Shoulder Lesions Do Not Increase Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Glenohumeral Instability: An Exploratory Study.

Circulating protein biomarkers have demonstrated utility as a diagnostic tool in predicting musculoskeletal disease severity, but their utility in the evaluation of shoulder lesions associated with shoulder instability is unknown. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory study was to determine whether preoperative biomarkers of cartilage turnover and inflammation are associated with specific shoulder lesions in shoulder instability. Thirty-three patients (29.

Return to Play Among Elite Basketball Players After Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of Full-Thickness Cartilage Lesions.

Background: Osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) is a recognized option for full-thickness articular cartilage defects of the knee, especially in the setting of large lesions or those involving the subchondral bone. Previous heterogenous studies of athletes have shown a 75% to 79% rate of return to play after the procedure.

Purpose: To define return-to-play rates in a cohort of elite collegiate and professional basketball players following osteochondral allograft of the knee.

Systematic Review of Outcomes Reporting in Professional Baseball: A Call for Increased Validation and Consistency.

Background: Historically, treatment efficacy of professional baseball injuries has been determined by assessing the return-to-play (RTP) rate or using patient-reported functional outcomes scores; however, these methods may not be sensitive and specific enough for elite athletes. As a consequence, performance-based statistics are increasingly being reported in the medical literature.

Purpose: To (1) assess how treatment efficacy is currently reported in professional baseball players; (2) examine the variability in the reporting of these measures in terms of frequency, length of time followed, and units of measure; and (3) identify any attempts to validate these performance-based statistics.

Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Capitellum.

Capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is one of the most common causes of elbow pain and dysfunction in adolescent athletes. It typically occurs in gymnasts and overhead throwers and presents along a wide spectrum of severity. Stable lesions can typically be treated with conservative therapy; however, those presenting with instability, fragmentation, or loose bodies generally require surgical intervention.

Arthroscopic Fixation of Glenoid Rim Fractures After Reduction by Labral Repair.

Surgical fixation of displaced, intra-articular glenoid fractures represents a clinical challenge. These fractures have traditionally been treated through open approaches to the glenohumeral joint; however, the morbidity associated with open surgery may be reduced with arthroscopic techniques. Previously described arthroscopic methods commonly use clamps and/or Kirschner wires to obtain and maintain provisional fixation.

Arthroscopic Removal of Symptomatic Proximal Humerus Locking Plates With Bone-Void Filler Augmentation.

Open reduction internal fixation of proximal humerus fractures is often accomplished with proximal humerus locking plates. While these plates have a good track record, they can become symptomatic and require removal once the fracture has healed. Open hardware removal is associated with a number of additional risks to the patient, including infection, scarring, nerve damage, and blood loss.