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Study Design Randomized controlled trial. Background Low back pain is a common disorder. Patients with low back pain frequently have aberrant and pain-provocative movement patterns that often are addressed with motor control exercises. Objective To compare the effects of low-load motor control (LMC) exercise and those of a high-load lifting (HLL) exercise. Methods Seventy participants with recurrent low back pain, who were diagnosed with nociceptive mechanical pain as their dominating pain pattern, were randomized to either LMC or HLL exercise treatments. Participants were offered 12 treatment sessions over an 8-week period. All participants were also provided with education regarding pain mechanisms. Methods Participants were assessed prior to and following treatment. The primary outcome measures were activity (the Patient-Specific Functional Scale) and average pain intensity over the last 7 days (visual analog scale). The secondary outcome measure was a physical performance test battery that included 1 strength, 3 endurance, and 7 movement control tests for the lumbopelvic region. Results Both interventions resulted in significant within-group improvements in pain intensity, strength, and endurance. The LMC group showed significantly greater improvement on the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (4.2 points) compared with the HLL group (2.5 points) (P<.001). There were no significant between-group differences in pain intensity (P = .505), strength, and 1 of the 3 endurance tests. However, the LMC group showed an increase (from 2.9 to 5.9) on the movement control test subscale, whereas the HLL group showed no change (from 3.9 to 3.1) (P<.001). Conclusion An LMC intervention may result in superior outcomes in activity, movement control, and muscle endurance compared to an HLL intervention, but not in pain intensity, strength, or endurance.

STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal design. A cohort followed in 3 waves of data collection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe the relationships between the performance of 2 tests of spinal control at the age of 52 years and low back pain, physical activity level, and fitness earlier in life, as well as to describe the cross-sectional relationships between these measures.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Altered spinal control has been linked to pain; however, other stimuli may also lead to inability to control the movements of the spine.

METHODS: Participants answered questions about physical activity and low back pain, and performed physical fitness tests at the age of 16, 34, and 52 years. The fitness test battery included tests of endurance in the back and abdominal muscles, a submaximal bicycle ergometer test to estimate maximal oxygen uptake, and measurements of hip flexion, thoracic spine flexibility, and anthropometrics. Two tests were aggregated to a physical fitness index. At the age of 52, also 2 tests of spinal control, the standing Waiter's bow (WB) and the supine double leg lower (LL) were performed.

RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses showed that higher back muscle endurance at the age of 34 years could positively predict WB performance at 52 years and higher physical fitness at the age of 34 could positively predict LL performance at 52 years. Regarding cross-sectional relationships, an inability to perform the WB correctly was associated with lower physical fitness, flexibility and physical activity, and larger waist circumference. An inability to correctly perform the LL was associated with lower physical fitness. One-year prevalence of pain was not significantly associated with WB or LL test performance.

CONCLUSION: An active life resulting in higher physical fitness is related to better spinal control in middle-aged men and women. This further strengthens the importance of physical activity throughout the life span.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Chronic tendinopathies represent a major problem in the clinical practice of sports orthopaedic surgeons, sports doctors and other health professionals involved in the treatment of athletes and patients that perform repetitive actions. The lack of consensus relative to the diagnostic tools and treatment modalities represents a management dilemma for these professionals. With this review, the purpose of the ESSKA Basic Science Committee is to establish guidelines for understanding, diagnosing and treating this complex pathology.

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are commonly used drugs in clinical practice. In this pilot study, we investigated whether bisphosphonate-related atypical femoral fractures (AFF) and osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) occurred simultaneously in the same group of patients. Six ONJ patients were examined by an orthopedic surgeon and 5 AFF patients were examined by a dentist to look for manifestations of simultaneous occurrence of AFF in ONJ patients and vice versa. The required radiological investigations and previous medical and dental records were available. No simultaneous occurrence of AFF and ONJ was found in the examined patients. In this pilot study with limited sample size, no manifestations of simultaneous occurrence of AFF and ONJ were found. This could be an indication that these complications have different pathophysiologies and affect different subgroups of patients on long-term BP treatment.

Background: In situ fusion as salvage operation after calcaneal fractures has been used. In this retrospective investigation, a group of in situ fused patients is analyzed with long-term follow-up.

Methods: Twenty-nine patients with in situ single or multiple fusions performed between 1970 and 1990 were included. In 1998 these patients were examined with plain radiographs and computerized tomography (CT) scan of the affected foot. Also, a visual analogue score (VAS) for calcaneal fractures, short form health survey (SF-36), Olerud Molander score and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle society (AOFAS) hindfoot score were evaluated.

Results: The plain radiographs and CT scan showed severe remaining deformities in these patients. The outcome parameters were generally poor and correlated to the degree of remaining deformity.

Conclusions: Simple in situ fusion, without consideration of the deformity at hand, after a calcaneal fracture is not an adequate treatment and generally associated with poor outcome. (C) 2014 European Foot and Ankle Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Purpose: The AOSpine classification divides thoracolumbar burst fractures into A3 and A4 fractures; nevertheless, past research has found inconsistent interobserver reliability in detecting those two fracture patterns. This systematic analysis aims to synthesize data on the reliability of discriminating between A3 and A4 fractures.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science for studies reporting the inter- and intra-observer reliability of detecting thoracolumbar AO A3 and A4 fractures using computed tomography (CT). The search spanned 2013 to 2023 and included both primarily reliability and observational comparative studies. We followed the PRISMA guidelines and used the modified COSMIN checklist to assess the studies' quality. Kappa coefficient (k) values were categorized according to Landis and Koch, from slight to excellent.

Results: Of the 396 identified studies, nine met the eligibility criteria; all were primarily reliability studies except one observational study. Interobserver k values for A3/A4 fractures varied widely among studies (0.19-86). The interobserver reliability was poor in two studies, fair in one study, moderate in four studies, and excellent in two studies. Only two studies reported intra-observer reliability, showing fair and excellent agreement. The included studies revealed significant heterogeneity in study design, sample size, and interpretation methods.

Conclusion: Considerable variability exists in interobserver reliability for distinguishing A3 and A4 fractures from slight to excellent agreement. This variability might be attributed to methodological heterogeneity among studies, limitations of reliability analysis, or diagnostic pitfalls in differentiating between A3 and A4. Most observational studies comparing the outcome of A3 and A4 fractures do not report interobserver agreement, and this should be considered when interpreting their results.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and severity of kinesiophobia, and to determine the relationship between Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) scores, functional outcome and quality of life (QoL) 6-8 years after Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA).

Methods: 161 patients (78 male and 83 female) with unilateral primary osteoarthritis (OA) treated with THA between September 2010 and December 2013 were included in this study. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) and EQ-5D scores were measured preoperatively. At 6-8 years follow-up, these scores were repeated and TSK scores were also measured. According to the TSK, patients were divided into two groups for further comparisons and analysis: without kinesiophobia (TSK-score ≤ 36) and with kinesiophobia (TSK-score >36).

Results: There were 99 patients (61.5%) with no kinesiophobia (TSK score ≤ 36, TSK mean 28.4, SD 4.7) and 62 patients (38.5%) with kinesiophobia (TSK score > 36, TSK mean 42.8, SD 5.3). Patients with and without kinesiophobia were not statistically different regarding age, sex or body mass index. (P = 0.20, P = 0.99, P = 0.22, respectively). In the group with no kinesiophobia, the mean 6-8 years WOMAC was 12.4 (SD 15.6), while the absolute delta (Δ) value between preoperative and 6-8 years WOMAC was 46.2 (SD 20.4), compared to the group with kinesiophobia where the mean 6-8 years WOMAC was 32.2 (SD 23.4), while the absolute delta (Δ) value between preoperative and 6-8 years WOMAC was 32.3 (SD 25.5): both P < 0.001. The group with no kinesiophobia had a mean 6-8 years EQ-5D of 0.81 (SD 0.22), while the absolute delta (Δ) value between preoperative and 6-8 years EQ-5D was 0.44 (SD 0.26), compared to the group with kinesiopho-bia where the mean 6-8 years EQ-5D was 0.57 (SD 0.23), while the absolute delta (Δ) value between preoperative and 6-8 years EQ-5D was 0.33 (SD 0.26): P < 0.001 and P = 0.03, respectively. TSK scores were associated with worse WOMAC and EQ-5D scores, higher proportion of dependence on walking aids and increased THArelated adverse events (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study has shown us that there is a high incidence of kinesiophobia 6-8 years after surgery and treating kinesiophobia early after THA might improve the outcome.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Background: We aimed to investigate the influence of preoperative radiological severity and symptom duration of hip osteoarthritis (OA) on the postoperative functional outcome, quality of life, as well as abductor muscle strength after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we studied 250 patients. Preoperatively, we evaluated the function with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index and quality of life with euroqol-5D (EQ-5D). At 1 year after THA, the same scores and also hip abductor muscle strength were measured in 222 patients. We divided the cohort twice, first according to the radiological OA severity [Kellgren-Lawrence classification (KL)] and then according to the OA symptom duration. We investigated whether the preoperative KL class and symptom duration influenced the 1-year WOMAC (primary outcome measure) or EQ-5D and abductor muscle strength (secondary outcome measures). Results: The crude results showed that KL class and symptom duration had no influence (P = .90 and P = .20, respectively) on the 1-yearWOMAC. Younger age, male gender, and lower body mass index were associated with a better function. Regarding 1-year EQ-5D, the crude results showed that body mass index and KL class had no influence (P = .83 and P = .39, respectively). The adjusted results showed that only age and gender influenced the postoperative EQ-5D. No influence of the tested factors was found on the 1-year abductor muscle strength. Conclusion: Preoperative radiological OA severity and symptom duration had no influence on the outcome of THA and should probably not affect the decision about timing the operative intervention. 

Background and purpose: Patients with focal cartilage lesions experience functional impairment. Results for biological treatments in the middle-aged patient is poor. Previous studies with focal prosthetic inlay resurfacing have shown a higher risk of conversion to total knee replacement at mid-term follow-up. A novel customized implant (Episealer, Episurf, Stockholm, Sweden) has been proposed to improve implant positioning and survival. The primary objective was to assess subjective-, objective function and implant survival at a minimum of five years after surgery.

Materials and methods: The inclusion criteria were patients aged 30–65 years with symptomatic focal chondral defects in the medial femoral condyle, International Cartilage Research Society grade 3 or 4 and failed conservative or surgical treatment. Minimum follow-up of 5 years. Clinical and radiologic assessments were made. Patient-reported outcome measurements at the latest follow-up were compared with the baseline data for the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the EuroQoL (EQ-5D), the Tegner Activity Scale and a Visual Analog Scale of pain (VAS 0–10).

Results: Ten patients with the mean follow-up period of 75 months (60–86 months, SD 10) were included. Signs of osteoarthritis were seen in one patient (Ahlbäck 1). No cases with revision to knee replacement. VAS for pain and KOOS showed improvements that reached significance for VAS (p ≤ 0.001) and the KOOS subscores Pain (p = 0.01), ADL (p = 0.003), Sport and Recreation (p = 0.024) and Quality of Life (p = 0.003).

Conclusion: A good subjective outcome, a low risk of progression to degenerative changes and the need for subsequent surgery were seen at the mid-term follow-up with this customized focal knee-resurfacing implant.

Level of evidence: Prospective case series, level 4.

Aim: To evaluate the long-term clinical effectiveness of computed tomography (CT)-guided transforaminal cervical epidural steroid injection using an anterolateral approach for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy (CR) using well-established robust clinical scoring systems for neck pain and neck disability. Despite its widespread use, evidence to support the long-term benefit of routine cervical epidural steroid injection is currently very limited.

Materials and methods: This study included 113 patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-confirmed CR who underwent a steroid injection at a single cervical level via a unilateral transforaminal anterolateral approach. Pain was assessed quantitatively at pre-injection, 15 minutes post-injection, 1 month, 3 months, and at 1 year. Neck disability was assessed using the Oswestry Neck Disability Index (NDI) at pre-injection, 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year time points.

Results: Eighty patients completed the study. Sixty per cent reported reduced neck pain (mean pain reduction, 55%), which was clinically significant in 45% cases. Furthermore, 66% reported an improvement in neck disability (mean improvement, 51%), which was clinically significant for 56% patients. Clinically significant good outcomes in both neck pain and neck disability were evident from as early as 1-month, and importantly, were independent both of pre-treatment CR characteristics (including severity of pre-injection neck pain or disability) and of findings on pre-injection MRI imaging.

Conclusion: Transforaminal anterolateral approach CT-guided epidural steroid injection resulted in a clinically significant long-term improvement in both neck pain and disability for half of the present cohort of patients with unilateral single-level CR. This improvement was independent of the severity of the initial symptoms and pre-injection MRI findings.

Purpose: When a tourniquet is used during surgery on the extremities, the pressure applied to the muscles, nerves and blood vessels can cause neuromuscular damage that contributes to postoperative weakness. The hypothesis was that the rehabilitation-related results would be improved if total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is performed without the use of a tourniquet.

Methods: 81 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who underwent TKA surgery were randomized to surgery with or without tourniquet. Active flexion and extension of the knee, pain by visual analog scale (VAS), swelling by knee circumference, quadriceps function by straight leg raise, and timed up and go (TUG) test results were measured before and up to 3 months after surgery.

Results: ANCOVA revealed no between-groups effect for flexion of the knee at day 3 postsurgery. Compared with the tourniquet group, the nontourniquet group experienced elevated pain at 24 h, with a mean difference of 16.6 mm, p = 0.005. The effect on mobility (TUG test) at 3 months was better in the nontourniquet group, with a mean difference of -1.1 s, p = 0.029.

Conclusions: The hypothesis that the rehabilitation-related results would be improved without a tourniquet is not supported by the results. When the results in this study for surgery performed with and without tourniquet are compared, no clear benefit for either procedure was observed, as the more pain exhibited by the nontourniquet group was only evident for a short period and the improved mobility in this group was not at a clinically relevant level.

Level of evidence: Inconsistent results, Level II.

The chronic painful Achilles tendon mid-portion was for many years, and still is in many countries, treated with intratendinous revision surgery. However, by coincidence, painful eccentric calf muscle training was tried, and it showed very good clinical results. This finding was unexpected and led to research into the pain mechanisms involved in this condition. Today we know that there are very few nerves inside, but multiple nerves outside, the ventral side of the chronic painful Achilles tendon mid-portion. These research findings have resulted in new treatment methods targeting the regions with nerves outside the tendon, methods that allow for a rapid rehabilitation and fast return to sports.

Purpose: Chronic painful quadriceps tendinopathy is a relatively rare condition known to be difficult to manage. Conservative management is first-line treatment and if that fails open intra-tendinous revision surgery followed by a long rehabilitation period is used. There is sparse research on etiology and new treatment methods. This observational study aimed to evaluate the intra-articular findings in patients with chronic painful quadriceps tendinopathy resistant to conservative management.

Patients and Methods: Seven male athletes (mean age 33 years, range 22–40) suffering from chronic painful quadriceps tendinopathy in altogether 10 tendons, not responding to conservative management including heavy strength training, were included. Clinical examination and ultrasound scanning were used for diagnosis. Arthroscopy was used for evaluation of the inside of the knee.

Results: In all 10 knees, there were obliterating major plica formations in the suprapatellar pouch.

Conclusion: Obliterating plica formations in the suprapatellar pouch may be involved in the aetiology and pathology in quadriceps tendinopathy.

Background and Objectives: Patellar tendinopathy is difficult to treat, and when combined with partial rupture, there are additional challenges. The aim of this study was to evaluate the subjective outcome and return-to-sport status after ultrasound (US)- and colour doppler (CD)-guided wide awake local anaesthetic no tourniquet (WALANT) arthroscopic shaving in elite athletes.

Material and Methods: Thirty Swedish and international elite athletes (27 males) with a long duration (>1 year) of persistent painful patellar tendinopathy in 35 patellar tendons, not responding to non-surgical treatment, were included. All patients were treated with the same protocol of arthroscopic shaving, including bone removal and debridement of partial rupture, followed by at least 3 months of structured rehabilitation. The VISA-P score and a study-specific questionnaire evaluating physical activity level and subjective satisfaction with the treatment were used for evaluation.

Results: At the 2-year follow-up (mean 23, range 8–38 months), 25/30 patients (29/35 tendons) were satisfied with the treatment result and had returned to their pre-injury sport. The mean VISA-P score increased from 37 (range 7–69) before surgery to 80 (range 44–100) after surgery (p < 0.05). There was one drop-out (one tendon). There were no complications.

Conclusions: US- and CD-guided WALANT arthroscopic shaving for persistent painful patellar tendinopathy, including bone removal and debridement of partial rupture, followed by structured rehabilitation showed good clinical results in the majority of the elite-level athletes.

Background Insertional Achilles tendinopathy is well known to be difficult to treat, especially when there is intra-tendinous bone pathology. This study is a case series on patients with chronic insertional Achilles tendon pain and major intra-tendinous bony pathology together with bursa and tendon pathology, treated with excision of the subcutaneous bursa alone. Methods Eleven patients (eight men and three women) with a mean age of 44 years (range 24-62) and a chronic (>6 months) painful condition from altogether 15 Achilles tendon insertions were included. In all patients, ultrasound examination showed intra-tendinous bone pathology together with pathology in the tendon and subcutaneous bursa, and all were surgically treated with an open excision of the whole subcutaneous bursa alone. This was followed by full weight-bearing walking in a shoe with open heel for 6 weeks. Results At follow-up 21 (median, range 12-108) months after surgery, 9/11 patients (12/15 tendons) were satisfied with the result of the operation and 10/11 (13/15 tendons) were back in their previous sport and recreational activities. The median VISA-A score had improved from 41 (range 0-52) to 91 (range 33-100) (p<0.01). Conclusion In patients with chronic painful insertional Achilles tendinopathy with intra-tendinous bone pathology, tendon and bursa pathology, open removal of the subcutaneous bursa alone can relieve the pain and allow for Achilles tendon loading activities. The results in this case series highlight the need for more studies on the pain mechanisms in insertional Achilles tendinopathy and the need for randomised studies to strengthen the conclusions.

Nivelrikon patofysiologia tunnetaan huonosti. Nykykäsityksen mukaan artroosissa ei olekyse nivelruston passiivisesta kulumisesta vaan biokemiallisesta tapahtumasarjasta, jossasoluväliaineen tuhoutuminen saa ylivallan rustoa korjaavista prosesseista. Nivelrikon alkuvaiheessarustosoluissa eli kondrosyyteissä aktivoituvat sekä ruston aineosien synteesitoimintaettä rustoa hajottavien entsyymien ilmentyminen ja niitä koodaavien geenientoiminta. Nivelrikko on koko nivelen sairaus, joka aiheuttaa muutoksia niin nivelrustossa,luussa kuin pehmytosissakin. Vallitsevan käsityksen mukaan nivelrikko käynnistyynivelruston pinnallisesta vyöhykkeestä. On myös esitetty, että nivelalueen altistuminenliialliselle kuormitukselle aiheuttaisi ensin rustonalaisen luun paksunemisen ja jäykkenemisen,mikä puolestaan altistaisi nivelruston suuremmille kuormittaville voimille. Riskitekijöistätärkeimpiä ovat ikääntyminen, liikapaino, niveleen kohdistuvat vammat ja ruumiillisentyön aiheuttama liikarasitus. Perinnöllisten tekijöiden osuus on myös merkittävä.Ruston kollageenien rakennevirheiden tiedetään altistavan nivelrikolle.

teho ei riitä, siirrytään tulehduskipulääkkeisiin niiden haitat huomioiden. Ellei parasetamolilla ja tulehduskipulääkkeillä saada riittävää tehoa nivelrikkokipuun tai niitä ei haittavaikutusten vuoksi ole mahdollista käyttää, kipua voidaan hoitaa opioideilla. Niveleen annettu glukokortikoidi- tai hyaluronaattihoito näyttää lievittävän nivelkipua. Glukosamiini saattaa helpottaa nivelrikon oireita, mutta luotettava tieteellinen näyttö sen tehosta puuttuu edelleen. Kehitteillä on nykyisiin vaikutusmekanismeihin tukeutuvia oireita lievittäviä lääkeaineita, mutta merkittävämpi ja haastavampi pitkän aikavälin tavoite on kehittää rustovaurioita hidastavia lääkkeitä. Potentiaalisia tautiprosessiin vaikuttavia lääkeaineita ovat mm. rustomatriksia hajottavien entsyymien estäjät, typpioksidisynteesin estäjät, sytokiinimodulaattorit ja PPAR-agonistit.

Introduction: Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) following hip arthroplasty, especially Vancouver B2 and B3 fractures, present a challenge due to the association with a loose femoral stem, necessitating either open reduction and internal fixation or stem revision. This study aims to compare outcomes between uncemented and cemented stem revisions in managing Vancouver B2 and B3 fractures, considering factors such as hip-related complications, reoperations, and clinical outcome.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Danderyd Hospital, Sweden, from 2008 to 2022, encompassing operatively treated Vancouver B2 and B3 fractures. Patients were categorized into uncemented and cemented stem revision groups, with data collected on complications, revision surgeries, fracture healing times, and clinical outcomes.

Results: A total of 241 patients were identified. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in patient demographics, with the cemented group comprising older patients and more females. Follow up ranged from 1 to 15 years. Average follow up time was 3.9 years for the cemented group and 5.5 years for the uncemented group. The cemented stems demonstrated lower rates of dislocation (8.9% versus 22.5%, P = 0.004) and stem loosening (0.6% versus 9.3%, P = 0.004) than the uncemented method. Moreover, the cemented group exhibited shorter fracture healing times (11.4 weeks versus 16.7 weeks, P = 0.034). There was no difference in clinical outcome between groups. Mortality was higher in the cemented group.

Conclusions: This retrospective study indicates that cemented stem revision for Vancouver B2–3 fractures is correlated with lower dislocation and stem loosening rates, necessitating fewer reoperations and shorter fracture healing times compared with the uncemented approach. The cemented group had a notably higher mortality rate, urging caution in its clinical interpretation. Level of evidence III

PURPOSE: Periacetabular bone loss poses a considerable challenge in the longevity and stability of acetabular implants used in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Innovations in implant design, specifically the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) porous titanium constructs, might reduce bone resorption. The purpose of this study was to build upon our previous randomized controlled trial, which found no change in periacetabular bone loss between a 3D porous none-hydroxyapatite coated titanium cup and a standard porous hydroxyapatite coated cup over a two year follow-up period by extending the follow-up duration to ten years post-surgery.

METHODS: This was a single-centre, long-term follow-up study conducted over a ten year period in patients who had previously participated in a randomized controlled trial comparing a 3D porous titanium construct shell (PTC group) with a standard porous hydroxyapatite coated titanium shell (PC-group). The primary outcome measured was the change in bone mineral density (BMD) within four specific periacetabular zones, alongside overall bone loss, which was assessed through BMD in the lumbar spine at two, six and ten years postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included clinical outcome measures.

RESULTS: In total, 18 in the PTC and 20 in the PC group were analysed for the primary endpoint up to ten years. The mean bone mineral density in zones 1-4 was 3.7% higher in the PTC group than in the PC group at six years postoperatively and 12.0% higher at ten years. Clinical outcomes, and the frequency of adverse events did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: The PTC group displayed superior long-term bone preservation compared to the PC group while maintaining similar clinical outcomes up to ten years postoperatively. Although with a small sample size, our findings suggest that porous titanium cups have the potential to minimize BMD loss around the cup which could contribute to improving THA outcomes and implant durability.

Background: Neonatal Brachial plexus palsy is an injury during delivery that can lead to loss of motor function and limited range of motion in patients due to damage of nerves in the brachial plexus. This scoping review aims to explore types of procedures performed and assess outcomes of forearm and elbow secondary surgery in pediatric patients.

Methods: Searches of PubMed, Cochrane, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Sciences, and Scopus were completed to obtain studies describing surgical treatment of elbow and forearm in pediatric patients with neonatal Brachial plexus palsy. 865 abstracts and titles were screened by two independent reviewers resulting in 295 full text papers; after applying of inclusion and exclusion criteria 18 articles were included. The level of evidence of this study is level IV.

Results: Ten main procedures were performed to regain function of the forearm and elbow in neonatal brachial plexus birth palsy patients. Procedures had different aims, with supination contracture (6) and elbow flexion restoration (5) being the most prevalent. The variance between preoperative and postoperative soft tissue and bony procedures outcomes decreased and showed improvement with respect to the aim of each procedure category. For soft tissue procedures, a statistically significant increase was found between preoperative and postoperative values for active elbow flexion, passive supination, and active supination. For bony procedures, there was a statistically significant decrease between preoperative and postoperative values of passive and active supination.

Conclusion: Overall, all procedures completed in the assessed articles of this study were successful in their aim. Bony procedures, specifically osteotomies, were found to have a wider range of results, whereas soft tissue procedures were found to be more consistent and reproducible with respect to their outcomes. Bony and soft tissue procedures were found vary in their aims and outcomes. This study indicates the need for further research to augment knowledge about indications and long-term benefits to each procedure.

Secondary surgical procedures can be used in brachial plexus birth injury to correct shoulder movement imbalances. This study compares outcomes of the two secondary surgical procedure types: humeral osteotomies and soft tissue procedures. Outcome measures assessed included active and passive internal and external rotation, active and passive abduction and adduction, active and passive flexion and extension, percentage of the humeral head anterior to the middle glenoid fossa, glenoid version, and Mallet Score. Nineteen full-text articles were included in the analysis. Humeral osteotomies resulted in a loss of internal rotation postoperatively (-15.94 degrees). Active internal rotation was not evaluated for soft tissue procedures. All other assessed outcomes were improved postoperatively for bony and soft tissue procedures. Bony procedures exhibited a greater degree of active external rotation postoperatively when compared to soft tissue procedures (+67 degrees vs. +40 degrees). Both bony and soft tissue procedures Improve shoulder function in children with neonatal brachial plexus palsy, however, soft tissue procedures showed greater consistency in outcomes.Level of Evidence: IV

BACKGROUND: Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is one of the most common reasons for sport-induced pain of the knee. Low ankle dorsiflexion range might predispose for PT because of load-bearing compensation in the patellar tendon.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this 1-year prospective study was to analyze if a low ankle dorsiflexion range increases the risk of developing PT for basketball players. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2.

METHODS: Ninety junior elite basketball players were examined for different characteristics and potential risk factors for PT, including ankle dorsiflexion range in the dominant and nondominant leg. Data were collected over a 1-year period and follow-up, including reexamination, was made at the end of the year.

RESULTS: Seventy-five players met the inclusion criteria. At the follow-up, 12 players (16.0%) had developed unilateral PT. These players were found to have had a significantly lower mean ankle dorsiflexion range at baseline than the healthy players, with a mean difference of -4.7° (P = .038) for the dominant limb and -5.1° (P = .024) for the nondominant limb. Complementary statistical analysis showed that players with dorsiflexion range less than 36.5° had a risk of 18.5% to 29.4% of developing PT within a year, as compared with 1.8% to 2.1% for players with dorsiflexion range greater than 36.5°. Limbs with a history of 2 or more ankle sprains had a slightly less mean ankle dorsiflexion range compared to those with 0 or 1 sprain (mean difference, -1.5° to -2.5°), although this was only statistically significant for nondominant legs.

CONCLUSION: This study clearly shows that low ankle dorsiflexion range is a risk factor for developing PT in basketball players. In the studied material, an ankle dorsiflexion range of 36.5° was found to be the most appropriate cutoff point for prognostic screening. This might be useful information in identifying at-risk individuals in basketball teams and enabling preventive actions. A history of ankle sprains might contribute to reduced ankle dorsiflexion range.

We aimed to report the first genomewide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived hip shape, which is thought to be related to the risk of both hip osteoarthritis and hip fracture. Ten hip shape modes (HSMs) were derived by statistical shape modeling using SHAPE software, from hip DXA scans in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC; adult females), TwinsUK (mixed sex), Framingham Osteoporosis Study (FOS; mixed), Osteoporotic Fractures in Men study (MrOS), and Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF; females) (total N = 15,934). Associations were adjusted for age, sex, and ancestry. Five genomewide significant (p < 5 × 10^-9 , adjusted for 10 independent outcomes) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with HSM1, and three SNPs with HSM2. One SNP, in high linkage disequilibrium with rs2158915 associated with HSM1, was associated with HSM5 at genomewide significance. In a look-up of previous GWASs, three of the identified SNPs were associated with hip osteoarthritis, one with hip fracture, and five with height. Seven SNPs were within 200 kb of genes involved in endochondral bone formation, namely SOX9, PTHrP, RUNX1, NKX3-2, FGFR4, DICER1, and HHIP. The SNP adjacent to DICER1 also showed osteoblast cis-regulatory activity of GSC, in which mutations have previously been reported to cause hip dysplasia. For three of the lead SNPs, SNPs in high LD (r²  > 0.5) were identified, which intersected with open chromatin sites as detected by ATAC-seq performed on embryonic mouse proximal femora. In conclusion, we identified eight SNPs independently associated with hip shape, most of which were associated with height and/or mapped close to endochondral bone formation genes, consistent with a contribution of processes involved in limb growth to hip shape and pathological sequelae. These findings raise the possibility that genetic studies of hip shape might help in understanding potential pathways involved in hip osteoarthritis and hip fracture. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a core outcome set for lateral elbow tendinopathy (COS-LET) and to provide guidance for outcome evaluation in future studies.

METHODS: We implemented a multi-stage mixed-methods design combining two systematic reviews, domain mapping of outcome measurement instruments to the core domains of tendinopathy, psychometric analysis of instruments, two patient focus groups and a Delphi study incorporating two surveys and an international consensus meeting. Following the OMERACT guidelines, we used a 70% threshold for consensus.

RESULTS: 38 clinicians/researchers and 9 patients participated. 60 instruments were assessed for inclusion. The only instrument that was recommended for the COS-LET was Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) for the disability domain. Interim recommendations were made to use: the PRTEE function subscale for the function domain; PRTEE pain subscale items 1, 4 and 5 for the pain over a specified time domain; pain-free grip strength for the physical function capacity domain; a Numerical Rating Scale measuring pain on gripping for the pain on activity/loading domain; and time off work for the participation in life activities domain. No recommendations could be made for the quality-of-life, patient rating of condition and psychological factors domains.

CONCLUSIONS: The COS-LET comprises the PRTEE for the disability domain. Interim-use recommendations included PRTEE subscales, time off work, pain-free grip strength and a Numerical Rating Scale measuring pain on gripping. Further work is required to validate these interim measures and develop suitable measures to capture the other domains.

Introduction: The rationale for the use of mini-implants for partial resurfacing in the treatment of femoral chondral and osteochondral lesions is still under debate. The evidence supporting best practise guidelines is based on studies with low-level evidence. A consensus group of experts was convened to collaboratively advance towards consensus opinions regarding the best available evidence. The purpose of this article is to report the resulting consensus statements.

Methods: Twenty-five experts participated in a process based on the Delphi method of achieving consensus. Questions and statements were drafted via an online survey of two rounds, for initial agreement and comments on the proposed statements. An in-person meeting between the panellists was organised during the 2022 ESSKA congress to further discuss and debate each of the statements. A final agreement was made via a final online survey a few days later. The strength of consensus was characterised as: consensus, 51–74% agreement; strong consensus, 75–99% agreement; unanimous, 100% agreement.

Results: Statements were developed in the fields of patient assessment and indications, surgical considerations and postoperative care. Between the 25 statements that were discussed by this working group, 18 achieved unanimous, whilst 7 strong consensus.

Conclusion: The consensus statements, derived from experts in the field, represent guidelines to assist clinicians in decision-making for the appropriate use of mini-implants for partial resurfacing in the treatment of femoral chondral and osteochondral lesions. Level of evidence: Level V.

The association between adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) and hip fracture incidence is not yet established. In a diverse population of elderly, increased adherence to MD was associated with lower hip fracture incidence. Except preventing major chronic diseases, adhering to MD might have additional benefits in lowering hip fracture risk.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures constitute a major public health problem among older adults. Latest evidence links adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) with reduced hip fracture risk, but still more research is needed to elucidate this relationship. The potential association of adherence to MD with hip fracture incidence was explored among older adults.

METHODS: A total of 140,775 adults (116,176 women, 24,599 men) 60 years and older, from five cohorts from Europe and the USA, were followed-up for 1,896,219 person-years experiencing 5454 hip fractures. Diet was assessed at baseline by validated, cohort-specific, food-frequency questionnaires, and hip fractures were ascertained through patient registers or telephone interviews/questionnaires. Adherence to MD was evaluated by a scoring system on a 10-point scale modified to be applied also to non-Mediterranean populations. In order to evaluate the association between MD and hip fracture incidence, cohort-specific hazard ratios (HR), adjusted for potential confounders, were estimated using Cox proportional-hazards regression and pooled estimates were subsequently derived implementing random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS: A two-point increase in the score was associated with a significant 4% decrease in hip fracture risk (pooled adjusted HR 0.96; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.92-0.99, p_{heterogeneity} = 0.446). In categorical analyses, hip fracture risk was lower among men and women with moderate (HR 0.93; 95% CI 0.87-0.99) and high (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.87-1.01) adherence to the score compared with those with low adherence.

CONCLUSIONS: In this large sample of older adults from Europe and the USA, increased adherence to MD was associated with lower hip fracture incidence.

Prevention of hip fractures is of critical public health importance. In a cohort of adults from eight European countries, evidence was found that increased adherence to Mediterranean diet, measured by a 10-unit dietary score, is associated with reduced hip fracture incidence, particularly among men. INTRODUCTION: Evidence on the role of dietary patterns on hip fracture incidence is scarce. We explored the association of adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) with hip fracture incidence in a cohort from eight European countries. METHODS: A total of 188,795 eligible participants (48,814 men and 139,981 women) in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and nutrition study with mean age 48.6 years (±10.8) were followed for a median of 9 years, and 802 incident hip fractures were recorded. Diet was assessed at baseline through validated dietary instruments. Adherence to MD was evaluated by a MD score (MDs), on a 10-point scale, in which monounsaturated were substituted with unsaturated lipids. Association with hip fracture incidence was assessed through Cox regression with adjustment for potential confounders. RESULTS: Increased adherence to MD was associated with a 7 % decrease in hip fracture incidence [hazard ratio (HR) per 1-unit increase in the MDs 0.93; 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) = 0.89-0.98]. This association was more evident among men and somewhat stronger among older individuals. Using increments close to one standard deviation of daily intake, in the overall sample, high vegetable (HR = 0.86; 95 % CI = 0.79-0.94) and high fruit (HR = 0.89; 95 % CI = 0.82-0.97) intake was associated with decreased hip fracture incidence, whereas high meat intake (HR = 1.18; 95 % CI = 1.06-1.31) with increased incidence. Excessive ethanol consumption (HR high versus moderate = 1.74; 95 % CI = 1.32-2.31) was also a risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: In a prospective study of adults, increased adherence to MD appears to protect against hip fracture occurrence, particularly among men.

The role of fruit and vegetable intake in relation to fracture prevention during adulthood and beyond is not adequately understood. We investigated the potential association between fruit and vegetable intake and hip fracture incidence in a large sample of elderly from Europe and United States. A total of 142,018 individuals (among which 116,509 women), aged ≥60 years old, from five cohorts, were followed-up prospectively for 1,911,482 person-years accumulating 5,552 hip fractures. Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed by validated, cohort-specific, food-frequency questionnaires. Ηip fractures were ascertained through national patient registers or telephone interviews/questionnaires. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) derived by Cox proportional-hazards regression were estimated for each cohort and subsequently pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. Intake of ≤ 1 servings/day of fruit and vegetables combined was associated with 39% higher hip fracture risk [pooled adjusted HR:1.39, 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs): 1.20, 1.58] in comparison to moderate intake (>3 and ≤5 servings/day) (pfor heterogeneity  = 0.505), whereas higher intakes (>5 servings/day) were not associated with lower risk in comparison to the same reference. Associations were more evident among women. We concluded that a daily intake of one or less servings of fruits and vegetables was associated with increased hip fracture risk in relation to moderate daily intakes. Older adults with such low fruit and vegetable consumption may benefit from raising their intakes to moderate amounts in order to reduce their hip fracture risk. 

Background: A neutral spinal alignment is considered important during the execution of the deadlift exercise to decrease the risk of injury. Since male and female powerlifters experience pain in different parts of their backs, it is important to examine whether men and women differ in spinal alignment during the deadlift.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to quantify the spinal alignment in the upper (thoracolumbar, T11-L2) and lower (lumbopelvic, L2-S2) lumbar spine during the deadlift exercise in male and female lifters. Secondary aims were to compare lumbar spine alignment during the deadlift to standing habitual posture, and determine whether male and female lifters differ in these aspects.

Study Design: Observational, Cross-sectional.

Methods: Twenty-four (14 men, 10 women) lifters performed three repetitions of the deadlift exercise using 70% of their respective one-repetition maximum. Spinal alignment and spinal range of motion were measured using three inertial measurement units placed on the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine. Data from three different positions were analyzed; habitual posture in standing, and start and stop positions of the deadlift, i.e. bottom and finish position respectively.

Results: During the deadlift, spinal adjustments were evident in all three planes of movement. From standing habitual posture to the start position the lumbar lordosis decreased 13° in the upper and 20° in the lower lumbar spine. From start position to stop position the total range of motion in the sagittal plane was 11° in the upper and 22° in the lower lumbar spine. The decreased lumbar lordosis from standing habitual posture to the start position was significantly greater among men.

Conclusions: Men and women adjust their spinal alignment in all three planes of movement when performing a deadlift and men seem to make greater adjustments from their standing habitual posture to start position in the sagittal plane. Level of Evidence 3.

Orthopedic day surgery is common. Postoperative recovery may differ according to surgical procedures and personal factors. We studied postoperative recovery up to 2 weeks after different orthopedic day surgical procedures and tried to identify possible predictors associated with recovery. Three-hundred and fifty eight patients who had undergone knee arthroscopy or surgery to the hand/arm, foot/leg or shoulder were included. Data were collected on postoperative days 1, 7 and 14 using the Swedish Post-discharge Surgery Recovery scale, the emotional state, physical comfort and physical independence dimensions in the Quality of Recovery-23 and a general health question. Multiple linear regression was used to explore predictors of recovery. The shoulder patients experienced significantly lower postoperative recovery and general health 1 and 2 weeks after surgery compared to the other patient groups (p < 0.001). Significant predictors of recovery were age, perceived health and emotional status on the first postoperative day and type of surgery. Postoperative recovery after common orthopedic day surgical procedures varies and factors influencing it need to be further explored. The impact of a patient’s emotional state on recovery after day surgery can be of particular interest in this work. Post-discharge planning needs to be tailored to the surgical procedure.

Summary: Numerous observational studies suggest that bisphosphonates reduce mortality. This study showed that bisphosphonate use is associated with lower mortality within days of treatment, although the association was not significant until the second week. Such an early association is consistent with confounding, although an early treatment effect cannot be ruled out.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine whether confounding explains why numerous observational studies show that bisphosphonate use is associated with lower mortality. To this end, we examined how soon after treatment initiation a lower mortality rate can be observed. We hypothesized that, due to confounding, the association would be observed immediately.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of hip fracture patients discharged from Swedish hospitals between 1 July 2006 and 31 December 2015. The data covered 260,574 hip fracture patients and were obtained from the Swedish Hip Fracture Register and national registers. Of the 260,574 patients, 49,765 met all eligibility criteria and 10,178 were pair matched (bisphosphonate users to controls) using time-dependent propensity scores. The matching variables were age, sex, diagnoses, prescription medications, type of hip fracture, type of surgical procedure, known or suspected dementia, and physical functioning status.

Results: Over a median follow-up of 2.8 years, 2922 of the 10,178 matched patients died. The mortality rate was 7.9 deaths per 100 person-years in bisphosphonate users and 9.4 deaths in controls, which corresponded to a 15% lower mortality rate in bisphosphonate users (hazard ratio 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.79–0.91). The risk of death was lower in bisphosphonate users from day 6 of treatment, although the association was not significant until the second week.

Conclusion: Bisphosphonate use was associated with lower mortality within days of treatment initiation. This finding is consistent with confounding, although an early treatment effect cannot be ruled out.

Summary: Among older adults with a previous fracture, treatment for osteoporosis was initially associated with a higher risk of new fracture. However, the relative risk of new fracture decreased over time, a trend that is consistent with a beneficial effect, as treatment for osteoporosis is prescribed to reduce high fracture risks.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine whether bisphosphonate use is associated with a lower risk of new fracture after a clinical fracture in older adults.

Methods: Data were available for 3,329,400 adults in Sweden who were aged ae<yen> 50 years between 2006 and 2011. During this period, 260,353 sustained a clinical fracture and were naïve to bisphosphonates at the time. Those who subsequently received a bisphosphonate were matched to up to three others on sex, year of birth, and type and year of initial fracture. The final cohort comprised 83,104 adults (26.3% bisphosphonate users).

Results: During the period from initial fracture to initiation of bisphosphonate treatment, the incidence rate of any new clinical fracture was higher in those who later became bisphosphonate users than in those who remained nonusers (175.1 vs. 75.9 per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio 2.30, 95% confidence interval 2.19 to 2.41). Similarly, during the first 6 months of treatment, the incidence rate was higher in bisphosphonate users than in nonusers (128.8 vs. 90.2 per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.32 to 1.51). However, this difference decreased over time: by months 12 to 18, the incidence rate was similar in users and nonusers (59.3 vs. 55.3 per 1000 person-years; hazard ratio 1.03, 95% confidence interval 0.91 to 1.16).

Conclusions: There was a decrease in the relative risk of new fracture during bisphosphonate treatment, a trend that is consistent with a beneficial treatment effect, as bisphosphonates are prescribed to reduce high fracture risks.