AOSSM Early Sport Specialization Consensus Statement.

Background: Early sport specialization is not a requirement for success at the highest levels of competition and is believed to be unhealthy physically and mentally for young athletes. It also discourages unstructured free play, which has many benefits.

Purpose: To review the available evidence on early sports specialization and identify areas where scientific data are lacking.

Clinical outcomes after autograft reconstruction for sternoclavicular joint instability.

Background: Instability of the sternoclavicular (SC) joint is a rare condition. However, in some cases, SC joint instability may lead to persistent pain and impairment of shoulder function that requires surgical management. This study evaluated clinical outcomes after SC joint reconstruction with hamstring tendon autograft in patients with SC joint instability.

Outcomes following anatomic fibular (lateral) collateral ligament reconstruction.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes following anatomic fibular (lateral) collateral ligament (FCL) reconstruction. It was hypothesized that anatomic FCL reconstruction would result in improved subjective clinical outcomes and a high patient satisfaction with outcome.

Methods: All patients 18 years or older who underwent FCL reconstruction from April 2010 to January 2013 with no other posterolateral corner pathology were included in this study.

Factors predictive of concomitant injuries among children and adolescents undergoing anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

Background: The timing of treatment for pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries remains controversial. The risks of delaying reconstruction and the differences between age groups are poorly defined.

Purpose: To investigate factors that contribute to the prevalence and severity of concomitant chondral and meniscal injuries among patients aged 14 to 19 years versus those aged ≤14 years at the time of ACL reconstruction.

Diagnostic accuracy of 3.0 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of articular cartilage lesions of the talus.

Background: Talar chondral defects can be a source of persistent ankle pain and disability. If untreated, there is an increased risk of osteoarthritis. The purpose of our study was to determine diagnostic accuracy of 3T MRI in detecting Outerbridge grades 3 and 4 articular cartilage lesions of the talus in a clinical setting, utilizing a standardized clinical MRI protocol.

Outcomes Following Microfracture in Grade 3 and 4 Articular Cartilage Lesions of the Ankle.

Background: The purpose of this study was to document outcomes following microfracture of articular cartilage lesions of the ankle. Our hypothesis was that patients who underwent ankle microfracture would have good to excellent outcomes.

Methods: This study was institutional review board approved.

Preoperative diagnosis of pathologic conditions of the ligamentum teres: is MRI a valuable imaging modality?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting ligamentum teres (LT) lesions in patients before they undergo hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement.

Methods: From 2010 to 2011, data were prospectively collected on all patients presenting for treatment of hip pain. All patients underwent MRI followed by arthroscopic surgery.

"Crevasse" Lesions: A Unique Pattern of Femoral Head Chondral Damage.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to report on a distinctive pattern of linear femoral head chondral lesions that were observed in 7 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for the treatment of mixed-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Design: Between 2010 and 2012, 702 patients were treated with hip arthroscopy at our institution for symptomatic FAI. Among those patients, 7 were found to have a unique vertical chondral fissure located on the posterior femoral head.

Failed less invasive lumbar spine surgery as a predictor of subsequent fusion outcomes.

Purpose: It is not uncommon for patients to undergo less invasive spine surgery (LISS) prior to succumbing to lumbar fusion; however, the effect of failed LISS on subsequent fusion outcomes is relatively unknown. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that patients who suffered failed LISS would afford inferior subsequent fusion outcomes when compared to patients who did not have prior LISS.

Methods: After IRB approval, registry from a spine surgeon was queried for consecutive patients who underwent fusion for intractable low back pain.

Management of labral tears of the hip in young patients.

Our understanding of labral tears in young patients has evolved significantly in recent years. Successful outcome depends on addressing all bony impingement to improve the intra-articular environment, and prevent further damage to the labrum and articular cartilage. Improved clinical outcomes are associated with labral repair; in cases of a deficient labrum, arthroscopic reconstruction techniques have been developed, with promising clinical outcomes.

Joint space predicts THA after hip arthroscopy in patients 50 years and older.

Background: All patients considering joint-preserving hip arthroscopy should be educated on the risk of THA after arthroscopy. The degree of radiographic osteoarthritis predicts subsequent THA. To provide patients with the best information, the best radiographic measure that predicts THA after hip arthroscopy should be identified.

Arthroscopic trans-capsular axillary nerve decompression: indication and surgical technique.

Symptomatic axillary nerve compression is rare yet results in debilitating pain, weakness, and decreased athletic performance in some patients. If nonoperative modalities fail, surgical intervention is necessary to reduce symptoms and avoid functional decline. Traditionally, open techniques have been described to decompress the axillary nerve and are reported to provide satisfactory results.