Nonoperative Treatment as an Option for Isolated Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a risk factor for early osteoarthritis (OA) onset. Generally, ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is associated with better outcomes. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effect of operative versus nonoperative treatment for preventing premature knee OA in isolated ACL tears while achieving good functional outcomes. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of the study was to compare the outcomes of ACLR to primarily nonoperative management of isolated ACL tears. It was hypothesized that the outcomes between treatment types would be similar. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This systematic review was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (registration No. CRD42021285901) and was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook guidelines. We systematically searched for randomized and nonrandomized studies that compared ACLR with nonoperative treatments in isolated ACL tears in 3 databases until October 25, 2021. The risk of bias and quality of evidence of the included studies was assessed in accordance with the Cochrane guidelines. The primary outcome was radiologic signs of OA, and the secondary outcomes were functional parameters. Using the common effects model, we calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs. Results: Five studies-2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 3 retrospective non-RCTs-were included. There was a moderate risk of bias in 2 studies and a serious risk of bias in 1 study. The quality of evidence was rated low because of the higher risk of bias and inconsistency. Nonoperatively treated knees showed a trend toward lower odds of developing radiological signs of OA (OR, 1.84 [95% CI, 0.90 to 3.75]); however, surgically reconstructed knees had significantly better stability (MD, -2.44 [95% CI, -3.21 to -1.66 ]) and a trend toward better but clinically not meaningful Lysholm scores (MD, 2.88 [95% CI, -1.09 to 6.85]). The qualitative synthesis showed that surgical reconstruction was protective against subsequent injuries but not superior when returning to previous activity levels or various functional tests. Conclusion: Findings indicated that there is no certain evidence that ACLR for an isolated ACL tear is superior to nonoperative treatment. Clinicians should consider nonoperative treatments with a well-designed rehabilitative program as a primary option. However, these findings must be interpreted with caution because of low study quality and high risk of bias.

Calcaneal Bone Bruise After Surgery for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: Excision of the posterosuperior corner of the calcaneus (EPCC) is routinely undertaken in athletes after failure of conservative management of insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Some patients can experience sharp calcaneal pain during postoperative rehabilitation, a sign of a calcaneal bone bruise (CBB). DESIGN: Case series, level of evidence IV. SETTING: University teaching hospital. PATIENTS: This study reports 8 patients who developed postoperative CBB after having started impact training too early. INTERVENTION: Patients in whom a diagnosis of CBB had been formulated were followed to return-to-play and resolution of bone edema by MRI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Detection of CBB after EPCC. RESULTS: After routine EPCC for insertional Achilles tendinopathy, 8 patients presented with sharp pain for a mean 7.1 weeks (median 6 weeks, range 5-11 weeks) before clinical suspicion of CBB. At that stage, MRI showed clear evidence of a bone bruise, with a diagnosis of CBB formulated at an average of 10.8 postoperative weeks (range 6-16 weeks). Calcaneal bone bruise resolved with modified symptom-free loading. Patients returned to play at average on 5.6 months (range 2-9 months) after the diagnosis of postoperative CBB. CONCLUSIONS: We describe 8 athletes who developed painful CBB following routine EPCC for insertional Achilles tendinopathy after having increased their level of activities too soon after the index procedure. In these patients, the diagnosis of postoperative CBB can be formulated by MRI and more cautious rehabilitation implemented.

The influence of external load variables on creatine kinase change during preseason training period.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyse the relationships between creatine kinase (CK) concentration, an indirect marker of muscle damage, and global positioning system (GPS)-derived metrics of a continuous two-week-long preseason training period in elite football. DESIGN: Twenty-one elite male professional soccer players were assessed during a 14-day preseason preparatory period. CK concentrations were determined each morning, and a GPS system was used to quantify the external load. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was established to determine the extent to which the external load parameter explained post-training CK levels. RESULTS: The GEE model found that higher numbers of decelerations (χ 2 = 7.83, P = 0.005) were most strongly associated with the post-training CK level. Decelerations and accelerations accounted for 62% and 11% of the post-training CK level, respectively, and considerable interindividual variability existed in the data. CONCLUSION: The use of GPS to predict muscle damage could be of use to coaches and practitioners in prescribing recovery practices. Based on GPS data, more individualized strategies could be devised and could potentially result in better subsequent performance.

Dual-Energy Computed Tomography in Spine Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of dual-energy computed tomography (DE-CT) of bone marrow edema and disc edema in spine injuries.In vertebral injuries, prompt diagnosis is essential to avoid any delays in treatment. Conventional radiography may only reveal indirect signs of fractures, such as when it is displaced. Therefore, to detect the presence of bone marrow or disc edemas, adjunctive tools are required, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or DE-CT. METHODS: Search terms included ((DECT) OR (DE-CT) OR (dual-energy CT) OR "Dual energy CT" OR (dual-energy computed tomography) OR (dual energy computed tomography)) AND ((spine) OR (vertebral)), and the PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases and the Cochrane Library and Google were used. We found 1233 articles on our preliminary search, but only 13 articles met all criteria. Data were extracted to calculate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio for analysis using R software. RESULTS: Within the 13 studies, 515 patients, 3335 vertebrae, and 926 acute fractures (27.8%) defined by MRI were included. The largest cohort included 76 patients with 774 vertebrae. In 12 publications, MRI was reported for comparison. For DE-CT, the overall sensitivity was 86.2% with a specificity of 91.2% and accuracy of 89.3%. Furthermore, 5 studies reported the accuracy of CT with an overall sensitivity of 81.3%, specificity of 80.7%, and accuracy with 80.9%. Significant differences were found for specificity (P < .001) and accuracy (P = .023). However, significant interobserver differences were reported. CONCLUSIONS: DE-CT seems to be a promising diagnostic tool to detect bone marrow and disc edemas, which can potentially replace the current gold standard, the MRI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study shows that DE-CT seems to be a promising diagnostic tool with an accuracy of 89.3%.

Isolated Femoral Shaft Fracture in Wakeboarding and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Wakeboarding is an extreme sport that has shown increasing popularity in recent years, with an estimated 2.9 million participants in 2017. Due to this trend, injuries related to this sport are likely to become more common. Isolated femoral shaft are rare; however, they occur much more frequently in youth as a result of high velocity events, such as dashboard-related injuries. Few studies have addressed injuries related to wakeboarding, and of those that have, most have reported on muscle injuries, ligament ruptures, and sprains. Due to the dearth in literature, we want to present two cases of isolated noncontact femoral shaft fractures that resulted from wakeboarding. Case Presentation. Two 28-year-old, otherwise healthy, wakeboarders-patient A, male, and patient B, female-presented to our Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine with isolated femoral shaft fractures. Both were admitted due to wakeboard-related noncontact injuries, where patient A fell while performing a sit-down start during cable wakeboarding and patient B after attempting a wake-jump. Both patients were being pulled by motorboats at roughly 40 km/h. After clinical examination and radiography, left spiral (AO classification: 32-A1.2) (patient A) and right-sided bending, wedge (AO classification 32-B2.2) (patient B) isolated femoral shaft fractures were diagnosed. No concomitant injuries were reported. For treatment, long reamed locked nails were applied, while the patients were under spinal anaesthesia. Physiotherapy was prescribed postoperatively. Patient A returned to wakeboarding 155 days after the surgery, and patient B returned after approximately half a year. CONCLUSION: This case series shows that even in noncontact sports such as wakeboarding, high-energy forces applied to the femur can cause isolated femoral shaft fractures. Despite multiple reports in various sports of stress fractures of the femur, there are few publications of direct trauma.

Osteochondral Autograft and Mosaicplasty in the Football (Soccer) Athlete.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of mosaicplasty in the treatment of focal chondral and osteochondral defects of joints among elite football players. METHODS: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. The results of mosaicplasty were prospectively evaluated with 1-year intervals with patient-reported outcome measures, radiographs, and sports participation. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients who received mosaicplasty in the knee joint were followed from 2 to 17 years (average, 9.6 years). The International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score showed 89% good and excellent results. Sixty-seven percent of all players returned to the same level of sport, with 89% of the elite players and 62% of the competitive players. The average time to return to competitions was 4.5 months (range, 3.5-6.1 months). Players who had better clinical outcomes were significantly younger and had smaller lesions. The results of the medial and lateral condyles were significantly better than those in the patella or trochlea. Concomitant adjuvant procedures improved clinical outcomes. Despite a higher rate of preoperative osteoarthritic changes, clinical outcomes demonstrated a success rate similar to that of less athletic patients. CONCLUSION: Autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty in competitive football players is a good alternative procedure to repair cartilage damage.

Clinical experiences with autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty in an athletic population: a 17-year prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Several methods are used to treat focal chondral and osteochondral defects on the weightbearing surfaces of synovial joints. Autologous osteochondral grafting is 1 option used to replace hyaline cartilage in the defect. HYPOTHESIS: Mosaicplasty is effective in returning elite athletes to participation in sports. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: In 3 institutes, 354 of 383 patients were followed from 2 to 17 years (average, 9.6 years). The results of mosaicplasty were prospectively evaluated at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and yearly with patient-reported outcomes measures and radiographs. RESULTS: Slight or moderate degenerative changes (Fairbank grade I or II) were detected preoperatively in 27% of the cases and in 36% of the cases at follow-up. Fairbank grade III changes were observed in 5 cases. An average radiographic deterioration of 0.32 on the Fairbank scale was detected (preoperative, 0.34; postoperative, 0.66). Good to excellent results were found in 91% of femoral mosaicplasties, 86% of tibial, and 74% of patellofemoral; 92% of talar mosaicplasties had similar results (Hannover ankle scoring system). Patellofemoral pain related to graft harvest was observed in 5% of cases. Second-look arthroscopies revealed good, congruent, gliding surfaces of the transplants and acceptable fibrocartilage coverage of donor sites in 16 patients and degenerative changes of the transplants in 5 cases. Histological evaluation revealed good graft incorporation in all 11 cases. Two infections and 3 deep venous thromboses occurred. CONCLUSION: Despite a higher rate of preoperative osteoarthritic changes in the athletic patients, clinical outcomes of mosaicplasty in this group demonstrated a success rate similar to that of less athletic patients. Higher motivation resulted in better subjective evaluation. Slight deterioration in results occurred during the 9.6-year follow-up; thus, autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty may be a useful alternative for the treatment of 1.0- to 4.0-cm(2) focal chondral and osteochondral lesions in competitive athletes.