Soccer players show the highest seasonal groin pain prevalence and the longest time loss from sport among 500 athletes from major team sports.

PURPOSE: Groin pain is a widely recognized medical issue among athletes. Groin pain can affect both player and team performance and sometimes can be a career-ending injury. The aim of this study was to assess seasonal groin pain prevalence and the average seasonal time loss from sport for each injury in different team sport athletes. The hip and groin functionality at the beginning of the following season was also investigated. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken on 600 team sport athletes (soccer, futsal, basketball, volleyball, and water polo players). The seasonal prevalence of groin pain, level of competition (professional and non-professional), time loss, and concomitant injuries in addition to groin pain were reported and analyzed. The Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) was used to assess hip and groin pain and function related to sport and activity. RESULTS: Among the 506 (84%) players included, 123 players (24.3%) reported groin pain. Overall, soccer players reported the highest groin pain prevalence (32.5%) followed by futsal (25.5%), basketball (25.2%), water polo (17.6%) and volleyball players (13.6%). Professional soccer, futsal and basketball athletes showed higher groin pain prevalence in comparison with non-professional athletes (p = 0.02, p = 0.005 and p = 0.004, respectively). The mean time loss from sport due to groin pain was 60.3 ± 66 days in soccer, 41.1 ± 16.6 days in futsal, 31.5 ± 18 days in water polo, 37.2 ± 14.2 days in basketball and 50.8 ± 24.6 days in volleyball. Significantly lower HAGOS values were found in athletes with groin pain for all sports evaluated compared to athletes with no groin pain history (p = 0.0001). Longer time loss from sport was correlated with lower HAGOS values in soccer (p = 0.002) and futsal (p = 0.002) players with groin pain. Concomitant injuries were correlated with lower HAGOS values in water polo players (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Seasonal groin pain occurs in as many as one in four team sport athletes. Soccer players show the highest groin pain prevalence and the longest time loss from sport. Professional athletes report higher prevalence of groin pain in comparison with non-professional athletes. HAGOS appears to be a valid outcome instrument to measure groin pain, correlating with both time loss from sport and concomitant injuries in athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Hybrid coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular reconstruction in chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations yields good functional and radiographic results.

PURPOSE: Optimal treatment of chronic unstable acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations (stage 3-5 according the Rockwood classification) is still debated. Anatomic coracoclavicular (CC) reconstruction is a reliable option in terms of two-dimensional radiographic reduction, clinical outcomes, and return to sports, but there remain concerns regarding anterior-posterior stability of the AC joint with CC ligament reconstruction alone. The aim of the present study was to describe the mid-term results of a new hybrid technique with CC and AC ligament reconstruction for chronic AC joint dislocations. METHODS: Twenty-two patients surgically treated for chronic AC joint dislocations (grade 3 to 5) were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were assessed before surgery and at final follow-up with the Constant-Murley score (CMS) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. The CC vertical distance (CCD) and the CCD ratio (affected side compared to unaffected side) were measured on Zanca radiographs preoperatively, at 6 months postop and at final follow-up. The same surgical technique consisting in a primary fixation with a suspensory system, coracoclavicular ligaments reconstruction with a double loop of autologous gracilis and acromioclavicular ligaments reconstruction with autologous coracoacromial ligament was performed in all cases. RESULTS: Twenty-two shoulders in 22 patients (19 males and 3 females) were evaluated with a mean age of 34.4 ± 9 years at the time of surgery. The mean interval between the injury and surgery was 53.4 ± 36.7 days. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 49.9 ± 11.8 months. According to the Rockwood classification, there were 5 (22.6%) type-III and 17 (77.2%) type-V dislocations. Mean preoperative ASES and CMS were 54.4 ± 7.6 and 64.6 ± 7.2, respectively. They improved to 91.8 ± 2.3 (p = 0.0001) and 95.2 ± 3.1 (p = 0.0001), respectively at final FU. The mean preoperative CCD was 22.4 ± 3.2 mm while the mean CCD ratio was 2.1 ± 0.1. At final FU, the mean CCD was 11.9 ± 1.4 mm (p = 0.002) and the mean CCD ratio was 1.1 ± 0.1 (p = 0.009). No recurrence of instability was observed. One patient developed a local infection and four patients referred some shoulder discomfort. Heterotopic ossifications were observed in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal treatment of chronic high-grade AC joint dislocations requires superior-inferior and anterior-posterior stability to ensure good clinical outcomes and return to overhead activities or sports. The present hybrid technique of AC and CC ligaments reconstruction showed good clinical and radiographic results and is a reliable an alternative to other reported techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

The Rising Moon sign is specific and sensitive in the diagnosis of bucket handle tears of the medial meniscus.

PURPOSE: Bucket handle tears of the meniscus are common and can lead to locking, extension deficit and functional impairment. The diagnosis is determined by a combination of physical examination and imaging, but in some cases the diagnosis may be challenging since specific clinical tests are lacking. The aim of the present study was to assess the value of a new clinical test, the elective pain at the anterior aspect of the joint line (defined as the "Rising Moon sign") in the diagnosis of bucket handle tears of the medial meniscus. METHODS: Forty patients treated for a bucket handle of the medial meniscus were enrolled as the study group and were compared to a matched group of 40 patients with a posterior horn tear of the medial meniscus and 50 healthy subjects. The following aspects were investigated in the groups: body mass index, extension deficit, pain at the posterior aspect of the joint line (PPJL), at the middle joint line (PMJL), at the anterior join line (PAJL) and at combined hyperflexion of the knee and external rotation of the foot (PHE). Pain at the anterior joint line (PAJL) was defined as the Rising Moon sign. RESULTS: In the bucket handle group the average flexion contracture was 12° (0-30°). The average PPJL was one (0-2), the average PMJL was 1.6 (0-3), PAJL was 2.5 (1-3) and PHE was 1.6 (1-2). In the posterior horn tear group the average flexion contracture was 0.9° (- 10 to 5°). The average PPJL was 2.2 (1-3), the average PMJL was 1.4 (0-3), PAJL was 0.6 (0-2) and PHE was 2.5 (1-3). The rising moon showed 95% sensitivity and 98% specificity in the diagnosis of bucket handle tears. In addition it showed a positive predictive value of 97.4% and negative predictive value of 96%. Finally it also demonstrated high inter-observer reliability (0.905). CONCLUSIONS: The "Rising Moon" sign has shown to be highly predictive for bucket handle tears of the medial meniscus with very high specificity and sensitivity. In addition it is easy to perform with very high inter-observer reliability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Shoulder arthroplasty to address the sequelae of anterior instability arthropathy and stabilization procedures: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Chronic anterior glenohumeral joint instability is a common situation and can lead to progressive cartilage deterioration and ultimately instability arthopathy. Progressive cartilage deterioration can occur despite conservative or surgical treatment and the sequelae of these conditions are often addressed with total shoulder arthroplasty. Aims of the present study were to analyze the available literature to describe the technical aspects of this particular operation and to report outcomes and complication rates. The hypothesis was that shoulder arthropalsty in the sequelae of instability had lower outcomes and higher complication rates than arthroplasties for primary arthritis. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Reviews, and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched using a combination of the following keywords: shoulder arthroplasty, reverse shoulder arthroplasty, dislocation arthropathy, capsulorrhaphy arthropathy and stabilization procedures. RESULTS: Thirteen studies with 365 patients met inclusion criteria. Since 13 patients were lost to follow-up, 352 were reviewed at an average follow-up of 53.4 months. The average Constant-Murley (CM) and American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) scores improved from 35.6 and 35.7 to 72.7 and 77, respectively. The overall complication rate was 25.7% and the reoperation rate was 18.5%. Radiographs at follow-up revealed radiolucent lines on the humerus in 12.4% of cases and radiolucent lines or notching on the glenoid side in 22.7% of cases. The average Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies Score (MINORS) was 12.9 for non-comparative studies and 21.3 for comparative studies. CONCLUSION: Shoulder arthroplasty to address the sequelae of instability arthropathy and stabilization procedures can be a challenging procedure as a consequence of the distorted anatomy and severe glenohumeral joint pathology. Complication and reoperation rates are higher compared to shoulder arthroplasty for primary glenohumeral joint arthritis; however, the difference is not statistically significant. When reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSA) were considered as a subgroup and compared to anatomic shoulder replacements (total shoulders and hemiarthroplasties), they showed a lower revision rate.

Early Outcomes and Perioperative Complications of the Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The arthroscopic Latarjet-Bristow procedure is emerging as a reliable alternative to the open procedure. The reduced soft tissue damage with potential advantages of early pain control and functional recovery is attractive. However, the operation is technically more demanding, and there are concerns regarding the potential for increased recurrence and complication rates. PURPOSE: To evaluate the available literature focusing on the reported functional outcomes and complications of the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure and compare them with the open procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic review was performed with the keywords "arthroscopy," "arthroscopic," "Latarjet," and "Bristow," with no limit regarding the year of publication. The review was limited to the English-language articles, and each article was evaluated with a modified MINORS (methodological index for nonrandomized studies) scoring system. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Overall, 813 patients met inclusion criteria, with a mean follow-up of 24.5 months. The mean Walch-Duplay and Rowe scores were 89.6 and 90.2, respectively. The overall complication rate was 16.5%; intraoperative conversion to open surgery, 2%; recurrence, 2.5%; and revision surgery, 5.6%. When only comparative studies were considered, the overall complication rates were 23.7% (arthroscopically) and 15.3% (open). The recurrence and revision surgery rates were 6.5% and 5.7% in the study group, while the corresponding values in the control group were 4% and 2.9%. The mean MINORS score was 14.5 (11.6 for noncomparative studies and 19 for comparative studies). CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic Latarjet-Bristow procedure is reliable. Outcomes are satisfactory, with less pain and faster recovery in the first postoperative week. However, the procedure is technically demanding, and higher rates of complications and reoperations should be expected. Finally, the arthroscopic operation is much more expensive in terms of implanted materials than the open procedure.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian versions of the Kujala, Larsen, Lysholm and Fulkerson scores in patients with patellofemoral disorders.

BACKGROUND: The Kujala, Fulkerson, Larsen and Lysholm questionnaires have been demonstrated to be reliable and sensitive in assessing patients with patellofemoral pathology. The purpose of this study is to translate and cross-culturally adapt into Italian the English versions of the Kujala, Fulkerson, Larsen and Lysholm questionnaires, and undertake reliability and validity evaluations of the Italian versions of these scores in patients with patellofemoral pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation process was carried out following the simplified Guillemin criteria. The questionnaires were administered to 63 patients with either patellar instability or painful patella syndrome. To assess the validity of the questionnaires, they were compared with the Oxford knee score. The questionnaires were administered to a subsample of 33 patients 5 days later to assess test-retest reliability. RESULTS: The interclass coefficient correlation was 0.96 for the Kujala score, 0.92 for the Larsen score, 0.96 for the Lysholm score, 0.94 for the Fulkerson score (P < 0.01), and 0.83 for the Oxford score. Pearson's correlation was0.96 between the Kujala and Oxford scores, 0.90 between the Larsen and Oxford scores, 0.94 between the Lysholm and Oxford score, and 0.93 between the Fulkerson and Oxford scores. Responsiveness, calculated by standardized response mean, was 1.2, and effect size was 1.4. CONCLUSIONS: The Italian versions of the Kujala, Larsen, Lysholm and Fulkerson scoring systems were shown to be equivalent to their English versions and demonstrated good validity, reliability and responsiveness to surgical treatment of patellofemoral pathology. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first attempt to adapt four of the most common patellofemoral-specific scoring scales to the Italian language. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Lateral tibial plateau autograft in revision surgery for failed medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Revision surgery for failed unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) with bone loss is challenging. Several options are available including cement augmentation, metal augmentation, and bone grafting. The aim of the present study was to describe a surgical technique for lateral tibial plateau autografting and report mid-term outcomes. METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients (median age 69.5 years) affected by posteromedial tibial plateau collapse after medial UKA were enrolled in the present study. The delay between UKA and revision surgery was 21 months (range 15-36 months). All patients were revised with a cemented posterior-stabilized implant, with a tibial stem. Medial tibial plateau bone loss was treated with an autologous lateral tibial plateau bone graft secured with two absorbable screws. All patients were evaluated with the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), visual analogue scale for pain (VAS), and complete radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 60 months (range 36-84 months), the OKS improved from 21.5 (range 16-26) to 34.5 (range 30-40) (p < 0.01) and the median VAS score improved from 8.0 (range 5-9) to 5.5 (range 3-7) (p < 0.01). No intraoperative complications were recorded. Partial reabsorption of the graft was observed in two cases at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Lateral tibial plateau bone autograft is an alternative to metal wedge or cement augments in the treatment of medial plateau collapse after UKA. Primary fixation of the tibial plateau autograft can be achieved with absorbable screws and a tibial-stemmed implant. Further comparative studies with a larger series may be helpful to draw definitive conclusions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian version of the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder index (WOOS).

BACKGROUND: The Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder index (WOOS) has been introduced as a disease-specific quality of life measurement in patients with glenohumeral arthritis. The aim of the present study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the English version of the WOOS to Italian and to assess its validity, reliability and responsiveness in patients with glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis treated conservatively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The adaptation process was carried out following the simplified Guillemin criteria. The English version was translated into Italian by two bilingual orthopaedic surgeons and then translated back into English by two different bilingual orthopaedic surgeons. The original version was compared with the back-translation. The questionnaire was prospectively administered to 30 patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis at baseline and again after 5 days for retest reliability. After 6 months of conservative treatment, the responsiveness of the questionnaire was assessed in a subsample of 20 patients. The level of statistical significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The interclass correlation coefficient between test and retest of the WOOS was 0.99 (P < 0.001). Pearson's correlation coefficient between the WOOS and disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) preoperatively was 0.73 (P < 0.01) and the correlation between the changes of score for the WOOS and DASH was 0.75 (P < 0.01). There were no floor or ceiling effects. Responsiveness, calculated by standardized response mean, was 1.1 and effect size was 1.3. CONCLUSIONS: The Italian version of the WOOS questionnaire has shown to be equivalent to its English version and demonstrated good validity, reliability and responsiveness to conservative treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

The role of wound closure in total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review on knee position.

PURPOSE: Post-operative range of motion (ROM) is one of the most important parameters to assess, following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aims of the present systematic review were to analyse the available literature and determine if closing the knee in flexion or extension influences post-operative ROM, clinical outcomes, and complications following TKA. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the keywords "total knee arthroplasty", "total knee replacement", and "wound closure" or "joint closure" or "extension" or "flexion" with no limit regarding the year of publication. The review was limited to the English-language articles, and each article was evaluated with a modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS). RESULTS: Six articles met inclusion criteria. The initial cohort included 202 TKAs in the flexion group and 201 in the extension group. Three hundred and ninety-seven TKAs were evaluated with an average follow-up of 8 months. There was no statistical difference (n.s.) between the two groups in terms of the average post-operative flexion. There were no statistical differences between the two groups regarding post-operative functional scores and VAS scores (n.s.). The average mCMS was 70.9, indicating good methodological quality in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present review did not show any statistically significant differences in terms of post-operative flexion ROM, functional scores, or complications related to the position of the knee at the time of joint and wound closure during TKA. There is no clear advantage to either closure method based on the currently available evidence, and therefore, this choice should be based on surgeon preference.

Bone block procedures in posterior shoulder instability.

PURPOSE: Posterior shoulder dislocation is often associated with bone defects. Surgical treatment is often necessary to address these lesions. The aim of the present systematic review was to analyse the available literature concerning bone block procedures in the treatment of bone deficiencies following posterior dislocation. In addition, the methodology of the articles has been evaluated through the Coleman methodology score. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the keywords "posterior shoulder instability", "posterior shoulder dislocation", "bone loss", "bone defect", "bone block", and "bone graft" with no limit regarding the year of publication. All English-language articles were evaluated using the Coleman methodology score. RESULTS: Fifty-four articles were identified, and 13 articles met inclusion criteria. The initial cohort included 208 shoulders, and 182 were reviewed at an average follow-up of 72.7 months (±55.2). The average Coleman score was 57.2 (±8.0). The most lacking domains were the size of study population, the type of study, and the procedure for assessing outcomes. All the articles showed an increase in the outcome scores. Radiographic evaluation revealed degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis and graft lysis in most of the series. CONCLUSIONS: This review confirms the lack of studies with good methodological quality. However, bone grafting is a reliable option since significant improvement in all scores is reported. Although a low incidence of recurrence is generally described, there are concerns that the results may deteriorate over time as evidenced by graft lysis and glenohumeral osteoarthritis in up to one-third of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review, Level IV.

Obesity Increases Early Complications After High-Energy Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures.

Elevated body mass index has been identified as a potential risk factor for complications in operatively treated pelvic trauma. Although obesity is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality following high-energy blunt force trauma, there is little information on the immediate complications following isolated pelvic and acetabular fractures in obese patients with trauma. The authors hypothesized that obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m(2)) is a risk factor for complications in both operative and nonoperative pelvic and acetabular fractures. The authors conducted a 5-year retrospective data collection of all patients with isolated pelvic and acetabular fractures presenting to a Level I trauma center, excluding pediatric (age <18 years) patients, those with ballistic injuries, and those with concomitant long bone fractures or an Abbreviated Injury Scale score of greater than 2 in any other body region. Complications during the immediate hospitalization period were identified by the institution's Trauma Registry of the American College of Surgeons database, including wound infection, dehiscence, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, pneumonia, and development of decubitus ulcers. Mean body mass index was 27.4 ± 6.8 kg/m(2), with 68 (27.0%) obese patients. Mean body mass index of patients with complications was significantly higher (31.9 ± 9.5 vs 27.0 ± 6.5 kg/m(2); P=.001). Logistic regression showed that obesity was a significant risk factor for complications (odds ratio, 2.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-8.04), after adjusting for age (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.06) and Injury Severity Score (odds ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.32). Obesity is associated with increasing complications following operative fixation of pelvic and acetabular fractures. However, it is important to recognize that even nonoperative management of pelvic and acetabular fractures in obese patients can have early complications. This study showed a significant obesity-related risk of complications after trauma in both operative and nonoperative pelvic injuries.

The treatment of type III acromioclavicular dislocations with a modified Cadenat procedure: surgical technique and mid-term results.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of type III acromioclavicular injuries is controversial. Both conservative and surgical approaches have been successful. Aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the results of the modified Cadenat procedure in subjects with type III acromioclavicular joint injuries. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with acute type III acromioclavicular joint dislocations (mean age 31 years) were prospectively enrolled in the present study. The delay between the injury and the surgery varied between 4 and 19 days, with an average of 8.3 days. All patients were evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively with radiographs and clinically with visual analog scale and Constant score. A modified Cadenat procedure was performed in all cases. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were evaluated at an average follow-up of 72 months. One patient had a re-dislocation 3 years after surgery. At the last follow-up, average visual analog scale score of was 0.96 (range 0-3), while mean constant score was 94.32 (range 90-99) and 92 % of patient were very happy or happy with their functional result. Radiographs showed complete reduction in 22 patients and loss of reduction in two cases. No major complications were recorded. INTERPRETATION: This is the first clinical report on a modified Cadenat procedure. This operation has a reduced morbidity if compared to other techniques involving autologous grafts. Moreover, it yielded good functional results, with complete pain relief, and full strength recovery at mid-term follow-up. No major loss of reduction or recurrence of instability was observed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4, Case series.