Injury. 2025 Jan 6;56(2):112134. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2024.112134. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Medical training therapy (MTT) is an advanced, individualized rehabilitation approach that integrates multiple methods to improve physical function. It is widely applied to rehabilitate sports injuries. This randomized study evaluated MTT's effects on physical injury rehabilitation, mental function, and athletic performance in elite rock climbers.

METHODS: Thirty elite climbers (mean age 19.5 ± 2.9 years) from the Chinese National Climbing Team were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (MTT, n = 15) or a control group (CON, n = 15) for 16 weeks (May 6 to August 25, 2024). Both groups had access to the same rehabilitation facilities and physiotherapy. The CON group followed routine training, while the MTT group received additional exercises. The primary outcome was the incidence of climbing-related injuries across 19 body regions. Secondary outcomes included specialized abilities, Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

RESULTS: The total number of injuries (375, 4.74) and the duration of discomfort (weeks) in the MTT group were lower than those in the CON group (492, 7.26). The MTT group demonstrated significant improvements in outcomes at six sites including the shoulder, forearm, hand, wrist, upper back, and hip (10 % and 21.25 %, 6.67 % and 19.17 %, 27.08 % and 56.67 %, 10.42 % and 3.75 %, 17.08 % and 27.08 %, and 2.08 % and 4.58 % for the MTT and CON groups, respectively, p < 0.05). In tests of sports-specific performance and psychological functioning in rock climbing, time and between-group interaction effects were observed (p < 0.01) for the Finger Strip Endurance Test, Hanging L-Lift Leg Test, FMS, and SAS. After the intervention, the MTT group exhibited a relative increase in injuries to the neck, upper back, and knees (6.25 % and 1.25 %, 6.67 % and 13.33 %, and 13.75 % and 7.08 % for the MTT and CON groups, respectively, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: MTT is an ideal method for the rehabilitation of injuries in elite rock climbers and for facilitating their early return to sport. It addresses the majority of athletes' physical injuries and reduces the concentration of injuries in high-risk areas. Additionally, it specifically improves athletes' performance in specialized tests to alleviate the symptom of anxiety.

PMID:39787782 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2024.112134

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jan 9. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00655. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The financial and resource burden of management of olecranon fractures in the elderly is likely to increase with an aging population. There is limited evidence guiding treatment choice in this cohort. This study aimed to determine whether operative treatment of displaced olecranon fractures in elderly patients provides superior 12-month functional outcomes compared to nonoperative treatment.

METHODS: A multicenter pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted across 24 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand. Patients aged ≥75 years presenting with an acute (within 14 days), displaced, closed, isolated olecranon fracture were included. Operative treatment involved reduction and stabilization using tension band wiring or plate fixation. Nonoperative treatment consisted of a sling for comfort and early movement as tolerated. The primary outcome was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were the DASH score at 3 months and pain, quality of life, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), active elbow range of motion, and complication rate at 3 and 12 months. Data were analyzed based on an intention-to-treat principle, with sensitivity analyses using as-treated groups.

RESULTS: Sixty participants were randomized, 27 to the operative group (mean age and standard deviation [SD], 83 ± 5.8 years; 22 [81%] females) and 33 to the nonoperative group (mean age, 82 ± 4.5 years; 23 [70%] females), with no significant difference in baseline characteristics. There was no significant difference (mean difference, -6.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -14.9 to 1.8; p = 0.12) in the mean DASH scores at 12 months (the primary outcome) between the operative (12.3 ± 14) and nonoperative (18.9 ± 18) groups. Although active elbow extension was significantly superior in the operative group at 12 months, no other secondary outcome differed significantly between groups at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS: The study found no significant difference in DASH scores at 12 months between the operative and nonoperative groups. This supports nonoperative treatment as a reasonable option for displaced stable olecranon fractures in elderly patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:39787259 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00655

Int Orthop. 2025 Jan 9. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06408-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Proximal femur megaprostheses (PFMPs) are used to manage large bone defects in both non-oncological indications (NOI) and oncological indications (OI). However, little is known about the comparative risks of reoperation and functional outcomes between these groups. This study aimed to evaluate the cumulative incidences of reoperation and functional results of PFMPs between NOI and OI.

METHODS: This retrospective, monocentric cohort study included 109 implants between 2005 and 2020 (NOI, n = 42; OI, n = 67). Competing risk analysis was used to estimate and compare cumulative incidence of reoperation and complications, with death as a competing event. The Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score (MSTS) was retrospectively assessed to compare functional outcomes.

RESULTS: The estimated cumulative incidence of reoperation at ten years did not statistically differ: 33.5% for NOI vs. 32.7% for OI (HR = 0.90, 95% CI (0.42-0.95), p = 0.791). The estimated cumulative incidence of complications at ten years did not statistically differ (HR = 1.50, 95%CI (0.80-2.80), p = 0.204). The MSTS score at ten years was significantly higher in the OI group (78.2% ± 19.5) compared to the NOI group (48.3% ± 10.9) (p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION: PFMPs for NOI demonstrate a comparable risk of reoperation to OI, but with lower long-term functional outcomes.

PMID:39786572 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06408-4

Int Orthop. 2025 Jan 9. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06409-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The present study aims to provide normative values for Hand Grip Strength (HGS) and Hand Pinch Strength of healthcare staff and evaluate key body anthropometric predictors of these strengths.

METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted on 2,337 healthcare staff. HGS and pinch strength were assessed for both hands using a hydraulic hand dynamometer and pinch gauge. Descriptive data were reported for dominant and non-dominant HGS and pinch strength, after stratification by gender, age, and height. Multivariatelinear regression analysis was performed to assess predictor variables.

RESULTS: The maximum HGS values were identified in men aged 35 to 40, measuring 38.00 ± 7.81 kg, and in women aged 50 to 55, measuring 22.20 ± 4.13 kg. The highest pinch strength values were recorded in men aged 45 to 50, with measurements of 7.16 ± 1.48 kg, and in women aged 35 to 40, with measurements of 4.24 ± 1.15 kg. The predictor variables for dominant HGS and pinch strength exhibited 59% and 51% prediction for variations in dominant HGS and pinch strength, respectively, using gender, height, and wrist circumference as predictors. Height (for grip: dominant hand: β = 0.33, CI [0.28, 0.37]; for pinch: dominant hand: β = 0.04, CI [0.02, 0.05]) was the most effectively correlated anthropometric variable.

CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate differences in HGS and pinch strength among different gender and age groups. Multiple linear regression analysis highlights the crucial role of anthropometric variables in evaluating hand strength. These results can provide guidance for future research and clinical assessments.

TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: Not applicable.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III (analytical cross-sectional study on big sample size).

PMID:39786571 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06409-3

Injury. 2025 Jan 3;56(2):112142. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112142. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39778264 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112142

Injury. 2025 Jan 3;56(2):112141. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112141. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39778263 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112141

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jan 7. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01095. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39774540 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01095

Int Orthop. 2025 Jan 8. doi: 10.1007/s00264-024-06399-8. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39777521 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-024-06399-8

Int Orthop. 2025 Jan 8. doi: 10.1007/s00264-024-06402-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: High Fascial Compartment Pressure (HCP) is one of the most common complications in ankle fractures. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of HCP in pilon fracture and analyze the risk factors of HCP in order to closely monitor its further development into Acute Compartment Syndrome. A nomogram is constructed and validated to predict HCP in patients with pilon fracture.

METHODS: We collected information on 1,863 patients with pilon fracture in the 3rd Hospital of Hebei Medical University Hospital from January 2019 to March 2024. Patients with HCP were assigned to the HCP group and those without HCP to the non-HCP group. The inpatient medical record system was inquired for data collection, including demographics, comorbidities, injury types, and laboratory biomarkers. Variables with a significance level of P < 0.05 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The backward stepwise regression method was applied to identify independent risk factors associated with HCP. The selected predictors were then entered into R software for further analysis, and Nomogram construction.

RESULTS: The rate of HCP was 11.57%. Several predictors of HCP were found, including Body Mass Index (BMI) (p<0.001), Deep Vein Thrombosis (p < 0.001), occurrence of Fracture Blister (FB) (p < 0.001), use of Dehydrating Agent (p < 0.001), duration of limb immobilization (p < 0.001),and Systemic Immune-inflammation Index (SII) (p < 0.001). In addition, BMI (p < 0.001, OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.35 to 1.71), DVT (p < 0.001, OR 4.35, 95% CI 2.51 to 7.52), duration of limb immobilization (p < 0.01, OR 1.66, 95%CI 1.25 to 2.20) and SII (p < 0.01, OR 1.00, 95%CI 1.00 to 1.00) were correlated with increased HCP risk. Meanwhile, FB (p < 0.001, OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.39) and Dehydrating Agent (p < 0.001, OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.19) were associated with decreased HCP risk. The nomogram was established based on six predictors independently related to HCP.

CONCLUSIONS: Our investigation has shown that, compared with tibial diaphyseal fractures, pilon fractures are more prone to HCP because of their high energy injury characteristics. This research also shows BMI, DVT, occurrence of FB, use of Dehydrating Agent, duration of limb immobilization, and SII are independent risk factors for HCP in patients with pilon fracture. We have also devised a nomogram grounded in these identified predictors. In particular, this study found for the first time that SII is an independent risk factor for HCP, which provides a basis for clinical and basic science research on fascial immunology in the future.

PMID:39774930 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-024-06402-2