Fixation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus Leads to Successful Clinical Outcomes in 9 out of 10 Patients: a Systematic Review.

Importance: Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) with an osteochondral fragment are amendable for fixation. Fixation aims to stabilize the osteochondral fragment while retaining the native cartilage. Though fixation for OLT is a promising treatment, no systematic overview of the literature on its efficacy and safety exists.

Relationship Between the Pain Intensity at the Time of the Hamstring Muscle Injury and the Hyperintense T2 Weighted Volume of the Hamstring Muscle Lesion Measured by MRI.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between the pain experienced at the time of a hamstring muscle injury and the hyperintense T2 weighted volume of the lesion measured on MRI. The secondary objectives were to analyze the differences in this pain with the lesion grade and the hamstring muscle head involved.

Design: We performed a retrospective analysis of the data collected in a prospective, multicenter, noninterventional cohort study (HAMMER).

Second-Look Needle Arthroscopy After Prior Surgical Treatment for Cartilage Lesions of the Ankle: The Amsterdam and New York City Perspectives.

Objective: The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the quality of the reparative cartilage during second-look needle arthroscopy following talar osteoperiostic grafting from the iliac crest (TOPIC) or autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) procedure for the management of large osteochondral lesions (OCLs) of the talus.

Design: Prospective case series.

Methods: Patients who underwent second-look needle arthroscopy following either TOPIC or AOT procedure were prospectively recruited when they needed a second look.

Does involvement of the anterior syndesmosis affect the functional outcome of acute ligamentous ankle injuries?

Purpose: To compare patient-reported outcomes between acute ligamentous ankle injuries 1) without anterior syndesmosis involvement and 2) with anterior syndesmosis involvement (without clinical instability).

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Methods: Between September 2016 and December 2020 all athletes (≥18) with an acute ankle injury presenting within 7 days post-injury were screened for eligibility.

Patient-responsive protein biomarkers for cartilage degeneration and repair identified in the infrapatellar fat pad.

Objectives: Cartilage defects (CDs) are regarded as early manifestation of osteoarthritis (OA). The infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) is an important mediator in maintaining joint homeostasis, disease progression and tissue repair, with a crucial role of its secreted proteins. Here, we investigate the proteome of the IPFP in relation to clinical status and response to surgical treatment of CDs.

3.0-Tesla MRI Observation at Return to Play After Hamstring Injuries.

Objective: To describe 3.0-Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of hamstring muscles in clinically recovered athletes who were cleared for return to play (RTP).

Design: Prospective observational study.

Pain during prolonged sitting in subjects with patellofemoral pain in Dutch physical therapy clinics: an online questionnaire-based analysis.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe (1) differences between subjects with patellofemoral pain (PFP) with and without pain during prolonged sitting (PDPS), (2) minimum knee flexion angle and time to onset/disappearance of PDPS and (3) differences between those with PDPS at smaller/greater flexion angles and with fast/slow onset and disappearance of PDPS.

Design: Patient-reported online questionnaire.

Setting: Private physical therapy clinics in the Netherlands between May 2021 and March 2023.

Does free tendon length influence the injury risk of the Achilles tendon? A finite element study.

Purpose: The Achilles tendon is a common injury site, but anatomical risk factors for injury are relatively unexplored in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate whether changes in free tendon length would influence the results of a simulated rupture of the Achilles tendon.

Methods: Using a previously validated 3D finite element model of the free and aponeurotic Achilles tendon as a basis, two additional finite element models with 25% decreased and increased free tendon lengths were created.

Mental health symptoms among Dutch elite athletes and their coaches: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: To establish the prevalence of mental health symptoms (MHSs ) among Dutch elite athletes and their coaches, to examine the association between potential contributing factors and MHS among Dutch elite athletes and their coaches and to explore the view and needs of Dutch elite athletes and their coaches regarding mental health resources and support.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing an electronic questionnaire based on validated screening questionnaires for the assessment of MHS.

Results: In total, 156 athletes (55 % female) and 95 coaches (79 % male) across various sports participated in this study.

Self-reported reproductive health of retired elite women's footballers: a cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to describe the self-reported reproductive health of retired elite women's footballers with specific reference to menstrual function, pregnancy and motherhood, contraceptive use and pelvic floor function.

Methods: An electronic survey was disseminated to women's footballers (18 years or older) who had retired from elite football within 10 years of completing the survey.

Results: 69 respondents completed the survey (mean age 35.

Don't forget to mind the mind: a prospective cohort study over 12 months on mental health symptoms in active professional male footballers.

Aims: We examined the prevalence and incidence of mental health symptoms (MHS) in active professional male footballers over a 12-month period and investigated if MHS was associated with severe injuries or surgeries.

Participants And Methods: Football Players Worldwide (FIFPRO) affiliated national unions invited active professional male football players to participate in the study. MHS was operationalised in symptoms of anxiety, disordered eating, depression, distress, sleep disturbance, alcohol misuse and drug misuse, all being assessed with validated questionnaires.

Pain, impairment, medication use and health-related quality of life of retired professional rugby players.

Background: Rugby is a physically demanding sport with a high injury rate. Professional male rugby players have a notably greater risk of sustaining injuries that require hospitalisation or surgery than male athletes from non-contact sports. Retired elite male rugby players experience physical and mental health conditions as well as varying levels of pain, negatively impacting their quality of life.

Match workload and international travel associated with (ACL) injuries in professional women's football.

Women's football has grown in popularity, competitiveness and professionalism, increasing the demands placed on players and their injury risk. This study aimed to identify differences in the match workload and international travel between injured and non-injured professional women's footballers. The study was conducted as an observational, retrospective, case-control study over two football seasons (2021/2022 and 2022/2023) in four top-tier European women's football leagues.

The Impact of Match Workload and International Travel on Injuries in Professional Men's Football.

There are concerns over the impact of the congested international match calendar on professional footballers' physical and mental well-being, and injury susceptibility. This study aimed to determine whether there were differences in match workload and international travel between injured and non-injured male football players over two elite competition seasons. An observational, retrospective, case-control study was conducted using data from the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons of five top-tier European men's football leagues.

Neurocognitive Function Domains Are Not Affected in Active Professional Male Footballers, but Attention Deficits and Impairments Are Associated with Concussion.

Objective: To determine the neurocognitive function of active professional male footballers, determine whether deficits/impairments exist, and investigate the association between previous concussion(s) and neurocognitive function.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study conducted via electronic questionnaires. The CNS Vital Signs online testing system was used to evaluate neurocognitive function.

No difference between 5 and 6 weeks of non-weight bearing after osteochondral grafts for medial osteochondral defects of the talus with medial malleolar osteotomy.

Purpose: The present study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and safety at a 1-year follow-up after 5 or 6 weeks of non-weight bearing after a Talar OsteoPeriostic grafting from the Iliac Crest (TOPIC) for a medial osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT).

Methods: A retrospective comparative case-control analysis of prospectively followed patients who underwent a TOPIC procedure with medial malleolus osteotomy was performed. Patients were matched in two groups with either 5 or 6 weeks of non-weight bearing.

Most elite athletes return to preinjury competitive activity after surgical treatment for medial malleolus stress fractures.

Purpose: To provide return-to-performance outcomes after surgical treatment for medial malleolus stress fractures in the elite athlete. Additionally, to describe an individualised surgical approach in the management of medial malleolus stress fractures.

Methods: Five athletes (six ankles) underwent surgical treatment for a medial malleolus stress fracture.

The Influence of Patient Characteristics and Social Determinants of Health on Postoperative Complications Following Achilles Tendon Rupture.

Background: The influence of social determinants of health (SDH) on postoperative complications has been investigated in several studies, although correlation with Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) repair remains uninvestigated. SDH encompasses several factors, including insurance status and area-based measurements, including the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), which ranks neighborhoods by social disadvantage. This study investigated the correlation between patient demographics, SDH, and complications following ATR repair.

Sex-specific analysis in patients undergoing Talar OsteoPeriostic grafting from the Iliac Crest (TOPIC) for large osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to assess the gender-specific differences in the presentation and outcomes following Talar OsteoPeriostic grafting from the Iliac Crest (TOPIC) between male and female patients.

Methods: A prospective comparative analysis was performed comparing consecutive female and male patients having been treated by the press-fit TOPIC procedure. Clinical comparative assessment preoperatively and at 12 months of follow-up included determination of the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores for pain during walking (primary outcome), at rest and during stair-climbing.

Automation improves the efficiency of weightbearing CT scan 3D volumetric assessments of the syndesmosis.

Background: Weight-bearing CT (WBCT) 3D volumetric measurement has shown promising accuracy for the diagnosis of syndesmotic instability. However, these measurements are rather complex and time-consuming, rendering them a clinically unfavorable option. We hypothesized that automatized measurements would be more accurate and time-efficient than manual ones.

Unmasking mental health symptoms in female professional football players: a 12-month follow-up study.

Objective: To calculate the prevalence rates of mental health symptoms among female professional football players over a 12-month period and to explore the associations of severe injury and related surgery with mental health symptoms among female professional footballers.

Methods: An observational prospective cohort study was conducted over a 12-month follow-up period by distributing an electronic questionnaire three times. The questionnaire was based on validated screening tools for assessing mental health symptoms.

Baseline clinical and MRI risk factors for hamstring reinjury showing the value of performing baseline MRI and delaying return to play: a multicentre, prospective cohort of 330 acute hamstring injuries.

Objectives: Studies identifying clinical and MRI reinjury risk factors are limited by relatively small sample sizes. This study aimed to examine the association between baseline clinical and MRI findings with the incidence of hamstring reinjuries using a large multicentre dataset.

Methods: We merged data from four prospective studies (three randomised controlled trials and one ongoing prospective case series) from Qatar and the Netherlands.

Ten-Year Survival Rate of 82% in 262 Cases of Arthroscopic Bone Marrow Stimulation for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus.

Background: The long-term sustainability of arthroscopic bone marrow stimulation (BMS) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) remains a matter of debate. The primary aim of the present study was to assess the 10-year survival free from revision in ankles that had undergone arthroscopic BMS for an OLT. The secondary aim was to evaluate the influence of baseline patient and lesion characteristics on survival.