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Muscles matter in baseball injuries

A new computer simulation approach found that muscles play a bigger role in injury risk and prevention than previously thought. The study shows that individual pitchers can be at high or low risk of elbow injury depending on their muscle strength, highlighting the importance of targeted training and accurate assessments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 8, 2015

ACL injuries in female athletes traced to genes

Researchers discovered 32 genes expressed differently in female compared to male ACL tissues, affecting ligament structure and integrity. Genetic counseling may guide personal decisions about participating in athletics, while strengthening core and technique could reduce injury risk.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMar 10, 2015

Universal neuromuscular training an inexpensive, effective way to reduce

Researchers found that universal neuromuscular training for high school and college-age athletes significantly reduced ACL injuries by 63%. The study also showed that implementing such a program would save an average of $275 per player, per season in injury-related costs, making it a cost-effective preventative measure.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMay 8, 2014

New ligament discovered in the human knee

Researchers at KU Leuven discover a previously unknown ligament in the human knee called the anterolateral ligament (ALL), present in 97% of human knees. The ALL ligament is implicated in pivot shift episodes, a common issue for patients with ACL tears.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateNov 5, 2013

Children with ACL injuries require special treatment

The number of ACL injuries in young athletes is rising due to increased training and reduced free play. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons recommend optimal strategies for treating ACL injuries based on the specifics of the injury and the child's skeletal maturity, including non-surgical management and surgical reconstruction.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateFeb 6, 2013

Geometry, not gender

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that women and some men with non-contact ACL injuries share a common geometry on their knee joints, which may explain why women are at greater risk for ACL injuries. The study suggests that this geometry, characterized by a shorter and more rounded tibial plateau, ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 6, 2012

Tendon, ligament repair in horses focus of research

Researchers at Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center are studying the best ways to treat lameness in horses through tendon and ligament repair. Dr. Jennifer Barrett is investigating regenerative medicine techniques, including stem cell therapy, to regenerate damaged tendons and cartilage.

The 'other' cruciate ligament: Newer treatments for PCL tears

Two newer surgical options, two-bundle grafts and inlay reconstruction, show promise for treating PCL tears, with one study suggesting improved results over traditional methods. Orthopaedic surgeons debate the best treatment approach, emphasizing patient-specific care and experience with PCL reconstructions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJul 1, 2009

Facet joint effusion and interspinal ligament edema: major sources of lower back pain

A recent study using new MRI techniques found that facet joint effusion and interspinal ligament edema are the most common imaging findings in patients with lower back pain. These soft tissue changes, seen in 85.5% of cases, highlight the importance of addressing degenerative changes in preventing and treating lower back pain.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateOct 1, 2008

Engineers create bone that blends into tendons

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology successfully created artificial bones with a graded interface, allowing them to blend seamlessly into surrounding tissues like tendons. This breakthrough technology has the potential to improve outcomes in ACL surgery and other applications where tissue integration is critical.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2008

Muscle patterns in women may be linked to at risk positioning for ACL tears

A new study suggests that training programs promoting balanced activity of the inner and outer thigh muscles may help protect the ACL from injury. The research found that women tend to activate their outer thigh muscles more than their inner thigh muscles when preparing to land from a jump, leading to a larger valgus knee angle.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology·DateSep 18, 2007

Key to avoiding whiplash injury may lie in head restraint positioning

A study by Dr. Brian Stemper and colleagues found that setting head restraints close to the back of the head can minimize injuries from whiplash. The researchers developed a computer model that shows increasing distances between the head restraint and the back of the head can lead to ligament stretch, making whiplash injury more likely.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateDec 11, 2006

How running made us human

Researchers argue that running played a key role in human evolution, favoring the survival of early humans who could cover long distances. The study identified 26 traits that enhanced running ability, such as leg and foot structure and skeletal features that make the body stronger and more stable.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateNov 17, 2004

Little League Elbow Can Lead To Permanent Injury

Inadequate warm-up and restricted pitching can lead to Little League elbow injuries, which may result in permanent damage if left untreated. By following guidelines such as warming up before pitching, limiting pitches, and wearing neoprene sleeves, parents, coaches, and players can prevent these serious elbow injuries.