Reliability of Plain Radiographs Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Measure Tibial Slope in Sports Medicine Patients: Can They Be Used Interchangeably?

BACKGROUND: The slope of the tibial plateau has been proposed as a reason for failure of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. PURPOSE: To evaluate the interobserver reliability of measurements of tibial slope on radiographs versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and to assess whether the modalities can be used interchangeably for this purpose. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This retrospective study included 81 patients aged 18 to 30 years who were evaluated in a sports medicine setting for knee pain and who had lateral knee radiographs as well as knee MRI scans on file. Medial and lateral tibial plateau slope measurements were made by 3 blinded reviewers from the radiographs and MRI scans using graphic overlay software. The paired t test was used to compare measurements of the medial tibial plateau slope (MTPS) and lateral tibial plateau slope (LTPS) from radiographs and MRI scans. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to determine intra- and interobserver reliability of measurements within each imaging modality, and Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the relationship between measurements on radiographs versus MRI scans. RESULTS: Imaging from 81 patients were included. The average MTPS was significantly larger on radiographs compared with MRI scans (8.7° ± 3.6° vs 3.7° ± 3.4°; P < .001), and the average LTPS was also significantly larger on radiographs compared with MRI scans (7.9° ± 3.4° vs 5.7° ± 3.7°; P < .001). ICC values indicated good to excellent intraobserver agreement for all imaging modalities (ICC, 0.81-0.97; P ≤ .009). The ICCs for interobserver reliability of MTPS and LTPS measurements were 0.92 and 0.85 for radiographs, 0.87 and 0.83 for MRI based off the subchondral bone, and 0.86 and 0.71 for MRI based off the cartilage, respectively (P < .001). Medium correlation was noted between radiographic and MRI measurements; Pearson correlation coefficients for radiographic versus subchondral MRI measurements were 0.30 and 0.37 for MTPS and LTPS, respectively. CONCLUSION: The average MTPS and LTPS were significantly larger on radiographs compared with MRI scans. Although tibial slope measurements using radiography and those using MRI are reliable between individuals, the measurements from radiographs and MRI scans cannot be used interchangeably, and caution should be used when interpreting and comparing studies using measurements of the tibial slope.

Wireless Smartphone ECG Enables Large-Scale Screening in Diverse Populations.

BACKGROUND: The ubiquitous presence of internet-connected phones and tablets presents a new opportunity for cost-effective and efficient electrocardiogram (ECG) screening and on-demand diagnosis. Wireless, single-lead real-time ECG monitoring supported by iOS and android devices can be obtained quickly and on-demand. ECGs can be immediately downloaded and reviewed using any internet browser. OBJECTIVE: We compared the standard 12-lead ECG to the smartphone ECG in healthy young adults, elite athletes, and cardiology clinic patients. Accuracy for determining baseline ECG intervals and rate and rhythm was assessed. METHODS: In 381 participants, 30-second lead I ECG waveforms were obtained using an iPhone case or iPad. Standard 12-lead ECGs were acquired immediately after the smartphone tracing was obtained. De-identified ECGs were interpreted by automated algorithms and adjudicated by two board-certified electrophysiologists. RESULTS: Both smartphone and standard ECGs detected atrial rate and rhythm, AV block, and QRS delay with equal accuracy. Sensitivities ranged from 72% (QRS delay) to 94% (atrial fibrillation). Specificities were all above 94% for both modalities. CONCLUSION: Smartphone ECG accurately detects baseline intervals, atrial rate, and rhythm and enables screening in diverse populations. Efficient ECG analysis using automated discrimination and an enhanced smartphone application with notification capabilities are features that can be easily incorporated into the acquisition process.

Combined Glenoid and Humeral Head Reconstruction with Allografts: A Report of Two Cases and the Midterm Outcomes.

CASE: We present two cases of anterior glenohumeral instability in which both the humeral head and the glenoid were reconstructed concurrently with use of allografts; we discuss the midterm outcomes at four and one-half and five years of follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our experience, concomitant glenoid and humeral head allograft reconstruction for anterior glenohumeral instability with severe combined humeral head and glenoid pathology yielded good midterm clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes. This treatment approach may be a viable option for young and active patients presenting with severe combined glenoid and humeral pathology and warrants additional investigation.

Prevalence of Abnormal Vitamin D Levels Among Division I NCAA Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Up to 1 billion people have insufficient or deficient vitamin D levels. Despite the well-documented, widespread prevalence of low vitamin D levels and the importance of vitamin D for athletes, there is a paucity of research investigating the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in athletes. HYPOTHESIS: We investigated the prevalence of abnormal vitamin D levels in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college athletes at a single institution. We hypothesized that vitamin D insufficiency is prevalent among our cohort. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1. METHODS: We measured serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels of 223 NCAA Division I athletes between June 2012 and August 2012. The prevalence of normal (≥32 ng/mL), insufficient (20 to <32 ng/mL), and deficient (<20 ng/mL) vitamin D levels was determined. Logistic regression was utilized to analyze risk factors for abnormal vitamin D levels. RESULTS: The mean serum 25(OH)D level for the 223 members of this study was 40.1 ± 14.9 ng/mL. Overall, 148 (66.4%) participants had sufficient 25(OH)D levels, and 75 (33.6%) had abnormal levels. Univariate analysis revealed the following significant predictors of abnormal vitamin D levels: male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.83; P = 0.0006), Hispanic race (OR = 6.07; P = 0.0063), black race (OR = 19.1; P < 0.0001), and dark skin tone (OR = 15.2; P < 0.0001). Only dark skin tone remained a significant predictor of abnormal vitamin D levels after multivariate analysis (adjusted OR = 15.2; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In a large cohort of NCAA athletes, more than one third had abnormal vitamin D levels. Races with dark skin tones are at much higher risk than white athletes. Male athletes are more likely than female athletes to be vitamin D deficient. Our study demonstrates a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy NCAA athletes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Many studies indicate a significant prevalence of vitamin-D insufficiency across various populations. Recent studies have demonstrated a direct relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and muscle power, force, velocity, and optimal bone mass. In fact, studies examining muscle biopsies from patients with low vitamin D levels have demonstrated atrophic changes in type II muscle fibers, which are crucial to most athletes. Furthermore, insufficient 25(OH)D levels can result in secondary hyperparathyroidism, increased bone turnover, bone loss, and increased risk of low trauma fractures and muscle injuries. Despite this well-documented relationship between vitamin D and athletic performance, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in NCAA athletes has not been well studied.

Intra-articular scapular fractures: Outcomes after internal fixation.

BACKGROUND: Although operative treatment may offer an appropriate management option for displaced glenoid fractures, there is sparse research assessing post-operative functional outcomes. This study assessed functional outcomes of patients after undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of displaced glenoid fractures. METHODS: Fifteen patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation for displaced intra-articular fractures between 2005 and 2010. The indication for operative fixation was intra-articular displacement >4 mm. Post-operative functional outcomes were assessed via retrospective chart review. Evaluation included review of pre-operative imaging for fracture type, review of post-operative plain radiographs for fracture healing, Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon Assessment (ASES) scores at last follow-up. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 49 months (24-87 months) all patients had radiographic healing. The mean DASH score was 10 (range 0.83-29.17). Mean ASES score was 90 (range 41.7-100). No patients had evidence of hardware failure or infection. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular glenoid fractures results in stable fixation and is associated with good functional outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Case series.