Effects of the menstrual cycle on lower-limb biomechanics, neuromuscular control, and anterior cruciate ligament injury risk: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has a devastating impact on physical and psychological disability. Rates of ACL rupture are significantly greater in females than males during the same sports. Hormonal mechanisms have been proposed but are complex and poorly understood. This systematic review evaluates the effects of menstrual cycle on: 1) lower-limb biomechanics, 2) neuromuscular control, and 3) ACL injury risk. METHODS: The MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTSDiscus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to August 2016 for studies investigating the effects of the menstrual cycle on lower-limb biomechanics, neuromuscular control, and ACL injury risk in females. Three independent reviewers assessed each paper for inclusion and two assessed for quality. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were identified. There is strong evidence that: 1) greatest risk of ACL injury is within the pre-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle, and 2) females with greater ACL laxity in the pre-ovulatory phase experience greater knee valgus and greater tibial external rotation during functional activity. CONCLUSION: Females are at greatest risk of ACL injury during the pre-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle through a combination of greater ACL laxity, greater knee valgus, and greater tibial external rotation during functional activity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Ib.

Bilateral sleeve fracture of the inferior poles of the patella in a healthy child: case report and review of the literature.

The initial diagnosis of a sleeve fracture of the patella is key to a successful outcome with poor results well documented in the literature from delayed management. Diagnosis is difficult due to the rarity of this injury and thus the low likelihood the admitting junior doctor would think of this injury in their differential. They are very uncommon in incidence and have features on plain radiography that are difficult to interpret unless the surgeon is familiar with the anatomy of the immature patella. Missing the diagnosis can be disastrous for the patient. In this paper we describe the presentation of bilateral sleeve fractures in a healthy child, our initial investigations and subsequent management. We chose to repair with 5 Ethibond via 3 transosseous tunnels, initially reinforced with a circlage wire. On last review the boy maintains stable, pain-free knees with a full range of motion. The authors hope that this case and literature review will provide a valuable teaching aid and so assist in early, accurate diagnosis and cover the management options to achieve a positive outcome.