Decreased posterior tibial slope is a risk factor for primary posterior cruciate ligament rupture and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failure: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To determine bony knee morphological factors associated with primary posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture or PCL graft failure after PCL reconstruction. METHODS: Three databases, namely MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE, were searched on 30th May 2023. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R-AMSTAR guidelines as well as the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data such as receiver operating characteristic curve parameters, as well as p-values for comparisons of values between patients with PCL pathology and control patients, were recorded. RESULTS: Nine studies comprising 1054 patients were included. Four studies reported that patients with PCL injury had flatter medial posterior tibial slopes (MTS) than controls, with mean values of 4.3 (range: 3.0-7.0) and 6.5 (range: 5.0-9.2) degrees, respectively. Two studies reported an MTS cutoff value ranging below 3.90-3.93° being a significant risk factor for primary PCL rupture or PCL graft failure. Two studies reported that shallow medial tibial depths were associated with primary PCL rupture, with mean values of 2.1 (range: 2.0-2.2) and 2.6 (range: 2.4-2.7) mm in PCL injury and control groups, respectively. Stenotic intercondylar notches and femoral condylar width were not consistently associated with PCL injuries. CONCLUSION: Decreased MTS is associated with primary PCL rupture and graft failure after PCL reconstruction with values below 3.93° being considered as a significant risk factor. Less common risk factors include shallow medial tibial depth, while femoral condylar width and parameters with regards to the intercondylar notch, such as notch width, notch width index and intercondylar notch volume, demonstrated conflicting associations with primary or secondary PCL injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Prevention of knee stiffness following ligament reconstruction: Understanding the role of Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition (AMI).

The knee is a joint that is often injured in sport, with a large and increasing number of ligament tears and repairs; postoperative complications can lead to poor outcome, such as stiffness. Beyond the well-known and well-described intra- and extra-articular causes of postoperative stiffness, the present study introduces the concept of a central reflex motor inhibition mechanism called arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI). AMI occurs after trauma and can be defined as active knee extension deficit due to central impairment of Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO) contraction, often associated with spinal reflex hamstring contracture. This explains the post-traumatic flexion contracture that is so common after knee sprain. The clinical presentation of AMI is easy to detect in consultation, in 4 grades from simple VMO inhibition to fixed flexion contracture by posterior capsule retraction in chronic cases. After recent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, more than 55% of patients show AMI, reducible in 80% of cases by simple targeted exercises initiated in consultation. Practically, in patients who have sustained knee sprain, it is essential to screen for this reflex mechanism and assess reducibility, as AMI greatly aggravates the risk of postoperative stiffness. In case of hemarthrosis, we recommend joint aspiration, which provides immediate benefit in terms of pain and motor inhibition. In case of persistent AMI, classical electrostimulation and "cushion crush", as used by all physiotherapists, are ineffective. To reduce the risk of postoperative stiffness, no surgery should be considered until AMI has resolved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: expert opinion.

Innovative knee surgery: arthroscopic double bundle U-DOS reverse Technique for PCL tears.

The Double Bundle U-DOS Reverse Technique for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears is a novel arthroscopic technique that combines two well-known procedures: the mono-tunnel approach and the medial-portal approach, provides better posterior stability, improved functional outcomes, and a reduced risk of posterior tibial subluxation. This technique allows for the simultaneous treatment of anterolateral and posteromedial bundles and has been successfully performed on 16 patients, with follow-up showing sufficient support and resistance to posterior tibial subluxation or excessive displacement, resulting in a stable knee joint.

The Role of Needle Arthroscopy in the Assessment and Treatment of Ankle Sprains.

Lateral ankle ligament complex injuries are most commonly managed nonoperatively. If no improvements have been made following conservative management, surgical intervention is warranted. Concerns have been raised regarding complication rates following open and traditional arthroscopic anatomical repair. In-office needle arthroscopic anterior talo-fibular ligament repair provides a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. The limited soft tissue trauma facilitates rapid return to daily and sporting activities making this an attractive alternative approach to lateral ankle ligament complex injuries.

Superficial peroneal nerve entrapment in ankle sprain in childhood and adolescence.

Traumatic injuries of the ankle are the most common injuries in sports. Up to 40% of patients who have undergone inversion ankle sprain report residual symptoms. The primary purpose of the study is to evaluate the incidence of SPN entrapment as consequence of acute severe inversion ankle sprain in children and adolescents; the secondary is to report the diagnostic pathway and the results after surgical treatment. From 2000 to 2015 were reviewed to summarize patients under the age of 15 years treated for a first episode of severe inversion ankle sprain. Cases with persistent symptoms (more than 3 months) indicative for SPN neuropathy were then identified. Instrumental investigations were recovered and a pre-operative assessment of pain (VAS) was recorded. Patients were evaluated at minimum of 1-year post-operative follow-up. 981 acute ankle sprains have been evaluated. 122 were considered severe according to van Dijk criteria. 5 patients were considered affected by neuropathy of the SPN. All patients underwent surgery consisting in neurolysis and capsular retention and ligament reconstruction. At 25 months of follow-up AOFAS moved from 57.6 to 98.6. The study highlights a previously unreported condition of perineural fibrosis of the superficial peroneal nerve at the level of the ankle following first acute severe inversion ankle sprain in children.

Low-Energy Lisfranc Injuries: When to Fix and When to Fuse.

Lisfranc injuries can be devastating to the athlete and nonathlete. In the athletic population, minor loss of midfoot stability compromises the high level of function demanded of the lower extremity. The most critical aspect of treatment is identifying the injury and severity of the ligamentous/articular damage. Not all athletes are able to return to their previous level of function. With appropriate treatment, a Lisfranc injury does not mandate the cessation of an athletic career. We focus on the diagnosis and an algorithmic approach to treatment in the athlete discussion the controversy of open reduction and internal fixation versus arthrodesis.

Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Surgical Management.

Surgical management for chronic lateral ankle ligament instability is useful when patients have failed nonoperative modalities. Open anatomic reconstruction is an effective method of stabilization. Ankle arthroscopy is a recommended to address intra-articular disorder before stabilization. An anatomic approach provides full range of motion, stability, and return to sport and activity. Allograft or suture tape augmentation can be useful for patients with generalized ligamentous laxity, patients with high body mass index, and elite athletes. Allograft reconstruction may be especially useful in revision procedures. Arthroscopic approach to lateral ankle ligament stabilization may provide good outcomes, with long-term data still limited.

Combined anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) lesion and anterolateral syndesmotic impingement after ankle sprain trauma in runners.

Anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) lesion have been shown to result in proliferation of cicatricial tissue ; concomitant insufficiency of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and AITFL Lesion may cause anterolateral syndesmotic impingement in the ankle joint of runners. Twenty-two runners with suspected syndesmotic impingement after ankle sprain were included in the study. An MRI of the ankle joint was performed followed by arthroscopy. Arthroscopy revealed an ATFL lesion in 20 patients (87%) and anterolateral syndesmotic impingement in 17 patients (77%). An ATFL lesion was detected in all patients with anterolateral syndesmotic impingement. The sensitivity of MRI was 24% (4 patients) on detecting anterolateral syndesmotic impingement, and 25% (5 patients) on ATFL lesion. A traumatic sprain of the ankle frequently results in a combined ATFL lesion and anterolateral syndesmotic impingement in runners. The abilities of MRI to detect this combined pathology are limited. Arthroscopy of the ankle joint should be performed. Study Design : Case series ; level of evidence 4.

Sprains, Strains, and Partial Tears of the Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament of the Elbow.

Medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL) insufficiency is becoming common in younger, nonprofessional athletes. In contrast to elite athletes who develop valgus extension overload syndrome and associated chronic pathologic changes in the MUCL, younger patients present with sprains and partial tears that can often be managed non-operatively with successful outcome and rapid return to play. In the younger throwing athlete with medial-sided elbow pain, a hinged elbow brace and rehabilitation of dysfunctional muscles often lead to successful recovery and return to play within 1-2 months. In more severe injuries, direct repair of the partial tear with or without added internal bracing supplementation allows restoration of stability with a return to play with 4 to 6 months.

Does Unicondylar Knee Arthroplasty Affect Tibial Bone Strain? A Paired Cadaveric Comparison of Fixed- and Mobile-bearing Designs.

BACKGROUND: Unexplained pain in the medial proximal tibia frequently leads to revision after unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA). As one of the most important factors for osteogenic adaptive response, increased bone strain following UKA has been suggested as a possible cause. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In this study we: (1) performed a cadaver-based kinematic analysis on paired cadaveric specimens before and after mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing UKA; and (2) simultaneously characterized the strain distribution in the anterior and posterior proximal tibia during squatting. METHODS: Five pairs of fresh, frozen full-leg cadaver specimens (four male, one female, 64 years to 87 years) were subjected to a dynamic squatting motion on a kinematic rig to simulate joint loading for a large ROM. Forces were applied to the quadriceps and hamstrings during the simulation while an infrared camera system tracked the location of reflective markers attached to the tibia and femur. Tibial cortical bone strain was measured with stacked strain gauge rosettes attached at predefined anterior and posterior positions on the medial cortex. Pairwise implantation of mobile-bearing (UKAMB) and fixed-bearing implants (UKAFB) allowed a direct comparison of right and left knees from the same donor through a linear mixed model. RESULTS: UKAMB more closely replicated native kinematics in terms of tibial rotation and in AP and mediolateral translation. Maximum principal bone strain values were consistently increased compared with native (anteromedial, mean [± SD] peak strain: 311 µÎµ ± 190 and posterior, mean peak strain: 321 µÎµ ± 147) with both designs in the anteromedial (UKAFB, mean peak strain: 551 µÎµ ± 381, Cohen's d effect size 1.3 and UKAMB, mean peak strain: 596 µÎµ ± 564, Cohen's d effect size 1.5) and posterior (UKAFB, mean peak strain: 505 µÎµ ± 511, Cohen's d effect size 1.3 and UKAMB, mean peak strain: 633 µÎµ ± 424, Cohen's d effect size 2.1) region. However, in the anterolateral region of the medial tibial bone, UKAFB demonstrated the overall largest increase in strain (mean peak strain: 1010 µÎµ ± 787, Cohen's d effect size 1.9), while UKAMB (613 µÎµ ± 395, Cohen's d effect size 0.2) closely replicated values of the native knee (563 µÎµ ± 234). CONCLUSION: In this in vitro cadaver study both UKAMB and UKAFB led to an increase in bone strain in comparison with the native knee. However, in the anterolateral region of the medial tibial plateau, proximal tibial bone strain was lower after UKAMB and UKAFB. Both UKAMB and UKAFB lead to comparable increases in anteromedial and posterior tibial strain in comparison with the native knee. In the anterolateral region of the medial tibial plateau UKA, proximal tibial bone strain was closer to the native knee after UKAMB than after UKAFB. In an attempt to link kinematics and strain behavior of these designs there seemed to be no obvious relation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Further clinical research may be able to discern whether the observed differences in cortical strain after UKA is associated with unexplained pain in patients and whether the observed differences in cortical bone strain between mobile-bearing and fixed unicondylar designs results in a further difference in unexplained pain.

Modified Broström procedure in patients with chronic ankle instability is superior to conservative treatment in terms of muscle endurance and postural stability.

PURPOSE: To compare muscle strength, muscle endurance, and postural stability in both the affected and unaffected ankles between patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) who underwent conservative treatment and those who underwent the modified Broström procedure (MBP). METHODS: A total of 67 patients (37, conservative treatment; 30, MBP) participated. Muscle strength and muscle endurance were measured using an isokinetic device, and postural stability was tested using a postural stabilometry system. We used the independent t test for continuous variables with a normal distribution and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: There was no difference in the muscle strengths of the affected and unaffected ankles between the groups. The muscle endurance of plantarflexion and inversion muscles was significantly lower in the affected ankles of the conservative treatment group than in those of the MBP group (plantarflexion: 209 ± 103.1 vs. 318 ± 162.2, p = 0.001; inversion: 93 ± 58.7 vs. 154 ± 65.9, p < 0.001). Static postural stability testing showed no significant differences between the affected and unaffected ankles of the two groups. In the dynamic postural stability test, the overall, anterior-posterior, and medial-lateral stability indices were all significantly higher in the affected ankles of the conservative treatment group than in those of the MBP group (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.004, respectively), with no differences observed in the unaffected ankles. CONCLUSION: The MBP may significantly improve muscle endurance and dynamic postural stability in CAI patients in whom conservative treatment has failed. Therefore, clinicians should consider using MBP instead of conservative treatment when patients show severe muscle weakness or dynamic postural instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case-control study, Level III.

An oblique fibular tunnel is recommended when reconstructing the ATFL and CFL.

PURPOSE: A bone tunnel is often used during the reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL). The purpose of this study is to compare proposed directions for drilling this fibular tunnel and to assess potential tunnel length, using a 5-mm-diameter tunnel and surrounding bone. METHODS: Anonymous DICOM data from spiral CT-scan images of the ankle were obtained from 12 Caucasian patients: 6 females and 6 males. Virtual tunnels were generated in a 3D bone model with angles of 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° in relation to the fibular long axis. Several measurements were performed: distance from entrance to perforation of opposing cortex, shortening of the tunnel, distance from tunnel centre to bone surface. RESULTS: A tunnel in a perpendicular direction resulted in an average possible tunnel length of 16.8 (± 2.7) mm in the female group and 20.3 (± 3.4) mm in the male group. A tunnel directed at 30° offered the longest length: 30.9 (± 2.5) mm in the female group and 34.4 (± 2.9) mm in the male group. The use of a 5-mm-diameter tunnel in a perpendicular direction caused important shortening of the tunnel at the entrance in some cases. The perpendicular tunnel was very near to the digital fossa while the most obliquely directed tunnels avoided this region. CONCLUSION: An oblique tunnel allows for a longer tunnel and avoids the region of the digital fossa, thereby retaining more surrounding bone. In addition, absolute values of tunnel length are given, which can be useful when considering the use of certain implants. We recommend drilling an oblique fibular tunnel when reconstructing the ATFL and CFL.

Arthroscopic ankle lateral ligament repair with biological augmentation gives excellent results in case of chronic ankle instability.

PURPOSE: The open "Broström-Gould" procedure has become the gold standard technique for the treatment of chronic ankle instability. Although arthroscopic techniques treating ankle instability have significantly evolved in the last years, no all arthroscopic Broström-Gould has been described. The aim of the study was to describe the all-arthroscopic Broström-Gould technique [anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair with biological augmentation using the inferior extensor retinaculum (IER)], and to evaluate the clinical results in a group of patients. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with isolated lateral ankle instability were arthroscopically treated. Arthroscopic ATFL repair with biological augmentation was performed through a two-step procedure. First, the ligament is reattached through an arthroscopic procedure. Next, the ligament is augmented with the IER that is endoscopically grasped. Both the ligament repair and its augmentation with IER were performed with the help of an automatic suture passer and two soft anchors. Characteristics of the patients, and pre- and postoperatively AOFAS and Karlsson scores were recorded. RESULTS: The median preoperative AOFAS score increased from 74 (range 48-84) to 90 (range 63-100). According to the Karlsson score, the median preoperative average increased from 65 (range 42-82) to 95 (range 65-100). No major complications were reported. Only one case (1.8%) required a revision surgery at 23 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The arthroscopic all-inside ATFL repair with biological augmentation using the IER is a reproducible technique. Excellent clinical results were obtained. The technique has the advantage of its minimally invasive approach and the potential to treat concomitant ankle intra-articular pathology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective case series, Level IV.

Arthroscopic all-inside ATFL and CFL repair is feasible and provides excellent results in patients with chronic ankle instability.

PURPOSE: Chronic ankle instability has been described as presenting with complete tears of both the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) in 20% of cases. Arthroscopic techniques to treat chronic ankle instability are increasingly being reported and in some instances they can be technically demanding. The aim of this study was to describe an arthroscopic all-inside repair of both the ATFL and CFL, and to report the outcomes of a group of patients with chronic ankle instability that underwent the technique. METHODS: Twenty-four patients [22 male and 2 female, median age 41 (range 22-56) years] with chronic ankle instability and torn ATFL and CFL were treated arthroscopically after failing non-operative management. Median follow-up was 35 (mean 34.7, and range 18-55) months. Through an arthroscopic all-inside technique, and using a suture passer and two knotless anchors, both fascicles of the ATFL and the CFL were repaired. RESULTS: Arthroscopic examination demonstrated ATFL and CFL injuries in all patients. Subjective improvement in their ankle instability was observed postoperatively. The anterior drawer and the talar tilt tests were negative at follow-up. The median AOFAS score increased from 65 (mean 65, range 52-85) preoperatively to 97 (mean 97, range 85-100) at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Chronic ankle instability with concomitant injury of both the ATFL and CFL, can be successfully treated by an arthroscopic all-inside repair. The clinical relevance of the study is the description of the first arthroscopic all-inside ATFL and CFL anatomic repair technique, which offers excellent clinical results and the inherent benefits from minimally invasive surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective case series.

Repair of only anterior talofibular ligament resulted in similar outcomes to those of repair of both anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments.

PURPOSE: To compare the surgical outcomes of the two different ankle stabilization techniques. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the outcomes of the modified Broström procedure with [calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) group] or without CFL repair [anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) only group]. Of the 50 patients randomly assigned to two groups, 43 were followed up prospectively for ≥ 2 years (CFL group: 22 patients, 36.6 ± 13.1 months; ATFL Only group: 21 patients, 35.3 ± 11.9 months). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Karlsson-Peterson and Tegner activity level scoring systems. Anterior talar translation (ATT), talar tilt angle (TTA), and degrees of displacement of the calcaneus against the talus on stress radiographs were measured. All parameters were compared between the two groups. Multiple regression analysis setting the postoperative Karlsson-Peterson score as the dependent variable was performed to determine the significant variable. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in functional (Karlsson-Peterson and Tegner activity level) scores at the last follow-up and their changes. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the ATT, TTA, their differences compared with the contralateral ankles, and degrees of displacement of the calcaneus against the talus at the last follow-up. Osteochondral lesion of the talus rather than CFL repair was the significant variable related to functional outcome. CONCLUSION: The modified Broström procedure with additional CFL repair did not result in a significant advantage in any measured outcome at 3 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized controlled trial, Level I.

Arthroscopic all-inside anterior talo-fibular ligament repair with suture augmentation gives excellent results in case of poor ligament tissue remnant quality.

PURPOSE: An increasing role of arthroscopy as the definitive treatment for ankle instability has been reported, and assisted or all-arthroscopic techniques have been developed. However, treatment of chronic ankle instability with poor remnant ligament-tissue quality is still challenging. The aim of this study was to describe the technique and report the results of the arthroscopic ATFL all-inside repair with suture augmentation to treat patients with poor remnant ligament-tissue quality. METHODS: Fifteen patients [9 men and 6 women, median age 30 (19-47) years] with chronic ankle instability and poor remnant ligament-tissue quality were treated by arthroscopic means after failing non-operative management. Median follow-up was 18 (12-23) months. Through an arthroscopic all-inside technique, and using a suture passer and two knotless anchors, the ligament was repaired. Then, the anchor's residual suture limbs were not cut, but were recycled and used for augmentation of the ligament repair. RESULTS: Arthroscopic examination demonstrated an isolated anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury with poor remnant ligament tissue in the 15 patients. All patients reported subjective improvement in their ankle instability after the arthroscopic all-inside ligaments repair and suture augmentation. The median AOFAS score increased from 66 (44-87) preoperatively to 100 (85-100) at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Chronic ankle instability with poor remnant ligament-tissue quality can be successfully treated by an arthroscopic all-inside repair and suture augmentation of the ligament. The clinical relevance of the study is the description of the first arthroscopic all-inside anatomic ATFL repair with suture augmentation that offers the benefit of maintaining the native ligament while reinforcing the repair, especially in patients with poor remnant ligament-tissue quality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective case series.

Combined arthroscopic all-inside repair of lateral and medial ankle ligaments is an effective treatment for rotational ankle instability.

PURPOSE: When the anterior fascicle of the deltoid ligament is injured in patients with chronic ankle instability, the diagnosis of rotational ankle instability is supported. The aim of this study was to report the results of an all-arthroscopic technique to concomitantly repair the lateral collateral and deltoid ligaments to treat patients with rotational ankle instability. METHODS: Thirteen patients [12 men and 1 woman, median age 32 (15-54) years] with rotational ankle instability were treated by arthroscopic means after failing non-operative management. Median follow-up was 35 (18-42) months. Using a suture passer and knotless anchors, the ligaments were repaired with an arthroscopic all-inside technique. RESULTS: During diagnostic arthroscopy, 12 patients showed an isolated anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury, and in one patient, both the ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament were affected. Arthroscopic examination of the deltoid ligament demonstrated a tear affecting the anterior area of the ligament in all cases. The tear was described as an "open book" tear, because the ligament was separated from the medial malleolus when applying passive internal rotation of the tibio-talar joint. This gap was closed when the tibio-talar joint was in neutral rotation or externally rotated. All patients reported subjective improvement in their ankle instability after the arthroscopic all-inside ligaments repair. The median AOFAS score increased from 70 (44-77) preoperatively to 100 (77-100) at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Rotational ankle instability can be successfully treated by an arthroscopic all-inside repair of the lateral and medial ligaments of the ankle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Endoscopic anatomic ligament reconstruction is a reliable option to treat chronic lateral ankle instability.

PURPOSE: Anatomic reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament is a valid treatment of chronic hindfoot instability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes of this procedure performed by an all-inside endoscopic technique. METHODS: This study is a retrospective evaluation of a prospective database. Subjects were all patients who underwent an endoscopic lateral ligament reconstruction between 2013 and 2016. All patients had symptoms of ankle instability with positive manual stress testing and failed nonoperative treatment during at least 6 months. At final follow-up the outcome was assessed using the visual analogue score (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and Karlsson-Peterson scores. RESULTS: After an average follow-up of 31.5 ± 6.9 months, all patients reported significant improvement compared to their preoperative status. The preoperative AOFAS score improved from 76.4 ± 15 to 94.7 ± 11.7 postoperatively (p = 0.0001). The preoperative Karlsson-Peterson score increased from 73.0 ± 16.0 to 93.7 ± 10.6 postoperatively (p = 0.0001). The VAS score improved from 1.9 ± 2.5 to 0.8 ± 1.7 (p < 0.001). Two patients had complaints of recurrent instability. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ligament reconstruction for chronic lateral ankle instability is a safe procedure and produces good clinical results with minimal complications. In addition, the endoscopic approach allows an assessment of the ankle joint and treatment of associated intra-articular lesions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Pectoralis Major Injuries in the National Football League.

BACKGROUND: Pectoralis major (PM) injuries are rare, primarily occurring in males during athletic activity. In the current literature, these injuries have not been well described in National Football League (NFL) athletes. HYPOTHESIS: The incidence of PM injuries will be low in NFL athletes, with athletes missing significantly more time after injuries requiring operative management. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: All documented PM injuries were retrospectively analyzed using the NFL Injury Surveillance System over a 15-season period. The data were analyzed by season, session, position, activity, and contact type at the time of injury. Additionally, the incidence, treatment, and days missed as a result of injury were assessed. RESULTS: Over 15 consecutive seasons, there were a total of 211 PM injuries. Of these injuries, 132 were classified as strains and 79 as ruptures. The incidence of strains was 0.41 per 10,000 athlete-exposures, compared with 0.25 per 10,0000 athlete-exposures for ruptures (P < 0.01). Players with PM ruptures treated operatively missed significantly more days than players treated nonoperatively (146.7 ± 55.0 vs 77.2 ± 72.9; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: NFL athletes miss significantly more time after operative compared with nonoperative management of PM ruptures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: PM injuries are rare, with the current literature lacking description of these injuries in NFL athletes. The paucity of data limits physicians from providing adequate counseling and expectations for athletes with this injury. This research represents the largest study assessing PM injuries in NFL athletes.