Ninety-six patients with rotator cuff tears smaller than 3 cm were randomized to receive either arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) with leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) injection (n=48) or ARCR without PRP (n=48). The primary outcome was the retear rate, assessed via MRI at six months. Secondary outcomes included pain (VAS), functional scores (ASES, SANE), and sleep quality (PSQI), evaluated at six and twelve months postoperatively. Overall, the study found that the retear rate in the PRP group was significantly lower than in the control group (15.2% vs. 34.1%, p = 0.037). However, there were no significant differences in functional outcomes between groups. The findings suggest that while LP-PRP reduces the retear rate, it does not provide clinically significant improvements in pain or function.

In recent years, the diagnosis and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) has changed with developments in the scientific literature. In this OE Original, led by Dr. Sam Mahmoud, details the latest evidence on FAIS, including a comparison between hip arthroscopy vs. conservative treatment.

A total of 40 patients with Colles fracture were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to compare the clinical efficacy of instant 3D printed casts versus polymer orthosis. The participants were randomly assigned to an observation group (treated with instant 3D printed cast; n=20) and a control group (treated with polymer orthosis; n=20). Both groups underwent manual reduction and external fixation. Outcome measures, including visual analogue scale (VAS), immobilization effectiveness and satisfaction scores, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, complications, and imaging data, were assessed at various time points (before immobilization, 2, 6, and 12 weeks after the fracture). The results revealed that the VAS at 2 weeks, immobilization effectiveness and satisfaction scores at 6 weeks, and DASH scores at 2 and 6 weeks were significantly favorable in the observation group compared to the control group. The study concludes that both treatments are effective, but th

117 patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears were randomized to receive debridment plus the insertion of a subacromial balloon spacer (n=56) or debridement only (n=61). The primary outcome of interest was the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes of interest included the Constant Shoulder Score, range of motion in flexion and abduction, the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index, the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L, change in symptoms, Participant Global Impression of Change (PGIC), resource use, and adverse events. Results revealed significantly better OSS scores in the debridement only group at 3, 6 and 12 months. Objective outcome measures were limited by missing data due to COVID-19 restrictions. Constant scores were also in favour of the debridement only group at 12 months. There were no differences in safety events between the two groups. The study was stopped early due to futility.

One hundred eighty patients undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR) were randomized to receive either 15 tablets (n=60), 25 tablets (n=58), or 35 tablets (n=62) of 5-mg oxycodone. The primary outcome of interest was postoperative pain control measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption, patient satisfaction, and functional outcomes measured by International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. Outcomes were assessed at intervals up to three months postoperatively. Overall, the results of the study revealed no significant difference in pain scores, opioid consumption, or patient satisfaction between groups. Prescribing fewer opioid tablets did not negatively impact pain management or satisfaction and may help reduce unused opioid doses.

Two injuries are universally feared among elite athletes, regardless of the sport — Achilles tendon ruptures and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. However, recent advances in sports medicine have led to a more evidence-based understanding of how to get athletes back to peak performance, and quickly. In this OE Insight, we highlight the athletes affected by these two infamous injuries, and explore the scientific literature to see which treatments are likely to provide the best clinical outcomes!