Effectiveness of an On-Field Rehabilitation framework for return to sports in injured male professional football players: a single-blinded, prospective, randomised controlled trial

Objectives

In football, on-field rehabilitation (OFR) is critical during injury recovery for a player's safe return to sports (RTS). The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an OFR framework for RTS in injured male professional football players.

Trial design

A prospective block-randomised controlled-parallel trial was conducted (level of evidence 1b).

Methods

Male professional football players (mean age, 26.3±3.6 years) from Greece diagnosed with an acute, lower limb musculoskeletal (MSK) injury (confirmed clinically and through imaging) participated in the study. During rehabilitation, the participants' OFR was guided by either the On-Field Rehabilitation (On FI.RE.) accelerated framework (experimental group) or a traditional OFR framework for a late injury recovery phase (comparison group). Between July 2021 and January 2022, 76 players were randomly allocated to the experimental group (n=38) and the comparison group (n=38). Participants were blinded during the study regarding intervention therapeutic protocols. The primary outcome measure was the effect of On FI.RE. framework on the time needed to return to team training (RTT) participation. The correlation between the time needed to return to on-field activity and RTT was calculated. Subsequent injuries were registered for a 12-month follow-up period.

Results

The intervention protocol, On FI.RE. framework, had a statistically significant effect on the time needed to RTT (F(1) = 49 626, p<0.001) with a large effect size (ES; η2=0.422) and fewer days (mean=23.8±9.1 days) needed than the comparison group (mean=30.3±9.8 days). There was a strong correlation between return to on-field activity and the time needed to RTT (r(76) = 0.901, p<0001) with a large ES (r>0.5). Six subsequent injuries were registered in the traditional OFR framework group, and one subsequent injury in the On FI.RE. framework group after a follow-up period of 12 months.

Conclusion

The On FI.RE., an accelerated OFR framework during injury recovery, is more effective than a traditional OFR framework, reducing the time a player needs to RTS. It entails a very low risk of reinjury.

Trial registration number

NCT05163470.

Trimed fixation system for displaced fractures of the distal radius

OBJECTIVE

To study the functional outcome of displaced distal radius fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with the use of fragment-specific fixation.

METHODS

Fifteen consecutive displaced distal radius fractures (5 extra-articular and 10 intra-articular) were treated using the Trimed distal radius fixation system (Trimed, Valencia, CA). Radiographic assessment and range of motion of the affected wrist were evaluated postoperatively. Functional outcomes were evaluated with use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and the Gartland and Werley scoring system.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up was 11 months. The patients initiated controlled passive and active motion exercises during the first week. The mean score on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire was 16 points. The mean return to work was 12 weeks. The functional outcome was 80% excellent or good by the Gartland and Werley scoring system for intra-articular fractures and 80% excellent for extra-articular fractures. Range of active motion in intra-articular fractures was measured 60 degrees wrist extension, 64 degrees flexion, 65 degrees pronation, and 70 degrees supination, and for extra-articular fractures, 75 degrees extension, 70 degrees flexion, 80 degrees pronation, and 75 degrees supination. There was failure of fixation with loss of the reduction that was achieved at the time of operation in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Fragment-specific fixation of unstable distal radius fractures using the Trimed system appears to be effective. Anatomic reduction, earlier range of motion, and improved functional results can be achieved using low-profile implants.

Comparison of fixation methods of double-bundle double-tibial tunnel ACL reconstruction and double-bundle single-tunnel technique

An experimental study was conducted in order to evaluate biomechanical methods of single-bundle reconstruction in ACL and compare it with a new double-bundle double-tibial tunnel technique. Twenty-four porcine cadaver knees, divided into 4 groups of 6 knees each and 48 proper extensors of the fourth toe tendons, were used for the fixation techniques. In groups A and B, a double-bundle technique with a single femoral and tibial tunnel was used, fixed to a femoral and tibial post with screws and with buttons, respectively. In groups C and D, a double-bundle technique (technique Delta) with two separate tibial tunnels was used, fixed to a femoral and tibial post with screws and with buttons, respectively. A material testing system (Instron) was used for anteriorly translating the tibia until failure. The femoral and tibial post as a fixation method is superior to the conventional buttons technique. The more anatomical double-bundle reconstruction technique provided significantly higher structural properties and smaller loss of fixation compared with the single-bundle reconstruction technique. The comparison of the two techniques gave superior results to the femoral and tibial screws over the buttons. The double-bundle technique attempts to restore the anterior stability of the knee joint.

Sport related plantar fasciitis. Current diagnostic and therapeutic advances

Plantar fasciitis is the most common diagnosis for pain in the inferior aspect of the heel among runners, accounting for 10% of injuries that occur in connection with running. The etiology of pain is multifactorial. The aim of the present study is to report our experience in the treatment of plantar fasciitis in athletes and compare our diagnostic strategy and treatment modalities with the current practice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We treated 32 athletes with plantar fasciitis from 1997-2002. The diagnostic procedure included detailed history, clinical examination and imaging techniques. Conservative treatment consisted of anti-inflammatory drugs, stretching exercises, suitable training routines and special orthotic insoles, which offer a good chance of complete resolution of symptoms. Surgical fasciotomy should be reserved for use in patients in whom conservative measures have failed.

RESULTS

Conservative treatment consisting of rest, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises and special orthotic insoles was efficient in 26 patients (81%), while only 6 (19%) had to be treated surgically.

CONCLUSION

Plantar fasciitis is a common disorder among athletes. Patient's history, clinical examination and common imaging techniques help to make the correct diagnosis. The patient should be treated conservatively at first and only in severe cases surgically.