Hemoglobin A1c Levels >6.6% Are Associated With Higher Postoperative Complications After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Purpose: To investigate the relation between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and postoperative complications after primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Methods: A retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients with an isolated anterior cruciate ligament tear, preoperative diagnosis of diabetes, and documented HbA1c within 90 days of primary ACLR between 2000 and 2019. Data collected included demographic and surgical characteristics, 90-day medical complications, and subsequent surgeries on the ipsilateral knee. A receiver operating curve was constructed for each HbA1c level in relation to postoperative complications and the optimal cutoff identified via Youden's J statistic. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the relation between postoperative complications and age, sex, graft type, diabetes subtype, and HbA1c. Results: Nineteen patients (7 females, 12 males) fulfilled inclusion criteria with preoperative HbA1c ranging from 5.5 to 10. Complications included septic knee (n = 1) and cyclops lesions requiring arthroscopic lysis (n = 3). Patients with HbA1c of 6.7% or higher were 25 times more likely to experience any postoperative complication (P = .04) and 16 times more likely to require lysis of adhesions (P = .08). On multivariable regression, HbA1c remained significantly associated with any complication (P = .005) and developing arthrofibrosis (P = .02) independent of age, sex, graft type, and diabetes subtype. Conclusions: Diabetic patients undergoing primary ACLR with a preoperative HbA1c of 6.7% or higher were 25 times more likely to require repeat surgical intervention for a postoperative complication. These complications included arthrofibrosis and infection. Strict glycemic control may help minimize the risk of postoperative complications after ACLR. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Cross-sectional areas of rotator cuff muscles in males without tears on shoulder MRI.

OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values of rotator cuff (RC) cross sectional area (CSA) in males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed shoulder MRIs from 500 patients aged 13-78 years, grouped as follows (N=100 in each): <20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, >50 years. All examinations were reviewed to exclude prior surgery, tears, or significant RC pathology. We segmented a standardized T1 sagittal MR image in each case to obtain CSA of supraspinatus (SUP), infraspinatus/teres minor (INF), and subscapularis (SUB) muscles. Across age groups, we recorded individual and total muscle CSA. We also performed ratios between individual muscle CSA and total CSA to examine total muscle mass contribution over age groups. We tested for differences between age groups controlled for BMI. RESULTS: CSAs for SUP, INF, SUB, and total RC CSA were lower in subjects >50 years compared to all other groups (P<0.003 for all comparisons), persisting after controlling for BMI (P<0.03). Relative contribution of SUP CSA to total RC CSA was stable across age groups (P>0.32). INF CSA relative to total RC CSA increased with age, whereas SUB decreased (P<0.005). Subjects >50 years showed lower SUP (-15%), INF (-6%), and SUB (-21%) CSA, when compared to mean CSAs of all subjects <50 years. Total RC CSA significantly correlated with age (r=-0.34, P<0.001), persisting after controlling for BMI (r=-0.42, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: RC muscles in male subjects with no tears on MRI show decreasing CSA with age, independent of BMI.

Subscapularis Tendon Tears: How Best to Approach This Issue.

Subscapularis tears, either in combination with more extensive rotator cuff pathology or in isolation, are a relatively common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction which often requires surgical intervention. Similar to the general treatment of most rotator cuff tears, patients may respond to conservative treatment and not require surgical intervention, especially in the elderly or those with partial tears. However, many subscapularis tears require intervention to address complaints of pain, dysfunction, or both. The spectrum of subscapularis tears ranges from low-grade partial requiring simple debridement to full-thickness tears which have become retracted and irreparable necessitating complex repair. Although open repair had been performed with success, most subscapularis repairs can be accomplished with arthroscopic techniques.

Adult Prg4+ progenitors repair long-term articular cartilage wounds in vivo.

The identity and origin of the stem/progenitor cells for adult joint cartilage repair remain unknown, impeding therapeutic development. Simulating the common therapeutic modality for cartilage repair in humans, i.e., full-thickness microfracture joint surgery, we combined the mouse full-thickness injury model with lineage tracing and identified a distinct skeletal progenitor cell type enabling long-term (beyond 7 days after injury) articular cartilage repair in vivo. Deriving from a population with active Prg4 expression in adulthood while lacking aggrecan expression, these progenitors proliferate, differentiate to express aggrecan and type II collagen, and predominate in long-term articular cartilage wounds, where they represent the principal repair progenitors in situ under native repair conditions without cellular transplantation. They originate outside the adult bone marrow or superficial zone articular cartilage. These findings have implications for skeletal biology and regenerative medicine for joint injury repair.

New Opportunities in Assessing Return to Performance in the Elite Athlete: Unifying Sports Medicine, Data Analytics, and Sports Science.

Sports medicine literature has historically reported return to sport rates, but recent interest has shifted to return to previous performance. However, the measurement and understanding of performance in the elite athlete population has continued to evolve. Recent advancements in sport analytics, wearable technology, and player-tracking systems have improved our understanding of performance in the elite athlete. Sports medicine researchers should collaborate with sports science teams to continue investigating the validity and reliability of emerging technology, assist in interpretation of big data, and remain accountable to the goals of our athletic population. Future studies in sports medicine should consider using these detailed, granular assessments to address the demands of the elite athlete population.

Change in humeral anchor position significantly affects isometry in ulnar collateral ligament repair: a 3-dimensional computer modeling study.

BACKGROUND: Medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair utilization is increasing in recent years, bolstered by shorter rehabilitation and satisfactory clinical outcomes. Although previous literature has illustrated the importance of tunnel position on restoring graft isometry in reconstruction, there remains a paucity of literature guiding anchor placement in UCL repair. The purpose of this study is to design a 3-dimensional (3D) elbow model to understand the effect of anchor location on UCL repair isometry. METHODS: A 3D computer model of an elbow joint was created using computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging MRI scans from a single patient. The humeral and ulnar attachments of the UCL were plotted using 3 methodologies: (1) geometric cloud mapping and (2) quantitative measurements from the anatomic studies by Camp et al and (3) Frangiamore et al. A 3.5-mm-diameter clockface was placed on each attachment site, which allowed for simulation of 12 distinct 1.75-mm deviations in anchor position. The 3 models were ranged through 0°-120° at 10° increments, and the 3D distances were measured between the ligament centroids. The humeral and ulnar anchors were sequentially repositioned around the clockfaces, and construct lengths were again measured to evaluate changes in isometry. A paired Student t test was performed to determine if there was a significant difference in isometry between the humeral and ulnar anchor deviations. RESULTS: Using method 1, the UCL repair length at 90° of elbow flexion was 26.8 mm. This construct underwent 13.6 mm of total excursion for a 46.4% change in length throughout its arc of motion. Method 2 produced a 19.3-mm construct that underwent 0.8 mm of excursion for a 3.9% length change throughout the arc. Method 3 produced a 24.5-mm construct that underwent 2.3 mm of excursion for a 9.4% length change. Identifying ligament footprints using the quantitative anatomic measurements from Camp et al and Frangiamore et al improved construct isometry through 120° of flexion (length changes of 3.9% and 9.4%, respectively) when compared to using the geometric cloud technique alone (46.4% length change). Humeral anchor deviations produced a significant increase in repair construct excursion compared with ulnar anchor deviations (P < .001). CONCLUSION: When performing UCL repair, small deviations in humeral anchor position may significantly influence ligament repair isometry. Using quantitative anatomic data may help identify anchor positions with improved repair isometry. Particularly when addressing detachments of the humeral footprint, surgeons should be critical of the humeral anchor position in order to restore native anatomy and optimal biomechanics.

Biological augmentation of meniscal repair: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Orthopedic literature remains divided on the utility of biologic augmentation to optimize outcomes after isolated meniscal repair. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the clinical outcomes and re-operation rates of biologically augmented meniscal repairs. METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were queried in October 2020 for published literature on isolated meniscal repair with biological augmentation. Studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias by two appraisal tools. Patient demographics, meniscal tear characteristics, surgical procedure, augmentation type, post-operative rehabilitation, patient reported outcome measures, and length of follow-up were recorded, reviewed, and analyzed by two independent reviewers. RESULTS: Of 3794 articles, 18 met inclusion criteria and yielded 537 patients who underwent biologic augmentation of meniscal repair. The biologically augmented repair rates were 5.8-27.0% with PRP augmentation, 0.0-28.5% with fibrin clot augmentation, 0.0-12.9% with marrow stimulation, and 0.0% with stem cell augmentation. One of seven studies showed lower revision rates with augmented meniscal repair compared to standard repair techniques, whereas five of seven found no benefit. Three of ten studies found significant functional improvement of biologically augmented repair versus standard repair techniques and six of ten studies found no difference. There was significant heterogeneity in methods for biologic preparation, delivery, and post-operative rehabilitation protocols. CONCLUSION: Patients reported significant improvements in functional outcomes scores after repair with biological augmentation, though the benefit over standard repair controls is questionable. Revision rates after biologically augmented meniscal repair also appear similar to standard repair techniques. Clinicians should bear this in mind when considering biologic augmentation in the setting of meniscal repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Distal Triceps Tendon Tears: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Patterns Using a Systematic Classification.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate distal triceps tendon tear patterns using a systematic classification based on the tendon's layered structure. METHODS: We retrospectively identified Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations with triceps tendon tears that underwent reconstructive surgery. Magnetic resonance images were reviewed independently by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists to determine tendon layer involvement and ancillary findings, including tear size, involvement of triceps lateral expansion, and presence of olecranon bursal fluid. Surgical reports were scrutinized for level of anatomic detail and correlation with imaging findings. RESULTS: We identified 69 triceps tendon tears in 68 subjects (61 men, 7 women; mean age, 45 ± 12 years) who underwent surgical reconstruction. On MRI, the superficial layer was always involved with either a partial or full-thickness tear. The most common tear pattern was a combination of superficial layer full-thickness tear with deep layer partial tear (25 of 69 [36%]). Mean tear length was 24 ± 12 mm. We found no cases of isolated deep layer tears. Involvement of triceps lateral expansion and presence of bursal fluid correlated positively with tear severity of superficial and deep layers (P < 0.001). Detailed surgical correlation was limited, with only 9 of 69 (13%) of surgical reports containing information specifically addressing individual tendon layers. CONCLUSIONS: Triceps tendon tears show tear patterns following its layered structure and can be assessed by MRI. Radiologists and surgeons are encouraged to describe tear patterns considering both superficial and deep tendon layers.

Terrible triad of the elbow and associated variants: a systematic review.

Background: The terrible triad of the elbow (TTE) is a complex injury consisting of simultaneous elbow dislocation or subluxation, radial head fracture, and coronoid fracture. During the initial assessment of a TTE, the typical severity of presenting pain, swelling, and limited range of motion may limit the ability to perform a thorough physical examination and thus divert a clinician's attention away from additional injuries to the ipsilateral upper extremity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to review the literature for reported cases of concomitant ipsilateral upper extremity injuries associated with a TTE and discuss various strategies to increase clinician awareness to avoid underdiagnosis and missed diagnoses. Methods: A systematic review of five databases in four languages (English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese), from inception to May 2021, was conducted. Articles describing a TTE with a concomitant osseous, chondral, ligamentous, or musculotendinous injury occurring on the ipsilateral upper extremity were included. The patients were divided into two groups, those presenting with a classic TTE and concomitant ipsilateral upper extremity injury (group 1) and those in whom a TTE variant was described (group 2). A TTE variant was defined as a combination of osseous and/or chondral injuries to the elbow other than the classic description of TTE, in which at least two of the three classical elements of a TTE (elbow dislocation, coronoid fracture, and radial head fracture) were present in addition to other unique elbow osteoarticular injury. Results: Nineteen articles met inclusion criteria and were further analyzed. A total of 27 patients were analyzed, 23 from group 1 and 4 from group 2. Overall, 33 concomitant injuries were documented in group 1, the most common being an olecranon fracture (27.3%), followed by Essex-Lopresti injury, triceps tendon avulsion, and carpal fracture-dislocation with 4 (12.1%) cases each. Group 2 had four patients, all of whom presented with a unique variant of the classically described TTE. Conclusion: Despite a characteristic radiographic appearance of the classic TTE, additional injuries of the ipsilateral extremity or variants of the classic TTE may be easily missed, especially in cases resulting from high-energy mechanisms of injury. By analyzing the available data on associated injuries and variants that may occur with a TTE, we hope to increase awareness so that clinicians may recognize these less common but more complex injury patterns.

Systematic review of prevalence, risk factors, and management of instability following reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: Since its approval for use, reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has become the primary treatment for cuff tear arthropathy, with indications expanding more recently to include revision fracture, osteoarthritis with significant glenoid bone loss, tumor, and chronic instability. Instability is a well-described postoperative complication, occurring in 1to 31% of relatively small cohorts and case series. Given the relative infrequency of instability, there remains a need for a comprehensive review of instability with a focus on risk factors and management. Our goal of this systematic review is to describe the prevalence, risk factors, and management strategies for instability following RSA. Methods: A systematic review of the PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria included primary RSA cohorts ≥ 100 patients, revision RSA cohorts of any size, and minimum 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative instability. MINORS criteria were used to assess study bias. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed with data reported as ranges. Results: Seventeen studies that included 7885 cases of RSA were reviewed. The mean follow-up ranged from 12 to 84 months. Mean age ranged from 64 to 77 years old, and males represented 19 to 39% of cohorts. There were 204 (2.5%) dislocations in 7885 cases, accounting for a rate of instability from 0.4 to 49% across all studies. By intervention, instability rates ranged from 1 to 5% (primary RSA cases), 1 to 49% (revision RSA cases only), and 0.4 to 10% (mixed cohorts). Subscapularis insufficiency and proximal humerus fractures, and fracture sequelae (malunion and nonunion) were identified as risk factors for instability. Closed reduction and casting and revision RSA were reported as successful treatment strategies with acceptable rates of stable prostheses (28-100% and 55-100%, respectively, across studies). Hemiarthroplasty or resection arthroplasty due to recurrent instability was not uncommon after 2 or more episodes of instability. Conclusion: Instability following RSA occurs infrequently (1-5%) following primary RSA and more commonly following revision RSA (1-49%). RSA for acute proximal humerus fracture and fracture sequelae carries a higher risk of instability. Subscapularis repair appears to be a protective factor. While instability may be successfully treated with closed management or revision RSA, recurrent instability may ultimately require hemiarthroplasty or resection arthroplasty.

Acute injuries in American collegiate taekwondo competitions: a prospective study spanning four competitive seasons.

BACKGROUND: Injury patterns are well-documented for taekwondo competitions prior to the use of an electronic chest protector for scoring tabulation. To see if injury rates and types changed following this rule change that transformed the fighting style in taekwondo, we investigated injuries in collegiate taekwondo competitions in the USA. METHODS: Data were collected at eight collegiate taekwondo tournaments from April 2018 to December 2019. All injured athletes seen at the first-aid station were invited to complete a survey that included injury location, type, and mechanism of injury. Injury rates were calculated per 1000 athlete-exposures (A-Es) and minute-exposures (M-Es). Risk factors were modeled using logistic regression and χ2 analysis. RESULTS: Out of 1096 athletes, 194 athletes reported 275 acute injuries. We found an injury risk of 17.7/100 athletes (95% CI: 15.4, 20.0) and injury rate of 68.9/1000 A-E (95% CI: 60.7, 77.0) which was comparable to previous studies. The most common injuries were contusions to the lower limbs. In contrast to prior reports, men were injured more frequently from delivering a kick and women from receiving a kick. Populations at higher risk for injury included those with low belt rank and middle weight class for women. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the new fighting style did not affect injury rates. Injury locations and types remain similar, but the mechanisms of injury have reversed as men are more injured from attacking and women from defending. There remains a strong need for research to improve protective equipment and safety rules in taekwondo.

The Association of Baseball Pitch Delivery and Kinematic Sequence on Stresses at the Shoulder and Elbow Joints.

Although there is a commonly held belief within the baseball community that delivery from the stretch confers more stress at the elbow and shoulder joints than delivery from the windup, there remains little evidence in the literature investigating this hypothesis. This study aimed to help address this gap in the literature by studying both intra-pitcher kinematic sequence variability, and intra-pitcher joint torque variability when throwing from the windup vs. the stretch. We hypothesized that 1) each pitchers' kinematic sequence would remain similar whether throwing from the windup or stretch, and 2) Kinematic sequence would influence peak arm torque more than delivery method. This cross-sectional 3D biomechanical study included 88 pitches thrown by ten (6 collegiate, 4 high school) pitchers with a mean age of 17.60 ± 2.63 years. Pitch velocity, throwing shoulder/elbow torques and the kinematic sequence of each pitch utilizing segmental peak angular velocities were captured. No statistically significant differences in ball velocity (p = 0.17), peak shoulder external rotation torque (p = 0.80), shoulder extension torque (p = 0.97), or elbow valgus torque (p = 0.83) were found between delivery approaches. Three primary kinematic sequences were identified. Shoulder external rotation torque [F(53,2) = 10.992, ɳ2 = .293, p < 0.00], shoulder extension torque [F(53,2) = 15.517, ɳ2 = .369, p < 0.00] and elbow valgus torque [F(53,2) = 9.994, ɳ2 = .274, p < 0.00] did vary significantly across these three kinematic sequence patterns. Our data suggest that the kinematic sequence influences shoulder and elbow torque more than the delivery approach. Instructing ideal kinematic sequence may be more influential for injury avoidance than delivery method.

Rehabilitation variability after rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: There has been increasing recognition of the importance for standardized postoperative rehabilitation protocols. Despite published guidelines in 2016 by the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists (ASSET), optimal postoperative rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair (RCR) remains an area of active academic debate. The goals of this study were (1) to assess the variability of RCR rehabilitation protocols published online, (2) to study the congruence between online RCR rehabilitation protocols and the ASSET consensus statement, and (3) to identify differences in online RCR rehabilitation protocols from before and after 2016. METHODS: A web-based search was conducted for publicly available RCR rehabilitation protocols from websites of all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) academic orthopedic institutions. A supplemental 10-page Google search was also performed with the search terms "rotator cuff repair rehabilitation protocol." Collected protocols were grouped by tear size (small/medium or large/massive) and examined for information relating to the following categories: protocol demographics, adjunctive therapy use, immobilization/range of motion, and strengthening. Findings were compared to the ASSET statement's recommendations. Protocols published before and after ASSET's 2016 publication were compared for differences. RESULTS: A total of 66 online RCR rehabilitation protocols were collected. Only 16 of 187 (8.5%) ACGME institutions provided online RCR rehabilitation protocols. The collected protocols recommend more aggressive rehabilitation in comparison to ASSET, specifically regarding immobilization time, passive range of motion initiation, active assisted range of motion initiation, and strengthening initiation (P < .001). Protocols published after 2016 trended toward more conservative recommendations in comparison to protocols published before 2016. Regardless of this trend, the majority of these recommendations were still largely more aggressive than ASSET's recommendations. CONCLUSION: Despite an attempt by ASSET to provide standardization, this study highlights the marked variations that still exist regarding RCR rehabilitation. Additionally, online RCR rehabilitation protocols tend to make more aggressive recommendations than the ASSET consensus statement. Further research is needed to address these variations and to either validate, alter, or reject the ASSET recommendations.

Deep learning method for segmentation of rotator cuff muscles on MR images.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) method capable of (1) selecting a specific shoulder sagittal MR image (Y-view) and (2) automatically segmenting rotator cuff (RC) muscles on a Y-view. We hypothesized a CNN approach can accurately perform both tasks compared with manual reference standards. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We created 2 models: model A for Y-view selection and model B for muscle segmentation. For model A, we manually selected shoulder sagittal T1 Y-views from 258 cases as ground truth to train a classification CNN (Keras/Tensorflow, Inception v3, 16 batch, 100 epochs, dropout 0.2, learning rate 0.001, RMSprop). A top-3 success rate evaluated model A on 100 internal and 50 external test cases. For model B, we manually segmented subscapularis, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus/teres minor on 1048 sagittal T1 Y-views. After histogram equalization and data augmentation, the model was trained from scratch (U-Net, 8 batch, 50 epochs, dropout 0.25, learning rate 0.0001, softmax). Dice (F1) score determined segmentation accuracy on 105 internal and 50 external test images. RESULTS: Model A showed top-3 accuracy > 98% to select an appropriate Y-view. Model B produced accurate RC muscle segmentations with mean Dice scores > 0.93. Individual muscle Dice scores on internal/external datasets were as follows: subscapularis 0.96/0.93, supraspinatus 0.97/0.96, and infraspinatus/teres minor 0.97/0.95. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show overall accurate Y-view selection and automated RC muscle segmentation using a combination of deep CNN algorithms.

The Relationship of Shoulder and Elbow Stresses and Upper Limb Contact Order During a Round-Off Back Handspring.

INTRODUCTION: Despite high injury incidence rates in gymnastics, there is a paucity of data characterizing upper extremity injury causation and biomechanical risk factors. This study investigated contact forces across multiple joints in both upper extremities during a round-off back handspring (ROBHS), a fundamental gymnastics tumbling maneuver. OBJECTIVE: (1) To characterize the three-dimensional (3-D) biomechanics of the sequential, asynchronous contact of each upper extremity with the ground during a ROBHS using 3-D motion capture, and (2) to evaluate potential correlations to upper extremity injury risk. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. SETTING: Controlled laboratory environment. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen competitive female gymnasts aged 10-21 years (mean age: 16.6 ± 3.1 years) (1) participating on a competitive gymnastics team; (2) capable of successfully completing a ROBHS; and (3) free of reported injury at enrollment. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Variables evaluated include joint angle, torque, compression force, ground reaction force (GRF), time to peak GRF, and limb loading rates. Variables were analyzed at the wrist, elbow, and shoulder of both limbs at ground contact. The hypothesis that these dependent variables would differ by ROBHS upper extremity contact order was formulated retrospectively after data collection. RESULTS: The first contact limb experienced significantly greater extension torque at the elbow (first: 48.89 ± 18.01 Nm, second: 22.49 ± 9.19 Nm; P = .014; CI 95% [14.83, 37.97]) and faster time to peak GRF (P < .001, CI 95% [-1.79, -0.99]). The second limb of contact experienced significantly greater abduction torque at the shoulder (P = .007; CI 95% [-21.58,-8.08]) and anterior-posterior GRF at contact (P = .007; CI 95% [-1.06,-0.26]). CONCLUSIONS: The biomechanical differences between contact limbs during the ROBHS may lead to different injury risk. Recognition of the stresses at the elbow and shoulder for both limbs also provides new insight for rehabilitation clinicians to consider when guiding patients to return to gymnastics activity after injury.

Return to Performance After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Major League Baseball Pitchers: A Case-Control Assessment of Advanced Analytics, Velocity, Spin Rates, and Pitch Movement.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the performance or pitching metrics of Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers who returned to play after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR). PURPOSE: To describe MLB pitcher performance after return from primary UCLR, compare the velocity and pitch characteristics against the preoperative season, and determine if performance analytics can predict successful return to pitching after UCLR. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This study included 63 pitchers who underwent primary UCLR between 2015 and 2019. Publicly available advanced analytics and pitch metrics from the first 2 postoperative seasons were compared with the preoperative (index) season as well as with an uninjured control group. RESULTS: Overall, 57% of the pitchers successfully returned to the MLB level. Although they threw significantly fewer pitches (P = .012) and innings (P = .022) in postoperative year 1 as compared with the index season, there were no significant differences in pitch velocity, release extension, perceived velocity, or performance as measured by advanced analytics. Also, as compared with the index season, returners demonstrated increased postoperative spin rates on curveballs (P = .001) and sliders (P = .010), and curveball horizontal movement was significantly increased (P = .007); however, horizontal movement was significantly decreased for 4-seam fastballs (P = .026), changeups (P = .005), and sinkers (P = .019). The vertical movement on 4-seam fastballs was greater (P < .001) in postoperative year 1, and the vertical movement on curveballs (P = .031) and sinkers (P = .010) was greater in postoperative year 2 when compared with the index season. Pitchers who failed to return to the MLB level had a lower preoperative strikeout percentage (P = .047), fewer strikeouts per 9 innings pitched (P = .046), fewer wins above replacement ([WAR]; P = .026), and lower player value (P = .030) than the pitchers who returned. CONCLUSION: Pitchers returning to the MLB level after UCLR demonstrated changes in pitch movement profiles and spin rates postoperatively, but there were no differences in velocity or many advanced analytics upon return. Pitchers with lower strikeout metrics, fewer WAR, and less player value before surgery may have an elevated risk of failing to return to the MLB level.

Paget-Schroetter syndrome in athletes: a comprehensive and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Paget-Schroetter syndrome (PSS) is a rare condition of axillosubclavian vein thrombosis often seen in athletes with a history of repetitive external rotation and abduction of the shoulder. The purpose of this review was to analyze the literature and characterize PSS in the athletic population, including risk of PSS by sport. We also provide a comprehensive review of PSS to inform clinicians on the pathophysiology, detection, and management of the condition. METHODS: Four databases were reviewed to identify cases of PSS occurring in athletes. Data on patient demographics, reported sport, diagnosis, treatment, management, return to sport, and complications were extracted and analyzed by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: Of the 123 cases of PSS identified, baseball and weight lifting had the highest incidence (26.8% and 19%, respectively), followed by swimming, football, and basketball. The average return to sport was 4.7 months, and 26.7% of subjects reported complications, most commonly pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: In athletes presenting with upper extremity pain and swelling with a history of playing baseball or weight lifting, PSS should be higher on a clinicians differential diagnosis list. Swimmers, football, and basketball players are less likely to present with PSS but are still more likely than other types of athletes to develop the condition. Clinician awareness of PSS in athletes is critical to avoid delays in treatment and misdiagnosis, and to allow for a timely return to sport with minimal complications.

Interobserver reliability of the classification of capitellar osteochondritis dissecans using magnetic resonance imaging.

AIM: (1) To determine the interobserver reliability of magnetic resonance classifications and lesion instability criteria for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans lesions and (2) to assess differences in reliability between subgroups. METHODS: Magnetic resonance images of 20 patients with capitellar osteochondritis dissecans were reviewed by 33 observers, 18 orthopaedic surgeons and 15 musculoskeletal radiologists. Observers were asked to classify the osteochondritis dissecans according to classifications developed by Hepple, Dipaola/Nelson, Itsubo, as well as to apply the lesion instability criteria of DeSmet/Kijowski and Satake. Interobserver agreement was calculated using the multirater kappa (k) coefficient. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement ranged from slight to fair: Hepple (k = 0.23); Dipaola/Nelson (k = 0.19); Itsubo (k = 0.18); DeSmet/Kijowksi (k = 0.16); Satake (k = 0.12). When classifications/instability criteria were dichotomized into either a stable or unstable osteochondritis dissecans, there was more agreement for Hepple (k = 0.52; p = .002), Dipaola/Nelson (k = 0.38; p = .015), DeSmet/Kijowski (k = 0.42; p = .001) and Satake (k = 0.41; p < .001). Overall, agreement was not associated with the number of years in practice or the number of osteochondritis dissecans cases encountered per year (p > .05). CONCLUSION: One should be cautious when assigning grades using magnetic resonance classifications for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans. When making treatment decisions, one should rather use relatively simple distinctions (e.g. stable versus unstable osteochondritis dissecans; lateral wall intact versus not intact), as these are more reliable.

Injured vs. uninjured elbow opening on clinical stress radiographs and its relationship to ulnar collateral ligament injury severity in throwers.

BACKGROUND: Stress radiography measures medial joint space opening of the elbow, but its value in the management of throwing athletes is unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between medial joint opening (gapping and excess opening) and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury severity on magnetic resonance imaging, as well as to explore factors related to the unexpected finding of a greater opening of the uninjured elbow compared with the injured elbow (negative excess opening) with valgus stress radiography. METHODS: Medial joint space measurements were independently performed by 2 raters in a clinical series of 74 patients evaluated with standardized valgus stress radiography as part of their clinical workup for throwing-related medial elbow pain. Demographic data were collected by chart review, and UCL injury severity was classified based on available imaging into intact UCLs, partial-thickness tears of the anterior bundle, or full-thickness tears of the anterior bundle. RESULTS: Joint gapping was related to UCL injury severity (P = .003), and group-level comparison showed a difference among tear severity groups (P = .050). Excess opening was not significantly related to UCL injury severity (P = .109). A negative excess opening was observed in 22% of patients, but no factors corroborating guarding or a mechanical explanation were significant for a decreased medial joint opening of the injured elbow compared with the uninjured elbow. CONCLUSIONS: Medial joint gapping was correlated to UCL injury severity in throwing athletes with medial elbow pain and a clinical suggestion of UCL injury, but no association between injury severity and excess opening was observed in this clinical series, which may limit the usefulness of stress radiography in the clinical workup of throwing athletes.

Telemedicine in the Era of COVID-19: The Virtual Orthopaedic Examination.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the shifting of clinical care to telemedicine visits has been hastened. Because of current limitations in resources, many elective surgeons have been forced to venture into utilizing telemedicine, in which the standards for orthopaedic examinations have not previously been fully developed. We report our experience with protocols and methods to standardize these visits to maximize the benefit and efficiency of the virtual orthopaedic examination. At the time of scheduling, patients are asked to prepare for their virtual visit and are given a checklist. In addition to confirming audiovisual capabilities prior to the visit, patients are given specific instructions on camera positioning, body positioning, setting, and attire to improve the efficiency of the visit. During the examination, digital tools can be utilized as needed. In the setting of outpatient injury evaluations, a systematic virtual examination can aid in triaging and managing common musculoskeletal conditions. With the rapid incorporation of telehealth visits, as well as the unknown future with regard to the pandemic, the utilization and capabilities of telemedicine will continue to expand. Future directions include the development of validated, modified examination techniques and new technology that will allow for improved interactive physical examinations, as we rapidly move forward into the realm of telemedicine due to unexpected necessity.