C. Dain Allred

Return to Play and Recurrent Instability After In-Season Anterior Shoulder Instability A Prospective Multicenter Study

Background: There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of in-season athletes with anterior shoulder instability, and limited data are available to guide return to play. Purpose: To examine the likelihood of return to sport and the recurrence of instability after an in-season anterior shoulder instability event based on the type of instability (subluxation vs dislocation). Additionally, injury factors and patient-reported outcome scores administered at the time of injury were evaluated to assess the predictability of eventual successful return to sport and time to return to sport during the competitive season. Study Design: Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Over 2 academic years, 45 contact intercollegiate athletes were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter observational study to assess return to play after in-season anterior glenohumeral instability. Baseline data collection included shoulder injury characteristics and shoulder-specific patient-reported outcome scores at the time of injury. All athletes underwent an accelerated rehabilitation program without shoulder immobilization and were followed during their competitive season to assess the success of return to play and recurrent instability. Results: Thirty-three of 45 (73%) athletes returned to sport for either all or part of the season after a median 5 days lost from competition (interquartile range, 13). Twelve athletes (27%) successfully completed the season without recurrence. Twenty-one athletes (64%) returned to in-season play and had subsequent recurrent instability including 11 recurrent dislocations and 10 recurrent subluxations. Of the 33 athletes returning to in-season sport after an instability event, 67% (22/33) completed the season. Athletes with a subluxation were 5.3 times more likely (odds ratio [OR], 5.32; 95% CI, 1.00-28.07; P = .049) to return to sport during the same season when compared with those with dislocations. Logistic regression analysis suggests that the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.09; P = .037) and Simple Shoulder Test (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05; P = .044) administered after the initial instability event are predictive of the ability to return to play. Time loss from sport after a shoulder instability event was most strongly and inversely correlated with the Simple Shoulder Test (P = .007) at the time of initial injury. Conclusion: In the largest prospective study evaluating shoulder instability in in-season contact athletes, 27% of athletes returned to play and completed the season without subsequent instability. While the majority of athletes who return to sport complete the season, recurrent instability events are common regardless of whether the initial injury was a subluxation or dislocation.

Arthroscopic Evaluation of Radiofrequency Chondroplasty of the Knee

Background Considerable debate exists over the use of radiofrequency-based chondroplasty to treat partial-thickness chondral defects of the knee. This study used second-look arthroscopy to evaluate cartilage defects previously treated with bipolar radiofrequency—based chondroplasty. Hypothesis Partial-thickness articular cartilage lesions treated with bipolar radiofrequency—based chondroplasty will show no progressive deterioration. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods One hundred ninety-three consecutive patients underwent bipolar radiofrequency—based chondroplasty over 38 months; 15 (25 defects treated with bipolar radiofrequency—based chondroplasty) underwent repeat arthroscopy for recurrent or new injuries. Time from the initial to repeat arthroscopy ranged from 0.7 to 32.7 months. At both procedures, the location, size, grade, and stability of lesions were evaluated, recorded, and photographed arthroscopically. Results At the initial procedure, 25 lesions treated using bipolar radiofrequency—based chondroplasty ranged from 9 to 625 mm2 (mean, 170.2 ± 131.2 mm2; median, 120 mm2); at second look, lesion size was 9 to 300 mm2 (mean, 107.7 ± 106.7 mm2; median, 100 mm2). At second look, 3 (12%) demonstrated unstable borders with damage in the surrounding cartilage that appeared to be progressive. Eight (32%) lesions were unchanged in size. Eight (32%) demonstrated partial filling with stable repair tissue, and 6 (24%) demonstrated complete filling with stable repair tissue. Lesions in the tibiofemoral compartments showed better response to radiofrequency chondroplasty than did those within the patellofemoral joint (P < .05). Conclusion Only 3 of 25 lesions demonstrated progression. More than 50% showed partial or complete filling of the defect. Bipolar radiofrequency chondroplasty is an effective way to treat partial-thickness cartilage lesions; however, long-term effects of this treatment on cartilage remain unknown.

Successful Return to Sport After Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization Versus Nonoperative Management in Contact Athletes With Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Prospective Multicenter Study:

Background: The debate continues regarding the optimal treatment of intercollegiate contact athletes with in-season anterior shoulder instability. Purpose: To examine return to sport and recurrent instability in the season after the index in-season anterior instability event. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Forty-five contact intercollegiate athletes treated nonoperatively or with arthroscopic stabilization were prospectively followed in a multicenter observational study to evaluate return to play (RTP) and recurrent instability in the season after an initial in-season anterior glenohumeral instability event. Baseline data collection included sport played, previous instability events, direction of instability, type of instability (subluxation or dislocation), and treatment method (nonoperative management or arthroscopic stabilization). All nonoperatively treated athletes underwent a standardized accelerated rehabilitation program without shoulder immobilization. Surgical stabilization was performed arthroscopically in all cases, and successful RTP was evaluated during the next competitive season after complete rehabilitation. Results: Thirty-nine of 45 intercollegiate contact athletes had remaining National Collegiate Athletic Association eligibility and were followed through the subsequent competitive season after the index instability event. Of the 10 athletes electing nonoperative treatment, 4 (40%) successfully returned to play without recurrence during the subsequent season. Of the 29 athletes treated surgically, 26 (90%) were able to successfully return to play without recurrence the following season (recurrence: n = 1; inadequate function: n = 2). Athletes who underwent surgical reconstruction before the next season were 5.8 times (95% CI, 1.77-18.97; P = .004) more likely to complete the subsequent season without recurrent instability. Of the 29 athletes electing surgical stabilization, there was no difference (risk ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.10-9.24; P > .99) in RTP between the 9 stabilized after a single instability event (90% RTP rate) and the 20 stabilized after multiple in-season recurrent instability events (89% RTP rate). Conclusion: Collegiate contact and collision athletes with in-season anterior shoulder instability are significantly more likely to successfully return to sport without subsequent instability events the next season if they undergo surgical repair in the off-season.

Improved Return to Play in Intercollegiate Contact Athletes Following Arthroscopic Stabilization for Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Prospective Multicenter Study

Objectives: Debate continues regarding the optimal treatment of intercollegiate contact athletes with in-season anterior shoulder instability. Comparative evaluation of successful return to play (RTP) without recurrence in subsequent seasons after the index instability event has not been prospectively evaluated in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to examine return to sport and recurrent instability in the season that follows the index anterior in-season instability event. Methods: Over two academic years, 45 contact intercollegiate athletes treated nonoperatively or with arthroscopic stabilization were prospectively followed in a multicenter observational study to evaluate RTP and recurrent instability in the intercollegiate season following an initial in-season anterior glenohumeral instability event. The primary outcome of interest was successful RTP, defined as the ability to return to sport in the subsequent season without recurrent instability. Baseline data collection included sport played, previous instability events, direction of instability, type of instability (subluxation or dislocation), and treatment method (nonoperative or arthroscopic stabilization). The decision to pursue operative or nonoperative treatment was made at the discretion of the patient and surgeon. All nonoperatively treated athletes underwent a standardized accelerated rehabilitation program without shoulder immobilization. Surgical stabilization was performed arthroscopically in all cases and successful RTP was evaluated during the next competitive season after complete rehabilitation. All subjects were actively monitored during the course of their competitive season to determine return to play success and recurrent instability events. Results: A total of 45 intercollegiate contact athletes were treated for in-season anterior shoulder instability. Thirty-nine athletes had remaining NCAA eligibility and were followed through the subsequent competitive season. Of these, 10 elected to be treated nonoperatively while 29 elected for surgical repair. Of the group selecting nonoperative treatment, only 4 (40%) successfully RTP without recurrence during the subsequent season. Of the 29 athletes treated surgically, 26 (90%) were able to successfully RTP without recurrence the following season. Two athletes were cut from the team and one athlete sustained a recurrent instability event requiring revision stabilization. Athletes who underwent surgical reconstruction prior to the following season were 5.8 (95%CI: 1.77, 18.97, p=0.004) times more likely to complete the subsequent season without recurrent instability. Of the 29 athletes electing surgical stabilization, there was no difference (RR=0.95, 95%CI: 0.10, 9.24, p=1.00) in RTP between the 9 stabilized following a single instability event (90% RTP) and the 20 stabilized following multiple in-season recurrent instability events (89% RTP). Conclusion: Collegiate collision athletes with in-season shoulder instability are significantly more likely to successfully return to sport without subsequent instability events the following season if they undergo surgical repair in the off season.

Reconsidering Return-to-Play Times: A Broader Perspective on Concussion Recovery

Background: Return-to-play protocols describe stepwise, graduated recoveries for safe return from concussion; however, studies that comprehensively track return-to-play time are expensive to administer and heavily sampled from elite male contact-sport athletes. Purpose: To retrospectively assess probable recovery time for collegiate patients to return to play after concussion, especially for understudied populations, such as women and nonelite athletes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Medical staff at a military academy logged a total of 512 concussion medical records over 38 months. Of these, 414 records included complete return-to-play protocols with return-to-play time, sex, athletic status, cause, and other data. Results: Overall mean return to play was 29.4 days. Sex and athletic status both affected return-to-play time. Men showed significantly shorter return to play than women, taking 24.7 days (SEM, 1.5 days) versus 35.5 days (SEM, 2.7 days) (P < .001). Intercollegiate athletes also reported quicker return-to-play times than nonintercollegiate athletes: 25.4 days (SEM, 2.6 days) versus 34.7 days (SEM, 1.6 days) (P = .002). These variables did not significantly interact. Conclusion: Mean recovery time across all groups (29.4 days) showed considerably longer return to play than the most commonly cited concussion recovery time window (7-10 days) for collegiate athletes. Understudied groups, such as women and nonelite athletes, demonstrated notably longer recovery times. The diversity of this sample population was associated with longer return-to-play times; it is unclear how other population-specific factors may have contributed. These inclusive return-to-play windows may indicate longer recovery times outside the population of elite athletes.

Descriptive Analysis of a Baseline Concussion Battery Among U.S. Service Academy Members: Results from the Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium

Introduction The prevalence and possible long-term consequences of concussion remain an increasing concern to the U.S. military, particularly as it pertains to maintaining a medically ready force. Baseline testing is being used both in the civilian and military domains to assess concussion injury and recovery. Accurate interpretation of these baseline assessments requires one to consider other influencing factors not related to concussion. To date, there is limited understanding, especially within the military, of what factors influence normative test performance. Given the significant physical and mental demands placed on service academy members (SAM), and their relatively high risk for concussion, it is important to describe demographics and normative profile of SAMs. Furthermore, the absence of available baseline normative data on female and non-varsity SAMs makes interpretation of post-injury assessments challenging. Understanding how individuals perform at baseline, given their unique individual characteristics (e.g., concussion history, sex, competition level), will inform post-concussion assessment and management. Thus, the primary aim of this manuscript is to characterize the SAM population and determine normative values on a concussion baseline testing battery. Materials and Methods All data were collected as part of the Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium. The baseline test battery included a post-concussion symptom checklist (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT), psychological health screening inventory (Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18) and neurocognitive evaluation (ImPACT), Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), and Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC). Linear regression models were used to examine differences across sexes, competition levels, and varsity contact levels while controlling for academy, freshman status, race, and previous concussion. Zero inflated negative binomial models estimated symptom scores due to the high frequency of zero scores. Results Significant, but small, sex effects were observed on the ImPACT visual memory task. While, females performed worse than males (p < 0.0001, pη2 = 0.01), these differences were small and not larger than the effects of the covariates. A similar pattern was observed for competition level on the SAC. There was a small, but significant difference across competition level. SAMs participating in varsity athletics did significantly worse on the SAC compared to SAMs participating in club or intramural athletics (all ps < 0.001, η2 = 0.01). When examining symptom reporting, males were more than two times as likely to report zero symptoms on the SCAT or BSI-18. Intramural SAMs had the highest number of symptoms and severity compared to varsity SAMs (p < 0.0001, Cohens d < 0.2). Contact level was not associated with SCAT or BSI-18 symptoms among varsity SAMs. Notably, the significant differences across competition level on SCAT and BSI-18 were sub-clinical and had small effect sizes. Conclusion The current analyses provide the first baseline concussion battery normative data among SAMs. While statistically significant differences may be observed on baseline tests, the effect sizes for competition and contact levels are very small, indicating that differences are likely not clinically meaningful at baseline. Identifying baseline differences and significant covariates is important for future concussion-related analyses to inform concussion evaluations for all athlete levels.

Aircast Award for Basic Science - Return to Play Following In-season Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Prospective Multicenter Study

Objectives: There is no consensus on the optimal treatment of young in-season athletes with anterior shoulder instability and limited data are available to guide return to play and treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the likelihood of return to sport following an in-season shoulder instability event based on the type of instability (subluxation vs. dislocation). Additionally, injury factors and patient reported outcome scores administered at the time of injury were evaluated to assess the predictability of eventual successful return to sport and time to return sport during the competitive season following injury. Methods: Over two academic years, 45 contact intercollegiate athletes were prospectively enrolled in a multicenter observational study to assess return to play following in-season anterior glenohumeral instability. The primary outcomes of interest were the ability to return to sport and time lost from sport following an acute anterior shoulder instability event. Baseline data collection included sport played, previous instability events, direction of instability, and type of instability (subluxation or dislocation). Patient reported outcome scores specific to the shoulder were obtained at the time of injury and included the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES). All observed patients underwent a standardized accelerated rehabilitation program without shoulder immobilization, following the initial shoulder instability event. Subjects were followed during the course of their competitive season to determine return to play success and recurrent instability. Results: Thirty-three of 45 (73%) athletes returned to sport for either all or part of the season after a median 5 days lost from competition (IQR=13)(Fig 1). Of the 33 athletes returning to in-season sport following an instability event, 63% (22/33) completed the season. Athletes with a subluxation were 5.3 times more likely (OR=5.32, 95%CI: 1.00, 28.07, p=0.049) to return to sport following an initial in-season shoulder instability event when compared to those with dislocations. Logistic regression analysis suggests that the WOSI (OR=1.05; 95% CI 1.00, 1.09; p=0.037) and SST (OR=1.03, 95% CI 1.00, 1.05; p=0.044) administered after the initial instability event are predictive of ability to return to play . For every 1 point higher the WOSI scaled score at the time of injury, the athlete was 5% more likely to return to play during the same season. Time loss from sport following a shoulder instability event was inversely correlated with the WOSI (p=0.039), SST (p=0.007), and ASES (p=0.02) scores at the time of initial injury. The SST demonstrated the strongest correlation with time lost from sport, and for every 10 points higher the SST scale score was at the time of injury an athlete returned to sport 1.2 (95%CI: 0.4, 1.9) days sooner (p=0.004). Based on the logistic regression analysis, time lost from sport is predicted using the SST score after the initial instability event (Table 1). Conclusion: In the largest prospective study evaluating shoulder instability in mid-season contact athletes, we demonstrate that 73% of athletes return to play after one week. While the majority of athletes who return to sport complete the season, recurrent instability events are common regardless of whether the initial injury was a subluxation or dislocation.