Patellofemoral (PF) chondral lesions are a common source of knee pain and disability, typically arising from traumatic (instability/fracture) or degenerative (overload) etiologies. This review synthesizes contemporary evidence on PF joint preservation with an emphasis on avoiding complications. We highlight the importance of defining lesion characteristics and identifying the primary mechanical driver(s) of chondral injury. We then summarize current and emerging cartilage restoration options. Finally, we emphasize that durable outcomes often require concomitant biomechanical optimization through mechanical unloading and soft tissue balancing. Collectively, this review aims to support informed surgical decision-making and maximize long-term survival of the PF joint.
Monitoring patellar tendon stiffness may provide new insights into tendon adaptation due to loads and pathology. This 12-week prospective observational pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of monitoring patellar tendon stiffness in relation to training load, pain, and function in male talent volleyball players. Feasibility outcomes included willingness to participate and retention rate, measurement completeness, and adverse events. Willingness to participate and retention rate were 100% in the included 15 volleyball players. Measurement completeness was below the pre-defined success criteria: 72% for stiffness before training and 66% after training; 52% for internal load and 38% for external load; 71% for experienced pain measurements; and 68% for questionnaire completion. This feasibility study indicates that there are several challenges in obtaining a complete data set when monitoring talented volleyball players. Communication between researcher-coach-athlete, feedback on collected data, and education on the importance of maintaining (tendon) health can be considered important factors to overcome these challenges.
This study aimed to examine whether hip deformity has already developed in Japanese male freshman collegiate long-distance runners and to investigate the association with their sports history.A total of 57 elite freshman collegiate long-distance runners participated. We collected sports history data during adolescence using a questionnaire, and hip images were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Cam morphology was defined based on visual scores of the anterior head-neck junction, classified as follows: (i) normal, (ii) flattening, and (iii) prominence. Pincer morphology was defined as a bony prominence or osteophyte-like protrusion at the acetabular rim.Cam morphology based on visual scores was found in 78 of 114 hips (68.4%; 40 right and 38 left). Pincer morphology based on visual scores was found in 73 of 114 hips (64.0%; 39 right and 34 left). There was no significant association between hip deformity and sports participation history ( p >0.58). In an additional exploratory non-athletic cohort, a similarly high prevalence of cam and pincer morphology was observed (cam: 14 of 18 hips [77.8%]; pincer: 13 of 18 hips [72.2%]). These may indicate that factors beyond participation in multidirectional sports, including internal factors, could contribute to hip morphology.
In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to describe preseason hip abduction and adduction strength in Division III cross-country athletes using an externally fixated inline tension dynamometer to report sex-stratified normalized torque values (Nm/kg) and adduction:abduction ratios. Maximal isometric hip abduction and adduction peak forces were measured during a single session and normalized to body mass and moment arm length. Participants included 35 male runners (18.9±0.90 y) and 26 female runners (19.0±1.1 y). Normalized hip torque (Nm/kg) (right/left) for men was: abduction (1.82±0.38/1.84±0.36), adduction (1.98±0.43/1.70±0.41), and adduction:abduction ratio (1.10±0.18/0.92±0.12). Normalized hip torque (Nm/kg) (right/left) for women was: abduction (1.45±0.25/1.43±0.27), adduction (1.40±0.22/1.34±0.28), and adduction:abduction ratio (0.98±0.14/0.95±0.15). By accounting for joint moment arm length and body mass while minimizing measurement variability through rigid external fixation, this study establishes sex-stratified normative isometric hip strength reference profiles in healthy collegiate distance runners to support baseline strength profiling and standardized clinical screening.
