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OBJECTIVE To determine the rate of total knee replacement (TKR) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) compared to the general population. DESIGN Retrospective review. SETTING All hospitals that performed TKR and ACL-R in Manitoba between 1980 and 2015. PARTICIPANT All patients that underwent TKR and ACL-R in Manitoba between 1980 and 2015. INTERVENTION Patient factors gathered at time of surgery included: age, sex, urban or rural residence, neighborhood income quintile, and resource utilization band (RUB). Each person was matched with up to 5 people from the general population who had never had ACL-R and had not had a TKR at the time of the case ACL-R. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The rate of TKR after ACL-R. RESULTS Overall from 1980 to 2015, 8500 ACL-R were identified within the 16 to 60 years age group with a resultant 42 497 population matches. Sex was predominantly male. The mean age of the ACL-R group at the time of TKR was 53.7 years, whereas the mean age for the matched cohort was 58.2 years, P < 0.001. Those with ACL-R were 4.85 times more likely to go on to have TKR. Apart from age, no other risk factors examined (location, year of surgery, place of residence, income quintile, and RUB) seemed to increase risk of TKR after ACL-R. CONCLUSION Patients who underwent ACL-R were 5 times more likely to undergo TKR.

Objectives: Persistent anterolateral rotatory laxity following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been correlated with poor outcome and graft failure. We hypothesized that anterolateral complex reconstruction by way of a Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis (LET) in combination with single bundle ACLR would reduce the risk of persistent rotatory laxity in young individuals who are deemed as being at high risk of failure. Methods: This is a pragmatic, multicenter, randomized clinical trial comparing standard hamstring tendon ACLR with combined ACLR and LET, utilizing a strip of iliotibial band (Modified Lemaire). Patients aged 25 years or less with an ACL deficient knee were included. They also had to have two of the following three criteria: 1) Grade 2 pivot shift or greater; 2) Returning to high risk/pivoting sports; 3) Generalized ligamentous laxity. The primary outcome was graft failure defined as either the need for revision ACLR or symptomatic instability associated with a positive asymmetric pivot shift, indicating persistent rotational laxity. Secondary outcome measures included the P4 pain scale, KOOS, IKDC. Patients were followed for two years with visits at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively. A sample size of 300 per group was calculated based on a relative reduction in graft failure by 40%, with type 1 error of 5%, 80% power and 15% loss to follow-up rate. Results: 624 patients were randomized with a mean age of 18.9 (range: 14-25), 293 male. 436 (87.9%) patients presented pre-operatively with high-grade rotatory laxity (grade 2 pivot or greater) and 215 (42.1%) were diagnosed as having generalized ligamentous laxity (Beighton Score of 4 or greater). 523 of the 624 patients are at least 2 years postoperative; 29 lost to follow-up (˜5%). In the ACLR group 104/252 (41%) of patients suffered the primary outcome compared to 61/242 (25%) of the ACLR+LET patients (RR=0.61, 95%CI 0.47 to 0.79), pConclusion: The addition of LET to a hamstring autograft ACLR in young active patients significantly reduces graft failure and persistent anterolateral rotatory laxity at 2 years post operatively.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to 1) determine the rates of popeye deformity following biceps tenotomy versus tenodesis 2) identify predictors for developing a deformity, and 3) report the subjective and objective outcomes in patients with a popeye deformity. Methods: Data for this study were collected as part of a randomized clinical trial comparing tenodesis versus tenotomy in the treatment of lesions of the long head of biceps tendon. Patients 18 years of age or older undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery with intraoperative confirmation of a lesion of the long head of the biceps tendon randomized to one of these techniques were included. The primary outcome measure for this sub-study was the rate of a popeye deformity at 24-months post-operative as determined by an evaluator blinded to group allocation. Secondary outcomes were presence/absence of a popeye deformity based on patients responding to the following question: “Do you notice a bulge on the front of your upper arm above your elbow?” If yes, patients indicated their satisfaction with the appearance of their arm on a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS) with 0=“Unsatisfactory” and 10=“Satisfactory” as the anchors. Patients were also asked to indicate if they experienced pain or cramping on a VAS, and complete the American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES) and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff score (WORC). Isometric elbow flexion and supination strength (ratio of affected and unaffected) were also measured. Kappa was calculated to measure interrater reliability between patient and evaluator on the presence of a deformity, and logistic regression was used to identify possible predictors of its occurrence. Pearson correlations were performed to identify factors associated with dissatisfaction in appearance. Results: Fifty-seven participants were randomly assigned to each group of which 42 in the tenodesis group and 45 in the tenotomy group completed a 24-month follow-up. The overall incidence of popeye deformity based on clinical assessment was 21%, 9.5% (4/42) in the tenodesis group and 33% (15/45) in the tenotomy group. The odds of a popeye deformity resulting from a tenotomy was 4.3 times that of tenodesis (OR 4.3, 95% CI: 1.25-14.76; p=0.018). Gender was tending towards significance with males having 7.3 greater odds of a perceived deformity (p=0.067), while age and BMI were not predictive. There were no differences between those with and without a perceived deformity with respect to subjective and functional outcome measures. Based on patient self-assessment, the overall incidence of a deformity was 18%, 25% in the tenotomy group and 10% in the tenodesis group. The odds of a patient reporting a popeye deformity following tenotomy was 3.66 relative to tenodesis (OR=3.66, CI 95% 1.08-12.44; p=0.038). Gender, BMI, and age were not predictive of self-report of a popeye. Those with and without a self-reported popeye deformity differed with respect to pain (p=0.001), cramping (0.039), and WORC scores (pConclusions: The odds of observing a popeye deformity based on clinical assessment following tenotomy was 4.3 times higher than tenodesis at 24-months post-operative. Male gender may contribute to increased incidence, while age and BMI were not major contributors to the presence/absence of a popeye. In patients who reported a popeye deformity, increasing age was associated with increased satisfaction in the appearance of the arm.

International audience; Barriers to access and long-term complications remain a challenge in transplantation. Further advancements may be achieved through research priority setting with patient engagement to strengthen its relevance. We evaluated research priority setting in solid organ transplantation and described stakeholder priorities. Databases were searched to October 2016. We synthesized the findings descriptively. The 28 studies (n~=~2071 participants) addressed kidney [9 (32%)], heart [7 (25%)], liver [3 (11%)], lung [1 (4%)], pancreas [1 (4%)], and nonspecified organ transplantation [7 (25%)] using consensus conferences, expert panel meetings, workshops, surveys, focus groups, interviews, and the Delphi technique. Nine (32%) reported patient involvement. The 336 research priorities addressed the following: organ donation [43 priorities (14 studies)]; waitlisting and allocation [43 (10 studies)]; histocompatibility and immunology [31 (8 studies)]; immunosuppression [21 (10 studies)]; graft-related complications [38 (13 studies)]; recipient (non-graft-related) complications [86 (14 studies)]; reproduction [14 (1 study)], psychosocial and lifestyle [49 (7 studies)]; and disparities in access and outcomes [10 (4 studies)]. The priorities identified were broad but only one-third of initiatives engaged patients/caregivers, and details of the process were lacking. Setting research priorities in an explicit manner with patient involvement can guide investment toward the shared priorities of patients and health professionals.

Introduction: Rotator-cuff injury (RCI) represents 50% of shoulder injuries and prevalence increases with age. Even with successful tendon repair, muscle and joint function may not return. Methods: To explain the dysfunction, supraspinatus and ipsilateral deltoid (control) muscles were biopsied during arthroscopic RCI repair for pair-wise histological and protein-expression studies. Results: Supraspinatus showed fiber atrophy (P

The recent literature shows that imaging modalities, physical examination tests, and glenohumeral arthroscopy all have low sensitivities and specificities with respect to the diagnosis of the long head of biceps tendon pathology. Biceps tenoscopy is a strategy that aims to reduce the rate of missed diagnoses by improving visualization of the extra-articular part of the tendon. This is an area of predilection of pathology that is not adequately visualized with conventional arthroscopic techniques. This technical note presents the surgical technique for biceps tenoscopy.

Failure analysis was performed for two humeral tray components which fractured in vivo after only 6 and 9 months. Implant retrieval analysis indicated that the components failed due to fatigue failure initiating from a small radius fillet at the interface of the trunnion and tray regions. Finite element simulations revealed the small radius fillet to have resulted in a large stress concentration and confirmed the possibility for fatigue failure in 6 months. The stress concentration caused by both the small radius fillet and the insufficient tray thickness contributed to the premature fatigue failure of the humeral trays.

Large variation in tendon size between individuals makes hamstring graft diameter for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction unpredictable. Inadequate graft diameter may necessitate an alternative source of tissue requiring pre-operative planning. The purpose of this study was to determine whether magnetic resonance image (MRI) measurements and clinical anthropometric data are predictive of hamstring tendon graft diameter.Data from 109 patients having ACL reconstruction with semitendinosus-gracilis (STGT) autograft were retrospectively evaluated. Cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gracilis tendon (GT) and semitendinosus tendon (ST) were determined from pre-operative MRI scans. Variables included pre-operative height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age and gender; and intra-operative graft diameter.Correlations between anthropometric variables, hamstring tendons CSA and intra-operative graft diameter were calculated. Multiple stepwise regression was performed to assess the predictive value of these variables to graft diameter. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated to evaluate the utility of MRI CSA measurements in accurately identifying inadequate graft diameter (8 mm). All anthropometric variables were positively correlated with intraoperative graft diameter (p 0.01). Semitendinosus-gracilis tendon CSA (p 0.001) and STGT CSA and weight (p 0.001) were significantly predictive models of graft diameter. Sensitivity and specificity were 79 and 74 %, respectively.The strongest indicators of a four-stranded STGT graft for primary ACL reconstruction were STGT CSA on MRI plus weight. Measurement of graft diameter can be performed pre-operatively via MRI to identify tendons that may be of inadequate size for ACL reconstruction. This can assist with surgical planning to determine the most appropriate graft choice.III.

Background: Ice hockey is a fast, physical sport that requires high levels of muscular strength, muscular endurance and agility. Objectives: This study was conducted to create a profile including: anthropometric measurement, muscular strength, muscular endurance, lower body jump height and distance, and agility characteristics for elite youth hockey players. Methods: Pre-season off-ice testing results were retrospectively reviewed from a human performance database. Variables included height, weight, body fat percentage, grip strength, push-ups/bench press, supine rows, the plank test, vertical jump, standing long jump, hip adductor and abductor strength, and the 5-10-5 shuttle, and. One-way ANOVAs (1group x 4 time) and Tukeys post-hoc tests were performed to determine changes in the immediately successive age group (p

Previously validated knee arthroscopy evaluation tools have used human cadaveric knees. This is unsustainable because of the cost and scarcity of these specimens. Porcine (pig) knees are anatomically similar, affordable, and easily obtainable; however, whether porcine knees represent a suitable alternative to human specimens has not been evaluated.The purpose of this study was to determine whether porcine knees are similar to human cadaveric knees for the assessment of knee arthroscopy skills by evaluating (1) the validity of the porcine model (whether trainees of the same level of ability scored similarly when using the two models) and (2) the reliability of the porcine model (whether surgeons with experience achieved higher scores than surgeons with less experience in the porcine model).Eleven orthopaedic surgery residents (five junior residents and six senior residents), one orthopaedic sports medicine fellow, and three attending orthopaedic surgeons were enrolled. Participants were provided instructions for a proper arthroscopic examination of the knee and asked to identify, and then probe, the listed anatomic structures on both the human and porcine knee specimens. Each participant was asked to demonstrate the following skills: joint manipulation, instrument control and triangulation, fluid management, maintenance of field of view, economy of movement, and efficiency. The Objective Assessment of Arthroscopic Skills (OAAS) and checklist for diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee were used for skills assessment by one observer. Internal consistency, a measure of how well the assessment tool measures the skills being studied, was determined by Cronbach's α and group differences investigated by paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests where appropriate. Based on a sample size calculation, a total of 37 subjects would be required for the full-scale research study to achieve a power of 0.80, with α set at 0.05, to detect a difference in OAAS score of 4.73 (25%). This value is outside of the 95% confidence intervals for the human knee.We found the porcine model to have a high level of face validity. There was no difference with the numbers available in total OAAS scores (mean ± SD; 95% confidence interval [CI]) within subjects between the human (18.93 ± 7.54; 14.76-23.11) and porcine (17.87 ± 6.36; 14.34-21.39) knees (p = 0.433). There was also no difference (p = 0.234) with the numbers available in overall OAAS score among participants working on either human (2.60 ± 1.35; 1.85-3.35) or porcine (2.33 ± 0.90; 1.84-2.83) specimens. Internal consistency of the simulation for both the human and porcine knees was high and did not differ between groups (Cronbach's α was 0.919 in the human knee and 0.954 in the porcine knee), suggesting the OAAS outcome score specifically assesses arthroscopic skill of participants in both the human and porcine models. More experienced arthroscopists scored higher than did less experienced trainees; there was high correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient r, 95% CI) between years of experience and total OAAS scores in human (0.78; 0.46-0.92) and porcine (0.80; 0.49-0.93) diagnostic arthroscopy models.The porcine cadaveric knee model was a valid surrogate for the human knee in arthroscopic skills assessment.Trainees can be objectively evaluated using an affordable model that allows summative and formative feedback in the laboratory at a fraction of the cost of previously validated methods.

The aim of this review was to compare the clinical outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with either meniscal repair or meniscectomy for concomitant meniscal injury. The primary hypothesis was that short-term clinical outcomes (≤ 2-year follow-up) for ACLR concomitant with either meniscal repair or resection would be similar. The secondary hypothesis was that ACLR with meniscal repair would result in better longer term outcomes compared with meniscal resection. The authors searched two online databases (EMBASE and MEDLINE) from inception until March 2018 for the literature on ACLR and concurrent meniscal surgery. Two reviewers systematically screened studies in duplicate, independently, and based on a priori criteria. Quality assessment was also performed in duplicate. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) sub-scale scores at 2 years post-operatively were combined in a meta-analysis of proportions using a random-effects model. Of 2566 initial studies, 25 studies satisfied full-text inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 2.09 years, with a total sample of 37,087 subjects including controls. The meta-analysis demonstrated equivocal results at 2 years, except for KOOS symptom scores which favoured meniscal resection over repair. Mean KT-1000 side-to-side difference (SSD) scores were 1.51 ± 0.60 mm for meniscal repair, 1.96 ± 0.36 mm for meniscal resection, and 1.58 ± 0.20 for control patients (isolated ACLR). Medial meniscal repair showed decreased anterior knee joint laxity compared to medial meniscal resection (P

Objective To examine the long-term effect of participation in a 12-week lower-body positive pressure (LBPP)-supported low-load treadmill exercise regime on knee joint pain, physical function, and thigh muscle strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design Prospective, observational, repeated measures. Setting Clinical orthopedic setting. Patients Nineteen overweight patients with knee OA. Intervention Participants exercised under low-load treadmill walking conditions 2×/week for 12 weeks using an amount of LBPP support that minimized knee pain while walking for a period of 30 minutes at a set speed of 3.1 mph at 0-degree incline. Main outcome measures Knee pain, function, thigh muscle strength, and body anthropometry were reassessed a minimum of 6 months after completion of the initial exercise regime and compared with results from baseline and postexercise evaluation. Results Data suggested that: (1) patients were able to maintain improvements in knee joint pain and symptoms; (2) patients continued to report enhanced joint function and improved quality of life; and (3) patients maintained thigh muscle strength gains. Finally, a majority of patients continued to experience significant reductions in acute knee pain during full weight-bearing treadmill walking. Conclusions Data suggest that improvements in knee pain, joint function, and thigh muscle strength associated with participation in a 12-week LBPP-supported low-load exercise regime were maintained well after cessation of the program. These findings have important implications for the development and refinement of exercise strategies and interventions used in the long-term management of joint symptoms associated with knee OA in overweight patients.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is an effective treatment for patients with rotator cuff arthropathy; however, complication rates are relatively high (19%-50%), with implant instability and infection being particularly devastating to overall outcomes. The objective of this study was to analyze the highest level of data comparing dislocation rates and outcomes in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with and without the subscapularis tendon repaired.The databases MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL were searched using a sensitive search strategy for this meta-analysis/systematic review. Eligibility included any studies in which patients were treated with a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in which the status of the subscapularis tendon could be determined. A data extraction form was developed to collect select data from the included studies. A meta-analysis was performed on pooled data of 5 studies comparing dislocation rates and 3 studies comparing postoperative forward elevation, rate of infection, overall complication rates, and fractures.Two independent researchers reviewed 1008 studies. Seven studies met inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was performed on all level III studies, resulting in 1306 patients being analyzed. Results demonstrated lower dislocation rates in the subscapularis repair group (odds ratio, 0.19; P.001). However, in patients without a subscapularis repair, lateralized center of rotation (COR) resulted in a significantly lower dislocation rate compared with medialized COR (odds ratio, 0.24; P.001).The results of our meta-analysis of the available data demonstrated a decrease in dislocation risk when the subscapularis tendon was repaired in medialized and lateralized designs. When subscapularis repair is not performed, lateralized COR, regardless of humeral socket design, may reduce the dislocation rates.

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and posterolateral corner (PLC) knee injuries are relatively rare but can lead to significant instability, dysfunction, and chronic knee pathologies. Recent trends in the literature suggest that the best clinical outcomes are obtained through the early identification and timely management of PCL and PLC injuries. Appropriate use of physical examination tests and imaging studies is a crucial part of the initial assessment, allowing identification of all associated injuries and accurate preoperative planning. In this article, we present an evidence-based approach for the assessment of PCL and PLC injuries by focusing on the physical examination, relevant imaging studies, and diagnostic arthroscopy.

Ice hockey is a physiologically complex sport requiring aerobic and anaerobic energy metabolism. College and professional teams often test aerobic fitness; however, there is a paucity of information regarding aerobic fitness of elite youth players. Without this knowledge, training of youth athletes to meet the standards of older age groups and higher levels of hockey may be random, inefficient, and or effective. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the aerobic fitness of elite youth hockey players. A retrospective database review was performed for 200 male AAA hockey players between the ages of 13 and 17 (age, 14.4 ± 1.2 years; height, 174.3 ± 8.5 cm; body mass, 67.2 ± 11.5 kg; body fat, 9.8 ± 3.5%) before the 2012-13 season. All subjects performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer, whereas expired air was collected by either a Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400 or a CareFusion Oxycon Mobile metabolic cart to determine maximal oxygen consumption (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max). Body mass, absolute V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, and the power output achieved during the last completed stage increased in successive age groups from age 13 to 15 years (p ≤ 0.05). Ventilatory threshold (VT) expressed as a percentage of V[Combining Dot Above]O2max and the heart rate (HR) at which VT occurred decreased between the ages of 13 and 14 years (p ≤ 0.05), whereas the V[Combining Dot Above]O2 at which VT occurred increased from the age of 14-15 years. There were no changes in relative V[Combining Dot Above]O2max or HRmax between any successive age groups. The aerobic fitness levels of elite youth ice hockey players increased as players age and mature physically and physiologically. However, aerobic fitness increased to a lesser extent at older ages. This information has the potential to influence off-season training and maximize the aerobic fitness of elite amateur hockey players, so that these players can meet standards set by advanced elite age groups.

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the National Hockey League (NHL) and to examine the effects of this injury on return-to-play status and performance. DESIGN Case series; level of evidence, 4. METHODS This was a 2-phase study. Phase I used the NHL electronic injury surveillance system and Athlete Health Management System to collect data on ACL injuries and man games lost over 10 seasons (2006/2007-2015/2016). Data collected in phase I were received in deidentified form. Phase II examined the performance impact of an ACL injury. Players were identified through publically available sources, and performance-related statistics were analyzed. Data collected in phase II were not linked to data collected in phase I. A paired t test was used to determine any difference in the matching variables between controls and cases in the preinjury time period. A General linear model (mixed) was used to determine the performance impact. RESULTS Phase I: 67 ACL injuries occurred over 10 seasons. The incidence for all players was 0.42/1000 player game hours (forward, 0.61; defenseman, 0.32, goalie, 0.08) and by game exposure was 0.2/1000 player game exposures (forward, 0.33; defenseman, 0.11; goalie, 0.07). Forwards had a greater incidence rate of ACL tears with both game hours and game exposures when compared with defensemen and goalies (P < 0.001

Knee dislocations and in particular posterolateral corner injuries to the knee are severe injuries demanding an organized approach and technically challenging surgery. Complications include unrecognized vascular or neurological injury and failure to reconstruct appropriately. During reconstruction, performing an inappropriate operation (failure to recognize malalignment) or technical error with tunnel or hardware placement can lead to delayed problems. Wound infection and wound breakdown is common as in arthrofibrosis often from overconstraint of the knee. Attention to principles and expertise in technique can minimize these complications.

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to determine whether quality of life and function, as measured using subjective questionnaires and clinical assessment, are different after open versus arthroscopic debridement of the pathologic extensor carpi radialis brevis origin in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis at 1 year postoperatively.Patients older than 16 years with a minimum of 6 months of nonoperative management for lateral epicondylitis were recruited into this prospective, single-blinded randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomized intraoperatively to undergo open or arthroscopic release. Scores on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure; visual analog scale (VAS); and Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) were recorded preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Grip strength was assessed by an independent assessor. All patients followed the same physiotherapy regimen.Between 2002 and 2014, we randomized 37 patients to the open technique and 38 to the arthroscopic technique. Both groups improved significantly from preoperatively to 12 months postoperatively (P.001). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups when comparing the DASH score, VAS score, PRTEE score, or grip strength at any time point. The only significant difference between study groups was that the arthroscopic technique resulted in a longer surgery time: 34.0 minutes (standard error of the mean, 2.9 minutes) versus 22.5 minutes (standard error of the mean, 1.3 minutes) (P = .005).Comparing the open versus arthroscopic technique in the surgical management of lateral epicondylitis through a randomized clinical trial, we determined that there was no difference between the 2 operative modalities when examining the DASH score, VAS score, PRTEE score, grip strength, or complication rate at 12 months postoperatively. A shorter operative time coupled with potentially less setup time may favor open release.Level II, lower-quality randomized trial.

Background: Rugby is a popular collision sport where participants are at risk of sustaining concussions. Most research focuses on elite-level or youth divisions. Comparatively, little is known about adult community rugby. The aim of this research was to estimate the risk of sustaining a concussion during participation in community-level rugby and summarize the collective knowledge and attitudes toward concussions. Hypothesis: Concussion symptoms will be reported frequently among community-level rugby players and a substantial proportion will report a willingness to continue participation despite the risk. Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: An anonymous, voluntary survey was administered to all 464 senior rugby players registered in the province of Manitoba in 2015. Two primary domains were assessed: (1) concussion history from the preceding season including occurrence, symptomatology, and impact on daily activities and (2) knowledge and attitudes toward concussion risks and management. Results: In total, 284 (61.2%) rugby players responded. Concussive symptoms were reported by 106 (37.3%). Of those, 87% were formally diagnosed with a concussion and 27% missed school and/or work as a result. The danger of playing while symptomatic was recognized by 93.7% of participants, yet 29% indicated they would continue while symptomatic. Furthermore, 39% felt they were letting others down if they stopped playing due to a concussion. Conclusion: Concussive symptoms were common among the study cohort and had a notable impact on daily activities. A high proportion of players were willing to continue while experiencing symptoms despite recognizing the danger. The observed discord between knowledge and attitudes implicates a culture of “playing injured.” Clinical Relevance: Understanding the risk of injury may affect an individual’s decision to participate in community-level rugby. Moreover, evidence of discord between the knowledge and attitudes of players may direct future research initiatives and league governance.

Background: External rotation (ER) bracing has been shown to improve labral reduction in cadaveric studies, but this has not translated to universal improvement in re-dislocation rates in clinical series. Purpose: To systematically review and critically appraise the literature that investigates how well the labrum is actually reduced by ER in patients who have had an anterior shoulder dislocation. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature using the online databases Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register. Studies were included if they reported on the difference in labral reduction after ER and internal rotation bracing in patients who had a traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. Results: Of the 6 studies included, 5 assessed labral reduction on magnetic resonance imaging and 1 arthroscopically. Each study reported an overall improvement in labral reduction with ER, but anatomic reduction was not commonly achieved. This was despite the use of extreme positions that are unlikely to be well tolerated. Conclusion: External rotation results in anatomic reduction of the labrum in only 35% of cases. We postulate that failure to reduce the labrum may be a contraindication to ER bracing and propose further study to determine whether acute MRI could be used to help identify patients in whom ER achieves labral reduction in a comfortable position. This approach also has the advantage of avoiding the significant inconvenience of ER bracing in those in whom the labrum does not reduce and are therefore theoretically less likely to benefit. However, it is a novel strategy with significant resource implications and therefore warrants further study.

Benefits of graft harvest from the side contralateral to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-deficient leg have been identified when using bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts in ACL reconstruction (ACLR). As hamstring tendon autografts are becoming more commonly used, a study examining the effect of contralateral graft harvest of semitendinosus gracilis (STG) tendons on patient quality of life was conducted.To evaluate if ACLR using a hamstring tendon autograft results in better patient quality of life if the graft is harvested from the leg contralateral to the ACL rupture compared with the ipsilateral leg.Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.A total of 100 participants between 16 and 50 years of age with a complete ACL tear were randomly assigned to undergo ACLR using either the ipsilateral or contralateral leg as the STG graft donor. Primary outcome measures were the ACL Quality of Life questionnaire (ACL-QOL), concentric knee flexion and extension strength at 60 and 240 deg/s, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) knee assessment form, early postoperative pain and diary of analgesic use, and rate of reruptures. Outcome measures were evaluated before surgery and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery.The ACL-QOL score improved over time for both groups (P.001), and there were no significant differences between groups at any time point (P = .528). Significant differences in knee flexion and extension strength were found at 3 months after surgery. There were no differences between groups in IKDC knee assessment scores or rerupture rates.There does not appear to be any measurable benefit or drawback in quality of life to the use of an STG graft from the unaffected limb. In light of this finding, further research to examine other possible effects on agility and balance as well as time and ability to return to sport should be conducted. Longer term follow-up beyond 2 years would allow for a more thorough evaluation of the risk of reruptures or contralateral reruptures using this novel approach.

Dexamethasone prolongs the duration of interscalene block, but the benefits of higher doses and perineural vs intravenous administration remain unclear. This factorial design, double-blinded trial randomized 280 adult patients undergoing ambulatory arthroscopic shoulder surgery at a single centre in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Patients received ultrasound-guided interscalene block with 30 mL 0.5% bupivacaine and 4 mg or 8 mg dexamethasone by either the perineural or intravenous route. The primary outcome (block duration measured as the time of first pain at the surgical site) and secondary outcomes (adverse effects, postoperative neurologic symptoms) were assessed by telephone. In this superiority trial, the predetermined minimum clinically important difference for comparisons between doses and routes was 3.0 hr. The perineural route significantly prolonged the mean block duration by 2.0 hr (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4 to 3.5 hr; P = 0.01), but 8 mg of dexamethasone did not significantly prolong the mean block duration compared with 4 mg (1.3 hr; 95% CI, −0.3 to 2.9 hr, P = 0.10), and there was no significant statistical interaction (P = 0.51). The mean (95% CI) block durations, in hours, were 24.0 (22.9 to 25.1), 24.8 (23.2 to 26.3), 25.4 (23.8 to 27.0), and 27.2 (25.2 to 29.3) for intravenous doses of 4 and 8 mg and perineural doses of 4 and 8 mg, respectively. There were no marked differences in side effects between groups. At 14 postoperative days, 57 (20.4%) patients reported neurologic symptoms, including dyspnea and hoarseness. At six months postoperatively, only six (2.1%) patients had residual symptoms, with four (1.4%) patients’ symptoms unlikely related to interscalene block. Compared with the intravenous route, perineural dexamethasone prolongs the mean interscalene block duration by a small amount that may or may not be clinically significant, regardless of dose. However, the difference in mean block durations between 8 mg and 4 mg of dexamethasone is highly unlikely to be clinically important, regardless of the administration route. www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02426736). Registered 14 April 2015.

Objectives: To summarize the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric sports-related concussion (SRC) patients who were evaluated and managed at a multidisciplinary pediatric concussion program and examine the healthcare resources and personnel required to meet the needs of this patient population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all pediatric SRC patients referred to the Pan Am Concussion Program from September 1st, 2013 to May 25th, 2015. Initial assessments and diagnoses were carried out by a single neurosurgeon. Return-to-Play decision-making was carried out by the multidisciplinary team. Results: 604 patients, including 423 pediatric SRC patients were evaluated at the Pan Am Concussion Program during the study period. The mean age of study patients was 14.30 years (SD: 2.32, range 7-19 years); 252 (59.57%) were males. Hockey (182; 43.03%) and soccer (60; 14.18%) were the most commonly played sports at the time of injury. Overall, 294 (69.50%) of SRC patients met the clinical criteria for concussion recovery, while 75 (17.73%) were lost to follow-up, and 53 (12.53%) remained in active treatment at the end of the study period. The median duration of symptoms among the 261 acute SRC patients with complete follow-up was 23 days (IQR: 15, 36). Overall, 25.30% of pediatric SRC patients underwent at least one diagnostic imaging test and 32.62% received referral to another member of our multidisciplinary clinical team. Conclusion: Comprehensive care of pediatric SRC patients requires access to appropriate diagnostic resources and the multidisciplinary collaboration of experts with national and provincially-recognized training in TBI.

Surgical skills education is in the process of a crucial transformation from a master-apprenticeship model to simulation-based training. Orthopaedic surgery is one of the surgical specialties where simulation-based skills training needs to be integrated into the curriculum efficiently and urgently. The reason for this strong and pressing need is that orthopaedic surgery covers broad human anatomy and pathologies and requires learning enormously diverse surgical procedures including basic and advanced skills. Although the need for a simulation-based curriculum in orthopaedic surgery is clear, several obstacles need to be overcome for a smooth transformation. The main issues to be addressed can be summarized as defining the skills and procedures so that simulation-based training will be most effective; choosing the right time period during the course of orthopaedic training for exposure to simulators; the right amount of such exposure; using objective, valid and reliable metrics to measure the impact of simulation-based training on the development and progress of surgical skills; and standardization of the simulation-based curriculum nationwide and internationally. In the new era of surgical education, successful integration of simulation-based surgical skills training into the orthopaedic curriculum will depend on efficacious solutions to these obstacles in moving forward.

Background Rotator-cuff injury (RCI) is common and painful; even after surgery, joint stability and function may not recover. Relative contributions to atrophy from disuse, fibrosis, denervation, and satellite-cell responsiveness to activating stimuli are not known. Methods and findings Potential contributions of denervation and disrupted satellite cell responses to growth signals were examined in supraspinatus (SS) and control (ipsilateral deltoid) muscles biopsied from participants with RCI (N = 27). Biopsies were prepared for explant culture (to study satellite cell activity), immunostained to localize Pax7, BrdU, and Semaphorin 3A in satellite cells, sectioning to study blood vessel density, and western blotting to measure the fetal (γ) subunit of acetylcholine receptor (γ-AchR). Principal component analysis (PCA) for 35 parameters extracted components identified variables that contributed most to variability in the dataset. γ-AchR was higher in SS than control, indicating denervation. Satellite cells in SS had a low baseline level of activity (Pax7+ cells labelled in S-phase) versus control; only satellite cells in SS showed increased proliferative activity after nitric oxide-donor treatment. Interestingly, satellite cell localization of Semaphorin 3A, a neuro-chemorepellent, was greater in SS (consistent with fiber denervation) than control muscle at baseline. PCAs extracted components including fiber atrophy, satellite cell activity, fibrosis, atrogin-1, smoking status, vascular density, γAchR, and the time between symptoms and surgery. Use of deltoid as a control for SS was supported by PCA findings since "muscle" was not extracted as a variable in the first two principal components. SS muscle in RCI is therefore atrophic, denervated, and fibrotic, and has satellite cells that respond to activating stimuli. Conclusions Since SS satellite cells can be activated in culture, a NO-donor drug combined with stretching could promote muscle growth and improve functional outcome after RCI. PCAs suggest indices including satellite cell responsiveness, atrogin-1, atrophy, and innervation may predict surgical outcome.

Rotator-cuff injury (RCI) represents 50% of shoulder injuries, and prevalence increases with age. Even with successful tendon repair, muscle and joint function may not return.To explore the dysfunction, supraspinatus and ipsilateral deltoid (control) muscles were biopsied during arthroscopic RCI repair for pair-wise histological and protein-expression studies.Supraspinatus showed fiber atrophy (P 0.0001), fibrosis (by Sirius Red, P = 0.05), reduced vascular density (P 0.001), and a lower proportion of slow fibers (P 0.0001) compared with the ipsilateral control muscle. There were also higher levels of atrogin-1 (P = 0.05), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, P 0.01), and dystrophin (P 0.008, relative to fiber diameter) versus control.Adaptive changes in vascular endothelial growth factor and dystrophin were likely associated with reduced vascular supply, fatigue resistance, and fibrosis, accompanied by disuse atrophy from mechanical unloading of supraspinatus after tendon tear. Treatment to promote growth and vascularity in atrophic supraspinatus muscle may help improve functional outcome after surgical repair. Muscle Nerve 55: 715-726, 2017.

Objective To investigate intrinsic changes of the anterior cruciate ligament-reconstructed and control (contralateral) knees after a half marathon. Design Prospective case series. Setting Sports Medicine Clinic. Participants Eight runners were included in the analysis. Interventions Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both knees within 48 hours before and after competition. Participants completed the Tegner Activity Level Scale and a Knee Demographic Questionnaire before the preevent MRI scan. Main outcome measures The incidence of MRI-identified cartilage, ligament, bone, and meniscus pathology in the ACL-reconstructed and control knees. Results The control knees of 5 runners (63%) demonstrated cartilage lesions, but no change was evident on postevent MRI. Preevent MRI in ACL-reconstructed knees demonstrated Grade IV meniscal lesions (4 of 8), Grades II (2 of 8) and IV cartilage lesions (4 of 8), and Type I bony edema (4 of 8). Although not significant, ACL-reconstructed knees demonstrated a strong trend (P = 0.01) toward a greater incidence of bone marrow edema on postevent MRIs compared with control knees. Conclusions This is the first study to compare the effects of running on intrinsic structures of a normal and ACL-reconstructed knee. Reconstructed knees demonstrated a greater incidence of bone marrow edema on postevent scans, but knee pathology evident on preevent scans did not progress in either control or ACL-reconstructed knees.

Multiple ligament injuries of the knee are rare, and severe injuries are often present following a knee dislocation. Appropriate initial evaluation and management is of critical importance for maximizing the potential outcome and avoiding disastrous consequences associated with these difficult injuries. While many of these injuries present acutely in an emergency department or clinic, presentation on a delayed basis is not uncommon. Injuries can present in a variety of situations, such as an isolated knee injury in an athlete or as part of a multisystem-injured trauma patient. In this publication, we review the etiology, classification, and comprehensive initial evaluation of the acute and chronic multiple-ligament injured knee.

Background: Controversy exists regarding the optimal technique for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The purpose of this multicenter, randomized, double-blind controlled study was to compare the functional outcomes and healing rates after use of single-row and double-row suture techniques for repair of the rotator cuff. Methods: Ninety patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomized to receive either a single-row or a double-row repair. The primary objective was to compare the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) score at twenty-four months. Secondary objectives included comparison of the Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores and strength between groups. Anatomical outcomes were assessed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasonography to determine the postoperative healing rates. Results: Baseline demographic data including age (p = 0.29), sex (p = 0.68), affected side (p = 0.39), and rotator cuff tear size (p = 0.28) did not differ between groups. The WORC score did not differ significantly between groups at any time point (p = 0.48 at baseline, p = 0.089 at three months, p = 0.52 at six months, p = 0.83 at twelve months, and p = 0.60 at twenty-four months). The WORC score at each postoperative time point was significantly better than the baseline value. The Constant score, ASES score, and strength did not differ significantly between groups at any time point. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a smaller initial tear size and double-row fixation were associated with higher healing rates. Conclusions: No significant differences in functional or quality-of-life outcomes were identified between single-row and double-row fixation techniques. A smaller initial tear size and a double-row fixation technique were associated with higher healing rates as assessed with ultrasonography or MRI. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears with and without subacromial decompression. Methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (third quarter of 2011), Medline (1948 to week 1 of September 2011), and Embase (1980 to week 37 of 2011) for eligible randomized controlled trials. Two reviewers selected studies for inclusion, assessed methodologic quality, and extracted data. Pooled analyses were performed by use of a random effects and relative risk model with computation of 95% confidence intervals. Results: We included 4 randomized trials and 373 patients. Methodologic quality was variable as assessed by the CLEAR NPT (Checklist to Evaluate a Report of a Non-pharmacological Trial) tool. One trial showed that there was no difference in disease-specific quality of life (Western Ontario Rotator Cuff questionnaire) between the 2 treatment groups. A meta-analysis of shoulder-specific outcome measures (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons or Constant scores) or the rate of reoperation between patients treated with subacromial decompression and those treated without it also showed no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: On the basis of the currently available literature, there is no statistically significant difference in subjective outcome after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with or without acromioplasty at intermediate follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level I, systematic review of Level I studies.

Background: The primary objective of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to compare functional and quality-of-life indices and rates of revision surgery in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with and without acromioplasty. Methods: Eighty-six patients consented and were randomly assigned intraoperatively to one of two study groups, and sixty-eight of them completed the study. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index. Secondary outcome measures included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder assessment form and a count of revisions required in each group. Outcome measures were completed preoperatively and at three, six, twelve, eighteen, and twenty-four months after surgery. Results: WORC and ASES scores improved significantly in each group over time (p < 0.001). There were no differences in WORC or ASES scores between the groups that had arthroscopic cuff repair with or without acromioplasty at any time point. There were no differences in scores on the basis of acromion type, nor were any interaction effects identified between group and acromion type. Four participants (9%) in the group that had arthroscopic cuff repair alone, one with a Type-2 and three with a Type-3 acromion, required additional surgery by the twenty-four-month time point. The number of patients who required additional surgery was greater (p = 0.05) in the group that had arthroscopic cuff repair alone than in the group that had arthroscopic cuff repair and acromioplasty. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with previous research reports in which there was no difference in functional and quality-of-life indices for patients who had rotator cuff repair with or without acromioplasty. The higher reoperation rate was found in the group without acromioplasty. Further study that includes follow-up imaging and patient-reported outcomes over a greater follow-up period is needed. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Multiple ligament injured knee is a heterogenous group of injuries, which remains a challenging entity for physicians to manage. Complications that are associated with this severe injury can occur from the injury itself or can arise from emergency or definitive treatment. The development of these complications can alter management options and compromise patient outcomes.

Unfortunately, the middle name of Olufemi R. Ayeni was accidentally omitted in the original publication and the author name is corrected here. The original article has been corrected.

The key to successful treatment of the multi-ligament injured knee is to identify and treat all pathology step by step. In an emergency, if necessary, the knee has to be reduced and a ligamentous examination has to be performed, but a vascular and neurologic examination is also of great priority. Concerning surgical timing, we try to perform our reconstruction 2 to 3 weeks after injury. We prefer the use of an allograft for anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Cases requiring collateral ligament reconstruction may necessitate primary repair, reconstruction, or both and also incorporate allograft tissues. The posterior cruciate ligament is reconstructed first, followed by the anterior cruciate ligament, the lateral side of the knee, and the medial side. Postoperatively, we use a hinged brace with no weightbearing for the first 6 weeks. Passive and active range of motion in the brace is begun immediately.

Objectives: The purpose of this prospective randomized, double blinded controlled trial was to compare patient-reported outcomes and clinical results between arthroscopic Bankart repair with and without arthroscopic infraspinatus remplissage in patients with anterior shoulder instability with a Hill-Sachs lesion. Failure to recognize and address large Hill Sach’s defects during arthroscopic stabilization surgery for glenohumeral instability is known to lead to high rates of recurrence. Arthroscopic remplissage has evolved in recent years as a reproducible technique with a proposed benefit of decreased dislocations. However, there are no high level clinical studies to conclusively support its efficacy in reducing redislocations. Methods: One hundred and four patients, aged 14 years and older, with a confirmed Hill Sach’s lesion on ultrasound, CT or MRI, were randomized intraoperatively after confirming an engaging Hill Sach’s lesion to either undergo arthroscopic infraspinatus remplissage (REMP) or no remplissage during arthroscopic Bankart repair (NO REMP). Exclusion criteria included a glenoid defect >15% of the AP glenoid diameter, significant shoulder arthropathy, infection, or medical comorbidities. The primary outcome measure was the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability score (WOSI). Secondary outcomes included the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), the American Shoulder and Elbow Society standardized assessment of shoulder function (ASES), active range of motion, stability tests, and incidence of revision surgery. Study time points were pre-, 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-months post-operative. Significance level was 0.05. Results: A summary of demographics and outcomes are presented in Table 1. There were 53 patients (45 men, 8 women) randomized to REMP and 52 (46 men, 6 women) patients to NO REMP. The groups were comparable with regard to age, body mass index (BMI), and gender distribution). Both groups demonstrated a similar improvement in all subjective scores over time to 12-months post-operative with no difference between the groups (collection of data to 24-months post-operative is ongoing until 2019). The WOSI significantly improved from pre- to 12-months post-operative in both study groups. There were no differences between groups at any time point. ASES scores and SST scores followed a similar pattern. Additionally, there were no differences in range of motion between groups at any time point. There were 2/53 re-dislocations in REMP postoperatively compared to 6/52 in NO REMP; this difference was not significant (p=0.161). There were no differences between groups in reports of limitations in participation in sport attributed to the operated shoulder up to 12-months post-operative. Conclusion: Based on this study, there is no difference in subjective outcome scores and redislocations rates between remplissage and no remplissage for an engaging Hill Sach’s lesion while performing arthroscopic Bankart stabilization. As data continues to be gathered to 24-months post-operative including MRI, longer term benefits or drawbacks may become evident. Table 1. Subjective outcomes by group - Mean (SD). NO REMP REMP p-value WOSI (%): Pre 43 (21.7) 43.1 (17.5) 0.904 WOSI (%): 12 mo 79.1 (19.8) 81.1 (14.9) 0.645 ASES (%): Pre 69.2 (22.3) 74.1 (18.2) 0.239 ASES (%): 12 mo 89.1 (11.5) 89.1 (14.3) 0.990 SST (/12): Pre 9.1 (2.4) 8.9 (2.8) 0.675 SST (/12): 12 mo 11.4 (1.3) 11.5 (1.0) 0.631 Limited by shoulder in return to sport (0-100): 12 mo 27.4 (31.3) 20.9 (24.3) 0.351

The experience of two Canadian surgeons at separate university centers is discussed. The majority of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries encountered are associated with multiligament knee injuries and knee dislocations. Although not optimal, it is not unusual to have these injuries referred for orthopaedic assessment on a chronic basis. In the setting of multiligament injury we prefer to proceed with timely reconstruction of the PCL with a tendo-Achilles allograft in a single bundle construct. Other high-grade ligament injuries are repaired and/or reconstructed simultaneously as appropriate. Double bundle reconstructions are reserved for isolated PCL injury or in revision situations.

Surgical treatment of distal hamstring ruptures at the knee is rare and has been reported infrequently in the literature. This article describes a 22-year-old former collegiate football player who had his career cut short secondary to a chronic distal rupture of the biceps femoris at the knee. Reconstruction of the distal biceps femoris tendon with semitendinosus allograft resulted in an excellent clinical outcome and allowed the patient to return to a high level of physical activity. This case presents a unique cause of knee pain and weakness in a young, active patient and a corresponding effective surgical treatment for such an injury.

Treatment of multidirectional glenohumeral instability is a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon and generally involves nonoperative therapy as the first line of treatment. In patients who fail conservative treatment, successful results can be achieved with open surgery. More recently, there has been increased interest in the use of arthroscopic techniques, including capsular plication, capsular shifting, and thermal modification with the use of laser or radiofrequency devices. Reports have indicated that these arthroscopic techniques can offer good short-term results. However, with longer-term outcome studies showing high long-term failure rates regardless of method, it is necessary to explore other procedural options of providing these patients with some form of relief. We present a salvage procedure involving Achilles tendon allograft reconstruction of the glenohumeral ligament complex in patients with severe multidirectional shoulder instability (most of whom also exhibited an underlying connective tissue disorder) who had previous failed attempts at stabilization using open soft tissue capsular shifting techniques. Although the long-term failure rate of our procedure was high, it did offer significant short-term relief and stability to most patients who stated that they would have the procedure again rather than undergo arthrodesis or replacement.

Arthroscopy has been used in the fixation of tibial plateau fractures for more than 20 years. Although not proved in randomized trials, several authors using the arthroscopic technique have demonstrated results comparable to traditional methods, using open reduction and internal fixation with standard buttress plates. Improved rehabilitation, greater range of motion, and a shortened hospital stay for patients who have undergone this technique have also been reported.

Biological tissue autograft reconstruction using the patellar tendon or quadrupled semitendinosus/gracilis tendons has become the most popular procedure in surgical treatment of a ruptured ACL. This article provides a review of the history of the use of prosthetics with respect to ACL reconstruction grafts including Carbon Fibre, Gore-Tex and Dacron prosthetics as well as the Leeds-Keio Artificial Ligament and the Kennedy Ligament Augmentation Device (LAD). Emphasis is placed on the Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System (LARS) as preliminary investigations of its use have been encouraging. Significant progress has been made recently with respect to the understanding of ACL anatomy, composition, biomechanics, and healing processes, leading to innovative techniques using approaches based in tissue engineering principles and computer – assisted surgery. While research into improved ACL treatment options continues, the synthesis of recent advancements provides a new optimism towards the regeneration of an ACL mirroring its original stability, function, and longevity.

Background The purpose of this study was to determine whether current post-operative rehabilitation protocols return the strength of the contralateral uninjured limb knee flexors and extensors after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to those of an uninjured control group. Methods Subjects with a hamstring tendon ACL reconstruction ( n = 12) were compared to an active control group ( n = 30). Comprehensive bilateral knee flexor and extensor isovelocity strength testing was performed (five speeds, 5–95°, concentric and eccentric contractions). Findings After hamstring tendon ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation, bilateral strength normalization (within 10% of the contralateral limb) is achieved by the knee extensors but not the knee flexors. When compared to the uninjured control group, large and statistically significant strength deficits were demonstrated in the knee extensors and knee flexors of both the anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (extensors 24.8%; flexors 26.8%) and the contralateral uninjured (extensors 21%; flexors 13.5%) limbs. Interpretation These findings suggest that improvement can be made in knee flexor rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction and limit the validity of the use of a contralateral leg as a rehabilitation endpoint or as a control in the ACL reconstructed population.