MR imaging of the knee: findings in asymptomatic collegiate basketball players

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the knees of asymptomatic high-level collegiate basketball players before the beginning of the basketball season to gain an understanding of nonclinical findings in this patient population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Bilateral knee MR imaging examinations of 17 varsity basketball players (12 men and five women) were performed before basketball season began. All of the subjects were imaged on a 1.5-T magnet. The MR imaging studies were reviewed by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Structures analyzed were the menisci, ligaments, cartilage, plicae, and bone marrow. The presence of a joint effusion was also noted.

RESULTS

Fourteen (41%) of the 34 knees had bone marrow edema, eight (24%) showed signal in the patellar tendon, and 14 (41%) had abnormal cartilage signal or a focal abnormality. Twelve (35%) of the 34 knees showed a joint effusion. Two knees (6%) showed abnormal signal along the infrapatellar plica. Four knees (12%) were noted to have a discoid meniscus.

CONCLUSION

An MR examination of the knees of high-level collegiate basketball players may show changes unique to this population. The changes seen on MR imaging in these athletes may be asymptomatic abnormalities. For instance, changes suggestive of patellar tendinopathy were identified in these asymptomatic subjects.

Primary patellar tendon repair and early mobilization: results in an active-duty population

We retrospectively reviewed 13 patellar tendon repairs done over 32 months at a tertiary care, military medical center. Early mobilization was initiated within 2 weeks postoperatively. Clinical and functional results were statistically examined with relation to age, timing of surgery, length of follow-up, quadriceps atrophy, extensor lag, patella position, and time to full duty. At an average of 24 months' follow-up, six patients (46%) had thigh girth atrophy, and one patient (8%) had an extensor lag >5 degrees. Mean Lysholm score was 84 (range, 57 to 100). Maximum postoperative Tegner activity scores averaged 7.1 (range, 5 to 10). Clinical results classified five cases as excellent, three good, three fair, and two poor. Functional results classified three cases as excellent, four good, two fair, and four poor. Time to return to duty averaged 13 months. Our results suggest that adequate extensor function can be restored after primary repair and immediate motion therapy.

A report of two cases of volar and dorsal fractures of the middle phalanx caused by a basketball

We present two rare cases of volar and dorsal fractures of the middle phalanx at the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ). The first case was a 16-year-old girl. She hurt her middle finger while playing basketball. A lateral radiograph revealed volar and dorsal fractures of the middle phalanx. She underwent external immobilization of the PIPJ in 30 degrees of flexion with a splint for 3 weeks. The fractures healed 7 weeks after the injury with neither tenderness nor limitation of range of motion. The second case was a 16-year-old boy. He injured his index finger while playing basketball, and underwent immobilization of the PIPJ for 3 weeks. At 10 weeks after the injury, the dorsal fracture was almost healed, but the displacement of the volar fragment had worsened. At a 3-year follow-up, the dorsal fragment was healed, but the volar fragment remained in a site of nonunion. However, there was neither residual deformity nor restriction of movement.

Dental trauma and level of information: mouthguard use in different contact sports

The objective of the present work was to study the occurrence of dental trauma in different sports, as well as to check if athletes used mouthguard during sport activities, and knew the significance of its utilization. The professional and semi-professional athletes who practised contact sports were interviewed, and were analyzed to determine the occurrence of dental trauma during sport practice, as well as if the athletes used a mouthguard and knew its indication. Results showed a high rate of dental trauma in athletes compared to the general population. The majority of athletes also demonstrated little utilization of mouthguard, in spite of the information about usage during sports practices and a general knowledge of its uses.

Repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures using suture anchors

The repair of ruptured quadriceps tendon is commonly performed by weaving sutures through the ruptured tendon and then attaching the tendon to the bone by passing these sutures through tunnels in the superior patella. This technical note is the first report we are aware of in the English language literature of a technique that uses suture anchors to attach the tendon to bone.

Simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture while playing basketball

Simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon injury in healthy people and only a few cases have been reported in athletes. This is the first report of a patient with simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture incurred while playing basketball. The injury was surgically repaired and the patient had a good functional outcome.

Medial patellar taping changes the peak plantar force location and timing of female basketball players

Subtle changes in patellofemoral joint biomechanics may influence lower extremity function. The McConnell method of patellar taping has become an increasingly popular method of managing patients with various patellofemoral joint disorders. The purpose of this order effect controlled study was to assess medial patellar taping (McConnell Method) for changes in peak plantar force location and timing while running and dribbling a basketball prior to the performance of a basketball lay-up. Sixteen non-impaired, right hand dominant members of a female junior varsity basketball team (age=14.6 +/- 2 years) participated in this study. Subject bodyweight and height were 607.8 +/- 99 N and 1.67 +/- 0.10 m, respectively. All data were collected from the preferred stance limb. A series of two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (condition, trial) were used to determine statistical significance (P < or = 0.05). During medial patellar taping, subjects displayed a more forefoot directed peak plantar force location 89.9 +/- 18 versus 81.3 +/- 21 mm and delayed peak plantar force onset 141 +/ - 23 versus 130 +/- 29 ms following initial ground contact. Medial-lateral peak plantar force location and peak plantar force magnitude did not differ between conditions, however, medial-lateral peak plantar force location displayed significant trial sequence influences with the latter trials displaying more lateral center of plantar force locations (30.4 +/- 2 vs. 32.5 +/- 3 mm). The results of this study suggest that medial patellar taping influences distal lower extremity function by shifting peak plantar force location toward the forefoot, and delaying its onset. These changes with consideration for known synergistic ankle plantar flexor-subtalar joint invertor and knee extensor function during weight bearing suggest the presence of increased muscular stiffness acting through a more rigid foot to improve the impact force attenuating capability of the lower extremity.

How to overcome severed sutures of the tibial bone peg in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

We report a case of severed sutures of the tibial bone peg during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The graft retracted proximally in the bone tunnel. We describe a simple and aesthetically acceptable method to salvage this rare complication by use of a small arthrotomy through the defect in the remaining patellar tendon.

Effect of mouthguards on dental injuries and concussions in college basketball

PURPOSE

Dental injuries can be permanent and disfiguring. They are also universally expensive to treat. Many dentists, sports physicians, and athletic trainers recommend mouthguards for athletes participating in certain competitive sports, including men's college basketball, because of a common perception that mouthguards afford protection from dental injuries, and even some concussions. However, there are few reliable reports of the incidence of dental injuries and concussions in men's college basketball, and good evidence that mouthguards reduce the risk of these injuries in this population of athletes is notably lacking. This study prospectively recorded dental injuries and concussions among 50 men's Division I college basketball teams during one competitive season, then compared injury rates between mouthguard users and nonusers.

METHODS

During the 1999 to 2000 basketball season, athletic trainers from 50 men's Division I college basketball programs used an Internet Web site to submit weekly reports of the number of athlete exposures, mouthguard users, concussions, oral soft tissue injuries, dental injuries, and dentist referrals.

RESULTS

Response rate was 86%. There were 70,936 athlete exposures. Athletes using custom-fitted mouthguards accounted for 8663 exposures. Injury rates were expressed as number of injuries per 1000 athlete exposures. There were no significant differences between mouthguard users and nonusers in rates of concussions (0.35 vs 0.55) or oral soft tissue injuries (0.69 vs 1.06). Mouthguard users had significantly lower rates of dental injuries (0.12 vs 0.67; P < 0.05) and dentist referrals (0.00 vs 0.72; P < 0.05) than nonusers.

CONCLUSION

Custom-fitted mouthguards do not significantly affect rates of concussions or oral soft tissue injuries, but can significantly reduce the morbidity and expense resulting from dental injuries in men's Division I college basketball.

The role of the mouthguard in the prevention of sports-related dental injuries: a review

OBJECTIVES

This paper examines the literature dealing with oral-facial injuries received during participation in sport and the possibilities open to athletes for their prevention. In particular, the paper examines five different aspects of this topic: the risk of dental injury while playing sports, the role of the mouthguard in preventing injury, types of athletic mouthguard, implications for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment and behavioural aspects of mouthguard wear.

RESULTS

It is clear from this review that participation in a number of sports does carry a considerable risk of sustaining dental injury, not only in the so-called contact sports such as rugby and hockey, but also in less obviously dangerous sports such as basketball. Although some evidence exists to the contrary, the majority of studies have found the mouthguard to be the most effective way of preventing such injuries. It is also clear that the custom-fabricated mouthguard, in particular the pressure-laminated variety, is seen to afford most protection. Athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment present a particular problem as they are potentially at greater risk of injury because of increased tooth mobility and the presence of orthodontic appliances. The fabrication of mouthguards for these patients is also problematic and the literature covering this is reviewed. As with other preventive measures, mouthguard usage is often less than the dental profession would like; the reasons for this are explored in a small number of studies.

CONCLUSION

While much progress has been made in this area, the profession could do much more to promote the greater use of mouthguards.

Lateral impact injury. A source of occult hip pathology

Arthroscopy has helped greatly in understanding the nature of many intra-articular disorders of the hip. It also has provided a better understanding of the pathomechanics and natural progression. This knowledge has aided in improving interpretative clinical skills and investigative techniques. Isolated traumatic chondral injury can occur as a result of impact loading over the greater trochanter. There seems to be a particular propensity for this injury in young physically fit adult males apt to incur this type of blow as a consequence of sport or activity. Initially, this injury may appear innocuous with variable dysfunction. When present, arthroscopy can reliably discern the pathology and often result in significant symptomatic improvement. The long-term consequences of these lesions are still concerning. Although symptomatic improvement from arthroscopic intervention is encouraging, for some cases the long-term influence may only be the knowledge provided for counseling the patient. Nonetheless, arthroscopy can be valuable in both the assessment and management of chondral injuries.

Open reduction of a lateral femoral notch associated with an acute anterior cruciate ligament tear

The lateral notch is a radiographic sign that describes a depression in the lateral femoral condyle near the terminal sulcus. The sign was first described in association with chronic instability in an anterior cruciate ligament-deficient knee. Recently, the senior author, after a prospective study, reported that these lateral notches might occur acutely at the time of anterior cruciate ligament injury. We report such a case in which the lateral femoral condylar depression fracture resulted in symptoms of lateral compartment incongruity. Open reduction and internal fixation were required. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed as a staged procedure 2 months after fracture reduction. The postoperative result has been excellent for over 5 years. This case is an example that lateral femoral notches may be acute and a source of symptoms. In some cases, reduction and fixation of significant depressions in association with ligament reconstruction can alleviate these symptoms and may improve the patient's long-term result.

Talar fractures: three case studies

Three case studies of fractures are presented that demonstrate the potential morbidity that these injuries can cause as well as the acceptable outcomes if treated appropriately. Two of the cases are talar fracture dislocations; the third is an osteochondral fracture of the talus. The importance of early treatment with open reduction and internal fixation is demonstrated. Success following surgical intervention in a nonhealed osteochondral fracture of the talus is also demonstrated.

Giving way event during a combined stepping and crossover cutting task in an individual with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency

STUDY DESIGN

Case study.

OBJECTIVE

To compare knee kinematics and moments of nongiving way trials to a giving way trial during a combined stepping and crossover cutting activity.

BACKGROUND

The knee kinematics and moments associated with giving way episodes suggest motor control strategies that lead to instability and recovery of stability during movement.

METHODS AND MEASURES

A 27-year-old woman with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency reported giving way while performing a combined stepping and crossover cutting activity. A motion analysis system recorded motion of the pelvis, femur, tibia, and foot using 3 infrared emitting diodes placed on each segment at 60 Hz. Force plate recordings at 300 Hz were combined with limb inertial properties and position data to estimate net knee joint moments. The stance time, foot progression angle, and cutting angle were also included to evaluate performance between trials.

RESULTS

Knee internal rotation during the giving way trial increased 3.2 degrees at 54% of stance relative to the nongiving way trials. Knee flexion during the giving way trial increased to 33.1 degrees at 66% of stance, and the knee moment switched from a nominal flexor moment to a knee extensor moment at 64% of stance. The knee abductor moment and external rotation moment during the giving way trial deviated in early stance.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed response to the giving way event suggests that increasing knee flexion may enhance knee stability for this subject. The transverse and frontal plane moments appear important in contributing to the giving way event. Further research that assists clinicians in understanding how interventions can impact control of movements in these planes is necessary.

Treatment of severe osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow using osteochondral grafts from a rib

We treated a patient with extensive osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow by an osteochondral graft from a rib. It had consolidated seven months after operation. When seen at follow-up, after seven years and eight months, the elbow was free from pain with an improvement in the range of movement of 24 degrees.

Stress fractures of the sacrum. An atypical cause of low back pain in the female athlete

Low back pain is a common finding in an athletically active premenopausal female population. We describe an unusual cause of persistent low back/sacroiliac pain: a fatigue-type sacral stress fracture. Plain radiographs, bone scans, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging studies were obtained in the female athletes to determine the nature of the pathologic abnormality. The most significant risk factor for fatigue-type sacral stress fractures was an increase in impact activity due to a more vigorous exercise program. Potential risk factors such as abnormal menstrual history, dietary deficiencies, and low bone mineral density were examined. The clinical course was protracted, with an average 6.6 months of prolonged low back pain before resolution of symptoms. Sacral fatigue-type stress fractures did not preclude the athletes from returning to their previous level of participation once healing had occurred.

Ultrasound and Power Doppler findings in jumper's knee - preliminary observations

OBJECTIVE

to examine a group of high risk athletes, for signs of inflammation in jumper's knee (JK) by gray-scale ultrasonography (US) and color/Power Doppler findings in JK.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

eighteen high-elite basketball players participated in the investigation after a match. Seven players were examined by ultrasound before the match as well. The players were clinically examined for signs of JK and filled in a questionnaire concerning previous and present knee symptoms.

RESULTS

clinical signs of JK were found in 13 knees. Of these knees, ten had hypoechoic areas and six had Power Doppler flow. Four players reported symptoms of JK and clinical examination suspected the same. Three of them had both hypoechoic areas and Power Doppler flow. Fourteen players were asymptomatic at the time of examination but both hypoechoic areas and Power Doppler flow was found in the patellar tendons of four players. No correlation was found between clinical findings, symptoms of JK and US findings - including Power Doppler. The risk of type II error in this material is considerable.

CONCLUSION

an association between gray-scale US and color/Power Doppler was found in JK which may suggest an inflammatory component to be a part of the pathogenesis of JK.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in men and women: An outcome analysis comparing gender

PURPOSE

Recent studies have shown that female athletes suffer a higher incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears than comparable male athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect gender has on outcome in ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective case review and outcome study.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a single surgeon's practice revealed 279 ACL reconstructions that met our criteria for inclusion. Two-hundred forty-nine of these patients (91%) were contacted. Two-hundred (72%) were evaluated with physical examination, KT-1000 testing, functional testing, and radiographic evaluation. Outcome was assessed with Tegner, Lysholm, modified HSS, and Cincinnati Knee rating scales, as well as the SF-36 health survey and a self-administered questionnaire. There were 137 men and 63 women. Data were evaluated with Wilcoxon rank sum testing, analysis of variance testing, chi-square analysis, and the Student t test. The level of significance was set at P <.05.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, no differences were noted on Lachman, anterior drawer, pivot shift, or functional testing in either groups. Male patients had a significantly greater mean prone heel height difference (1.80 v 1.10 cm, P =.0018) and mean KT-1000 maximum manual side-to-side difference (0.76 v 1.73 mm, P =.014). However, no differences were noted in the percentage of patients with greater than 5-mm side-to-side difference, with 5 men (4%) and 2 women (3%) classified as arthrometric failures. No differences were noted in mean Tegner, Lysholm, Noyes Cincinnati, and modified HSS scores. Men had significantly lower HSS radiographic scores (24.98 v 26.22, P =.0016). Men and women were compared with gender-matched controls for SF-36 testing, and women scored higher compared with controls than did men in the Role Physical, Body Pain, and General Health categories. No differences were noted in either group regarding donor-site pain, patellofemoral crepitance, or problems with stair climbing. Ninety-six percent of men and 98% of women would have had the surgery over again given similar circumstances.

CONCLUSIONS

Objective criteria failed to detect clinically significant differences in physical examination and arthrometric results between men and women. Knee rating scale scores were similar. Comparable outcome with high satisfaction and equal success can be expected in both men and women undergoing ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. No basis exists for the inclusion of gender as a determining factor regarding the decision to perform ACL reconstructive surgery with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft.