Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Female Basketball Players Are At Higher Risk For Knee Injuries...

The knee is one of the most commonly injured joints while playing basketball. There is a higher proportion of females than male basketball players who sustain ACL injuries. This is typically a non-contact injury. Females are at higher risk due to different landing mechanics. Video analysis shows females often land with the knee in a more knock kneed position, which places the ACL at risk for rupture. Fortunately, there are many preventative programs that have been developed to improve landing mechanics and reduce potential ACL injuries...

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Meniscal Regeneration Moving Forward...

Researchers have developed a method to regenerate meniscus using a personalized 3D printed implant. The implant is infused with human growth factors that prompt the body to regenerate the lining on its own. The therapy has currently been successfully tested in sheep and could provide the first effective repair of damaged menisci.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Glucosamine and Chondroitin? Consider Saving Your Money...

A recent study showed this commonly advertised supplement offers no improvement for patients with knee osteoarthritis. 

Data published online in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology suggest that glucosamine and chondroitin offer little efficacy in relieving symptoms and slowing disease progression among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The research team drew data on 1,625 patients participating in the Osteoarthritis Initiative study and who were not using either supplement at baseline. At 4-year follow-up, they found that 18 percent of participants had initiated treatment with glucosamine or chondroitin. After adjustment, the research team found no clinically significant differences between users at all assessments and never-users of glucosamine or chondroitin in WOMAC pain, stiffness, or function scales, or joint space width. These findings support the recommendations in the AAOS clinical practice guideline (CPG) on the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Noncontact ACL Injuries

In the US, there are between 100,000 to 250,000 ACL ruptures per year. Sports participation results in 70% of ACL tears. The majority of these injuries are in 15 to 45 year olds. About 70% of ACL injuries are noncontact injuries that occur during change of direction or stopping rapidly...