Ankle sprain and podoscopic footprint pattern in female volleyball players.

Ankle sprain (AS) is the most common sports injury that can be complicated by chronic joint instability. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between foot types and the ankle sprain events suffered during the sport career in female volleyball players. In this retrospective study, we randomly selected 98 female volleyball players competing in several divisions. Data were obtained from self-administered questionnaires in which the athlete noted data about volleyball practice, whether they had had ankle sprains and the number of these events. Plantar footprint was photographed by a plantoscope classifying each foot as normal, flat or cavus (196 feet). Of the 196 feet, 145 (74.0%) were normal, 8 (4.1%) were flat 43 and (21.9%) were cavus. Thirthy-five athletes reported at least one AS during volleyball practice. In total 65 sprain injuries were reported (35 to the right side and 30 to the left side). In 22 ankles (14 right, 8 left) sprain reinjure (AS >1) have been reported. A higher AS reinjury rate is correlated to the cavus footprint pattern (p = 0,005). Cavus foot associates to a higher risk of reinjury for ankle sprains in female volleyball players. Knowing the athletes which are more likely to sustain a reinjure may be helpful for the orthopedic surgeon to plan preventive strategies.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the shoulder in elite Italian beach volleyball players.

AIM: Beach volleyball is an overhead sport that subjects the hitting shoulder to intense functional loads. The purpose of this study is to identify ultrasonographically the prevalence of myotendinous alterations in professional Italian beach volleyball players at the Italian championship and to look for associations between ultrasound findings and the other data collected. METHODS: Fifty-three beach volleyball players (31 women, 22 men) were recruited during the second stage of the Italian championship held in July 2012 in Rome, Italy. Clinical history was obtained from all subjects, followed by physical exam. Each athlete completed a questionnaire regarding sports activities. Bilateral ultrasonographic evaluation of the shoulders was then performed. RESULTS: Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff of the hitting shoulder was identified ultrasonographically in 30% of the athletes. The mean age of the athletes with calcific tendinopathy was older than subjects with other abnormalities on ultrasonographic examination (33.1 years vs. 25.8 years, t-test; P<0.0001). Impingement was recognized ultrasonographically in the hitting shoulder in 10 of the athletes (18.8%). The Neer's test was positive in the cases of anterior impingement (χ2; P<0.002). CONCLUSION: Calcific tendinopathy of the rotator cuff of the hitting shoulder in professional beach volleyball players has a prevalence of 30% ultrasonographically, greater than that reported in the general population. In these athletes, the presence of calcific tendinopathy correlates positively with age.