Injury Prevention Programs Unpopular With High School Coaches...

Although injury prevention programs have been shown to help reduce leg and foot injuries in sports, less than 10% of high school coaches implement the programs as designed, according to a new survey.

Half of coaches are aware of the programs, but many believe they're too complex or do not offer an advantage over existing practices, researchers found.

ACL Reconstruction and Improved Function...

Study: ACL reconstruction surgery linked to improved function in younger patients.

A recent study found that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery may significantly improve physical health and function among younger patients. The research team evaluated 1,411 patients (median age at enrollment 23 years) enrolled in a prospective multicenter cohort. The research team noted that significant predictors of a higher outcomes score were a higher baseline score, younger age, lower baseline body mass index, having >50 percent of the lateral meniscus excised, or having no treatment done on a lateral meniscal tear. Significant predictors of lower scores were a shorter follow-up time since surgery, revision ACL reconstruction, smoking at baseline, fewer years of education, and chondromalacia of the lateral tibial plateau.

Meniscal Repair and PRP...

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) remains a hot topic in sports medicine... A recent study showed similar outcomes for meniscal repair with or without PRP... Data from a small study suggest little efficacy for the use of PRP in meniscal repair. The authors reviewed data from 26 isolated arthroscopic meniscus repairs. Of those, 11 were augmented with PRP, and 15 were performed without PRP augmentation. The authors write that during the study period, PRP was used for patients with meniscus tears in the setting of no anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. At mean 4-year follow-up, the authors found no significant difference across cohorts in reoperation, functional outcome measures (IKDC score, Tegner Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale), return to work, or return to sports. The authors point out that larger prospective studies may be needed to definitively determine whether PRP should be used with meniscal repair.

Ankle Sprains and Cartilage Injuries...

Ankle sprains have an estimated daily occurrence of 27,000 in the US. Up to 50% of acute ankle sprains and ankle fractures may lead to ankle cartilage injury. These injuries are commonly called osteochondral lesions. Such cartilage injury can lead to persistent pain and symptoms and eventually lead to osteoarthritis. Considering this, a persistently painful ankle after an ankle sprain requires further evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon...

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...

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.

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.