Evidence-Based Data Models for Return-to-Play Criteria after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most common knee injuries in sports that require side-to-side pivoting movements. While the timeline and specific goals during rehabilitation protocols may vary, ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is the preferred procedure necessary to return these athletes to their respective field of play. However, there are no validated guidelines that define a specific timepoint when it is safe for an athlete to return-to-play, as functional movement deficit may be present much longer than six months post ACLR. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 33 subjects that underwent ACLR. As a part of standard of care, each subject completed a movement screening protocol at a singular timepoint during their rehabilitation process. An innovative three-dimensional markerless motion capture system was used to obtain three algorithm-derived biometric variables: mobility, alignment, and readiness. Significant gradual improvements in mobility and readiness were observed throughout a 3-6-month post ACLR procedure period. When examining the data trends, it was obvious that not all patients responded identically to treatment plans provided by clinical professionals. Therefore, the findings of the present study suggest that the decision regarding when it is safe to return to play needs to be determined on an individual basis.

Percutaneous Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair With Needle Arthroscopy and Biological Augmentation.

Recent advancements in orthopaedic devices have instilled a renewed interest in repair of the anterior cruciate ligament. Biological augmentation of the repair has also recently been investigated with the hopes of improving repair outcomes and improving biological healing. The advent of needle arthroscopy allows for potentially decreased recovery times and potentially reduced complication rates compared with traditional arthroscopy. The purpose of this article is to present a percutaneous technique to repair the anterior cruciate ligament with suture tape augmentation while also augmenting with the biological byproducts from the native effusion using needle arthroscopy.

Office-Based Needle Arthroscopy: A Standardized Diagnostic Approach to the Shoulder.

In-office needle arthroscopy offers the potential advantage of reduced injury to intervention time, without the need for advanced imaging. It is particularly appropriate for those with contraindications to advanced imaging and also may reduce the risk of incorrect diagnoses in those situations in which imaging is associated with low sensitivity/specificity. The purpose of this article is to provide a standardized diagnostic approach to needle arthroscopy of the shoulder.