Initial Outcomes of Single Versus Multiple-Plug Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Osteochondral Defects About the Knee: A Matched Cohort Analysis.

PURPOSE: Although several prior studies have described outcomes of OCA transplantation for single osteochondral lesions, a paucity of information exists comparing outcomes of single versus multiple OCA transplants. We aimed to describe initial outcomes of single versus multiple-plug knee OCA transplants at minimum 1-year follow-up. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in patient-reported outcome measures between patients undergoing single versus multiple-plug OCA transplants at minimum 1-year follow-up. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data for patients undergoing OCA transplantation for large (>2cm2) osteochondral defects about the knee. Thirty patients with multi-plug (2+) OCA transplants (either single surface using snowman technique or multi-surface) were 1:1 age- and sex-, and BMI-matched to 30 patients with single-plug OCA transplants. PROMs, including IKDC and KOOS subscores, were obtained preoperatively and minimum 1-year postoperatively. Failure was defined as revision OCA or conversion to UKA or TKA. RESULTS: The cohort included 30 females, 31 left knees, average age of 37±10.3 years, and median follow up of 2.0 years [interquartile range: 1.7-2.5 years]. There was a significant increase in PROMs from pre- to postoperative for the entire cohort and the single versus multi-plug subgroups (p<0.01). There was no difference between groups with respect to the percentage of patients who achieved the MCID for each PROM (p>0.05). There were two failures, each in the single plug group, with a mean time to failure of 3.5 years. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in initial outcomes between patients undergoing single versus multi-plug OCA transplant at short-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series Keywords: knee, patella; knee, articular cartilage; knee, general.

Very Few ACGME-accredited Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programs Have Web-accessible Leave Policies Dedicated to Parental Leave for Residents, Despite ACGME Requirements.

BACKGROUND: The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires that all graduate medical education (GME) programs provide at least 6 paid weeks off for medical, parental, and caregiver leave to residents. However, it is unclear whether all orthopaedic residency programs have adapted to making specific parental leave policies web-accessible since the ACGME's mandate in 2022. This gap in policy knowledge leaves both prospective and current residents in the dark when it comes to choosing residency programs, and knowing what leave benefits they are entitled to when having children during training via birth, surrogacy, adoption, or legal guardianship. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What percentage of ACGME-accredited orthopaedic surgery residency programs provide accessible parental leave policies on their program's website, their GME website, and through direct contact with their program's administration? (2) What percentage of programs offer specific parental leave policies, generic leave policies, or defer to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)? METHODS: As indicated in the American Medical Association's 2022 Freida Specialty Guide, 207 ACGME-accredited orthopaedic residency programs were listed. After further evaluation using previous literature's exclusion criteria, 37 programs were excluded based on osteopathic graduate rates. In all, 170 ACGME-accredited allopathic orthopaedic surgery residency programs were identified and included in this study. Three independent reviewers assessed each program website for the presence of an accessible parental leave policy. Each reviewer accessed the program's public webpage initially, and if no parental leave policy was available, they searched the institution's GME webpage. If no policy was found online, the program administrator was contacted directly via email and phone. Available leave policies were further classified into five categories by reviewers: parental leave, generic leave, deferred to FMLA, combination of parental and FMLA, and combination of parental and generic leave. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that 6% (10 of 170) of orthopaedic residency programs had policy information available on their program's main orthopaedic web page. Fifty nine-percent (101 of 170) of orthopaedic residency programs had a clearly stated policy on their institution's GME website. The remaining 35% (59 of 170) had no information on their public website and required direct communication with program administration to obtain policy information. After directly contacting program administration, 12% (21 of 170) of programs responded to researchers request with a PDF explicitly outlining their policy. Twenty-two percent (38 of 170) of programs did not have an accessible policy available. Of the programs that had available policies, a total of 53% (70 of 132) of programs were categorized as offering explicit parental leave policies, 9% (12 of 132) were categorized as offering general leave policies, and 27% (36 of 132) deferred to FMLA. Seven percent (9 of 132) offered combined parental leave policies with FMLA, and 4% (5 of 132) offered combined general leave policies with FMLA. CONCLUSION: Although most ACGME-accredited allopathic orthopaedic surgery residency programs met the ACGME requirement of written parental leave policies in 2023, a small minority of programs have clear, accessible parental leave policies provided on their webpage. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Parental leave policies should be easily accessible to prospective and current trainees and should clearly state compensation and length of leave. Ensuring orthopaedic surgery residency programs provide accessible and transparent parental leave policies is important for maintaining diversity in prospective applicants and supporting the work-life balance of current residents.

Ultrasound-Guided Glenohumeral Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: The Role of Clinical Stage in Response to Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Treatment for idiopathic adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder remains controversial. Stages 1 to 2 reflect an inflammatory process supporting a rationale for intra-articular glenohumeral joint corticosteroid injection to treat synovial inflammation and prevent progression to capsular fibrosis. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that an intra-articular ultrasound-guided glenohumeral injection (USGI) of corticosteroid in patients diagnosed with Stage 1 or 2 idiopathic adhesive capsulitis will result in timely functional recovery and resolution of pain and stiffness. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: Patients with Stage 1 or 2 idiopathic adhesive capsulitis treated with an intra-articular corticosteroid injection were included. Patients were seen by a single physician and diagnosed using history and physical examination with careful attention to measurement of glenohumeral range of motion (ROM). A total of 61 patients met inclusion criteria. ROM measurements documented in the patient charts were recorded in forward flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation in neutral abduction. All ROM measurements were performed pre- and postinjection. All patients were treated with an USGI of local anesthetic and depomedrol. Recovery criteria were defined as forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation within 15° of the contralateral side and internal rotation within 3 spinous process levels of the contralateral side. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients with Stage 1 and 50 patients with Stage 2 adhesive capsulitis comprised the final study cohort. Within the Stage 1 cohort, all 11 patients met recovery criteria for forward flexion and internal rotation (100%), 10 met recovery criteria for abduction (91%), and 8 met recovery criteria for external rotation (73%). Within the Stage 2 cohort, 31 patients met recovery criteria for forward flexion (62%), 30 met recovery criteria for abduction (60%), 36 met recovery criteria for internal rotation (72%), and 25 met recovery criteria for external rotation (50%). The difference in time to recovery in days was statistically significant in all ROM planes and was within 2 to 6 weeks for patients in Stage 1 and 7 to 10 weeks for Stage 2. CONCLUSION: USGI for early adhesive capsulitis allows patients to recover ROM more rapidly if performed early after onset of pain and stiffness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results stress the importance of recognition of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis in its early stages and subsequent intervention with an intra-articular glenohumeral corticosteroid injection.

Factors Associated With an Intra-articular Infection After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Large Single-Institution Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: An intra-articular infection after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is a rare complication but one with potentially devastating consequences. The rare nature of this complication raises difficulties in detecting risk factors associated with it and with worse outcomes after one has occurred. PURPOSE: To (1) evaluate the association between an infection after ACLR and potential risk factors in a large single-center cohort of patients who had undergone ACLR and (2) assess the factors associated with ACL graft retention versus removal. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: All ACLR procedures performed at our institution between January 2010 and December 2018 were reviewed; a total of 11,451 procedures were identified. A retrospective medical record review was performed to determine the incidence of infections, patient and procedure characteristics associated with an infection, infection characteristics, incidence of ACL graft retention, and factors associated with the retention versus removal of an ACL graft. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for an infection after ACLR. RESULTS: Of the 11,451 ACLR procedures, 48 infections were identified (0.42%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed revision ACLR (odds ratio [OR], 3.13 [95% CI, 1.55-6.32]; P = .001) and younger age (OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.02-1.10]; P = .001) as risk factors for an infection. Compared with bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts, both hamstring tendon autografts (OR, 4.39 [95% CI, 2.15-8.96]; P < .001) and allografts (OR, 5.27 [95% CI, 1.81-15.35]; P = .002) were independently associated with an increased risk of infections. Overall, 15 ACL grafts were removed (31.3%). No statistically significant differences besides the number of irrigation and debridement procedures were found for retained versus removed grafts, although some trends were identified (P = .054). CONCLUSION: In a large single-center cohort of patients who had undergone ACLR and those with an infection after ACLR, patients with revision cases and younger patients were found to have a higher incidence of infection. The use of bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts was found to be associated with the lowest risk of infection after ACLR compared with both hamstring tendon autografts and allografts. Larger cohorts with a larger number of infection cases are needed to determine the factors associated with graft retention versus removal.

Exploring the Relationship Between Participation in an Adult-women's Soccer League and Intimate Partner Violence in Rural Kenya.

Rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in Sub-Saharan Africa are among the highest of any region in the world. Empirical studies on the effectiveness of IPV-prevention programs in Africa, though few, suggest that successful programs have emphasized community-level engagement and attitudinal change around gender roles. This study explored the relationship between adult women's participation in an all-women's soccer league and IPV in rural Kenya. Nikumbuke Project is a health- and literacy-based program for 702 women in Kwale County, Kenya, that also hosts a women's soccer league. A total of 684 Nikumbuke members completed surveys for this study, 543 of whom identified as having had a partner in the preceding 12 months and were included in this analysis. Participants in the study were, on average, in their late 30s, married with 4-6 children, a primary education or less, and no source of formal employment. Logistic regression models examined the association between a woman's participation in the soccer league and the odds that she would have experienced recent IPV, controlling for other covariates. Women who played on soccer teams had 59% lower odds of reporting physical IPV in the preceding 12 months and approximately 43% lower odds of reporting any form of IPV during the same period compared to women who did not play soccer. Support of more gender-equitable norms was associated with lower odds of all forms of recent violence. More research is needed to identify the underlying reasons for these observed effects and to determine the presence of a causal or temporal relationship between adult women's sports and IPV-risk reduction. Nonetheless, findings from this study point to a novel IPV intervention in communities that might otherwise be resistant to more overt attempts to address gender-based violence (GBV) or where social service agencies with the capacity for IPV-prevention programming may be limited.

Factors associated with injuries in first-time marathon runners from the New York City marathon.

OBJECTIVES: To determine how baseline characteristics of first-time marathon runners and training patterns are associated with risk of injuries during training and the race. METHODS: First-time adult marathon runners who were registered for the 2017 New York City Marathon were monitored starting 12 weeks prior to the race. Baseline data collection included demographics and running experience. Running frequency, distance, and injury occurrence were self-reported using online surveys every 2 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 720 runners participated of which 675 completed the study. There were 64/675 (9.5%) who had major injuries during training or the race that preventing starting or finishing the race. An additional 332 (49.2%) had minor injuries interfering with training and/or affecting race performance. Injury incidence was not significantly different based on age or sex. Runners who completed a half marathon prior to the study were less likely to report getting injured [multivariable odds ratio (OR) 0.40, (0.22, 0.76), p= 0.005]. Runners who averaged <4 training runs per week during the study were less likely to report getting injured compared to those who averaged ≥4 per week [relative risk 1.36, (1.13-1.63), p= 0.001]. Longest training run distance during the study was inversely associated with race-day injury incidence [OR 0.87 (0.81, 0.94), p< 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Injuries are common among first-time marathon runners. We found that risk of injury during training was associated with lack of half marathon experience and averaging ≥4 training runs per week. Longer training runs were associated with a lower incidence of race-day injuries. These results can inform the development of targeted injury-prevention interventions.

Biomechanical Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), the Major Constituents of Cannabis, in a Sprague Dawley Rat Achilles Tendon Surgical Repair Model: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The use of cannabis is common among athletes and the US population at large. Cannabinoids are currently being evaluated as alternatives to opioid medications for chronic pain management. However, the effects of recreational and/or medical use of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on musculoskeletal injury and healing remain largely unknown. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of CBD and THC on tendon-to-tendon healing in a rat Achilles tendon repair model. The hypothesis was that rats administered CBD would demonstrate decreased tensile load to failure of surgically repaired Achilles tendons compared with the THC and control groups. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A total of 33 Sprague Dawley rats underwent Achilles tendon surgical transection and repair and were randomized to receive subcutaneous injection of THC, CBD, or vehicle once daily starting on the day of surgery and for 5 total days. After sacrifice, biomechanical tensile load-displacement testing was performed to determine Achilles tendon load to failure and stiffness. Data were analyzed by 1-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: The THC group demonstrated the highest median load to failure, 18.7 N (95% CI, 15.3-19.2 N); the CBD group had the second highest at 16.9 N (95% CI, 15.1-19.8 N), and the control group had the lowest at 14.4 N (95% CI, 12.1-18.3 N). Stiffness was highest in the THC group at 4.1 N/mm (95% CI, 2.7-5.1 N/mm) compared with 3.6 N/mm (95% CI, 2.9-4.1 N/mm) for the CBD group and 3.6 N/mm (95% CI, 2.8-4.3 N/mm) for the control group. No statistically significant differences for strength and stiffness were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study using an animal tendon-to-tendon repair model, neither THC nor CBD resulted in altered biomechanical characteristics compared to control. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cannabinoids do not appear to adversely affect Achilles tendon healing.

Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes Following Surgical Contracture Release of the Elbow: A Case Series.

Background Elbow contracture is a debilitating condition with an incidence ranging from as low as almost 1% to as high as 20% and results in significant limiting consequences on a patient's activities of daily living (ADLs). Postoperative rehabilitation is important in maintaining the range of motion and sustaining an improved range of motion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of elbow contracture release surgery and the effect of an occupational therapy/physical therapy (OT/PT)-guided, self-directed rehabilitation program following surgery, without the use of continuous passive motion (CPM) devices. Methods We enrolled patients who had undergone elbow contracture release surgery from 2005 to 2016 at a single institution under the senior author. The evaluation included objective measurements of range-of-motion, strength, and neurological sensory testing. Provocative testing of the elbow and hand was performed. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons-elbow (ASES-e), Simple Shoulder Test-elbow (SST-e), Disabilities of the Arm and Shoulder (DASH), Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and an investigator questionnaire were completed. Results We enrolled 19 patients, six female and 13 male, with an average follow-up of 58.9 months (SD± 39.8, Range 22-117). We showed improvement and sustained motion between preoperative and postoperative research visit flexion (p<0.001) and flexion extension-arc (p<0.01). The mean increase in flexion was 98° to 131° and the flexion-extension arc was 36°. Patients were satisfied with the decision to undergo surgery and had sustained ability to complete ADLs. Discussion This patient cohort demonstrated a statistically significant increase, as well as long-term maintenance in the flexion and flexion-extension arc. A self-directed, OT/PT-guided, therapy program without CPM was effective. Patients showed good outcomes and were satisfied with their ability to perform ADLs, decreased pain, and the decision to undergo surgery.

Increased Load to Failure in Biceps Tenodesis With All-Suture Suture Anchor Compared With Interference Screw: A Cadaveric Biomechanical Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the biomechanical characteristics of a single radially expanding all-suture anchor with an interference screw for open subpectoral long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) tenodesis. METHODS: Eighteen fresh-frozen matched-pair human cadaveric humeri were used for this biomechanical study. The matched pair humeri were randomly assigned into 2 experimental biceps tenodesis groups: conventional interference screw (CIS) or all-suture suture anchor (ASSA). Open subpectoral LHBT tenodesis was then performed and biomechanical testing was performed using a servohydraulic test frame. A preload of 5 N was applied for 2 minutes before cyclic loading. Displacement was recorded at cycle 300 (D300) and cycle 500 (D500) and at ultimate failure. Data recorded included displacement, load to failure, displacement at failure. Paired t test was used for analysis. RESULTS: Decreased displacement was observed for the CIS group at D300 (1.67 ± 0.57 mm vs 3.35 ± 2.24 mm; P = .04), D500 (2.00 ± 0.76 mm vs 3.87 ± 2.20 mm; P = .04), and at failure (5.17 ± 3.05 mm vs 10.76 ± 2.66 mm; P < .001). Load to failure was lower in CIS specimens (170 ± 24.5 N vs 217.8 ± 51.54 N; P = .02). Failure in each case was tendon pullout for all CIS specimens; in ASSA 6 specimens failed as the suture pulled through the tendon, 2 specimens failed by suture breakage. No difference in stiffness was observed between the 2 groups (CIS = 98.33 ± 22.98 N/m vs ASSA = 75.94 ± 44.83 N/m; P = .20). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that open subpectoral biceps tenodesis performed with an ASSA construct results in increased load to failure as compared with CIS. However, the CIS did demonstrate decreased displacement as compared to ASSA in this cadaveric biomechanical study. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ASSA and CIS at time zero provide fixation as indicated by the provider intraoperatively for LHBT tenodesis. ASSA, however, does remove less cortical bone than does CIS and therefore produces a smaller stress riser in the proximal humerus. Further testing as to the integrity of ASSA is warranted to determine the integrity of the tenodesis with cyclical loading.

"It Is Like Medicine": Using Sports to Promote Adult Women's Health in Rural Kenya.

Despite the well-documented health benefits of recreational sports, few opportunities exist in lower- and middle-income countries for adult women to participate in recreational physical activities. An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was used to explore associations between an innovative soccer program for adult women and self-reported health status. Cross-sectional survey data were collected in 2018-2019 from 702 women in the Nikumbuke Project, a health and literacy program in southeastern rural Kenya, followed by focus group discussions with 225 women who also participated in the Project's soccer program. Quantitative findings suggest that women who participated in soccer had 67% greater odds of reporting good or excellent health than their non-soccer playing peers. Thematic analysis of qualitative data indicated that women credited soccer with less pain, fatigue, and stress, as well as weight loss and reduced dependence on medicine for hypertension, pain, and sleep problems. Women equated health benefits with greater ease and efficiency in completing chores, reduced worries, youthful energy, male-like strength, and pleased husbands. Soccer programs for adult women may be particularly effective interventions in settings where access to health care is limited and where lack of opportunity to engage in physical aerobic activity increases women's risks for poor health outcomes.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency and Deficiency in Young, Female Patients With Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Complaints.

BACKGROUND: Low levels of vitamin D have well-known impacts on bone health, but vitamin D also has a more global role throughout many tissues, including skeletal muscle. The high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and the vast physiological features of vitamin D have led researchers to examine the influence of vitamin D on physical performance and injury. Because of the critical role of vitamin D in maintaining musculoskeletal health and function, a high rate of hypovitaminosis D among female patients with a variety of musculoskeletal issues could be of high clinical relevance. HYPOTHESIS: There is a high prevalence of low vitamin D in female patients with both acute and overuse sports-related issues of both soft tissue and bone. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Female patients, aged 16 to 40 years, presenting with lower extremity injury diagnosed within the past 4 weeks, no use of multivitamin or vitamin D supplement, and no history of malabsorption syndrome met the inclusion criteria. Vitamin D levels were assessed and categorized as normal (≥32 ng/mL) and low, which includes insufficient (20.01-31.9 ng/mL) and deficient (≤20 ng/mL). RESULTS: Of the 105 patients enrolled, 65.7% had low vitamin D. Within the low vitamin D cohort, 40.6% were deficient and 59.4% were insufficient. Injuries were grouped into overuse or acute with 74 overuse injuries and 31 acute injuries, exhibiting low vitamin D prevalence of 60.8% and 77.4%, respectively. Patients with ligamentous/cartilaginous injuries exhibited the highest percentage of low vitamin D (76.5%), followed by those with patellofemoral-related complaints (71.0%), muscle/tendon injuries (54.6%), and bone stress injuries (45.5%). In univariable analysis, older age, non-White race, less physical activity, less high-intensity interval training days, less endurance training days, and more rest days showed an association with low vitamin D, but none showed an independent association in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of low vitamin D in female patients with various musculoskeletal complaints was high. Clinicians should evaluate for low vitamin D in both acute and overuse injuries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In addition to screening, this study suggests that clinicians should evaluate for low vitamin D levels beyond bone stress injuries in the setting of acute and overuse injuries.

Opioid Consumption After Arthroscopic Meniscal Procedures and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Procedure-specific opioid-prescribing guidelines have the potential to decrease the number of unused pills in the home without compromising patient satisfaction. However, there is a paucity of data on the minimum necessary quantity to prescribe for outpatient orthopaedic surgeries. PURPOSE: To prospectively record daily opioid use and pain levels after arthroscopic meniscal procedures and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) at a single institution. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A total of 95 adult patients who underwent primary arthroscopic knee surgery (meniscectomy, repair, or ACLR) were enrolled. Patients with a history of opioid dependence were ineligible. Daily opioid consumption and Numeric Rating Scale pain scores were collected through an automated text-messaging platform starting on postoperative day 1 (POD1). At 6 weeks or at patient-reported cessation of opioid use, final survey questions were asked. Patients who failed to complete data collection were excluded. Opioid use was converted into "pills" (oxycodone 5-mg equivalents) to facilitate comparisons and clinical applications. Factors associated with high and low opioid use were compared. RESULTS: Of the 95 patients enrolled, 71 (74.7%) were included in the final analysis. Of these, 40 (56.3%) underwent meniscal surgery and 31 (43.7%) underwent ACLR. After outpatient arthroscopic meniscectomy or repair, the total median postdischarge opioid use was 0.3 pills (oxycodone 5-mg equivalents), with 75% of patients consuming 3.3 or fewer pills (range, 0-19 pills). For ACLR, the median postdischarge consumption was 7 pills (75th percentile, 23.3 pills; range, 0-41 pills). Almost one-third of patients (32.3%) took no opioids after surgery (3 ACLR, 20 meniscus). All meniscus patients and 71% of ACLR patients ceased opioid consumption by postoperative day 7. CONCLUSION: Opioids may not be necessary in all patients, particularly after meniscal surgery and in comparison with ACLR. For patients requesting opioids for pain relief, reasonable prescription quantities are 5 oxycodone 5-mg pills after arthroscopic meniscal procedures and 20 5-mg pills after ACLR. Slowing the current opioid epidemic and preventing future crises is dependent on refining prescribing habits. Clinicians should strongly consider patient education regarding expected pain as well as pain management strategies.

A Randomized Study of a Strength Training Program to Prevent Injuries in Runners of the New York City Marathon.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity overuse injuries are common among runners, especially first-time marathoners. Hip abductor and quadriceps strengthening is often recommended to reduce running-related injuries. HYPOTHESIS: A 12-week strength training program would decrease the rate of overuse injuries resulting in marathon noncompletion and improve race finishing time. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: Twelve weeks before the New York City Marathon, first-time marathon runners age 18 years and older were randomized into a strength training group or an observation group. The strength training group was instructed to perform a 10-minute program 3 times weekly using written and video instruction. This program targeted the quadriceps, hip abductor, and core muscle groups. Injuries were self-reported through biweekly surveys, with major injuries being those that resulted in marathon noncompletion and minor injuries being those that impaired training or race performance. RESULTS: A total of 720 runners were enrolled (mean age, 35.9 ± 9.4 years; 69.4% female), of whom 583 runners started the marathon and 579 completed it. The incidence of major injury was 8.9% and minor injury was 48.5%. Fifty two of 64 major injuries were overuse, of which 20 were bone stress injuries. The incidence of overuse injury resulting in marathon noncompletion was 7.1% in the strength training group and 7.3% in the observation group (risk ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.57-1.63; P = 0.90). The mean finishing time was 5 hours 1 ± 60 minutes in the strength training group and 4 hours 58 ± 55 minutes in the observation group (P = 0.35). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of injury among first-time marathon runners, but this self-directed strength training program did not decrease overuse injury incidence resulting in marathon noncompletion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prevention strategies such as strength training need to be developed and evaluated through clinical trials to reduce the high prevalence of overuse injuries in runners, especially for high-risk populations such as first-time marathon runners.

Women Are at Higher Risk for Concussions Due to Ball or Equipment Contact in Soccer and Lacrosse.

BACKGROUND: There is ample evidence to suggest sex- and gender-based differences in the incidence of sports-related concussions. The mechanisms of concussion may vary between male and female athletes and contribute to this observed difference. Understanding the underlying etiology by pooling data from primary studies across different settings and sport types will inform interventions that can reduce concussion rates. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Specifically, we asked: (1) In which sports are female athletes less likely to experience concussions from player contact? (2) In which sports are female athletes more likely to experience concussions because of ball or equipment contact? METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to identify articles published from January 2000 to December 2018. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, which were studies that reported concussion incidence by mechanism for both male and female athletes. Exclusion criteria included non-English studies, conference abstracts, and studies on non-sports related concussions. The sports represented by the 10 studies included ice hockey (n = 4), soccer (n = 5), basketball (n = 4), baseball/softball (n = 4), and lacrosse (n = 5). The rate ratio was calculated as the incidence rate in female athletes/male athletes for each concussion mechanism or activity. Data were pooled using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Study quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Female athletes were at lower risk of player-contact-induced concussions in lacrosse (pooled rate ratio 0.33 [95% CI 0.25 to 0.43]; p < 0.001), basketball (pooled rate ratio 0.86 [95% CI 0.76 to 0.97]; p = 0.01), ice hockey (pooled rate ratio 0.64 [95% CI 0.56 to 0.73]; p < 0.001), soccer (pooled rate ratio 0.70 [95% CI 0.66 to 0.75]; p < 0.001), and soccer heading (pooled rate ratio 0.80 [95% CI 0.72 to 0.90]; p < 0.001); in these sports, men were at higher risk of concussions from player contact. Female athletes were more likely to experience concussions because of ball or equipment contact in lacrosse (pooled rate ratio 3.24 [95% CI 2.10 to 4.99]; p < 0.001), soccer (pooled rate ratio 2.04 [95% CI 1.67 to 2.49]; p < 0.001), and soccer heading (pooled rate ratio 2.63 [95% CI 1.84 to 3.77]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The mechanism or activity underlying concussions differs between male and female athletes across different sports. This finding remains the same regardless of whether there are rule differences between the men's and women's games. The implementation of other interventions are required to further ensure player safety, including protective head equipment, concussion prevention training, or rules limiting player contact in the men's game. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective study.

Sex-Based Differences in the Incidence of Sports-Related Concussion: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: The incidence of sports-related concussion in females has been increasing in recent years. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis on sex-based differences in concussion incidence in various sports and to determine the effects of study design (retrospective vs prospective), setting (competition vs practice), and population (university and above vs high school and below) via a meta-regression. DATA SOURCES: PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from January 2000 to January 2018. STUDY SELECTION: Studies reporting sports-related concussion incidence data for both males and females (age ≥10 years) were included. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: The rate ratio was calculated as the concussion rate in females/males. Data were pooled using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Soccer and basketball demonstrated significantly higher incidence of concussions in females compared with males (rate ratio [95% CI], 1.76 [1.43-2.16] and 1.99 [1.56-2.54], respectively; P < 0.01). Sex-based differences in concussion incidence rates for baseball/softball, ice hockey, lacrosse, swimming/diving, and track and field were not statistically significant. In the meta-regression analysis, there were no significant effects on the rate ratio when evaluating study design, setting, and population. CONCLUSION: Concussion incidence rates were significantly higher in females than in males for soccer and basketball.