: MLS athletes who sustain a sports-related fifth metatarsal fracture can expect a high rate of return to sport with time to radiographic healing and return to play as well as risk of refracture similar to other professional cohorts.

Pie-Crusting Capsulotomy Provides Similar Visualization With Increased Repair Stiffness Compared With a T-Capsulotomy: A Biomechanical Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the area of visualization, capsular stiffness, and strength between the pie-crusting capsulotomy technique and the T-capsulotomy technique following repair. METHODS: Eight matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric hips (n = 16) were divided to either T-capsulotomy or pie-crusting capsulotomy followed by subsequent repair. The area of visualization was measured for all capsulotomy states using a digitizing probe. Hips were then distracted along the iliofemoral ligament in the intact, extended capsulotomy, and repair states. Afterwards, specimens were externally rotated to failure. RESULTS: An average force of 250.1 ± 16.1 N was required to distract intact hips to 6 mm. Both extended capsulotomy techniques reduced the force required to distract the hip 6 mm with no statistical difference between the two (T-capsulotomy [T-cap] = 114.3 ± 63.4 N vs pie-capsulotomy [Pie-cap] = 170.1 ± 38.8 N), P = .07. Subsequent repair of the extended capsulotomies demonstrated the pie-crust capsulotomy required significantly greater force to reach 6 mm of distraction than those with a repaired T-capsulotomy (T-cap = 165.04 ± 40.43N vs Pie-cap = 204.43 ± 10.13N), P = .03. There was no significant difference in ultimate torque to failure between the 2 techniques (T-cap = 22.0 ± 7.41 N·m vs Pie-cap = 27.01 ± 11.13 N·m), P = .28. Visualization significantly increased with each extended capsulotomy, with an average increase of 62% (P < .001) and 48% (P < .001) for the pie- and T-capsulotomies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The pie-crusting technique maintained similar strength and increased stiffness to the T-capsulotomy following repair while using less suture. Both techniques provided similar visualization. Clinically, the pie-crusting technique provides an alternative to the T-capsulotomy with similar biomechanical and visual outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Visualization during hip arthroscopy can be difficult with large cam morphology. Techniques to improve visualization while restoring the native biomechanics of the hip as best as possible are important.

Editorial Commentary: Intra-articular Injection for Osteoarthritis-Is It Hip or Not?

Intra-articular injections are commonly used in the treatment algorithm for osteoarthritis of the hip. A number of different adjuvants can be used, such as corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and platelet-rich plasma, but there is no consensus regarding indications for or anticipated outcomes of each of these interventions. Recent data suggest that corticosteroids provide the best relief in the short term whereas platelet-rich plasma may be more beneficial in the mid term, but the results are variable. Ultimately, more rigorous studies are needed to evaluate these adjuvants, in particular biologics, while remaining fastidious with our indications for injection therapy.

Injury Surveillance in Major League Soccer: A 4-Year Comparison of Injury on Natural Grass Versus Artificial Turf Field.

BACKGROUND: Artificial playing surfaces are becoming more common due to decreased cost of maintenance and increased field usability across different environmental conditions. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has approved newer generation artificial turf for soccer competition at the elite level, but many elite-level athletes prefer to play on natural grass surfaces due to a perceived increase in injury rate, discomfort, and fatigability on artificial turf. HYPOTHESIS: Injury rates and rates of individually categorized types of injury experienced on artificial turf are noninferior to rates of injury on the standard comparator, natural grass, in elite-level Major League Soccer athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Over the course of 4 Major League Soccer seasons (2013-2016), athlete injury data were recorded electronically. Injury data recorded in matches between 2 Major League Soccer teams were then analyzed. Playing surface was known for each venue, and all artificial turf surfaces were rated as 2-star according to FIFA criteria. Incidence rate ratios (Artificial Turf ÷ Natural Grass) were calculated with a 95% CI (α = .05) for both overall injury incidence and individual injury subgroups. A noninferiority margin (δ) of 0.15 was used to determine noninferiority of injury incidence rates. RESULTS: A total of 2174 in-game injuries were recorded during the study period, with 1.54 injuries per game on artificial turf and 1.49 injuries per game on natural grass (incidence rate ratio, 1.033; 95% CI, 0.937-1.139). Within injury subgroups, overall ankle injury, Achilles injury, and ankle fracture were found to have a statistically higher incidence on artificial turf. Artificial turf was found to be noninferior to natural grass for overall foot injury and forefoot injury. No statistically significant differences were found in knee injuries between the 2 surfaces. CONCLUSION: The overall rate of injury on artificial turf was noninferior to that on natural grass. Within individual injury categories, a higher rate of ankle injury was found on artificial turf. No other injury subgroup demonstrated statistically significant differences between surfaces. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FIFA 2-star rated artificial turf is a viable alternative to natural grass in elite-level soccer competition. Innovative research methods for comparing artificial turf versus natural grass may elucidate relative advantages with respect to player safety.

The Pie-Crusting Technique for Capsular Management During Hip Arthroscopy.

Hip arthroscopy is commonly performed for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and labral pathology. When arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement is performed, a capsulotomy is often utilized to maximize access and allow for improved visualization. When an extended interportal or T capsulotomy is performed, the iliofemoral ligament is transected, which can lead to micro or gross instability. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe an alternative approach to the standard T capsulotomy using a pie crusting technique, which provides improved visualization of the femoral head-neck junction during the femoroplasty without the need for an extended capsulotomy and can also serve to create venting holes that prevent hematoma formation within the capsule.

Predictors of Clinical Outcomes After Proximal Hamstring Repair.

BACKGROUND: Proximal hamstring avulsions cause considerable morbidity. Operative repair results in improved pain, function, and patient satisfaction; however, outcomes remain variable. PURPOSE: To evaluate the predictors of clinical outcomes after proximal hamstring repair. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed proximal hamstring avulsions repaired between January 2014 and June 2017 with at least 1-year follow-up. Independent variables included patient demographics, medical comorbidities, tear characteristics, and repair technique. Primary outcome measures were the Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (iHOT-12), and Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Athletic Hip score. Secondary outcome measures included satisfaction, visual analog scale for pain, Tegner score, and timing of return to sports. RESULTS: Of 102 proximal hamstring repairs, 86 were eligible, 58 were enrolled and analyzed (67%), and patient-reported outcomes were available for 45 (52%), with a mean 29-month follow-up. The mean patient age was 51 years, and 57% were female. Acute tears accounted for 66%; 78% were complete avulsions. Open repair was performed on 90%. Overall satisfaction was 94%, although runners were less satisfied compared with other athletes (P = .029). A majority of patients (88%) returned to sports by 7.6 months, on average, with 72% returning at the same level. Runners returned at 6.3 months, on average, but to the same level 50% of the time and at a decreased number of miles per week compared to nonrunners (15.7 vs 7.8, respectively; P < .001). Postoperatively, 78% had good/excellent SANE Activity scores, but the mean Tegner score decreased (from 5.5 to 5.1). Acute tears had higher SANE Activity scores. The mean iHOT-12 and KJOC scores were 99 and 77, respectively. Endoscopic repairs had equivalent outcome scores to open repairs, although conclusions were limited given the small number of patients in the endoscopic group. Greater satisfaction was noted in patients older than 50 years (P = .024), although they were less likely to return to running (P = .010). CONCLUSION: Overall, patient satisfaction and functionality were high. With the numbers available, we were unable to detect any significant differences in functional outcome scores based on patient age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, medical comorbidities, tear grade, activity level, or open versus endoscopic technique. Acute tears had better SANE Activity scores. Runners should be cautioned that they may be unable to return to the same preinjury activity level after proximal hamstring repair. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When counseling patients with proximal hamstring tears, runners and those with chronic tears should set appropriate expectations.

Proximal Hamstring Repair: A Biomechanical Analysis of Variable Suture Anchor Constructs.

BACKGROUND: Despite an abundance of literature regarding construct strength for a myriad of anchors and anchor configurations in the shoulder, there remains a paucity of biomechanical studies detailing the efficacy of these implants for proximal hamstring repair. PURPOSE: To biomechanically evaluate the ultimate failure load and failure mechanism of knotless and knotted anchor configurations for hamstring repair. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A total of 17 cadaveric specimens divided into 3 groups composed of intact hamstring tendons as well as 2 different anchor configurations (all-knotted and all-knotless) underwent first cyclic loading and subsequent maximal loading to failure. This protocol entailed a 10-N preload, followed by 100 cycles incrementally applied from 20 to 200 N at a frequency of 0.5 Hz, and ultimately followed by a load to failure with a loading rate of 33 mm/s. The ultimate failure load and mechanism of failure were recorded for each specimen, as was the maximal displacement of each bone-tendon interface subsequent to maximal loading. Analysis of variance was employed to calculate differences in the maximal load to failure as well as the maximal displacement between the 3 study groups. Holm-Sidak post hoc analysis was applied when necessary. RESULTS: The all-knotless suture anchor construct failed at the highest maximal load of the 3 groups (767.18 ± 93.50 N), including that for the intact tendon group (750.58 ± 172.22 N). There was no statistically significant difference between the all-knotless and intact tendon groups; however, there was a statistically significant difference in load to failure when the all-knotless construct was compared with the all-knotted technique (549.56 ± 20.74 N) (P = .024). The most common mode of failure in both repair groups was at the suture-tendon interface, whereas the intact tendon group most frequently failed via avulsion of the tendon from its insertion site. CONCLUSION: Under biomechanical laboratory testing conditions, proximal hamstring repair using all-knotless suture anchors outperformed the all-knotted suture anchor configuration with regard to elongation during cyclic loading and maximal load to failure. Failure in the all-knotted repair group was at the suture-tendon interface in most cases, whereas the all-knotless construct failed most frequently at the musculotendinous junction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: No biomechanical studies have clearly identified the optimal anchor configuration to avert proximal hamstring repair failure. Delineating this ideal suture anchor construct and its strength compared with an intact hamstring tendon may alter the current standards for postoperative rehabilitation, which remain extremely conservative and onerous for these patients.

Epidemiological Findings of Soccer Injuries During the 2017 Gold Cup.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance programs are vital to analyze the cause and nature of lesions and ultimately establish protocols of action to lower injury rates. PURPOSE: To evaluate the adherence of team doctors to an electronic surveillance system and determine the incidence and characteristics of injuries among soccer players participating in the 2017 Gold Cup. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiological study. METHODS: All data were collected from the electronic medical reports submitted during each match of the 2017 Gold Cup. Twelve teams participated in the tournament (each with 23 players), for a total of 276 players. A 19-question online survey was filled out by the team physician after each injury. Each report contained the player's number, the exact time of injury (minute of play), the location and diagnosis of injury as indicated by a previously defined code, and its severity in terms of the number of days of absence from training and match play. RESULTS: The electronic reporting system had a response rate of 100.0%, with 97.2% of questions answered completely. The mean age of injured players was 27 years (range, 21-35 years) and was not statistically significantly different from the overall mean player age (P > .05). There were no significant differences in the frequency of injuries when analyzed by player position (P = .743). The overall rate of injuries was 1.04 per match, with the most common injuries being contusions (42.3%), sprains (7.7%), strains (7.7%), and fractures (7.7%). These injuries were more commonly the result of contact (75.0%) than noncontact (25.0%) mechanisms (P < .001). Injuries most commonly occurred between the 60th and 75th minute of play when comparing all 15-minute time intervals (P = .004). CONCLUSION: This study supports the use of electronic injury reporting, which demonstrated a high level of adherence among an international cohort of team physicians and has significant potential for improving injury surveillance and tracking responses to prevention programs. Injury rates in the Gold Cup were similar to those in previous studies and demonstrated the highest rates late in the second half of the game, specifically between the 60th and 75th minute of play.

Precision and Accuracy of Identification of Anatomical Surface Landmarks by 30 Expert Hip Arthroscopists.

We conducted a study to assess 30 expert hip arthroscopists' ability to identify common surface landmarks used during hip arthroscopy. Thirty hip arthroscopists independently performed a blinded examination of an awake supine human volunteer for identification of 5 surface landmarks: anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), tip of greater trochanter (GT), rectus origin (RO), superficial inguinal ring (SIR), and psoas tendon (PT). The examiners applied the labels ASIS, GT, RO, SIR, and PT to the landmarks. An ultrasonographer performed a musculoskeletal ultrasound examination and applied labels as well, and a photographer documented the examiner labels after obtaining overhead and lateral digital images with use of fixed camera mounts. Digital overlay composite images of arthroscopist and ultrasonographer labels were analyzed. Direction and distance of inaccurately placed labels were compared with known values for neurovascular structures previously reported for common arthroscopic portals. Average distance from examiner-applied labels to ultrasonographer-applied labels was 31 mm for ASIS, 24 mm for GT, 26 mm for RO, 19 mm for SIR, and 35 mm for PT. Interobserver variability of examiner-applied labels was recorded as areas of 95% predictive interval: 65 cm2 for ASIS, 16 cm2 for GT, 221 cm2 for RO, 38 cm2 for SIR, and 29 cm2 for PT. Examiner labels demonstrated the highest potential for injury because of anterior portal inaccuracy. Expert hip arthroscopists varied in their ability to accurately and precisely identify common surface landmarks about the hip, using only manual palpation.

Best Practices During Hip Arthroscopy: Aggregate Recommendations of High-Volume Surgeons.

PURPOSE: To survey surgeons who perform a high volume of hip arthroscopy procedures regarding their operative technique, type of procedure, and postoperative management. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 27 high-volume orthopaedic surgeons specializing in hip arthroscopy to report their preferences and practices related to their operative practice and postoperative rehabilitation protocol. All participants completed the survey in person in an anonymous fashion during a meeting of the American Hip Institute. RESULTS: All surgeons perform hip arthroscopy with the patient in the supine position, accessing the central compartment of the hip initially, using intraoperative fluoroscopy. All surgeons perform labral repair (100%), with the majority performing labral reconstructions (77.8%) and gluteus medius repairs (81.5%). There is variability in the type of anchors used during labral repair. Most surgeons perform capsular closure in most cases (88.9%), inject either intra-articular cortisone or platelet-rich plasma at the conclusion of the procedure (59%), and prescribe a postoperative hip brace for some or all patients (59%). There is considerable variability in rehabilitation protocols. All surgeons routinely prescribe postoperative heterotopic ossification prophylaxis to their patients, with most surgeons (88.9%) prescribing a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication for 3 weeks. Forty percent of the respondents use the modified Harris Hip Score as the most important outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent practices such as use of intraoperative fluoroscopy, heterotopic ossification prophylaxis, and labral repair skills were identified by surveying 27 hip arthroscopy surgeons at high-volume centers. Most of the surgeons performed routine capsular closure unless underlying conditions precluded capsular release or plication. The survey identified higher variability between surgeons regarding postoperative rehabilitation protocols and use of intra-articular pharmacologic injections at the end of the procedure. These data may provide surgeons with a set of aggregate trends that may help guide training, clinical practice, and research in the evolving field of hip arthroscopy.

Anatomic Description of the Origin of the Proximal Hamstring.

PURPOSE: To define the topographic anatomy of the footprint of the hamstrings origin on the ischium. METHODS: Dissection of the hamstrings origin in 6 cadaveric pelvises was performed. The hamstrings origin was isolated with sharp dissection, and it was noted whether the semimembranosus had a separate attachment or whether there was one confluent tendon attached at the footprint. The common hamstrings tendon was then sharply dissected from the ischium, and the footprint was outlined with surgical marker followed by radiopaque paint. Paint was prepared by mixing 0.25 g Daler-Rowney acrylic artists ink scarlet no. 567 (Daler-Rowney, Bracknell, England) per gram of EZ-HD 98% v/w barium sulfate (E-Z-EM Inc, Lake Success, NY). The paint was then applied to the area of the footprint, and the specimen underwent a 0.5-mm-slice computed tomographic (CT) scan of the pelvis with 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructions. Vitrea (Vital Images, Minnetonka, MN) software was used to determine the surface area of the ligament footprint as well as the distance from the ischial tuberosity to the center of the footprint. The thickness of the bone underlying the footprint was measured. Data are presented as means ± standard error. RESULTS: Five of 6 specimens had a common hamstrings tendon, whereas one had a separate attachment for the semimembranosus. The semimembranosus joined the common hamstrings tendon 2.33 ± 0.61 cm distal to the footprint. The average surface area of the hamstrings footprint measured 10.19 ± 0.75 cm(2). The distance from the tip of the ischial tuberosity to the center of the hamstrings footprint measured 3.73 ± 0.22 cm. The average thickness of the bone deep to the footprint was 3.77 ± 0.9 cm. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a topographic description of the origin of the hamstrings footprint and may assist surgeons in performing anatomic reattachment of this tendon. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our data will assist surgeons in performing anatomic repair of proximal hamstrings avulsions.

Endoscopic repair of proximal hamstring avulsion.

Hamstring muscle injuries are common in athletes and mostly consist of sprains at the myotendinous junction, which often respond well to conservative treatment. Proximal hamstring avulsion injuries, though less common, can be severely debilitating. This injury is often seen in water skiers but has been described in many other sports and in middle-aged patients. Complete avulsions in young and active individuals do not respond well to conservative treatment and may require surgical repair. In contrast, many partial tears may be treated nonoperatively. However, when symptoms continue despite a trial of extensive therapy, surgery may be warranted. Traditional surgery for proximal hamstring repair is performed with the patient in the prone position with an incision made longitudinally or along the gluteal fold, followed by identification of the torn tendons and fixation to the ischial tuberosity. We describe a novel surgical technique for endoscopic repair of proximal hamstring avulsion injuries.

Intra-articular psoas tendon release alters fluid flow during hip arthroscopy.

While not proven definitively, the hypothesis that intra-articular psoas tendon release allows fluid to track into the retroperitoneal space has been widely accepted. This study attempts to identify the path through which fluid enters the pelvis and retroperitoneal space. Six hemi-pelvis human cadaveric specimens were utilized for this study. 3 specimens underwent a capsulotomy and psoas tendon release, while 3 had only a capsulotomy. Arthroscopy fluid was combined with Barium and Methylene blue, and fluid was run at 50 mmHg for 2 hours. A gross dissection was performed at the end of the arthroscopy and the path of fluid flow into the pelvis and throughout the thigh was identified. All 6 specimens showed extravasation of fluid into the pelvis at the 5 minute mark. Specimens with a psoas tendon release showed an altered pattern of fluid flow. In all three of these specimens, the psoas muscle belly was bright blue, along with the remaining tendon. Two of the 3 specimens showed tracking of fluid along the vasculature in both directions. The volume of fluid tracking into the pelvis was increased following a psoas release. Arthroscopy fluid rapidly enters the pelvis following the initiation of hip arthroscopy, regardless of the status of the psoas tendon. Release of the psoas tendon allows fluid to diffuse into the psoas muscle and anterior medial thigh, tracking both proximally and distally along the neurovascular structures, and the volume of fluid tracking into the pelvis is increased following a psoas release.

The prevalence of radiographic hip abnormalities in elite soccer players.

BACKGROUND: Hip injuries, both intra- and extra-articular, are becoming a more commonly recognized, diagnosed, and treated injury in athletes of all competitive levels. Our goal is to establish a previously undefined value in this athletic population--the prevalence of radiographic hip abnormalities in elite soccer athletes. PURPOSE: To provide a foundation for the future body of literature regarding hip pathologic abnormalities and "at-risk" hips in athletes of all ages and levels of participation. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the anteroposterior pelvis and frog-leg lateral radiographs of 95 elite male and female soccer players to determine the prevalence of hip abnormalities. Athletes with a history of hip or groin injuries were included. Multiple radiographic parameters were used to assess the presence of cam and pincer-type femoroacetabular impingement. Measurements were conducted by a blinded, sports medicine fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with experience in treating hip disorders. RESULTS: In total, 72% (54/75) of male and 50% (10/20) of female players demonstrated some evidence of radiographic hip abnormality. Cam lesions were present in 68% (51/75) of men (76.5% [39/51] bilateral involvement) and 50% (10/20) of women (90% [9/10] bilateral involvement). Pincer lesions were present in 26.7% (20/75) of men and 10% (2/20) of women. The average male alpha angle overall was 65.6°. Cam-positive hips averaged 70.7°. The average female alpha angle overall was 52.9°, with cam-positive hips averaging 60.8°. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of radiographic hip abnormalities in elite soccer athletes is considerable, particularly in young male athletes. The establishment of the prevalence of these findings represents the first step in identifying the relationship between radiographic abnormalities and injuries of the hip and groin in athletes.

Groin injuries in sports medicine.

CONTEXT: An in-season groin injury may be debilitating for the athlete. Proper diagnosis and identification of the pathology are paramount in providing appropriate intervention. Furthermore, an adductor strain that is treated improperly can become chronic and career threatening. Any one of the 6 muscles of the adductor muscle group can be involved. The degree of injury can range from a minor strain (grade 1), where minimal playing time is lost, to a severe strain (grade 3), in which there is complete loss of muscle function. Persistent groin pain and muscle imbalance may lead to athletic pubalgia. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Relevant studies were identified through a literature search of MEDLINE and the Cochrane database from 1990 to 2009, as well as a manual review of reference lists of identified sources. RESULTS: Ice hockey and soccer players seem particularly susceptible to adductor muscle strains. In professional ice hockey and soccer players throughout the world, approximately 10% to 11% of all injuries are groin strains. These injuries have been linked to hip muscle weakness, a previous injury to that area, preseason practice sessions, and level of experience. This injury may be prevented if these risk factors are addressed before each season. CONCLUSION: Despite the identification of risk factors and strengthening intervention for athletes, adductor strains continue to occur throughout sport. If groin pain persists, the possibility of athletic pubalgia needs to be explored, because of weakening or tears in the abdominal wall muscles. A diagnosis is confirmed by exclusion of other pathology.

Platelet-rich plasma: from basic science to clinical applications.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been utilized in surgery for 2 decades; there has been a recent interest in the use of PRP for the treatment of sports-related injuries. PRP contains growth factors and bioactive proteins that influence the healing of tendon, ligament, muscle, and bone. This article examines the basic science of PRP, and it describes the current clinical applications in sports medicine. This study reviews and evaluates the human studies that have been published in the orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine literature. The use of PRP in amateur and professional sports is reviewed, and the regulation of PRP by antidoping agencies is discussed.

Closed treatment of displaced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in older children and adolescents.

The management of adolescent radius and ulna diaphyseal fractures is controversial. The purpose of this study was to address the residual deformity and functional outcome following closed treatment of these fractures. Twenty-five older children and adolescents (mean age 13.3 years, range 8.8-15.5) with displaced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures underwent closed treatment and were followed for a mean of 49.6 weeks. All fractures united. On the final AP radiograph, the mean angulation was 9 degrees (range 0-18 degrees) for the radius and 8 degrees (0-20 degrees) for the ulna. All patients achieved full elbow and wrist range of motion. Loss of forearm supination and pronation averaged 4 degrees (range 0 to 20 degrees) and 6.8 degrees (0 to 40 degrees), respectively. Closed reduction and casting of displaced both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures, despite the residual angulation, results in satisfactory functional outcome and should remain a viable treatment option in the management of this injury.