Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using a Fascia Lata Graft With FiberTape Augmentation.

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most popular orthopedic surgical procedures. To date, numerous studies are available focusing on different reconstruction techniques using established autografts, such as hamstrings, bone patellar-tendon bone (BPTB), quadriceps tendon, or allograft tendons. In the present article, we describe a minimally invasive ACL reconstruction technique using a fascia lata autograft in combination with FiberTape (Arthrex, Naples, FL) augmentation using the TightRope II (Arthrex). The minimally invasive harvesting procedure is performed by using the new QuadPro Tendon Harvester (Arthrex). This technique is recommended for acute and chronic complete ACL ruptures or bundle ruptures in athletes or patients with high physical activity. The technique might allow early full weight bearing due to less donor site morbidity, early free range of motion, and early active rehabilitation due to the use of FiberTape as a augmentation device to reinforce the autograft. Clinical studies are necessary to prove the principle.

Determination of a CrossFit® Benchmark Performance Profile.

In the trend sport CrossFit®, international competition is held at the CrossFit® Games, known worldwide as the definitive fitness test. Since American athletes are the best in the world regarding CrossFit®, there might be influencing factors on international competition performance. Here, we characterize the benchmark performance profile of American and German CrossFit® athletes (n = 162). To collect the common benchmark performance by questionnaire, 66 male and 96 female CrossFit® athletes (32.6 ± 8.2 years) participated in our survey in both nations. By comparing the individual performance variables, only a significant difference in total power lift performance by males was identified between the nations (p = 0.034). No other significant differences were found in the Olympic lift, running, or the "Girl" Workout of the Day (Fran, Grace, Helen) performance. Very large to extremely large (r = 0.79-0.99, p < 0.01) positive correlations were found between the power lift and Olympic lift variables. Further linear regression analysis predicted the influence of back squat performance on performance in the Olympic lifts, snatch (R2 = 0.76) and clean and jerk (R2 = 0.84). Our results suggested a dominant role of back squat performance in the assessment of physical fitness of CrossFit® athletes.