Treatment of articular cartilage defects in athletes: an analysis of functional outcome and lesion appearance.

This article characterizes chondral injuries and reviews the results of microfracture treatment in high-level competitive and recreational athletes. Thirty-eight high-level and 140 recreational athletes completed functional questionnaires preoperatively and yearly postoperatively, recording symptoms, function, and activity level. Second-look arthroscopy tapes were available in 26 high-level and 54 recreational athletes. The mean follow-up for the high-level athletes was 3.7 +/- 1.4 years. Chondral defects averaged 223 +/- 180 mm2. Lesion size and follow-up were not significantly different in the recreational group. Functional questionnaire responses demonstrated significant improvements from the time of microfracture to final follow-up. Improvement in function and symptoms was similar for the competitive and recreational athletes.

Effects of human knee synovial fluid on chondrogenesis in vitro.

To evaluate the healing environment of chondral defects, synovial fluid samples from knees of 25 patients with a traumatic chondral defect were evaluated. Effect of the synovial fluid on chondrogenesis was measured using a chick limb bud bioassay. Samples from 11 of 17 acutely injured knees stimulated chondrogenesis, samples from 4 were inhibitory, and samples from 2 showed no effect. Samples from six of eight chronically injured knees inhibited chondrogenesis; the other two samples stimulated chondrogenesis. The relationship between acute versus chronic injury and effect of synovial fluid on chondrogenesis was statistically significant. We conclude that synovial fluid contains factors that stimulate cartilage healing in the acute period following traumatic injury, but this effect can become inhibitory if the lesion is allowed to become chronic.

Dynamic external fixation of unstable fractures of the distal part of the radius. A prospective, randomized comparison with static external fixation.

A prospective, randomized study was done to compare the results of dynamic external fixation (the Clyburn device) with those of static external fixation (the AO/ASIF device) in the treatment of fifty unstable fractures of the distal part of the radius. Mobilization of the wrist from neutral to 30 degrees of flexion was begun in the dynamic-fixator group at approximately two weeks, and full motion, allowing 30 degrees of extension, was started at approximately four weeks. The external fixation frames in both groups were kept in place for approximately ten weeks. Mobilization of the wrist in the dynamic-fixator group provided little gain in the mean motion of the wrist at the time of the removal of the fixator or at the one, six, or twelve-month evaluation. The static-fixator group had greater flexion of the wrist and radial deviation at the early and late follow-up examinations, while the dynamic-fixator group demonstrated only greater ulnar deviation one month after the fixator had been removed. Motion of the wrist in the dynamic-fixator group resulted in a statistically significant loss of radial length compared with that in the static-fixator group (four millimeters compared with one millimeter, p < 0.001). Complications were more frequent in the dynamic-fixator group. As evaluated with a modification of the scoring system of Gartland and Werley, 92 percent of the results at one year were excellent or good in the static-fixator group and 76 percent, in the dynamic-fixator group. The results of this study cannot support the concept of early mobilization with a dynamic external fixator for the treatment of unstable fractures of the distal part of the radius.

Measurements of the intercondylar notch by plain film radiography and magnetic resonance imaging.

The purpose of this investigation was twofold. In Part I, we determined the accuracy of morphometric analysis of the knee using magnetic resonance imaging and plain film radiography. The results of Part I validated the accuracy of magnetic resonance measurements and its superiority over plain film measurements. In Part II, we evaluated knee morphometry in 20 asymptomatic athletes with chronic anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency to determine if any predisposing factors to anterior cruciate ligament disruption could be detected. With our analysis, we could detect no predisposing factors to explain the anterior cruciate ligament disruption in the cohort group.

Neurovascular injuries to the shoulder complex.

The shoulder complex is particularly vulnerable to neurovascular injuries due to its intimate anatomical relationship with the brachial plexus and axillary vessels. Therapists, trainers, and physicians who cover athletic events witness the violence of injury to the neck and shoulder. Fortunately, permanent neurovascular deficits are rare, and many are subtle. However, tragically, some can be career-ending and even life-threatening. Neurovascular injuries may occur in association with musculoskeletal injury or as an isolated finding. Symptoms may present on an acute basis or in a chronic fashion. On the playing field or in the emergency room, focus is often placed on the obvious musculoskeletal injury, ie., dislocation or fracture. Medical personnel must always have a high index of suspicion of neurovascular injuries to the shoulder complex to avoid misdiagnosis. They must consider that failure to progress in rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries may be secondary to a previously unrecognized neurovascular lesion. The purpose of this review is to provide a basic reference for diagnosis and treatment of neurovascular injuries to the shoulder complex for therapists, trainers, and physicians. Also, we hope to raise the index of suspicion for neurovascular injuries during evaluation of patients with common shoulder injuries. The review is organized by location and association with specific musculoskeletal injuries.

Classification and physical diagnosis of instability of the shoulder.

Recent clinical and basic science work has increased our knowledge of shoulder instability. Valuable information has been gained by cutting studies of the capsuloligamentous complex to clarify the biomechanics of instability. It is now clear that a significant overlap exists in the concepts of instability and impingement relating to anterior shoulder pain. These concepts have added new importance to organization and standardization when classifying and diagnosing shoulder instability. This manuscript presents an algorithmic approach to classification of shoulder girdle complaints that may be related to instability. This classification system is designed around the direction, degree, chronology, cause, and volition of instability. With accurate and detailed analysis of the historical presentation, most shoulder instability complaints can be classified using this approach. The physical examination also should proceed in an orderly fashion, including general impression of the musculoskeletal system, inspection, palpation, and range of motion of both the uninvolved and involved shoulder, neurologic examination, rotator cuff evaluation, and stability assessment. Stability assessment includes glenohumeral translation examination with apprehension and provocative testing. Management techniques are predicted on an accurate diagnosis. With a thorough and organized examination, the correct diagnosis can be achieved.

Current concepts and recent advances in the athlete's shoulder.

The demands placed on the shoulder girdle during athletics can often exceed its physiologic limits and result in significant injury. The goal of orthopedists, therapists, trainers, and ancillary personnel who care for athletes involved in sports which require extreme demands of the shoulder is to enhance athletic performance, extend their longevity, and prevent injury. With the new concepts available from basic science and clinical research, a clear understanding of normal architecture and biomechanical function of the shoulder girdle is better appreciated. A greater understanding of sporting activities and their physiologic demands on the shoulder are also more clear. The future of all this research seems to be pointing toward maintenance and restoration of normal anatomy and physiology about the shoulder girdle.