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.

The high-impact nature of ice hockey puts the players at a higher risk of developing early hip osteoarthritis (OA). This study aims to evaluate the presence of cam morphology, early radiological findings of OA and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in former Swedish elite ice hockey players. Male elite ice hockey players in the highest league in Sweden seeking orthopedic consultation for hip and groin pain with restricted hip joint range of motion and subsequent radiographs (Antero/posterior view, Lauenstein view and/or Hip frontal view) were included. The radiographs were performed between 1988 and 2009 and retrospectively examined for the presence of cam morphology (evaluated by alpha-angle >= 60 degrees) and hip OA (evaluated by Tonnis classification). All players were contacted between 11 and 33 years after baseline radiograph examination for follow-up investigation of the presence of subsequent THA. A total of 44 male ice hockey players were included, of which 31 had available radiographs and 39 answered the follow-up questions. Cam morphology (alpha-angle >= 60 degrees) was present in 81% of the players. Seven players (18%) had received a THA with a mean age of 55.7 (SD 6.1) years at time of THA-surgery. Tonnis score at baseline radiographs were associated with THA later in life (P < 0.001). This study conclude that former elite Swedish ice hockey players underwent THA at a younger age than the general population. Despite confirming previous research of high prevalence of cam morphology in elite ice hockey players, no association could be established between cam morphology and the need for THA.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of a bisphosphonate coating on a titanium implant on the implant stability quotient (ISQ) and the radiographic marginal bone levels at implants during early healing (2-8 weeks).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized double-blind trial with internal controls, 16 patients received a dental implant coated with zoledronate and one uncoated implant as a control. The coated and uncoated implants which were visually indistinguishable were bone level titanium implants with a moderately rough surface and a microthreaded neck. ISQ values were obtained at insertion and at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Radiographs were obtained at insertion and at 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the difference in ISQ values between the coated implants and the control implants at 4 and 6 weeks, corrected for insertion values. The secondary outcome was loss of marginal bone level from insertion to 8 weeks.

RESULTS: Implant stability quotient values remained largely constant over the 8 weeks, and there was no significant difference between coated and uncoated implants at any time point. There was 0.12 (SD 0.10) mm marginal bone loss at the control implants and 0.04 (SD 0.08) mm at the coated implants. The difference was 0.17 mm; SD 0.14; p < 0.006). On blind qualitative scoring, 13 of the 15 control implants and two of 15 coated implants showed small marginal bone defects (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences observed in ISQ values between the coated and uncoated implants during the early healing. There was less marginal bone loss at the coated implants.

This pilot study evaluates the clinical stability of bisphosphonate-coated dental implants placed using a two-stage surgical procedure in five patients. Each patient received seven regular Branemark implants, one of which was coated with bisphosphonate in a fibrinogen matrix. The coated implant was inserted where the bone was expected to have the least favourable quality. The level of the marginal bone around each implant was measured by intraoral periapical radiographs and implant stability was recorded using resonance frequency measurements. Frequency values (ISQ) were obtained peroperatively before flap closure and after 6 months at abutment connection. At abutment connection the bisphosphonate-coated implants were removed en bloc in two patients for histological examination. An animal experiment had previously confirmed that gamma-sterilization did not reduce bioactivity of the bisphosphonate coating. In each patient, the bisphosphonate-coated implant showed the largest improvement in ISQ level of all implants. Their values at the start tended to be lower, and the absolute value at 6 months did not differ. No complications occurred with the coated implants. Histology showed no abnormalities. Improvement in ISQ values was an expected effect of the bisphosphonate coating, but could be due to the choice of insertion site. This finding warrants a randomized blinded study.

Objectives

Management of chronic tendon pain is difficult and controversial. This is due to poor knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology of chronic tendon pain, priorly known as tendinitis but now termed tendinopathy. The objective of this topical review was to synthesize evolving information of mechanisms in tendon pain, using a comprehensive search of the available literature on this topic.

Content

This review found no correlations between tendon degeneration, collagen separation or neovascularization and chronic tendon pain. The synthesis demonstrated that chronic tendon pain, however, is characterized by excessive nerve sprouting with ingrowth in the tendon proper, which corresponds to alterations oberserved also in other connective tissues of chronic pain conditions. Healthy, painfree tendons are devoid of nerve fibers in the tendon proper, while innervation is confined to tendon surrounding structures, such as sheaths. Chronic painful tendons exhibit elevated amounts of pain neuromediators, such as glutamate and substance p as well as up-regulated expression and excitability of pain receptors, such as the glutamate receptor NMDAR1 and the SP receptor NK1, found on ingrown nerves and immune cells. Increasing evidence indicates that mast cells serve as an important link between the peripheral nervous system and the immune systems resulting in so called neurogenic inflammation.

Summary

Chronic painful tendons exhibit (1) protracted ingrowth of sensory nerves (2) elevated pain mediator levels and (3) up-regulated expression and excitability of pain receptors, participating in (4) neuro-immune pathways involved in pain regulation. Current treatments that entail the highest scientific evidence to mitigate chronic tendon pain include eccentric exercises and extracorporeal shockwave, which both target peripheral neoinnervation aiming at nerve regeneration.

Outlook

Potential mechanism-based pharmacological treatment approaches could be developed by blocking promotors of nerve ingrowth, such as NGF, and promoting inhibitors of nerve ingrowth, like semaphorins, as well as blocking glutamate-NMDA-receptor pathways, which are prominent in chronic tendon pain.

Aims: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of vibration therapy (VT) in preschool children with cerebral palsy (CP) and obtain preliminary data on its potential effectiveness.

Methods: Nine children aged 2.5-4.8 years (4 boys) with CP GMFCS levels I-III participated in a single-group feasibility study, undergoing a 12-week control period without intervention, followed by 12 weeks of home-based VT (four times/week, 9 min/day, frequency 20 Hz). We assessed adherence to VT protocol, adverse events, and family acceptability of VT. Clinical assessments included motor function (GMFM-66), body composition (DXA), mobility (10-meter walk/run test), and health-related quality of life (PedsQL).

Results: VT was well tolerated and acceptable to families, with high adherence levels reported (mean = 93%). There were no observed between-period differences (Delta Control vs Delta VT) except for an improvement in the PedsQL "Movement & Balance" dimension with VT (p = 0.044). Nonetheless, changes after the VT but not the Control period were suggestive of potential treatment benefits for mobility, gross motor function, and body composition (lean mass and legs bone mineral density).

Conclusion: Home-based VT is feasible and acceptable for preschool children with CP. Our preliminary data suggest potential health benefits from VT for these children, supporting larger randomized trials to assess its effectiveness properly.

The gleno-humeral joint is by far the most mobile in the human body but also afflicted by dislocations, predominantly anterior. Surgical stabilisation is often successful but failures not uncommon. The following review describes potential causes of failure and highlights the need of adapting surgical methods to pathomorphology.

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.

We compared the effect of a sclerostin antibody to that of a clinically relevant dose of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in a rat model for metaphyseal bone healing. Screws of steel or poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) were inserted bilaterally into the proximal tibia of young male rats. During 4 weeks the animals then received injections of either phosphate buffered saline (control), sclerostin antibody (25mg/kg, twice weekly) or PTH (5 mu g/kg, daily). The healing response around the screws was then assessed by mechanical testing and X-ray microtomography (mu CT). To distinguish between effects on healing and general effects on the skeleton, other untraumatized bone sites and serum biomarkers were also assessed. After 4 weeks of treatment, PTH yielded a 48% increase in screw pull-out force compared to control (p=0.03), while the antibody had no significant effect. In contrast, the antibody increased femoral cortical and vertebral strength where PTH had no significant effect. mu CT showed only slight changes that were statistically significant for the antibody mainly at cortical sites. The results suggest that a relatively low dose of PTH stimulates metaphyseal repair (screw fixation) specifically, whereas the sclerostin antibody has wide-spread effects, mainly on cortical bone, with less influence on metaphyseal healing.

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.

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the association of scoliosis and windswept hips with immobility, lying position, and time in lying, in adults with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 830 adults (469 males and 361 females) with a diagnosis of CP, 16-73 years, and classified at levels I-V according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Subjects' Gross motor function classification system level, presence and severity of scoliosis, hip and knee joint range of movement, lying position, postural ability in lying, and time in lying were used to identify connections between them.

Results: Adults who are immobile in the lying position have higher odds of both scoliosis and windswept hips. Spending more than 8 h daily in the same lying position, increased the odds of having scoliosis, while lying solely in a supine position, resulted in higher odds of windswept hips.

Conclusions: The "preferred" habitual posture frequently observed in immobile adults with CP, leads to established distortion of their body shape. The results indicate the need for early introduction of appropriate posture control, in immobile individuals with CP, from a young age.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The preferred posture, observed in immobile adults with cerebral palsy, leads to a distortion of their body shape. One in four adults with cerebral palsy use only one position when in bed. The results indicate the need for early introduction of appropriate posture control in individuals unable to change position.

Background: Postural asymmetries with seating problems are common in adults with cerebral palsy.

Aims: To analyse the prevalence of asymmetrical limited hip flexion (< 90) in adults with CP, and to evaluate the association between asymmetrical limited hip flexion and postural asymmetries in the sitting position.

Methods and procedures: Cross-sectional data of 714 adults with CP, 16-73 years, GMFCS level I -V, reported to CPUP, the Swedish cerebral palsy national surveillance program and quality registry, from 2013 to 2015. Hip range of motion was analysed in relation to pelvic obliquity, trunk asymmetry, weight distribution, scoliosis and windswept hip distortion.

Outcomes and results: The prevalence of asymmetrical limited hip flexion increased as GMFCS level decreased. Of adults at GMFCS level V, 22% had asymmetrical limited hip flexion (< 90). The odds of having an oblique pelvis (OR 2.6, 95% CI:1.6-2.1), an asymmetrical trunk (OR 2.1, 95% CI:1.1-4.2), scoliosis (OR 3.7, 95% CI:1.3-9.7), and windswept hip distortion (OR 2.6, 95% CI:1.2-5.4) were higher for adults with asymmetrical limited hip flexion compared with those with bilateral hip flexion > 90 degrees.

Conclusions and implications: Asymmetrical limited hip flexion affects the seating posture and is associated with scoliosis and windswept hip distortion.

Background: Musculoskeletal alterations causing reduced range of motion of the ankle joint are common in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Objective measurements of passive joint resistance and three-dimensional skeletal muscle volume and muscle architecture can lead to a comprehensive understanding of which factors influence joint range of motion. Research question: To investigate the relation between the passive dorsiflexion of the ankle joint, biomechanical contributing factors to the passive joint resistance, and muscular architectural properties of the triceps surae muscle in children with CP.

Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 14 children with spastic CP (bilateral: 5, unilateral: 9, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I:11, II:3) naïve to intramuscular tone reducing treatment, and 14 TD children were included. The passive dorsiflexion of the ankle was measured with a goniometer. Passive joint resistance and related parameters were estimated based on a biomechanical model and measurements using a motorized device, the Neuroflexor. Three-dimensional muscle architecture was quantified with diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI).

Results: In the CP group, the median [min, max] passive dorsiflexion was decreased in the most affected leg (MAL) compared to the less affected leg (LAL) (2.5° [-25°, 20°] vs. 12.5° [5°, 30°], p = 0.001). The stiffness coefficient (Nm/rad) in the MAL was significantly higher in children with CP compared to TD children (7.10 [3.39, 62.00] vs. 2.82 [1.24, 10.46], p = 0.015). Muscle architecture properties did not differ between CP and TD, except for pennation angle in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) of the MAL (CP 17.64° (2.29) vs. TD 21.46° (3.20), p = 0.017). The stiffness coefficient, in the MAL, correlated negatively to passive dorsiflexion (rs=-0.638) and pennation angle in medial gastrocnemius (rs=-0.964), and the non-linear coefficient (Non-linear 1) correlated negatively to the fascicle length of the medial gastrocnemius (rs=-0.857).

Conclusion: This study shows that stiffness of the plantarflexors is related to decreased passive dorsiflexion of the ankle and muscle structure of the MG in high-functioning children with spastic CP. Assessments of how dynamic components as well as microscopic muscle alterations contribute to joint stiffness in the plantarflexors in individuals with CP are warranted.

Trial registration: Retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05447299. Observational study. Study start: 2019-01-15, register date: 2022-07-01.

PURPOSE: Despite advances in the care of hip fractures, this area of surgery is associated with high postoperative mortality. Downregulating circulating catecholamines, released as a response to traumatic injury and surgical trauma, is believed to reduce the risk of death in noncardiac surgical patients. This effect has not been studied in hip fractures. This study aims to assess whether survival benefits are gained by reducing the effects of the hyper-adrenergic state with beta-blocker therapy in patients undergoing emergency hip fracture surgery.

METHODS: This is a retrospective nationwide observational cohort study. All adults [Formula: see text] 18 years were identified from the prospectively collected national quality register for hip fractures in Sweden during a 10-year period. Pathological fractures were excluded. The cohort was subdivided into beta-blocker users and non-users. Poisson regression with robust standard errors and adjustments for confounders was used to evaluate 30-day mortality.

RESULTS: 134,915 patients were included of whom 38.9% had ongoing beta-blocker therapy at the time of surgery. Beta-blocker users were significantly older and less fit for surgery. Crude 30-day all-cause mortality was significantly increased in non-users (10.0% versus 3.7%, p < 0.001). Beta-blocker therapy resulted in a 72% relative risk reduction in 30-day all-cause mortality (incidence rate ratio 0.28, 95% CI 0.26-0.29, p < 0.001) and was independently associated with a reduction in deaths of cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular origin and deaths due to sepsis or multiorgan failure.

CONCLUSIONS: Beta-blockers are associated with significant survival benefits when undergoing emergency hip fracture surgery. Outlined results strongly encourage an interventional design to validate the observed relationship.

Introduction: Depressive symptoms occur in approximately half of trauma patients, negatively impacting on functional outcome and quality of life following severe head injury. Pontine noradrenaline has been shown to increase upon trauma and associated beta-adrenergic receptor activation appears to consolidate memory formation of traumatic events. Blocking adrenergic activity reduces physiological stress responses during recall of traumatic memories and impairs memory, implying a potential therapeutic role of beta-blockers. This study examines the effect of pre-admission beta-blockade on post-traumatic depression.

Methods: All adult trauma patients (>= 18 years) with severe, isolated traumatic brain injury (intracranial Abbreviated Injury Scale score (AIS) >= 3 and extracranial AIS <3) were recruited from the trauma registry of an urban university hospital between 2007 and 2011. Exclusion criteria were in-hospital deaths and prescription of antidepressants up to one year prior to admission. Pre- and post-admission beta-blocker and antidepressant therapy data was requested from the national drugs registry. Post-traumatic depression was defined as the prescription of antidepressants within one year of trauma. Patients with and without pre-admission beta-blockers were matched 1: 1 by age, gender, Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score and head AIS. Analysis was carried out using McNemar's and Student's t-test for categorical and continuous data, respectively.

Results: A total of 545 patients met the study criteria. Of these, 15% (n = 80) were prescribed beta-blockers. After propensity matching, 80 matched pairs were analyzed. 33% (n = 26) of non beta-blocked patients developed post-traumatic depression, compared to only 18% (n = 14) in the beta-blocked group (p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in ICU (mean days: 5.8 (SD 10.5) vs. 5.6 (SD 7.2), p = 0.85) or hospital length of stay (mean days: 21 (SD 21) vs. 21 (SD 20), p = 0.94) between cohorts.

Conclusion: beta-blockade appears to act prophylactically and significantly reduces the risk of posttraumatic depression in patients suffering from isolated severe traumatic brain injuries. Further prospective randomized studies are warranted to validate this finding.

Study Design.Comparative cohort study. Objective.The aim of the present study was to evaluate pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in surgically managed patients with a minimum follow-up of 10 years compared with patients with untreated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and a healthy control group. Summary of Background Data.Posterior spinal fusion with pedicle screws is the standard treatment for AIS, although it remains unclear whether this procedure results in improved long-term HRQoL compared with untreated patients with AIS. Patients and Methods.Sixty-four consecutive patients at a minimum follow-up of 10 years, who underwent posterior pedicle screw instrumentation for AIS were prospectively enrolled. Fifty-three (83%) of these patients completed Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) 24 questionnaires, clinical examination, and standing spinal radiographs. Pain and HRQoL were compared with age and sex-matched patients with untreated AIS and healthy individuals. Results.The mean major curve was 57 degrees preoperatively and 15 degrees at the 10-year follow-up. SRS-24 self-image domain score showed a significant improvement from preoperative to 2 years and remained significantly better at the 10-year follow-up (P < 0.001). Patients fused to L3 or below had lower pain, satisfaction, and total score than patients fused to L2 or above (P < 0.05), but self-image, function, and activity scores did not differ between groups at 10-year follow-up. Pain, self-image, general activity, and total SRS domains were significantly better at 10-year follow-up in the surgically treated patients as compared with untreated patients (all P < 0.05). Healthy controls had significantly higher total scores than those surgically treated at 10-year follow-ups (P < 0.001). Conclusion.Patients undergoing segmental pedicle screw instrumentation for AIS maintain high-level HRQoL during a 10-year follow-up. Their HRQoL was significantly better than in the untreated patients with AIS, except for the function domain. However, HRQoL remained at a lower level than in healthy controls.

Background: The use of opioids in non-cancer-related pain following skeletal trauma is controversial due to the presumed risk of dose escalation and dependence. We therefore examined the pattern of opioid prescriptions, that is, those actually dispensed, in patients with femoral shaft fractures.

Methods: We analysed data from the Swedish National Hospital Discharge Register and the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register between 2005 and 2008.

Results: We identified 1471 patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures. The median age was 75 (16-102) years and 56% were female. In this cohort, 891 patients (61%) received dispensed opioid prescriptions during a median follow-up of 20 months (interquartile range 11-32). In the age- and sex-matched comparison cohort (7339 individuals) without fracture, 25% had opioid prescriptions dispensed during the same period. The proportions of patients receiving opioid analgesics at 6 and 12 months after the fracture were 45% (95% CI 42-49) and 36% (32-39), respectively. The median daily morphine equivalent dose (MED) was between 15 and 17 mg 1-12 months post-fracture. After 3 months, less than 5% used prescription doses higher than 20 mg MED per day. Older age (≥ 70 compared with < 70 years) was a significant predictor of earlier discontinuation of opioid use (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.9).

Conclusion: A notable proportion of patients continued to receive dispensed prescriptions for opioids for over 6 months (45%) and more than a third of them (36%) continued treatment for at least 12 months. However, the risk of dose escalation seems to be small in opioid-naïve patients.

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.

Background

In obese patients, total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be technically demanding with increased perioperative risks. The aim of this prospective cohort study is to evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on radiological restoration of femoral offset (FO) and leg length as well as acetabular cup positioning.

Methods

In this prospective study, patients with unilateral primary osteoarthritis (OA) treated with THA between September 2010 and December 2013 were considered for inclusion. The perioperative plain radiographs were standardised and used to measure the preoperative degree of hip osteoarthritis, postoperative FO, leg length discrepancy (LLD), acetabular component inclination and anteversion.

Results

We included 213 patients (74.5% of those considered for inclusion) with a mean BMI of 27.7 (SD 4.5) in the final analysis. The postoperative FO was improper in 55% and the LLD in 15%, while the cup inclination and anteversion were improper in 13 and 23% of patients respectively. A multivariable logistic regression model identified BMI as the only factor that affected LLD. Increased BMI increased the risk of LLD (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.25). No other factors included in the model affected any of the primary or secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

Increased BMI showed a negative effect on restoration of post-THA leg length but not on restoration of FO or positioning of the acetabular cup. Age, gender, OA duration or radiological severity and surgeon’s experience showed no relation to post-THA restoration of FO, leg length or cup positioning.

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

Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) together with muscle wasting and dysfunction, that is sarcopenia, emerges as a risk factor for hip fracture. The aim of this study was to examine body composition and BMD and their relationship with trauma mechanisms in young and middle-aged patients with femoral neck fracture.

Materials and methods

Altogether, 185 patients with femoral neck fracture aged 20–69 were included. BMD, body composition and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were determined by dual-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and trauma mechanisms were registered.

Results

Ninety per cent of the whole study population had a femoral neck BMD below the mean for age. In the young patients (< 50 years), 27% had a Z-score of BMD ≤ −2 SD. More than half of the middle-aged patients (50–69 years) had osteopenia, that is T-score −1 to −2·5, and 35% had osteoporosis, that is T-score < −2·5, at the femoral neck. Patients with low-energy trauma, sport injury or high-energy trauma had a median standardised BMD of 0·702, 0·740 vs. 0·803 g/cm² (P = 0·03), and a median FFMI of 15·9, 17·7 vs. 17·5 kg/m² (P < 0·001), respectively. FFMI < 10th percentile of an age- and gender-matched reference population was observed in one-third.

Conclusions

A majority had low BMD at the femoral neck, and one-third had reduced FFMI (i.e. sarcopenia). Patients with fracture following low-energy trauma had significantly lower femoral neck BMD and FFMI than patients with other trauma mechanisms. DXA examination of both BMD and body composition could be of value especially in those with low-energy trauma.

Background Reduced bone mineral density (BMD) together with muscle wasting and dysfunction, that is sarcopenia, emerges as a risk factor for hip fracture. The aim of this study was to examine body composition and BMD and their relationship with trauma mechanisms in young and middle-aged patients with femoral neck fracture. Materials and methods Altogether, 185 patients with femoral neck fracture aged 20-69 were included. BMD, body composition and fat-free mass index (FFMI) were determined by dual-X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and trauma mechanisms were registered. Results Ninety per cent of the whole study population had a femoral neck BMD below the mean for age. In the young patients (<50years), 27% had a Z-score of BMD-2 SD. More than half of the middle-aged patients (50-69years) had osteopenia, that is T-score -1 to -25, and 35% had osteoporosis, that is T-score<-25, at the femoral neck. Patients with low-energy trauma, sport injury or high-energy trauma had a median standardised BMD of 0702, 0740 vs. 0803g/cm(2) (P=003), and a median FFMI of 159, 177 vs. 175kg/m(2) (P<0001), respectively. FFMI<10th percentile of an age- and gender-matched reference population was observed in one-third. Conclusions A majority had low BMD at the femoral neck, and one-third had reduced FFMI (i.e. sarcopenia). Patients with fracture following low-energy trauma had significantly lower femoral neck BMD and FFMI than patients with other trauma mechanisms. DXA examination of both BMD and body composition could be of value especially in those with low-energy trauma.

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.

BACKGROUND: One in four Swedish women suffers a hip fracture yielding high morbidity and mortality. We wanted to revalidate a 4-item clinical risk score and evaluate a portable heel bone mineral density (BMD) technique regarding hip and fragility fracture risk among elderly women.

METHODS: In a population-based prospective cohort study we used clinical risk factors from a baseline questionnaire and heel BMD to predict a two-year hip and fragility fracture outcome for women, in a fracture preventive program. Calcaneal heel BMD was measured by portable dual X-ray laser absorptiometry (DXL) and compared to hip BMD, measured with stationary dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique.

RESULTS: Seven women suffered hip fracture and 14 women fragility fracture/s (at hip, radius, humerus and pelvis) among 285 women; 60% having heel BMD <or= -2.5 SD. The 4-item FRAMO (Fracture and Mortality) Index combined the clinical risk factors age >or=80 years, weight <60 kg, prior fragility fracture, and impaired rise-up ability. Women having 2-4 risk factors showed odds ratio (OR) for hip fracture of 5.9 and fragility fracture of 4.4. High risk group hip fracture risk was 2.8% annually compared to 0.5% for the low risk majority (69%). Heel BMD showed hip fracture OR of 3.1 and fragility fracture OR of 2.6 per SD decrease. For 30 DXA assessed participants mean hip BMD at -2.5 SD level corresponded to a lower BMD at the heel. Five of seven hip fractures occurred within a small risk group of 32 women, identified by high FRAMO Index + prior fragility fracture + heel T-score <or=-3.5 SD.

CONCLUSIONS: In a follow-up study we identified high risk groups for hip and fragility fracture with our plain 4-item risk model. Increased fracture risk was also related to decreasing heel BMD in calcaneal bone, measured with a mobile DXL technique. A combination of high FRAMO Index, prior fragility fracture, and very low BMD restricted the high risk group to 11%, among whom most hip fractures occurred (71%). These practical screening methods could eventually reduce hip fracture incidence by concentrating preventive resources to high fracture risk women.

AIMS: To describe the epidemiology of acetabular fractures including patient characteristics, injury mechanisms, fracture patterns, treatment, and mortality.

METHODS: We retrieved information from the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) on all patients with acetabular fractures, of the native hip joint in the adult skeleton, sustained between 2014 and 2020. Study variables included patient age, sex, injury date, injury mechanism, fracture classification, treatment, and mortality.

RESULTS: In total, 2,132 patients with acetabular fractures from the SFR were included in the study. The majority of the patients were male (62%) and aged over 70 years old (62%). For patients aged > 70 years, the 30-day mortality was 8% and one-year mortality 24%. For patients aged ≤ 70 years, the 30-day mortality was 0.2% and one-year mortality 2%. Low-energy injuries (63%) and anterior wall fractures (20%) were most common. Treatment was most often non-surgical (75%).

CONCLUSION: The majority of patients who sustain an acetabular fracture are elderly (> 70 years), of male sex, and the fracture most commonly occurs after a simple, low-energy fall. Non-surgical treatment is chosen in the majority of acetabular fracture patients. The one-year mortality for elderly patients with acetabular fracture is similar to the mortality after hip fracture, and a similar multidisciplinary approach to care for these patients should be considered.

Objectives

To validate the classification of surgically treated acetabular fractures in the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR) and to investigate the intra- and interrater reliability of the Judet-Letournel / AO/OTA classification systems.

Methods

Surgically treated acetabular fractures were randomly selected from the SFR (n = 132) and 124 fractures were classified independently by three experienced orthopedic pelvic surgeons at two different occasions. A gold standard classification was established for each case after these two sessions or, if necessary, after a discussion session. The gold standard classification was compared to the registered SFR classification to assess the validity of SFR data. Accuracy and intra- and interrater agreement were evaluated using Cohen's kappa with interpretation according to Landis and Koch.

Results

There was moderate agreement between the established gold standard classification and the SFR (kappa 0.43). The level of agreement differed between classification groups. The intrarater agreement was substantial to almost perfect and interrater agreement was moderate to substantial.

Conclusions

The accuracy of acetabular fracture classifications in the SFR was moderate and comparable to previous validation studies from the SFR on other fracture types. As the accuracy differed between fracture groups, care should be taken when analyzing data from the SFR on specific acetabular fracture groups.

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.

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.

Background and Objectives: Chronic painful midportion Achilles combined with plantaris tendinopathy can be a troublesome condition to treat. The objective was to prospectively follow patients subjected to ultrasound (US)- and color doppler (CD)-guided wide awake, local anesthetic, no-tourniquet (WALANT) surgery in a private setting. Material and Methods: Twenty-six Swedish patients (17 men and 9 women, mean age 50 years (range 29-62)) and eight international male patients (mean age of 38 years (range 25-71)) with combined midportion Achilles and plantaris tendinopathy in 45 tendons altogether were included. All patients had had &gt;6 months of pain and had tried non-surgical treatment with eccentric training, without effect. US + CD-guided surgical scraping of the ventral Achilles tendon and plantaris removal under local anesthesia was performed on all patients. A 4-6-week rehabilitation protocol with an immediate full-weight-bearing tendon loading regime was used. The VISA-A score and a study-specific questionnaire evaluating physical activity level and subjective satisfaction with the treatment were used for evaluation. Results: At the 1-year follow-up, 32/34 patients (43 tendons) were satisfied with the treatment result and had returned to their pre-injury Achilles tendon loading activity. There were two dropouts (two tendons). For the Swedish patients, the mean VISA-A score increased from 34 (0-64) before surgery to 93 (61-100) after surgery (p &lt; 0.001). There were two complications, one wound rupture and one superficial skin infection. Conclusions: For patients suffering from painful midportion Achilles tendinopathy and plantaris tendinopathy, US + CD-guided surgical Achilles tendon scraping and plantaris tendon removal showed a high satisfaction rate and good functional results 1 year after surgery.

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.

Background: Foot drop is defined as a weakness in the ankle and foot dorsiflexors. A disruption of the neural pathway starting from the motor prefrontal cortex and ending in the peroneal nerve can lead to foot drop. Foot drop due to lower motor neuron injury is well documented. However, foot drop due to a central cause of cervical disc prolapse is very rare. Case presentation: A 55-year-old male presenting with neck pain, right and left arms radicular pain and numbness, and unilateral right foot drop following cervical disc prolapse. The patient presented with upper motor neuron lesion signs. MRI showed cervical disc prolapse at two levels, confirming central cause of foot drop. The patient underwent anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery. Discussion: Following decompression and fusion of involved cervical spine disc pathology, the patient had complete recovery of his right foot drop. Conclusions: Central causes, although rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of foot drop. Causes could be due to the compression effect of the cortico-spinal tract of the cervical spinal cord. Satisfactory results can be achieved upon correcting the causative lesion. 

Background: The long-term effect of distal radial fracture malunion on activity limitations is unknown. Between 2001 and 2002, we conducted a prospective cohort study of all patients with distal radial fracture treated with casting or percutaneous fixation in northeast Scania in Sweden. In that original study, the patients completed the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire at baseline and at 2 years. We performed a long-term follow-up study of patients who were 18 to 65 years of age at the time of the fracture to investigate the association between fracture malunion and activity limitations. Methods: In this long-term follow-up, patients who had participated in the original study completed the DASH questionnaire and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and for satisfaction (scored, 0 [best] to 100) and underwent radiographic and physical examinations at 12 to 14 years after the fracture. We defined malunion as dorsal angulation of >= 10 degrees, ulnar variance of >= 3 mm, and/or radial inclination of <= 15 degrees. We also assessed the presence of radiocarpal osteoarthritis and ulnar styloid nonunion. The primary outcome was the change in DASH score from baseline. Secondary outcomes were DASH, pain, and satisfaction scores, wrist range of motion, and grip strength at the time of the follow-up. Results: Of 85 eligible patients, 63 (74%) responded to the questionnaires and underwent examinations. Mal union was found in 25 patients, osteoarthritis was found in 38 patients, and styloid nonunion was found in 9 patients. Compared with patients without malunion, those with malunion had significantly worse DASH scores from baseline to 12 to 14 years (p = 0.002); the adjusted mean difference was 11 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 4 to 17 points). Similarly, follow-up scores were significantly worse among patients with malunion; the adjusted mean difference was 14 points (95% CI, 7 to 22 points; p < 0.001) for DASH scores, 10 points (95% CI, 0 to 20 points; p = 0.049) for VAS pain scores, and 26 points (95% CI, 11 to 41 points; p = 0.001) for VAS satisfaction scores. No differences were found in range of motion or grip strength. Osteoarthritis (mostly mild) and styloid nonunion had no significant association (p > 0.05) with DASH scores, VAS pain or satisfaction scores, or grip strength. Conclusions: Patients who sustain a distal radial fracture at the age of 18 to 65 years and develop malunion are more likely to have worse long-term outcomes including activity limitations and pain.

According to WHO, approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide have musculoskeletal conditions, which include various issues such as intact muscles, bones, joints, and fractures. Among those, fractures are the most common. Due to the emergency nature of diagnosing fractures, there is a high chance of misdiagnosis for several reasons, such as the unavailability of radiologists, physicians' lack of experience, and other factors. Fracture diagnostic or X-ray interpretation errors can be reduced if radiographs are always read instantly by radiologists or automatically. In our study, we are focusing on automating wrist fracture diagnosis, where we are utilizing the publicly available GRAZPEDWRI-DX dataset, which consists of 20,327 wrist radiographs. We employed the YOLOv9 model for fracture detection, achieving an mAP@50 of 0.677, which surpasses previous benchmarks. For fracture classification, we trained several state-of-the-art deep learning models, including VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50, EfficientNetB7, DenseNet121, MobileNet, and ConvNeXtXLarge. In particular, the YOLOv8-cls model surpassed all others in accuracy (0.93), precision (0.9352), and recall (0.8855), reaching its peak performance at epoch 70. To elucidate the decision-making process of both the detection and classification models, we generated explainable saliency maps through EigenCAM, making the models more explainable and interpretable.

Tendon injuries and tendinopathy are common disorders, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. The overall aim of this thesis was to better understand the mechanisms underlying tendon healing, pain, and inflammation.

The aim of the first study was to assess biomarkers of tendon healing, including procollagen type I (PINP) and type III (PIIINP) in relation to patient outcome in 65 patients with Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). At two weeks post-ATR, PINP and PIIINP-levels were quantified using microdialysis followed by ELISA. At one-year post-ATR patient outcome was assessed using the validated Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score. We found that higher ratio of PINP and PIIINP to total protein were significantly associated with less pain but more fatigue in the affected limb.

In the second study, we applied Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) therapy for two weeks to stimulate tendon healing. The patients received either adjuvant IPC treatment or treatment-as-usual in a plaster cast without IPC. We observed that IPC therapy significantly increased PINP levels in the injured tendon, suggesting enhanced healing response.

In our third study, we investigated healing response and the role of mast cells (MCs) in-vivo using an ATR rat model. Three weeks postoperatively, we demonstrated an increased number of MCs and a higher proportion of degranulated MCs in the injured tendon compared to the control. We further established that MCs in the injured tendon were positive for the glutamate receptor NMDAR1.

In our final study, we assessed the effect of glutamate stimulation on in-vitro-derived mouse bone marrow MCs. Mast cell degranulation was quantified through β-hexosaminidase release, immunofluorescence was used to quantify NMDARs at the protein level, and RT-qPCR/microarray was used to study the expression of NMDARs and associated genes. Glutamate induced a robust upregulation of glutamate receptors of both ionotropic and metabotropic type, both at the mRNA and at protein level. NMDAR1 co-localized with glutamate in the membrane of MCs, thereby confirming an interaction between glutamate and its receptor. Glutamate also induced expression of pro-inflammatory compounds such as IL-6 and CCL2 and transcription factors such as Egr2, Egr3 and FosB. Moreover, the NMDA-channel blocker MK-801 completely abrogated the response of MCs to glutamate, supporting a functional glutamate–glutamate receptor axis in MCs.

Together, findings presented in this dissertation reveal possible mechanisms of tendon healing in relation to pain and function, and establish a novel principle for how immune cells can communicate with nerve cells after ATR.

OBJECTIVE: Patients who sustain acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) exhibit variable and mostly impaired long-term functional, and patient-reported outcomes. However, there exists a lack of early predictive markers of long-term outcomes to facilitate the development of improved treatment methods. The aim of this study was to assess markers of tendon callus production in patients with ATR in terms of outcome, pain, and fatigue.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study; level of evidence 2. Outpatient orthopaedic/sports medicine department.

PATIENTS: A total of 65 patients (57 men, 8 women; mean age 41±7 years) with ATR were prospectively assessed.

ASSESSMENTS: Markers of tendon callus production, procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) and procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP), were assessed 2 weeks postoperatively using microdialysis followed by enzymatic quantification. Normalised procollagen levels (n-PINP and n-PIIINP) were calculated as the ratio of procollagen to total protein content. Pain and fatigue were assessed at 1 year using reliable questionnaires Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS).

RESULTS: Patients exhibited fatigue (77.6%) and pain (44.1%) to some extent. Higher levels of n-PINP (R=0.38, p=0.016) and n-PIIINP (R=0.33, p=0.046) were significantly associated with less pain in the limb. Increased concentrations of PINP (R=-0.47, p=0.002) and PIIINP (R=-0.37, p=0.024) were related to more self-reported fatigue in the leg. The results were corroborated by multiple linear regression analyses.

CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of procollagen markers in early tendon healing can predict long-term patient-reported outcomes after ATR. These novel findings suggest that procollagen markers could be used to facilitate the development of improved treatment methods in patients who sustain ATR.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NCT01317160: Results. NCT02318472: Pre-results.

Objectives: To investigate the prospective value of the transitional and dynamic patterns of pain disability over time on sick leave in chronic recurrent back/neck pain cases.

Methods: The material used was based on a longitudinal study with three repeated measurements. The graded Chronic Pain Scale was used to assess levels of pain disability. The relationship between the transitional patterns of the pain disability score ( ten defined states of decrease, increase or no change, between two time points) and sick leave was analyzed for 909 chronic/recurrent cases in three different models using logistic regression.

Results: Those with high level of pain disability have a more transitional pattern and their pain level changed during the time period studied. When adjusting for age, gender, education and previous sick leave, the final model indicated that the current level of pain disability was a risk factor in taking sick leave. The likelihood of sick leave was highest in the transition of pain into the highest levels of disability, independent of past disability level of pain. Earlier sick leave remained as an important predictor of sick leave.

Conclusions: From a clinical and prognostic perspective the probability of sick leave will be different and can be predicted based on previous sick leave but not from former history of pain disability level or its transitional pattern.