Articular mobility in an African population

Generalized joint laxity as a predictor of recovering from low back pain during pregnancy - A prospective study

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal problem during pregnancy. The symptoms usually disappear gradually after delivery, but some women may have persistent problems even later in their lives. Individuals with generalized joint laxity (GJL) were expected to have more injuries on lumbar discs and require prolonged healing time. Therefore, this study aims to investigate whether the test of GJL before the pregnancy could predict the prognosis of pregnancy-related LBP.

METHODS

375 women were recruited from January 2017 to October 2017 in antenatal clinics. Those who suffered the LBP during pregnancy were analyzed and further grouped based on whether they recovered from LBP after deliver. The variables such as age, GJL level using Beighton score, and parity were recorded and examined for the risk analysis of unrecovered LBP. Also, the cut-off point for the Beighton score was determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the Pearson correlation between GJL levels and pain intensities was investigated.

RESULTS

324 pregnant women completed this study. The mean age of included participants was 29.4 ± 4.6 years. Thereinto, 210 women (64.8%) had LBP during their pregnancy. Of these, 51 women (24.3%) failed to recovery from LBP 2 years after delivery. Beighton score (≥6), LBP in a previous pregnancy, back pain, and high physical demand were risk factors for LBP without recovery (all P < 0.001). Besides, there was a significant correlation between HGS values and the intensities of LBP (r = -0.564, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Beighton score is a straightforward and reliable indicator of GJL, and the evaluation before pregnancy using it could help screen high risks for pregnancy-related LBP. The present findings may help encourage pregestational exercise targeted at trunk extensors to help alleviate and even avoid the intensities of LBP during pregnancy.

Association between generalized joint laxity and knee joint movement in female university students

[Purpose] This study investigated the association between generalized joint laxity and knee joint movement in female university students. [Participants and Methods] The study included 21 female university students. Generalized joint laxity was measured using the Beighton criteria for joint hypermobility. Acceleration and angular velocities of the tibia during knee extension were measured along three axes using a triaxial accelerometer. Sampling data were expressed as root mean squares. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to determine differences in the acceleration and angular velocities along each axis between the generalized joint laxity and non-generalized joint laxity groups. Spearman’s rank correlations were used to confirm the association between these parameters. [Results] The rotational angular velocity was greater in the generalized joint laxity than in the non-generalized joint laxity group, and we observed a significant correlation between Beighton scores and the X-axis angular velocity. Furthermore, rotational angular velocity was positively correlated with anterior–posterior acceleration and extension angular velocity. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that rotational angular velocity of the tibia during knee extension is associated with generalized joint laxity in female university students.

Influence of hamstring flexibility on running kinematics in adolescent long-distance runners

BACKGROUND

Studies have found no or minimal differences in running kinematics between flexible and inflexible adult runners. The interaction between hamstring flexibility and running kinematics has not been reported in adolescent long-distance runners.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does hamstring flexibility influence running kinematics in adolescent long-distance runners?

METHODS

Adolescent long-distance runners (n = 140, ages 9-19) were enrolled in our cross-sectional study. Hamstring flexibility was assessed with the forward bending Beighton task. Runners were categorized if they tested positive or negative on the forward bending task. Participants ran at a comfortable self-selected speed on a treadmill. Runners who tested positive on the forward bending task (n = 17) were matched with runners who tested negative on the task (n = 17) according to sex, physical maturation, and running speed. Statistical parametric mapping compared trunk, pelvis, hip, and knee kinematic waveforms throughout the gait cycle and independent sample t tests compared temporal-spatial parameters between the groups.

RESULTS

Runners who tested positive on the forward bending task demonstrated significantly greater anterior pelvic tilt during stance (average difference = 4.8° ± 0.4°, p < .001) and swing (average difference = 4.3° ± 0.2°, p < .01) compared to runners who tested negative on the forward bending task. No significant differences were found between groups for the remaining kinematic waveforms or for any temporal-spatial parameters (p > .05).

SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first study to report the interaction between hamstring flexibility and running kinematics in adolescent long-distance runners. The greater anterior pelvic tilt demonstrated by runners with greater hamstring flexibility may place more eccentric demands on the hamstring musculature. However, as there were no other differences in joint kinematics or temporal-spatial parameters between groups, greater hamstring flexibility does not appear to have a significant interaction with running kinematics when running at sub-maximal speeds. Our results suggest hamstring flexibility does not predispose adolescent long-distance runners to sub-optimal segment positions associated with running-related injuries.

Clinico-radiological factors predicting the failure risk of conservative management in moderate to severe pediatric idiopathic flexible flatfoot

This study aimed to investigate the clinico-radiological factors of related future surgical treatment in patients with pediatric flexible flatfoot (FFF) who first visited the orthopedic clinic before the age of 10 years. Sixty-five patients diagnosed with moderate/severe idiopathic FFF deformity between the ages of 2-10 years were included. We developed prognostic models for the risk of the surgery during the follow-up period. Twenty (30.8%) patients required surgical treatment, and all of them underwent calcaneal lengthening osteotomy. Among them, 7 (10.8%) patients required concomitant Achilles-lengthening surgery. Unilateral involvement, older age, smaller calcaneal pitch angle, and higher talo-first metatarsal malalignment were considered high-risk factors for pediatric FFF surgery. Prognostic models identified three prognostic risk groups based on those factors, and survival curves revealed significant differences among the groups. Our prognostic models help predict the failure risk of conservative management of pediatric idiopathic FFF. Level of Evidence: Level III, prognostic study.

Does anterolateral ligament internal bracing improve the outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients with generalized joint hypermobility?

BACKGROUND

Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) is a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and ACL graft failure and is considered an indication for anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare functional outcomes, rupture rates, and residual instability in patients with GJH undergoing isolated ACL reconstruction or combined ACL reconstruction and ALL augmentation with internal bracing (ALL-IB).

METHODS

Sixty-eight patients with GJH and unilateral ACL injury were randomly assigned to undergo either isolated ACL reconstruction (Group 1) or combined ACL reconstruction and ALL-IB (Group 2). The patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively; their medical histories; physical examination results; anterior knee translation, as measured using the KT-1000 arthrometer; and scores of validated knee assessments were recorded.

RESULTS

Groups 1 and 2 consisted of 37 and 31 patients, respectively. The mean follow-up was 30.1±4.1 and 28.1±2.9 months, respectively. In the final evaluation, the patients in Group 2 showed better rotational stability, as evaluated by the pivot-shift test (p=0.013); better anteroposterior stability, as evaluated by KT-1000 arthrometry (p=0.001); similar function (p=0.14 for the Lysholm, p=0.11 for the Cincinnati, and p=0.19 for the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective score); and failure rate (p=0.41).

CONCLUSION

The functional outcomes were similar between the groups. The stability outcomes after combined ACL and ALL-IB were better than those after isolated ACL reconstruction in patients with GJH. However, the technique and its results need to be validated in larger patient series and prospective randomized controlled trials.

The Relationship Between Generalised Joint Hypermobility and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults: A Large, Cross-Sectional, Case Control Comparison

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) share a number of clinical manifestations including proprioceptive impairment, motor difficulties, sensory hypersensitivity, and autonomic dysfunction. Clinical observations suggest that GJH is overrepresented in ASD. However, there are currently few systematic studies available. Knowledge about comorbidities may unfold common aetiopathological pathways underlying the association and improve the clinical management. The aim of this large, cross-sectional comparative study is to evaluate the relationship between ASD and GJH in adults. Data on joint hypermobility, symptoms associated with both hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), lifetime psychiatric diagnoses, psychiatric rating scales for ASD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and socio-demographics was collected for 199 individuals with ASD and 419 non-ASD community controls. Logistic regression models adjusting for covariates (age, sex, ethnicity) revealed a significant relationship between ASD and GJH and between ASD and symptomatic GJH, with adjusted odds ratios of 3.1 (95% CI: 1.9, 5.2; p < 0.001) and 4.9 (95% CI: 2.6, 9.0; p < 0.001), respectively. However, the high prevalence of comorbid ADHD in the study sample reduces the generalizability of the results among individuals with ASD without comorbid ADHD. Possibly, an additional ADHD phenotype is the primary driver of the association between ASD and GJH. Furthermore, GJH with additional self-reported symptoms, suggestive of HSD/hEDS, showed a stronger association with ASD than did non-specified GJH, indicating that symptomatic GJH plays a greater role in the relationship than non-specified GJH does. Therefore, the current study underscores the need of careful sample subclassifications. ASD with GJH may represent a novel subgroup of ASD in terms of aetiopathology and clinical presentation. Future research should elucidate the aetiological factors behind the association between ASD and GJH and evaluate how the comorbidity of GJH affects ASD outcomes.

Joint Hypermobility Links Neurodivergence to Dysautonomia and Pain

OBJECTIVES

Autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and tic disorder (Tourette syndrome; TS) are neurodevelopmental conditions that frequently co-occur and impact psychological, social, and emotional processes. Increased likelihood of chronic physical symptoms, including fatigue and pain, are also recognized. The expression of joint hypermobility, reflecting a constitutional variant in connective tissue, predicts susceptibility to psychological symptoms alongside recognized physical symptoms. Here, we tested for increased prevalence of joint hypermobility, autonomic dysfunction, and musculoskeletal symptoms in 109 adults with neurodevelopmental condition diagnoses.

METHODS

Rates of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH, henceforth hypermobility) in adults with a formal diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions (henceforth neurodivergent group, n = 109) were compared to those in the general population in UK. Levels of orthostatic intolerance and musculoskeletal symptoms were compared to a separate comparison group (n = 57). Age specific cut-offs for GJH were possible to determine in the neurodivergent and comparison group only.

RESULTS

The neurodivergent group manifested elevated prevalence of hypermobility (51%) compared to the general population rate of 20% and a comparison population (17.5%). Using a more stringent age specific cut-off, in the neurodivergent group this prevalence was 28.4%, more than double than the comparison group (12.5%). Odds ratio for presence of hypermobility in neurodivergent group, compared to the general population was 4.51 (95% CI 2.17-9.37), with greater odds in females than males. Using age specific cut-off, the odds ratio for GJH in neurodivergent group, compared to the comparison group, was 2.84 (95% CI 1.16-6.94). Neurodivergent participants reported significantly more symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and musculoskeletal skeletal pain than the comparison group. The number of hypermobile joints was found to mediate the relationship between neurodivergence and symptoms of both dysautonomia and pain.

CONCLUSIONS

In neurodivergent adults, there is a strong link between the expression of joint hypermobility, dysautonomia, and pain, more so than in the comparison group. Moreover, joint hypermobility mediates the link between neurodivergence and symptoms of dysautonomia and pain. Increased awareness and understanding of this association may enhance the management of core symptoms and allied difficulties in neurodivergent people, including co-occurring physical symptoms, and guide service delivery in the future.

In vivo measurement of distal radioulnar translation following distal radius fracture

The incidence of distal radioulnar joint instability following a distal radius fracture is estimated around one in three based upon clinical examination. Using a validated rig, we objectively measured distal radioulnar joint translation in vivo following distal radius fracture. Dorsopalmar translation of the distal radioulnar joint was measured in 50 adults with previous distal radius fractures. Measurements were compared with the uninjured wrist and against a database of previous measurements within healthy and clinically lax populations. Translation at the distal radioulnar joint was greater in injured wrists at 12.2 mm (range 10-15, SD 1.2) than the uninjured wrists at 6.4 (range 4-9, SD 0.8) (p < 0.001) and was always outside the established normal range. There was no statistically significant link between translation and the severity of the injury. Instability appears almost inevitable following a distal radius (wrist) fracture, albeit subclinical in the vast majority.

A Novel missense mutation of COL2A1 gene in a large family with stickler syndrome type I

Stickler syndrome type I (STL1, MIM 108300) is characterized by ocular, auditory, skeletal and orofacial manifestations. Nonsyndromic ocular STL1 (MIM 609508) characterized by predominantly ocular features is a subgroup of STL1, and it is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. In this study, a novel variant c.T100>C (p.Cys34Arg) in COL2A1 related to a large nonsyndromic ocular STL1 family was identified through Exome sequencing (ES). Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the variant site was highly conserved and the pathogenic mechanism of this variant may involve in affected structure of chordin‐like cysteine‐rich (CR) repeats of ColIIA. Minigene assay indicated that this variant did not change alternative splicing of exon2 of COL2A1. Moreover, the nonsyndromic ocular STL1 family with 16 affected members showed phenotype variability and certain male gender trend. None of the family members had hearing loss. Our findings would expand the knowledge of the COL2A1 mutation spectrum, and phenotype variability associated with nonsyndromic ocular STL1. Search for genetic modifiers and related molecular pathways leading to the phenotype variation warrants further studies.

Clinical Characteristics of 100 Patients with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and Shoulder Complaints With or Without Mechanical Symptoms: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

The aims were to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and shoulder complaints with or without mechanical symptoms, and to compare characteristics between these groups.

DESIGN

Descriptive study.

SETTING

Primary care PARTICIPANTS: One-hundred patients with HSD and shoulder complaints for at least three months were included from primary care.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Medical history, self-reported (shoulder pain and function, discomfort due to other symptoms, fatigue, fear of movement, quality of life) and objective (strength, range of motion, proprioception) characteristics were collected by physiotherapists. Mechanical symptoms (Yes/No) were defined as self-reported shoulder instability, subluxation, and/or laxity.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven reported mechanical symptoms. Patients in both groups reported impairments related to shoulder pain, function, fatigue, fear of movement, and quality of life. Patients with mechanical symptoms were younger (mean (95% CI): 35.1 (32.3; 37.9) vs. 43.3 (38.4; 48.1) years), had longer symptom duration (median: 46 (36; 66) vs. 24 (9; 56) months), reported a previous shoulder dislocation (25% (16; 37) vs. 3% (0; 16)), experienced that their shoulder was loose (64% (52; 76) vs. 15% (5; 32)), and reported discomfort due to other symptoms (OR 1.48 (1.17; 1.87)). Furthermore, a larger proportion had received supplemental treatment (analgesic medication, steroid injection/surgery).

CONCLUSION(S)

Both groups with HSD and shoulder complaints presented with substantial shoulder-related impairments. Two-thirds reported mechanical symptoms, were younger, and more severely impaired than those without mechanical symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of managing mechanical shoulder symptoms to fully address the patients' impairments.

Excessive laxity of connective tissue in constipated children

Excessive laxity of the connective tissue refers to a group of inherited abnormalities manifested by disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, including the gastrointestinal tract. Increased susceptibility to stretching of the distal part of the large intestine and abnormal colonic motor function could explain the predisposition to the development of functional constipation in some children. Our aim was to determine whether patients with functional constipation are more likely to be characterized by congenital laxity of connective tissue compared to the population of healthy children. Children diagnosed with functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria were prospectively enrolled in the study (study group, S) and compared to otherwise healthy children (control group, C). Excessive laxity of the connective tissue was evaluated using the Beighton Score (BS) and expressed as median and interquartile range (IQR). The study included 411 patients (median age 7.8 years, min 3 years, max 18 years; 49% male), comprising 211 patients in the S group and 200 children in the C group. The median BS in the S group was significantly higher than in the C group (median: 5 points [IQR: 1–4.5] vs 2 points [IQR: 3–7], respectively; p = 0.000). Furthermore, increased connective tissue laxity was observed more frequently in females (p < 0.05). Increased connective tissue laxity was more frequent in children with functional constipation, especially in girls. Excessive laxity of the connective tissue may be one of the etiological factors of functional constipation in children.

Inzidenz, Biomechanik und Diagnostik der Hüftgelenkdysplasie

Die Hüftdysplasie ist eine komplexe dreidimensionale Pathomorphologie des gesamten Hüftgelenks. Die mangelhafte Überdachung des Hüftkopfes führt zur Instabilität des Gelenks. Das schräg aufsteigende Dach ist Scherkräften ausgesetzt, die zu einer Überlastung der Erkerregion führen. Die Folge sind Schäden am chondrolabralen Komplex, welche die Ursache für auftretende Schmerzen sind und in weiterer Folge die Dysplasiearthrose induzieren. Die Inzidenz der Hüftdysplasie variiert nach geografischen Regionen und ethnischen Gruppen. Unterschiede in der Definition der Hüftdysplasie und ihrer Diagnose machen Literaturvergleiche schwierig. Die Biomechanik der dysplastischen Hüfte wird von der knöchernen Formgebung, aber auch von der Belastung und Muskelkräften beeinflusst. Die Behandlung sollte die Herstellung einer physiologischen Biomechanik zum Ziel haben, die in den meisten Fällen mehr eine Domäne der offenen Chirurgie als der Arthroskopie darstellt. Die Diagnosestellung der Hüftdysplasie ist herausfordernd. Eine genaue Anamnese, standardisierte klinische Tests und Röntgenaufnahmen, die durch den Chirurgen selbst beurteilt werden müssen, sind essenziell. Weiterführende Untersuchungen wie die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) sind für die Beurteilung von Knorpel- und Labrumschäden hilfreich.

Evaluation and management of patellar instability

Patellar instability is a common clinical problem that primarily affects the adolescent and young adult population. The demographic and anatomic risk factors that predispose patients to patellar instability are multifactorial and include young age, female sex, trochlear dysplasia, elevated tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance (TT-TG), patella alta, femoral and tibial malalignment, ligamentous laxity, and lack of neuromuscular control. There have been substantial efforts to predict which patients who sustain a first-time dislocation will go on to incur additional dislocations. This is particularly important because with each dislocation event, there is a significant risk of injury to the patellofemoral joint including both medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) stretch or rupture and damage to the cartilage which can range from simple fissures to full-thickness cartilage defects and osteochondral fractures. Prediction models have demonstrated that amongst first time dislocators, young patients with trochlear dysplasia are at the highest risk for redislocation. The current standard of care for treatment of first-time dislocators without a loose body or osteochondral fracture is nonoperative management. However, recently there has been a focus on implementing a risk-stratified approach to the surgical indications for a first-time dislocator as the high-risk population might be better treated with early surgical stabilization to prevent or reduce their risk of recurrent dislocation and its associated morbidity. Likewise, for patients with recurrent dislocations, it remains to be determined whether an isolated MPFL reconstruction is sufficient for high-risk patients with several poor prognostic risk factors or if bony realignment procedures should be implemented concurrently.

Psychogenic Pseudosyncope: Real or Imaginary? Results from a Case-Control Study in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Patients

Background and objectives: Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is a clinical condition in which symptoms worsen upon assuming and maintaining upright posture and are ameliorated by recumbency. OI has a high prevalence in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Exact numbers on syncopal spells especially if they are on a weekly or even daily basis are not described. Although not a frequent phenomenon, this symptomatology is of very high burden to the patient if present. To explore whether patients with very frequent (pre)syncope spells diagnosed elsewhere with conversion or psychogenic pseudosyncope (PPS) might have another explanation of their fainting spells than behavioral psychiatric disorders, we performed a case-control study comparing ME/CFS patients with and without PPS spells. Methods and results: We performed a case-control study in 30 ME/CFS patients diagnosed elsewhere with PPS and compared them with 30 control ME/CFS patients without syncopal spells. Cases were gender, age and ME/CFS disease duration matched. Each underwent a tilt test with extracranial Doppler measurements for cerebral blood flow (CBF). ME/CFS cases with PPS had a significant larger CBF reduction at end tilt than controls: 39 (6)% vs. 25 (4)%; (p < 0.0001). Cases had more severe disease compared with controls (chi-square p < 0.01 and had a p = 0.01) for more postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in cases compared with controls. P_ETCO₂ end-tilt differed also, but the magnitude of difference was smaller than compared with the CBF reduction: there were no differences in heart rate and blood pressure at either end-tilt testing period. Compared with the test with the stockings off, the mean percentage reduction in cardiac output during the test with compression stockings on was lower, 25 (5) mmHg versus 29 (4) mmHg (p < 0.005). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that in ME/CFS patients suspected of having PPS, or conversion, CBF measurements end-tilt show a large decline compared with a control group of ME/CFS patients. Therefore, hypoperfusion offers an explanation of the orthostatic intolerance and syncopal spells in these patients, where it is clear that origin might not be behavioral or psychogenic, but have a clear somatic pathophysiologic background.

Generalized joint hypermobility does not influence 1-year patient satisfaction or functional outcome after ACL reconstruction

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) influences postoperative results, including return to sport, patientreported outcomes, functional performance (hop tests), muscular strength, and the occurrence of ACL re-injury, in patients 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

METHODS

Data was extracted from a regional rehabilitation-specific registry containing information on patients with ACL injury. Patients between the ages of 16-50 years previously undergoing ACL reconstruction with available 1 year follow-up data were eligible for inclusion. Generalized joint hypermobility was assessed using the Beighton score (BS). Patients were examined one year postoperatively in terms of return to sport, patient-reported outcome, hop tests, muscular strength and the occurrence of reinjury. For purpose of analysis, patients were allocated into two groups, depending on the existence of GJH. The KOOS subscale of sports and recreation was considered the primary outcome. Analyses were performed both dichotomously and by using adjusted logistic regression, to consider potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 356 patients (41% males) were included, of which 76 (24% male) were categorized as having GJH. Patients with GJH had an inferior limb symmetry index preoperatively in terms of knee extension (mean 81.6 [SD 16.4] vs. 91.4 [SD 15.9], p = 0.02) and flexion strength (mean 91.9 vs. 99.1, p = 0.047) compared to patients without GJH. There was no difference between the groups in terms of the primary outcome, nor in any of the other postoperative outcomes. Nine patients (11.8%) in the group with GJH suffered ACL re-injury, compared with 13 patients (4.6%) in the control group (n.s.).

CONCLUSION

One year after ACL reconstruction the existence of GJH did not affect postoperative patient satisfaction, strength or functional outcome. No conclusive statements can be made regarding the influence of GJH on the risk of ACL re-injury in this particular study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

The Presentation of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Is Not Influenced by the Presence or Absence of Joint Hypermobility

OBJECTIVE

To examine demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) with and without joint hypermobility We hypothesized that patients who were joint hypermobility-positive would have an earlier onset of ME/CFS symptoms as well as increased severity, a greater number of comorbid conditions, and a lower health-related quality of life.

STUDY DESIGN

From an observational cohort study of 55 individuals meeting the Fukuda criteria for ME/CFS, we compared groups using a Beighton score cutoff of 4 or higher to indicate joint hypermobility. Chart data were collected to examine the age and type of onset of ME/CFS and the presence of comorbid conditions. The impact on quality of life was assessed through questionnaires that included the Peds QL, Functional Disability Inventory, Peds QL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale, and Anxiety Subscale of the Symptom Checklist 90.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between groups in mean ± SD age at onset of ME/CFS (13.3 ± 3.3 years vs 13.3 ± 2.3 years; P = .92), sex, frequency, and severity of ME/CFS symptoms, orthostatic intolerance symptoms, or comorbid conditions. There was no significant difference between the groups in measures of health-related quality of life using a Beighton score cutoff of 4 or a cutoff of 5 to define joint hypermobility.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite being a risk factor for the development of ME/CFS, joint hypermobility as defined in this study was not associated with other clinical characteristics of the illness.

Allograft Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in Adolescent Patients Results in a Low Recurrence Rate of Patellar Dislocation or Subluxation at Midterm Follow-Up

PURPOSE

To evaluate rates of recurrent instability in adolescent patients with medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with allograft and associations of anatomic risk factors with complications.

METHODS

A retrospective review identified patients of a single surgeon who underwent MPFL reconstruction with allograft for recurrent patellar instability with minimum 2-year follow-up. Surgical management was recommended after a minimum 6 weeks of nonoperative management and included MPFL reconstruction with gracilis allograft using a double-bundle technique. Preoperative radiographs were evaluated to assess physeal closure, lower-extremity alignment, trochlear morphology, and Insall-Salvati and Caton-Deschamps ratios. Magnetic resonance images were reviewed to evaluate the MPFL, trochlear morphology, and tibial tubercle trochlear groove distance (TT-TG). Descriptive statistics were used to characterize data. The primary outcome was recurrent instability.

RESULTS

20 patients (24 knees; 18 knees in 14 females and 6 knees in 6 males; average age 15.7 years; range 11.5 to 19.6) underwent MPFL reconstruction with allograft (mean ± standard deviation follow-up 5.2 ± 1.7 years; range 2.2 to 8.1). Physes were open in 9 knees. The Insall-Salvati ratio was 1.09 ± 0.16, and the Caton-Deschamps index was 1.17 ± 0.15. Preoperatively, 19 patients were noted to have trochlear dysplasia, and TT-TG was 15.3 ± 3.9 mm. Three of 4 knees (16.7%) with non-hardware-related complications had open physes: 3 (12.5%) had recurrent instability, 2 of which underwent subsequent operation, and 1 sustained a patella fracture after a fall, requiring open reduction and internal fixation. The average Insall-Salvati ratio of these 4 patients was 1.21 ± 0.20, Caton-Deschamps index was 1.18 ± 0.17, and TT-TG was 17.5 ± 3.3 mm, none of which were statistically different from the group without complications. There were no clinically noted growth disturbances postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

MPFL reconstruction using allograft tissue may be performed safely in the pediatric and adolescent population with good outcomes at midterm follow-up, few complications, and a low rate of recurrent instability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, case series.

Conservative treatment of acute traumatic posterior shoulder dislocations (Type A) is a viable option especially in patients with centred joint, low gamma angle, and middle or old age

PURPOSE

Purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcome after conservatively treated first-time posterior shoulder dislocations and to determine structural defects associated with failure.

METHODS

In this multi-centric retrospective study, 29 shoulders in 28 patients with first-time acute posterior shoulder dislocation (Type A1 or A2 according to the ABC classification) and available cross-sectional imaging were included. Outcome scores as well as radiological and magnetic resonance imaging were obtained at a mean follow-up of 8.3 ± 2.7 years (minimum: 5 years). The association of structural defects with redislocation, need for secondary surgery, and inferior clinical outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

Redislocation occurred in six (21%) shoulders and nine shoulders (31%) underwent secondary surgery due to persistent symptoms. The posttraumatic posterior glenohumeral subluxation was higher in the redislocation group compared to the no redislocation group; however, statistical significance was not reached (61.9 ± 12.5% vs. 50.6 ± 6.4%). Furthermore, a higher adapted gamma angle was observed in the failed conservative treatment group versus the conservative treatment group, similarly without statistically significant difference (97.8° ± 7.2°, vs. 93.3° ± 9.7°). The adapted gamma angle was higher than 90° in all patients of failed conservative therapy and the redislocation group. An older age at the time of dislocation showed a significant correlation with better clinical outcomes (SSV: r = 0.543, p = 0.02; ROWE: r = 0.418, p = 0.035 and WOSI: r = 0.478, p = 0.045). Posterior glenohumeral subluxation after trauma correlated with a worse WOSI (r = - 0.59, p = 0.02) and follow-up posterior glenohumeral decentring (r = 0.68, p = 0.007). The gamma angle (r = 0.396, p = 0.039) and depth of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion (r = 0.437, p = 0.023) correlated significantly with the grade of osteoarthritis at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Conservative treatment is a viable option in patients with an acute traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation with good outcome after mid- and long-term follow-up especially in patients with centred joint, low gamma angle, and middle or old age.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Intraoperative Load Tolerance of the Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint After Resection-Suspension-Interposition Arthroplasty

Purpose

The objective was to measure the intraoperative load tolerance of the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint after trapeziectomy, tendon suspension, and interposition.

Methods

In this single-center prospective study, preoperative pinch grip, thumb mobility, and hypermobility of the thumb CMC joint were determined by 2 hand surgeons. Patients completed the brief Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire. During surgery and upon removal of the trapezium, the surgeon subjectively rated the degree of thumb CMC load tolerance as “stable,” “medium stable,” or “unstable.” A measurement system with an integrated force sensor was used to measure intraoperative thumb CMC load tolerance. The thumb ray was displaced manually by 10 mm toward the scaphoid, and the counteracting force was measured over the entire displacement. The objective load tolerance was determined as the maximal measured force after trapezium resection, tendon suspension, and interposition. Analysis of variance was used to test for the differences in load tolerance between the surgical steps. Spearman’s coefficient was used to find correlations between load tolerance and clinical or patient-reported variables.

Results

Twenty-nine patients with a mean age of 70 years (SD, 8.1 years) were available for analysis. The measured intraoperative load tolerance after trapeziectomy was 15.5 N (SD, 5.4 N) and significantly increased to 18.7 N (SD, 5.5 N) after suspension. Load tolerance only slightly increased after tendon interposition, increasing the force to 20.3 N (SD, 6.7 N). Neither the surgeon’s subjective stability rating nor the clinical or patient-reported variables correlated with the measured load tolerance after trapeziectomy.

Conclusions

Our results show that tendon suspension leads to the highest increase in thumb CMC load tolerance during resection-suspension-interposition arthroplasty.

Clinical relevance

Tendon suspension appears to be the most important step in stabilizing the metacarpal base after trapeziectomy, whereas tendon interposition does not seem to have a relevant additional effect regarding load tolerance, at least immediately after surgery.

LUCL reconstruction of the elbow: clinical midterm results based on the underlying pathogenesis

PURPOSE

Traumatic and atraumatic insufficiency of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) can cause posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow. The influence of the underlying pathogenesis on functional outcomes remains unknown so far. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the initial pathogenesis of PLRI on clinical outcomes after LUCL reconstruction using an ipsilateral triceps tendon autograft.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients were reviewed in this retrospective study. Depending on the pathogenesis patients were assigned to either group EPI (atraumatic, secondary LUCL insufficiency due to chronic epicondylopathia) or group TRAUMA (traumatic LUCL lesion). Range-of-motion (ROM) and posterolateral joint stability were evaluated preoperatively and at follow-up survey. For clinical assessment, the Mayo elbow performance (MEPS) score was used. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) consisting of visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, patient-rated elbow evaluation (PREE) score and subjective elbow evaluation (SEV) as well as complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients (group EPI, n = 17; group TRAUMA, n = 14), 13 men and 18 women with a mean age of 42.9 ± 11.0 were available for follow-up evaluation (57.7 ± 17.5 months). In 93.5%, posterolateral elbow stability was restored (n = 2 with re-instability, both group TRAUMA). No differences were seen between groups in relation to ROM. Even though group EPI (98.9 ± 3.7 points) showed better results than group TRAUMA (91.1 ± 12.6 points) (p = 0.034) according to MEPS, no differences were found for evaluated PROs (group A: VAS 1 ± 1.8, PREE 9.3 ± 15.7, DASH 7.7 ± 11.9, SEV 92.9 ± 8.3 vs. group B: VAS 1.9 ± 3.2, PREE 22.4 ± 26.1, DASH 16.0 ± 19.4, SEV 87.9 ± 15.4. 12.9% of patients required revision surgery.

CONCLUSION

LUCL reconstruction using a triceps tendon autograft for the treatment of PLRI provides good to excellent clinical outcomes regardless of the underlying pathogenesis (traumatic vs. atraumatic). However, in the present case series, posterolateral re-instability tends to be higher for traumatic PLRI and patient-reported outcomes showed inferior results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, LEVEL III.

Effects of Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome on the Clinical Characteristics of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Females

Background and Purpose

The study aim was to determine the effects of benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) on symptom severity and functional capacity in females with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) based on the findings of physical examinations.

Methods

One hundred female patients diagnosed with bilateral CTS in electrophysiological testing were included in this study. The participants were evaluated for BJHS using the Brighton 1998 criteria, and divided into two groups: one consisting of 56 CTS patients with BJHS, and the other comprising 44 CTS patients without BJHS. Tinel’s, Phalen’s, and reverse Phalen’s tests were applied to all patients, and the severity and functional capacity of CTS were evaluated using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire.

Results

Symptom severity and functional capacity varied significantly between the two groups in the right hand (p=0.037 and p=0.039, respectively) and in the left hand (p=0.016 and p=0.029). The hypermobile group yielded more positive results on the right side during Tinel’s, Phalen’s, and reverse Phalen’s tests (p=0.032, p=0.032, and p=0.018, respectively).

Conclusions

Hypermobility in females exacerbated the symptoms of CTS and led to a further reduction of functional capacity. Therefore, hypermobility should be tested and an intense exercise program should be implemented in BJHS patients, especially in females with CTS.

Open versus arthroscopic release for lateral patellar compression syndrome: a randomized-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Lateral patellar compression syndrome is one of the causes of anterior knee pain in young adults and resulted from tight lateral patellar retinaculum. The aim of our study is to compare between open and arthroscopic release of lateral patellar compression syndrome in relation of functional outcome, time of surgical procedure, length of hospital stays, intraoperative and postoperative complications as bleeding, infection, recurrence, and patellar instability with 2 years of follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

80 patients, age (21-49 years), were divided randomly into 2 groups (A and B). Group A (40 patients) were treated with open release. Group B (40 patients) were treated by arthroscopic release. All these patients are diagnosed as lateral patellar compression syndrome depending on clinical features and MRI. All patients were assessed by Lysholm knee scoring scale before surgery and at periods of 2, 6 weeks, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

There is significant difference in functional outcome, measured by Lysholm knee scoring scale, between preoperative and postoperative assessment periods in both groups (P < 0.001). There is significantly better functional outcome at 2 years of follow-up with arthroscopic release (P = 0.018). There is no recurrence in both groups, but there were 4 patients develop medial patellar instability in the group of open release.

CONCLUSION

Both open and arthroscopic lateral release for patients with isolated lateral patellar compression syndrome can be effective surgical procedures, but arthroscopic release can achieve better functional outcome.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT, NCT04130412. Retrospectively registered on 3rd of June, 2020 at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Orthostatic Symptoms and Reductions in Cerebral Blood Flow in Long-Haul COVID-19 Patients: Similarities with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Background and Objectives: Symptoms and hemodynamic findings during orthostatic stress have been reported in both long-haul COVID-19 and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), but little work has directly compared patients from these two groups. To investigate the overlap in these clinical phenotypes, we compared orthostatic symptoms in daily life and during head-up tilt, heart rate and blood pressure responses to tilt, and reductions in cerebral blood flow in response to orthostatic stress in long-haul COVID-19 patients, ME/CFS controls, and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: We compared 10 consecutive long-haul COVID-19 cases with 20 age- and gender-matched ME/CFS controls with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) during head-up tilt, 20 age- and gender-matched ME/CFS controls with a normal heart rate and blood pressure response to head-up tilt, and 10 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Identical symptom questionnaires and tilt test procedures were used for all groups, including measurement of cerebral blood flow and cardiac index during the orthostatic stress. Results: There were no significant differences in ME/CFS symptom prevalence between the long-haul COVID-19 patients and the ME/CFS patients. All long-haul COVID-19 patients developed POTS during tilt. Cerebral blood flow and cardiac index were more significantly reduced in the three patient groups compared with the healthy controls. Cardiac index reduction was not different between the three patient groups. The cerebral blood flow reduction was larger in the long-haul COVID-19 patients compared with the ME/CFS patients with a normal heart rate and blood pressure response. Conclusions: The symptoms of long-haul COVID-19 are similar to those of ME/CFS patients, as is the response to tilt testing. Cerebral blood flow and cardiac index reductions during tilt were more severely impaired than in many patients with ME/CFS. The finding of early-onset orthostatic intolerance symptoms, and the high pre-illness physical activity level of the long-haul COVID-19 patients, makes it unlikely that POTS in this group is due to deconditioning. These data suggest that similar to SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2 infection acts as a trigger for the development of ME/CFS.

A Rare Case of Traumatic Bilateral Elbow Dislocation Without a Fracture in a Seven-Year-Old Female Child

Pediatric bilateral elbow dislocation is an infrequent injury. This is a report of a seven-year-old girl, the youngest patient ever reported, with simultaneous isolated bilateral traumatic elbow dislocation without fracture, treated with closed reduction under sedation.

Carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joint collapse is associated with increased pain but not functional impairment in persons with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION

Due to the complex shape of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, a fixed joint collapse deformity of the thumb CMC (CMC1) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP1) joint can present in advanced stages of CMC1 osteoarthritis (OA), resulting in adduction of the first metacarpal (MC1) and hyperextension of the MCP1.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To determine whether joint collapse deformity is associated with worse pain and/or functional impairment.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

METHODS

This study used the baseline data from 140 patients enrolled in a longitudinal study of treatment for CMC1 OA. (efficacy of combined conservative therapies on clinical outcomes in patients with CMC1 OA). Joint collapse was determined at baseline using a pinch gauge. Pain was assessed on a visual analog scale (0-100) and function was assessed using the Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis questionnaire (0-30). Pain and function and the presence of joint collapse were entered in a univariate logistic regression. The final adjusted model for pain and joint collapse included age and sex. The final adjusted model for function and joint collapse included Kellgren Lawrence grade and grip strength.

RESULTS

About 20% of participants demonstrated joint collapse on the tip-pinch test. The presence of joint collapse was associated with increased pain in the unadjusted [P = .047, OR = 2.45, 95% CI (1.01, 5.910)] and adjusted model [P = .049, OR = 2.45, 95% CI (1.00, 5.98)].

CONCLUSION

CMC1 patients with joint collapse reported increased pain compared with those without joint collapse. Future studies should determine the relationship between thumb hypermobility and joint collapse and how to manage these conditions effectively.

The mitral valve prolapse frequency in healthy females with generalized joint hypermobility: A case-control study

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of mitral valve prolapse between healthy females with generalized joint hypermobility and healthy controls.

Patients and methods

This observational, cross-sectional, controlled study included female individuals with generalized joint hypermobility (n=39, mean age: 20.5±1.1 years; range, 19 to 23 years) and healthy controls (n=42, mean age: 20.6±1.2 years; range, 18 to 23 years) between July 2017 and November 2017. The generalized joint hypermobility consisted of women with a Beighton score of ≥4, while the control group consisted of women with a Beighton score of ≤3. Echocardiography was performed to all participants. Mitral valve prolapse was defined as having single or bileaflet prolapse of at least 2 mm beyond the long-axis annular plane with or without mitral leaflet thickening.

Results

No significant difference was found in the age, height, body weight, and body mass index between the groups (p>0.05). The median Beighton score was 5 in the generalized joint hypermobility group and 2 in the control group. No mitral valve prolapse was detected in those with generalized joint hypermobility, while non-classical mitral valve prolapse was observed in one participant in the control group, indicating no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Our study results suggest that the frequency of mitral valve prolapse is comparable between the women with generalized joint hypermobility and healthy controls. Based on these results, routine assessment of mitral valve prolapse is not recommended in this population.

The evaluation of nailfold capillaroscopy pattern in patients with fibromyalgia

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate nailfold capillaroscopic pattern in patents with fibromyalgia and to assess the relation of capillaroscopic parameters with clinical variables and disease-related measures.

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional, case-control study included 60 participants (4 males, 56 females; mean age: 44.0±8.2 years; range, 26 to 64 years) between August 2019 and November 2019. All participants were divided into two groups as the primary fibromyalgia group (n=30) who met the 2016 modified American College of Rheumatology Diagnostic Criteria for Fibromyalgia and the control group (n=30) consisting of age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Nailfold capillaroscopy was performed by a digital microscope under a magnification of 200X. Capillary density, capillary loop diameter, number of dilated, giant and neoangiogenic capillaries, capillary shape, number of avascular areas, micro-aneurysms and micro-hemorrhages were evaluated by an assessor who was blind to the group allocation. In the fibromyalgia group, Widespread Pain Index, Symptom Severity Scale scores, and Fibromyalgia Severity scores were calculated. Health status and presence of benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) were evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and revised Brighton criteria, respectively.

Results

Of the capillaroscopic parameters, the mean capillary loop diameter, number of micro-aneurysms, avascular areas, and neoangiogenic capillaries were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the controls (p<0.001, p=0.016, p=0.038, and p=0.04, respectively). Nailfold capillaroscopic findings did not significantly differ between the patients with (n=16) and without concomitant BJHS (n=14). Of the disease-related measures, only FIQ score showed a weak correlation with the number of dilated capillaries (p=0.324).

Conclusion

Patients with fibromyalgia have distinct capillaroscopic patterns than healthy population. Capillaroscopic features, in general, are not related to clinical variables and disease-related measures.

Variant connective tissue (joint hypermobility) and dysautonomia are associated with multimorbidity at the intersection between physical and psychological health

The symptoms of joint hypermobility extend beyond articular pain. Hypermobile people commonly experience autonomic symptoms (dysautonomia), and anxiety or related psychological issues. We tested whether dysautonomia might mediate the association between hypermobility and anxiety in adults diagnosed with mental health disorders and/or neurodevelopmental conditions (hereon referred to as patients), by quantifying joint hypermobility and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. Prevalence of generalized joint laxity (hypermobility) in 377 individuals with diagnoses of mental health disorders and/or neurodevelopmental conditions was compared to prevalence recorded in the general population. Autonomic symptom burden was compared between hypermobile and non-hypermobile patients. Mediation analysis explored relationships between hypermobility, autonomic dysfunction, and anxiety. Patient participants had elevated prevalence of generalized joint laxity (38%) compared to the general population rate of 19% (odds ratio: 2.54 [95% confidence interval: 2.05, 3.16]). Hypermobile participants reported significantly more autonomic symptoms. Symptoms of orthostatic intolerance mediated the relationship between hypermobility and diagnosis of an anxiety disorder. Patients with mental health disorders and/or neurodevelopmental conditions have high rates of joint hypermobility. Accompanying autonomic dysfunction mediates the association between joint hypermobility and clinical anxiety status. Increased recognition of this association can enhance mechanistic understanding and improve the management of multimorbidity expressed in physical symptoms and mental health difficulties.

Gastrointestinal and eating problems in women with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes

PURPOSE

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable conditions in which abnormal collagen synthesis leads to features such as joint hypermobility, skin abnormalities, and tissue fragility. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common among those affected. These may negatively impact eating behaviors, leading to weight/nutritional problems. We aimed to compare GI symptoms, disordered eating, and body mass index (BMI) between EDS patients and healthy controls, and to explore the link between these variables in EDS patients.

METHOD

In this cross-sectional study, women with EDS and healthy controls responded to an online survey assessing GI symptoms (heartburn/regurgitations, early satiety, nausea/vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, dysphagia), food allergies/intolerances, disordered eating, history of eating disorders (ED), and BMI. We performed intergroup comparisons as well as multivariate analyses to explore the associations between disordered eating, GI symptoms, and BMI in the EDS group.

RESULTS

Sixty-six women with EDS and 39 healthy controls were included in the study. The EDS patients showed significantly more GI symptoms and food allergies/intolerances, increased prevalence of ED history, higher risk of current ED, and lower BMI than the controls. In the EDS group, the risk for ED was associated with GI symptoms; restricted eating was associated with GI symptoms, food allergies/intolerances, and dysphagia; uncontrolled eating was associated with GI symptoms; and BMI was associated with GI symptoms and food allergies/intolerances.

DISCUSSION

Our results are concordant with that of previous reports highlighting the high level of GI problems and disordered eating in women with EDS. In addition, and for the first-time, the association between both is evidenced in this specific population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III

Case-control analytic study.

Cardiac autonomic regulation and joint hypermobility in adolescents with functional abdominal pain disorders

BACKGROUND

Joint hypermobility (JH) is associated with autonomic nervous system dysregulation and functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs). Understanding the neurophysiological processes linking these conditions can inform clinical interventions. Autonomic activity regulates gastrointestinal (GI) sensorimotor function and may be a key mechanism. The aims of this study were to examine the relation of JH with dynamic autonomic activity and parasympathetic regulation in adolescents with FAPDs and identify optimal JH cutoff scores that best index autonomic regulation in FAPDs.

METHODS

A total of 92 adolescents with FAPDs and 27 healthy controls (age 8-18 years; 80% female) were prospectively enrolled. JH was assessed by Beighton scores. ECG recordings were conducted during supine, sitting, and standing posture challenges. ECG-derived variables-heart period (HP), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and vagal efficiency (VE)-were analyzed using linear regression and mixed effects modeling.

KEY RESULTS

Beighton scores of ≥4 optimally distinguished autonomic function. Adolescents with FAPD and JH had reduced VE compared to adolescents with FAPDs without JH (B = 18.88, SE = 6.25, p = 0.003) and healthy controls (B = 17.56, SE = 8.63, p = 0.044). These subjects also had lower and less dynamic RSA and HP values during posture shifts, with strongest differences in supine position and using the VE metric.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Suboptimal autonomic regulation indexed by reduced vagal efficiency may be a mechanism of symptoms in hypermobile FAPD patients with Beighton score ≥ 4. Autonomic disturbance may serve as potential intervention target for patients with JH and functional GI disorders.

Evaluation of Dental Status and Temporomandibular Joint in Children With Generalized Joint Hypermobility

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dental status and temporomandibular diseases (TMDs)-related symptoms in children with generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and compare them with healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, observational study carried out between September 2016 and April 2017. A total of 124 children with GJH (n = 62) and HC (n = 62) were enrolled. The GJH was assessed with the Beighton hypermobility score. The subjects were screened for dental status and TMD-related symptoms. The assessment included the index for "decayed," "missing," and "filled teeth" (DMFT, dmft); plaque; gingival bleeding; tooth mobility; and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) evaluation.

RESULTS

The mean Beighton hypermobility score was 6.3 ± 1.2 in the GJH group. Visible plaque index and gingival bleeding index scores were found to be significantly higher in children with GJH then in the HC (p = 0.031, p = 0.023). No differences were found regarding the DMFT scores between the groups (p = 0.16). Temporomandibular disorder-related symptom frequencies were significantly higher in children with GJH (p < 0.001). The most common clinically determined sign of TMD was clicking with a maximum active mouth-opening. Combined TMJ symptoms and TMD were observed in approximately one third of the children with GJH.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of GJH in a child may be indicative of future dental or TMJ problems, and it may cause dental problems due to increased gingival bleeding index and visible plaque index scores. Therefore, children with GJH require preventive dental and TMJ care.

Outcome measures for assessing change over time in studies of symptomatic children with hypermobility: a systematic review

Background

Generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) is highly prevalent among children and associated with symptoms in a fifth with the condition. This study aimed to synthesise outcome measures in interventional or prospective longitudinal studies of children with GJH and associated lower limb symptoms.

Methods

Electronic searches of Medline, CINAHL and Embase databases from inception to 16th March 2020 were performed for studies of children with GJH and symptoms between 5 and 18 years reporting repeated outcome measures collected at least 4 weeks apart. Methodological quality of eligible studies were described using the Downs and Black checklist.

Results

Six studies comprising of five interventional, and one prospective observational study (total of 388 children) met the inclusion criteria. Interventional study durations were between 2 and 3 months, with up to 10 months post-intervention follow-up, while the observational study spanned 3 years. Three main constructs of pain, function and quality of life were reported as primary outcome measures using 20 different instruments. All but one measure was validated in paediatric populations, but not specifically for children with GJH and symptoms. One study assessed fatigue, reporting disabling fatigue to be associated with higher pain intensity.

Conclusions

There were no agreed sets of outcome measures used for children with GJH and symptoms. The standardisation of assessment tools across paediatric clinical trials is needed. Four constructs of pain, function, quality of life and fatigue are recommended to be included with agreed upon, validated, objective tools.

Prevalence and Disease Spectrum of Extracoronary Arterial Abnormalities in Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Question

What is the prevalence of fibromuscular dysplasia, aneurysms, dissection, and tortuosity in extracoronary arteries of patients who developed a spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)?

Findings

In this case series including 173 patients with SCAD, using magnetic resonance angiography with blinded interpretation of the findings, 32% of the patients had fibromuscular dysplasia, 8% had aneurysms, and 2% had dissections; the prevalence of arterial tortuosity was similar in cases and controls. Extracoronary vascular events over a median 5-year follow-up were rare.

Meaning

The findings of this blinded analysis suggest that, in patients with SCAD, severe multivessel fibromuscular dysplasia, aneurysms, and dissections are infrequent and seldom associated with clinically evident vascular events.

Importance

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) has been associated with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and other extracoronary arterial abnormalities. However, the prevalence, severity, and clinical relevance of these abnormalities remain unclear.

Objective

To assess the prevalence and spectrum of FMD and other extracoronary arterial abnormalities in patients with SCAD vs controls.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case series included 173 patients with angiographically confirmed SCAD enrolled between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. Imaging of extracoronary arterial beds was performed by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Forty-one healthy individuals were recruited to serve as controls for blinded interpretation of MRA findings. Patients were recruited from the UK national SCAD registry, which enrolls throughout the UK by referral from the primary care physician or patient self-referral through an online portal. Participants attended the national SCAD referral center for assessment and MRA.

Exposures

Both patients with SCAD and healthy controls underwent head-to-pelvis MRA (median time between SCAD event and MRA, 1 [IQR, 1-3] year).

Main Outcome and Measures

The diagnosis of FMD, arterial dissections, and aneurysms was established according to the International FMD Consensus. Arterial tortuosity was assessed both qualitatively (presence or absence of an S curve) and quantitatively (number of curves ≥45%; tortuosity index).

Results

Of the 173 patients with SCAD, 167 were women (96.5%); mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 44.5 (7.9) years. The prevalence of FMD was 31.8% (55 patients); 16 patients (29.1% of patients with FMD) had involvement of multiple vascular beds. Thirteen patients (7.5%) had extracoronary aneurysms and 3 patients (1.7%) had dissections. The prevalence and degree of arterial tortuosity were similar in patients and controls. In 43 patients imaged with both computed tomographic angiography and MRA, the identification of clinically significant remote arteriopathies was similar. Over a median 5-year follow-up, there were 2 noncardiovascular-associated deaths and 35 recurrent myocardial infarctions, but there were no primary extracoronary vascular events.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this case series with blinded analysis of patients with SCAD, severe multivessel FMD, aneurysms, and dissections were infrequent. The findings of this study suggest that, although brain-to-pelvis imaging allows detection of remote arteriopathies that may require follow-up, extracoronary vascular events appear to be rare.

Four-dimensional CT analysis of carpal kinematics: An explorative study on the effect of sex and hand-dominance

Wrist pathology is often diagnosed by using the contralateral wrist as a comparison of baseline motion and strength. However, recent range of motion studies suggest that females have different carpal motion patterns compared to males and that the dominant carpal bones have different motion patterns. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of sex and hand dominance on in vivo kinematics of the scaphoid, lunate and capitate using four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) analysis in healthy uninjured volunteers. In this prospective study, both wrist of 20 uninjured Caucasian volunteers (11 men and 9 women) were assessed using 4D-CT during active flexion-extension and radial-ulnar deviation. A linear mixed model was used to compare the carpal motion patterns. Sex had no influence on carpal kinematics. Hand-dominance in males did have a significant effect on carpal kinematics. During flexion-extension of the male wrist, more radial-ulnar deviation of the lunate, scaphoid and capitate of the non-dominant hand was seen. During radial-ulnar deviation of the male wrist, radial-ulnar deviation and pro-supination of the lunate was more in the dominant hand. This study provides a better understanding of carpal kinematics and the effect of sex and hand-dominance on the scaphoid, lunate and capitate in uninjured wrists.

Anterior Capsulolabral Reconstruction with Semitendinosus Autograft after Latarjet Failure: A Case Report

Introduction:

The treatment of chronic shoulder instability, associated with poor tissue quality, remains challenging in the setting of anterior capsular deficiency. There are a few viable alternatives in the end-stage shoulder instability when multiple surgical attempts to correct the pathology have failed. The purpose of the present paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of anterior capsular reconstruction with semitendinosus autograft for the management of capsulolabral deficiency without associated bone loss.

Case Report:

A 39-year-old female admitted in our institution with a history of recurrent atraumatic anterior dislocation of the left shoulder after three unsuccessful surgical attempts: Arthroscopic and open capsulorrhaphy and a Latarjet coracoid transfer. CT scan images showed adequate placement (flush) of the coracoid transfer without any sign of reabsorption. Reconstruction of anterior capsulolabral structure was performed using a Semitendinosus autograft. The middle and inferior glenohumeral ligaments, the more crucial ligaments for anterior-inferior shoulder stability, were effectively recreated. The patient did not suffer any recurrent dislocation or subjective symptoms of instability at the time of the final follow-up, 2 years after surgery, and the ASES score increased from 36 preoperatively to 86.

Conclusion:

This technique, described for the first time as a salvage procedure after Latarjet failure, could represent a safe and viable treatment option in the context of multiple ineffective surgeries.

Evaluating Patellofemoral Patients: Physical Examination, Radiographic Imaging, and Measurements

Patellofemoral pain is one of the most common symptoms of patients presenting to sports medicine clinics. Obtaining a pertinent history and performing a thorough examination is crucial to identifying the subset of patients with instability who are most likely to benefit from surgical stabilization. A comprehensive radiographic work-up that includes standard radiographs and advanced imaging helps elucidate the diagnosis and provides crucial information for preoperative planning. This article reviews the evaluation, physical examination, and interpretation of radiographic imaging of patients with patellofemoral pain as an introduction to subsequent articles in this issue discussing surgical interventions.

Team Approach: Treatment of Shoulder Instability in Athletes

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Shoulder instability is a complex problem with a high rate of recurrence in athletes. Treatment of a first-time subluxation or dislocation event is controversial and depends on patient-specific factors as well as the identified pathology.

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Athletic trainers and physical therapists are an integral part of the treatment team of an in-season athlete who has experienced a shoulder instability event. Through comprehensive physiological assessments, these providers can effectively suggest modifications to the patient's training regimen as well as an appropriate rehabilitation program.

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Surgical intervention for shoulder stabilization should use an individualized approach for technique and timing.

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A team-based approach is necessary to optimize the care of this high-demand, high-risk population.

Overlap between irritable bowel syndrome and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: An unexplored clinical phenotype?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is common, but its cause remains unknown. IBS patients present with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as abdominal pain with altered bowel habits; however, some patients also have non-GI symptoms including muscle and joint pains. It is thus plausible that within large IBS cohorts, subgroups exist with distinct clinical phenotypes. Yet, these subgroups have not been clearly identified or characterized. Due to lack of segmentation, treatment-focused symptomatic management is similar for all with IBS and follows indiscriminate algorithms regardless of possible differing clinical phenotype. This universal approach to IBS management may account for the reported lack of efficacy of treatment. One emerging subgroup receiving increasing attention is that with overlap IBS and the underlying heritable connective tissue disorder, hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). Current evidence suggests that up to 62% of patients with hEDS suffer from IBS. However, despite recognition of the presence of IBS in hEDS, this overlap IBS/hEDS group has not been characterized and these patients are managed in a similar way to those with IBS alone. Future studies are required to characterize and deep phenotype in this overlap IBS/hEDS group.

Advances in assessment of hypermobility-related disorders

There has been increasing recognition in recent years of the prevalence and impact of symptoms which extend beyond the musculoskeletal system on the lives of people with hypermobility-related disorders. This has led researchers to develop more comprehensive assessment tools to help direct and monitor treatment. This article presents some of the latest assessment and diagnostic developments and their implications for practice from a physical therapy perspective.

Association between adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and generalised joint hypermobility: A cross-sectional case control comparison

Growing evidence suggests an unexpected association between generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) and several psychiatric conditions, and a shared pathophysiology has been proposed. No previous studies on adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are available. This study aimed to evaluate the association between adult ADHD and GJH. A total of 431 adults with ADHD and 417 non-ADHD controls were included in this cross-sectional comparative study. GJH was assessed by physical examination following the Beighton scoring system (BSS). Furthermore, musculoskeletal symptoms and skin abnormalities were queried to create a proxy for symptomatic GJH (e.g., Hypermobility spectrum disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) to differentiate this from non-specified GJH defined by BSS only. Logistic regression examined the influence of ADHD and candidate covariates (age, sex, ethnicity) on GJH and symptomatic GJH, respectively. ADHD was significantly associated with GJH, as defined by the BSS, with adjusted odds ratios of 4.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-7.2, p < .005). Likewise, ADHD was significantly associated with symptomatic GJH, as defined by the BSS and additional symptoms, with adjusted odds ratios of 6.9 (CI 95% 4.1-11.9, p < .005). Our results suggest that GJH may represent a marker for an underlying systemic disorder involving both connective tissue and the central nervous system. GJH with additional musculoskeletal symptoms and/or skin abnormalities has a considerable stronger link to adult ADHD than non-specified GJH has, and may need awareness in ADHD management. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms behind this association and how comorbid GJH affects ADHD outcome.

Systematic Characterization of Defecographic Abnormalities in a Consecutive Series of 827 Patients With Chronic Constipation

BACKGROUND

Barium defecography can assess structural and functional abnormalities in patients with chronic constipation.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of individual and overlapping defecographic findings in this setting.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at a university hospital tertiary GI physiology department.

PATIENTS

Consecutive examinations of 827 consecutive patients presenting over a 30-month period with well-defined symptom severity (≥12 points on the Cleveland Clinic Constipation score) were included. Systematic evaluation of images with results stratified by sex is described.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Six individual functional or anatomic (intussusception, rectocele, enterocele, megarectum, excessive dynamic perineal descent) defecographic observations were defined a priori, thus permitting 26 possible combinations of findings (ie, 63 abnormal types + 1 normal).

RESULTS

Patients with constipation (mean symptom score = 19) were predominantly female (88%), with median age of 49 years (range, 17-98 y) . All 6 individual radiologic findings were identified with a total of 43 combinations found in the cohort; the 14 most prevalent of these accounted for >85% of patients. Only 136 patients (16.4%) had a normal defecography (34.3% males vs 13.9% females; p < 0.0001). Overall, 612 patients (74.0%) had structural (n = 508 (61.4%)) or functional (n=104 (12.6%)) abnormalities in isolation, with 79 (9.6%) others exhibiting combinations of both. Functional abnormalities in isolation were more common in males compared with females (22.5% vs11.2%; p = 0.025) as opposed to structural abnormalities (57.8% vs 85.7%; p < 0.0001). Expulsion time was longer in females compared with males (110 s (60-120 s) vs 90 s (60-120 s); p = 0.049).

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by its lack of multiorgan opacification.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide a contemporary atlas of defecographic findings in constipation. Several individual structural and functional features have been systematically classified, with overlap greater than previously acknowledged and profound differences among sexes that carry implications for tailoring management. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B552.

CARACTERIZACIN SISTEMTICA DE ANOMALAS DEFECOGRFICAS EN UNA SERIE CONSECUTIVA DE PACIENTES CON ESTREIMIENTO CRNICO

ANTECEDENTES:La defecografía con bario puede evaluar anomalías estructurales y funcionales en pacientes con estreñimiento crónico.OBJETIVO:Determinar la prevalencia de hallazgos defecográficos individuales y superpuestos en este entorno.DISEÑO:Transversal.ENTORNO CLINICO:Hospital Universitario de tercer nivel, departamento de fisiología gastrointestinal.PACIENTES:Exploraciones consecutivas de 827 pacientes consecutivos que se presentaron durante un período de 30 meses con una gravedad de los síntomas bien definida (≥12 puntos en la escala de estreñimiento de la Cleveland Clinic): evaluación sistemática de imágenes con resultados estratificados por sexo.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Se definieron a priori seis observaciones defecográficas individuales, funcionales o anatómicas (intususcepción, rectocele, enterocele, megarecto, descenso perineal dinámico excesivo), lo que permitió 26 combinaciones posibles de hallazgos (es decir, 63 tipos anormales + 1 normal).RESULTADOS:Los pacientes con estreñimiento (puntuación media de síntomas, 19) eran predominantemente mujeres (88%) con una edad mediana de 49 (17-98) años. Se identificaron 6 hallazgos radiológicos individuales con un total de 43 combinaciones encontradas en la cohorte; los 14 más predominantes de éstos representaron >85% de los pacientes.Solo 136 (16,4%) pacientes tuvieron una defecografía normal (34,3% hombres vs. 13,9% mujeres; P < 0,0001). En general, 612 (74,0%) pacientes tenían anomalías estructurales (n = 508 [61,4%]) o funcionales (n = 104 [12,6%]) de forma aislada, y otros 79 (9,6%) presentaban combinaciones de ambas. Las anomalías funcionales aisladas fueron más comunes en los hombres en comparación con las mujeres (22,5% vs. 11,2%, P = 0,025) en comparación con las anomalías estructurales (57,8 vs. 85,7%, P < 0,0001). El tiempo de expulsión fue mayor en las mujeres en comparación con los hombres (110 [60-120] vs. 90 [60-120] segundos; P = 0,049).LIMITACIONES:Falta de opacificación multiorgánica.CONCLUSIONES:Estos resultados proporcionan un atlas contemporáneo de hallazgos defecográficos en estreñimiento. Varias características individuales, estructurales y funcionales; se han clasificado sistemáticamente, con una superposición mayor que la reconocida anteriormente y con grandes diferencias entre los sexos que tienen implicaciones para adaptar su tratamiento. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B552.

Joint Hypermobility Does Not Increase the Risk of Developing Hip Pain, Cartilage Defects, or Retirement in Professional Ballet Dancers Over 5 years

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of developing hip pain, cartilage defects, and retirement in hypermobile ballet dancers over 5 years.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Professional Ballet Company.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty ballet dancers (57.5% women) were assessed at baseline and 21 dancers at 5 years.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

Baseline evaluation of generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) (GJH = Beighton score ≥5/9).

OUTCOME MEASURES

Cartilage defects on hip 3T magnetic resonance imaging and pain (the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score: HAGOS) at baseline and follow-up, hip-related injury incidence, and retirement over 5 years.

RESULTS

Twelve dancers retired by follow-up, none due to hip injury or GJH. At baseline, 17 (42.5%) dancers were hypermobile, 18 (45%) had cartilage defects, and 15 (37.5%) reported hip pain (HAGOS pain <100). Cartilage defect prevalence was lower in GJH (n = 1) than non-GJH dancers (n = 17, P < 0.001). Beighton scores <5/9 were predictive of cartilage defect presence at baseline, independent of age and sex (P = 0.006). At follow-up, cartilage defects progressed in 2 dancers, one was hypermobile. Baseline and follow-up HAGOS pain scores were similar in GJH and non-GJH dancers (P > 0.05 for all). Hip-related injury over 5 years was reported by a similar number of GJH (n = 7) and non-GJH dancers (n = 6, P = 0.7). Hypermobility was more prevalent in active dancers (n = 12) than dancers who retired (n = 2), independent of age, rank, and sex (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypermobile dancers are at no greater risk of reporting hip pain and injury or retirement over 5 years, and cartilage defect prevalence was much lower in GJH than non-GJH dancers.

Is There an Association between the Familial Form of Generalized Joint Hypermobility and Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Children?

Background and Objectives:

This study aimed to examine the association between the familial generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children.

Materials and Methods:

All infants and children included in this case (with DDH)–control study were examined for features of GJH by the revised Beighton's Test Scale (BTS), provided that they had no teratogenic or pathological causes of DDH or GJH.

Results:

Two hundred and eight participants were included in this study: 101 (48.6%) cases and 107 (51.4%) controls; age mean 16.57 [standard deviation (SD) 18.1] months; 61.1% (127) females and 38.9% (81) males. The odds ratio was 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.197–3.679). The cases had a higher value of BTS score (mean = 4.7, SD = 3.015) when compared with the controls (mean = 3.42, SD = 3.448). The difference was statistically significant, but the correlation coefficient (r) between the study groups and BTS scores was weak (r = 0.194, P = 0.005). The correlation gained slight improvement by justification of the age to obtain homogeneity between the groups (r = 0.276, P < 0.001), but deteriorated and lost its significance when the sex was controlled as a confounder (r = 0.121, P = 0.082). There was a gradual increase in the mean BTS score from grade 1 to grade 4 of DDH but without a statistically significant value (r = 0,132, P = 0.128).

Conclusion:

The familial GJH has a weak positive correlation with DDH but cannot be considered as a possible risk factor for it.

Approach to the Patient with Bleeding

Approach to the patient with bleeding begins with a thorough bleeding, medical, and family history to determine the nature of bleeding and severity of bleeding symptoms. Use of a Bleeding Assessment Tool allows the clinician to obtain a comprehensive bleeding history and ultimately determine the individual bleeding score that reflects bleeding severity and is classifiable as either normal or abnormal. In the absence of significant findings within patient history or presenting symptoms clearly pointing to a specific bleeding pathology, an approach to laboratory investigation is presented that proceeds through first-line, second-line, and third-line testing.

The Effectiveness of Physical Therapy in Patients with Generalized Joint Hypermobility and Concurrent Temporomandibular Disorders-A Cross-Sectional Study

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) consist of a group of symptoms such as: pain of temporomandibular joints, masticatory muscles or surrounding tissues, dysfunctions of TMJs’ mobility, and crepitation. The Hypermobility Joint Syndrome (HJS) manifests in the flaccidity of joint structures, an increase in the range of joint motion, and occurs more often in the young and women. The aim of this study was to present the occurrence of HJS among patients with myogenic TMD and disc displacement with reduction. The secondary goal was to assess the effectiveness of physiotherapy directed to TMD with coexisting HJS. The study involved 322 patients with symptoms of TMD. HJS was diagnosed using the Beighton Scale, which confirmed its occurrence in 26 cases. 79 subjects (7 males and 72 females; mean age, 33.9 ± 10.4 years) were selected and divided into two groups: HJS + TMD (n = 26; 2 males and 24 females; mean age, 27.1 ± 9.4 years) and TMD (n = 53; 5 males and 48 females; mean age, 37.4 ± 9.2 years). These patients completed 3-week physiotherapy management. Before and after physiotherapy, the myofascial pain severity on Numeric Pain Rating Scale, linear measurement of maximum mouth opening, and opening pattern, were assessed. To demonstrate differences between the results, the level of significance for statistical analysis was set at α = 0.05. A statistically significant improvement was obtained in decreasing myofascial pain in both groups. Coordination of mandibular movements was achieved in both groups. Generalized joint hypermobility occurred among patients with TMD. Physiotherapy directed to TMD was effective in reducing myofascial pain and restoring TMJ’s coordination also in patients with HJS.

The neuromuscular and multisystem features of RYR1-related malignant hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis: A study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) and exertional rhabdomyolysis (ERM) have long been considered episodic phenotypes occurring in response to external triggers in otherwise healthy individuals with variants in RYR1. However, recent studies have demonstrated a clinical and histopathological continuum between patients with RYR1-related congenital myopathies and those with ERM or MH susceptibility. Furthermore, animal studies have shown non-neuromuscular features such as a mild bleeding disorder and an immunological gain-of-function associated with MH/ERM related RYR1 variants raising important questions for further research. Awareness of the neuromuscular disease spectrum and potential multisystem involvement in RYR1-related MH and ERM is essential to optimize the diagnostic work-up, improve counselling and and future treatment strategies for patients affected by these conditions. This study will examine in detail the nature and severity of continuous disease manifestations and their effect on daily life in patients with RYR1-related MH and ERM.

METHODS

The study protocol consists of four parts; an online questionnaire study, a clinical observational study, muscle imaging, and specific immunological studies. Patients with RYR1-related MH susceptibility and ERM will be included. The imaging, immunological and clinical studies will have a cross-sectional design, while the questionnaire study will be performed three times during a year to assess disease impact, daily living activities, fatigue and pain. The imaging study consists of muscle ultrasound and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging studies. For the immunological studies, peripheral mononuclear blood cells will be isolated for in vitro stimulation with toll-like receptor ligands, to examine the role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of RYR1-related MH and ERM.

DISCUSSION

This study will increase knowledge of the full spectrum of neuromuscular and multisystem features of RYR1-related MH and ERM and will establish a well-characterized baseline cohort for future studies on RYR1-related disorders. The results of this study are expected to improve recognition of RYR1-related symptoms, counselling and a more personalized approach to patients affected by these conditions. Furthermore, results will create new insights in the role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of MH and ERM.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was pre-registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04610619).

Six weeks of intensive rehearsals for the Swan Lake ballet shows ultrasound tissue characterization changes of the Achilles tendons in dancers

The objective was to investigate, first, whether six weeks of intensive ballet dance exposure is associated with structural and clinical changes in the Achilles tendon; second, the importance of demographics, self-reported Achilles pain, and generalized joint hypermobility (GJH). Data were collected at baseline and at six weeks' follow-up, using Achilles tendon ultrasound tissue characteristics (UTC) as primary outcome (percentage distribution of echo-type I-IV: type I = intact and aligned bundles, type II = discontinuous/wavy bundles, type III = fibrillar, and type IV = amorphous cells/fluid). Secondary outcomes included clinical signs of Achilles tendinopathy, Achilles tendon pain during single-leg heel raise, self-reported symptoms (VISA-A questionnaire), and GJH. Sixty-three ballet dancers (aged 18-41) participated. From baseline to follow-up, UTC echo-type I decreased significantly (β = -3.6, p = 0.001; 95% CI: -5.8;-1.4), whereas echo-type II increased significantly (β = 3.2, p < 0.0001, 95% CI: 1.6;4.8). Furthermore, a significant effect of limb (left limb showed decreased echo-type I and increased echo-type III + IV) and sex (women showed decreased echo-type I and increased in type II) was found. No significant changes in the remaining secondary outcomes were found. Ballet dancers showed structural changes in UTC, corresponding to a decreased echo-type I distribution after six weeks of rehearsing for Swan Lake ballet. No changes in self-reported symptoms, clinical signs of Achilles tendinopathy, and single-leg heel raise test were seen from pre- to post-rehearsal. Thus, UTC changes in the Achilles tendon seem to appear earlier than clinical signs of tendinopathy.