Unilateral aplasia of both cruciate ligaments

Aplasia of both cruciate ligaments is a rare congenital disorder. A 28-year-old male presented with pain and the feeling of instability of his right knee after trauma. The provided MRI and previous arthroscopy reports did not indicate any abnormalities except cruciate ligament tears. He was referred to us for reconstruction of both cruciate ligaments. The patient again underwent arthroscopy which revealed a hypoplasia of the medial trochlea and an extremely narrow intercondylar notch. The tibia revealed a missing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) footprint and a single bump with a complete coverage with articular cartilage. There was no room for an ACL graft. A posterior cruciate ligament could not be identified. The procedure was ended since a ligament reconstruction did not appear reasonable. A significant notch plasty if not a partial resection of the condyles would have been necessary to implant a ligament graft. It is most likely that this would not lead to good knee stability. If the surgeon would have retrieved the contralateral hamstrings at the beginning of the planned ligament reconstruction a significant damage would have occurred to the patient. Even in seemingly clear diagnostic findings the arthroscopic surgeon should take this rare abdnormality into consideration and be familiar with the respective radiological findings. We refer the abnormal finding of only one tibial spine to as the "dromedar-sign" as opposed to the two (medial and a lateral) tibial spines in a normal knee. This may be used as a hint for aplasia of the cruciate ligaments

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: A New Technique for Graft Fixation at the Patella Without Implants

Patellofemoral instability is a complex disorder that is often accompanied by insufficiency or tearing of the medial patellofemoral ligament. Over the past few years, several techniques using free tendon grafts for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction have become popular because of their reproducible effect and good outcome. Whereas most surgeons prefer femoral fixation of the graft using an interference screw, the possibilities of patellar fixation are numerous. All of the different techniques have their own advantages and pitfalls. We describe a technique in which we drill 2 blind-ending tunnels (1 cm) at the medial aspect of the patella, where the doubled graft (not the free ends) is pulled in and fixed. By using a special technique for shuttling the sutures, there is no need for an additional skin incision and no need for implants, allowing very secure graft fixation without a relevant risk of fracture

Current status of ACL reconstruction in Germany

Introduction Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is characterized by a variety of possibilities concerning its implementation. Different choices for grafts, fixation methods and tunnel positioning, as well as diverse technical tools are available and have clinical significance. Besides specific pre- and post-operative procedures, different indications for surgery and further surgeon-/clinic-related factors add variability to the treatment. In response to the lack of descriptive statistics about the implementation of these factors and the increasing numbers of ACL reconstructions this study has been conducted to display the current state of the treatment for ACL tears throughout Germany. Materials and methods 709 clinics with surgical and orthopedic departments were provided an online-questionnaire that surveyed their statistical records (e.g. annually implemented operations, number of surgeons, duration of operations), implemented techniques (e.g. choice of grafts, construction of drilling tunnel, tibial/femoral fixation) and personal assessment (e.g. frequency/cause of graft failure, frequency/handling of infection). The response rate was 22 % (n = 155). Based on the statistical records a specialized group within the respondents was identified, enabling a cross-comparison between high-and low-volume surgeons. Results On average, the German orthopedic surgeons in the clinics surveyed annually performs 35 ACL reconstructions, with each operation lasting an average of 67 min. After subdividing the data with references to annually performed surgeries into high-and low-volume-surgeons, differences and common features between the subgroups become apparent. Differences between high-and low-volume-surgeons, respectively, show shorter duration of both ACL reconstructions (55 vs. 71 min) and revision ACL reconstructions (75 vs. 90 min), higher membership rates in professional associations (83 vs. 38 % have at least one membership), more frequent implementation of stability examinations (47 vs. 21 %) and different frequencies of femoral drilling techniques (using the anterolateral portal in 71 vs. 54 %). With reference to evaluating operation dates, choosing grafts and assessing reasons for graft failure both groups share commonalities, as well as regarding the predominant use of monofixation for femoral fixation (88 % of the participants-mainly with endobutton in 38 % and transfixation pin in 27 %) and for tibial fixation (81 % of the participants-mainly with bioabsorbable screw in 60 %). Conclusions The treatment of ACL tears in the group of German clinics studied is characterized by a variety of surgical possibilities. This condition might reflect the entirety of clinics reconstructing ACL in Germany. For the first time, a descriptive statistical survey was implemented to display this variety and to provide insight into the current status quo. Within the entirety of surgeons implementing ACL reconstruction a specialized subgroup with a particular expertise seems to exist

Side Differences Regarding the Limb Symmetry Index in Healthy Professional Athletes

Side differences in the limb symmetry index during hop tests have been rarely investigated in uninjured athletes. Unknown differences can result in false interpretation of hop tests and affect return to sport decision. Hypothesis was that un-injured athletes in Judo and Taekwondo have side differences in hop test and that asymmetries can be predicted based on the athletes fighting display. Differences, risk relationships were analyzed using the chi-squared test and the odds ratio. A two-tailed p value of90. Moreover, 57.4% (n=66) reached longer jumping distance with the standing leg. Ignoring such pre-existent side differences in evaluation of hop tests and not knowing which limb was dominant prior the injury, can lead to premature or delayed return to sports in the rehabilitation process. Therefore, it might be helpful to refer to individual jump lengths for each limb in case of injury by using hop tests in pre-season screening in professional athletes in Judo and Taekwondo

Current status of the management of isolated syndesmotic injuries in Germany

Introduction Although non-fracture-related syndesmotic injuries of the ankle are relatively rare, they may lead to poor clinical outcome if initially undiagnosed or managed improperly. Despite a variety of literature regarding possibilities for treatment of isolated syndesmotic injuries, little is known about effective applications of different therapeutic methods in day-to-day work. The aim of this study was to assess the current status of the treatment of isolated syndesmotic injuries in Germany. Materials and methods An online-questionnaire, capturing the routine diagnostic workup including clinical examination, radiologic assessment and treatment strategies, was sent to all members of the German Society of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology (DGOU) and Association of Arthroscopic and Joint Surgery (AGA). Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft excel and SPSS. Results Each question of the questionnaire was on average answered by 431 +/- 113 respondents. External rotation stress test (66%), squeeze test (61%) and forced dorsiflexion test (40%) were most commonly used for the clinical examination. In the diagnostic workup, most clinicians relied on MRI (83%) and conventional X-ray analysis (anterior-posterior 58%, lateral 41%, mortise view 38%). Only 15% of the respondents stated that there is a role for arthroscopic evaluation for the assessment of isolated syndesmotic injuries. Most frequently used fixation techniques included syndesmotic screw fixation (80%, 42% one syndesmotic screw, 38% two syndesmotic screws), followed by suture-button devices in 13%. Syndesmotic screw fixation was mainly performed tricortically (78%). While 50% of the respondents stated that syndesmotic screw fixation and suture-button devices are equivalent in the treatment of isolated syndesmotic injuries with respect to clinical outcome, 36% answered that syndesmotic screw fixation is superior compared to suture-button devices. Conclusions While arthroscopy and suture-button devices do not appear to be widely used, syndesmotic screw fixation after diagnostic work-up by MRI seems to be the common treatment algorithm for non-fracture-related syndesmotic injuries in Germany

Epidemiology of injuries in track and field athletes: a cross-sectional study of specific injuries based on time loss and reduction in sporting level

Objectives: To prevent the occurrence of injury in a sport, exact knowledge of injury patterns is needed. To synthesize sport-specific injuries in track and field comparing elite and recreational level athletes, as well as gender. Furthermore, analyze the time loss due to injury and reduction in athletic performance. Methods: Injury type-specific frequencies were recorded according to discipline, gender and performance level. Injury severity was assessed by time loss duration and performance reduction. Results: 64% of athletes suffered at least one injury. In the top 10 ranking, 83% (n = 524) were located in the lower extremities. A muscle strain of the thigh had the highest prevalence in sprint (34%, n = 41), jump (15%, n = 15) and middle-distance running (16%, n = 6). More injuries occurred during training (75%, n = 165) as compared to competition (25%, n = 56). The longest time loss was documented in throwing with a downtime of 36 weeks after a ligament injury of the elbow and 39 weeks after a muscle injury of the elbow. The injury with the highest number of athletes with a reduced level of performance was the foot ligament injury in sprint athletes at 100%. Conclusion: Assessing time loss and performance reduction in athletics, there are discipline-specific injury patterns. This study points out the high prevalence of training injuries, highlighting the need for future investigations to adapt training management, improve medical care and rehabilitation with respect to every discipline

The fabella syndrome - a rare cause of posterolateral knee pain: a review of the literature and two case reports

Background: The purpose of this article was to evaluate the risks and benefits of non-operative treatment versus surgical excision of a fabella causing posterolateral knee pain. We performed a systematic review of literature and also present two case reports. Twelve publications were found in a PubMed literature review searching the word fabella syndrome. Non-operative treatment and surgical excision of the fabella has been described. Case presentation: Two patients presented to our outpatient clinic with persisting posterolateral knee pain. In both cases the presence of a fabella was identified, located in close proximity to the posterolateral femoral condyle. All other common causes of intra-and extra articular pathologies possibly causing the posterolateral knee pain were excluded. Following failure to respond to physiotherapy both patients underwent arthroscopy which excluded other possible causes for posterolateral knee pain. The decision was made to undertake surgical excision of the fabella in both cases without complication. Both patients were examined 6 month and one year after surgery with the Tegner activity score, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and International Knee Documentation Committee Score (IKDC). Conclusion: Consistent posterolateral pain during exercise might indicate the presence of a fabella syndrome. Resecting the fabella can be indicated and is a minor surgical procedure with minimal risk. Despite good results in the literature posterolateral knee pain can persist and prevent return to a high level of sports. Level of evidence: IV, case reports and analysis of literature

Prevalence of sport injuries in Olympic combat sports: a cross-sectional study examining one Olympic period

BACKGROUND: Due to full contact impacts in combat sports, the risk of injuries is elevated. The aim of this study is to report severe injuries among athletes in Olympic combat sports. Specific injury types, time loss, and the performance level after injury are examined. METHODS: Survey to investigate injuries in Olympic combat sports during the time period from 2012-2016. Reported injuries were analyzed by anatomical location, injury type, gender, time loss, and performance level.RESULTS: The three injuries resulting in the longest time loss (ACL rupture: judo= 37 weeks; karate = 49 weeks; shoulder dislocation: wrestling = 41 weeks; shoulder rotator cuff injury: wrestling = 32 weeks) also accounted for the largest proportion of athletes with career-ending injuries (ACL rupture: judo = 28%; karate = 67%; shoulder dislocation: wrestling = 40%; shoulder rotator cuff injury: wrestling = 50%). Taekwondo and fencing had the shortest time loss (<12 weeks) among all combat sports. More injuries occurred during training (58%) as compared to com-petition (42%). Injury prevalence of competitive athletes was significantly higher as compared to recreational athletes. Male athletes suffered significantly more anterior cruciate ligament injuries (72% vs. 56%; P<0.05), unspecific shoulder injuries (89% vs. 47%; P<0.01), and elbow ligament injuries (57% vs. 30%; P<0.05) during training.CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that there are important differences between punching and kicking and throwing martial arts in terms of specific injury types. In judo and wrestling, the injuries are more likely to affect the joints (knee and shoulder). Therefore, injury prevention these sports should focus on strength training of the muscles surrounding the joints and on defensive reactionary movements to avoid dangerous biomechanical joint angles. In punching and kicking sports, injuries of the hands and feet, due to the large impact forces of strikes and kicks, could be reduced by improved protective equipment on hands and feet

Epidemiology of Injuries in Olympic Sports

Injuries effect the performance of athletes. Severity of injuries is determined by time loss and sporting performance reduction. To treat injuries adequately, it is necessary to get an overview of varied injuries types in different sports disciplines. In a retrospective study 7.809 athletes from Germany, Switzerland and Austria competing in competitive or recreational levels of sports were included. Injury prevalence was highest in team sports (75%), followed by combat (64%), racquet (54%) and track and field (51%). Knee (28%) and shoulder (14%) were the most at risk joints. Time loss in sporting activity after injury was longest in the region of knee (26 weeks). Of all reported injuries, 48% were accompanied by a reduced level of performance. The highest injury prevalence occurred in the year 2016 (45%). More injuries occurred during training (58%) compared to competition (42%). Across Olympic disciplines, a large number of injuries occurred during training sessions. Injury frequency increased as the Olympic games drew closer. Knee and shoulder injuries were the most severe injuries with respect to time loss and reduction sporting performance