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BACKGROUND: There are currently no effective disease-modifying drugs to prevent cartilage loss in osteoarthritis and synovial fluid is a potentially valuable source of biomarkers to understand the pathogenesis of different types of arthritis and identify drug responsiveness. The aim of this study was to compare the differences between SF cytokines and other proteins in patients with OA (n = 21) to those with RA (n = 27) and normal knees (n = 3). METHODS: SF was obtained using ultrasound (US) guidance and an external pneumatic compression device. RA patients were categorized as active (n = 20) or controlled (n = 7) based upon SF white blood cell counts (> or <300 cells/mm3). Samples were cryopreserved and analyzed by multiplex fluorescent bead assays (Luminex). Between-group differences of 16 separate biomarker proteins were identified using ANOVA on log10-transformed concentrations with p values adjusted for multiple testing. RESULTS: Only six biomarkers were significantly higher in SF from active RA compared to OA-TNF-α, IL-1-ß IL-7, MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3. Only MMP-8 levels in RA patients correlated with SF WBC counts (p < 0.0001). Among OA patients, simultaneous SF IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-15 levels were higher than serum levels, whereas MMP-8, MMP-9, and IL-18 levels were higher in serum (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results support the growing evidence that OA patients have a pro-inflammatory/catabolic SF environment. SF biomarker analysis using multiplex testing and US guidance may distinguish OA phenotypes and identify treatment options based upon targeted inflammatory pathways similar to patients with RA.

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In our paper published in this journal, we present a pilot study application of a novel way to "indirectly assess" skeletal muscle glycogen based on the methodology that we developed though high-frequency skeletal muscle ultrasound [...].

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Skeletal muscle glycogen (SMG) stores in highly glycolytic activities regulate muscle contraction by controlling calcium release and uptake from sarcoplasmic reticulum, which could affect muscle contraction. Historically, the assessment of SMG was performed through invasive and non-practical muscle biopsies. In this study we have utilized a novel methodology to assess SMG through a non-invasive high-frequency ultrasound. Nine MLS professional soccer players (180.4 ± 5.9 cm; 72.4 ± 9.3 kg; 10.4% ± 0.7% body fat) participated. All followed the nutritional protocol 24 h before the official match as well as performing the same practice program the entire week leading to the match. The SMG decreased from 80 ± 8.6 to 63.9 ± 10.2; p = 0.005 on MuscleSound® score (0-100) representing a 20% ± 10.4% decrease in muscle glycogen after match. Inter-individual differences in both starting glycogen content (65-90) and in percentage decrease in glycogen after the match (between 6.2% and 44.5%). Some players may not start the match with adequate SMG while others' SMG decreased significantly throughout the game. Adequate pre-match SMG should be achieved during half-time and game-play in order to mitigate the decrease in glycogen. Further and more ample studies are needed before the application of this technology.

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UNLABELLED: Glycogen storage is essential for exercise performance. The ability to assess muscle glycogen levels should be an important advantage for performance. However, skeletal muscle glycogen assessment has only been available and validated through muscle biopsy. We have developed a new methodology using high-frequency ultrasound to assess skeletal muscle glycogen content in a rapid, portable, and noninvasive way using MuscleSound (MuscleSound, LCC, Denver, CO) technology. PURPOSE: To validate the utilization of high-frequency musculoskeletal ultrasound for muscle glycogen assessment and correlate it with histochemical glycogen quantification through muscle biopsy. METHODS: Twenty-two male competitive cyclists (categories: Pro, 1-4; average height, 183.7 ± 4.9 cm; average weight, 76.8 ± 7.8 kg) performed a steady-state test on a cyclergometer for 90 minutes at a moderate to high exercise intensity, eliciting a carbohydrate oxidation of 2-3 g·min⁻¹ and a blood lactate concentration of 2 to 3 mM. Pre- and post-exercise glycogen content from rectus femoris muscle was measured using histochemical analysis through muscle biopsy and through high-frequency ultrasound scans using MuscleSound technology. RESULTS: Correlations between muscle biopsy glycogen histochemical quantification (mmol·kg⁻¹) and high-frequency ultrasound methodology through MuscleSound technology were r = 0.93 (P < 0.0001) pre-exercise and r = 0.94 (P < 0.0001) post-exercise. The correlation between muscle biopsy glycogen quantification and high-frequency ultrasound methodology for the change in glycogen from pre- and post-exercise was r = 0.81 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that skeletal muscle glycogen can be measured quickly and noninvasively through high-frequency ultrasound using MuscleSound technology.

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An increasing participation in ultra-endurance foot races is cause for greater need to ensure the presence of appropriate medical care at these events. Unique medical challenges result from the extreme physical demands these events place on participants, the often remote settings spanning broad geographical areas, and the potential for extremes in weather conditions and various environmental hazards. Medical issues in these events can adversely affect race performance, and there is the potential for the presentation of life-threatening issues such as exercise-associated hyponatremia, severe altitude illnesses, and major trauma from falls or animal attacks. Organization of a medical support system for ultra-endurance foot races starts with a determination of the level of medical support that is appropriate and feasible for the event. Once that is defined, various legal considerations and organizational issues must be addressed, and medical guidelines and protocols should be developed. While there is no specific or universal standard of medical care for ultra-endurance foot races since a variety of factors determine the level and type of medical services that are appropriate and feasible, the minimum level of services that each event should have in place is a plan for emergency transport of injured or ill participants, pacers, spectators and event personnel to local medical facilities.

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BACKGROUND: The purpose of this paper was to assess the feasibility of Micro-Mobile Compression® (MMC) on lactate clearance following exhaustive exercise and on subsequent exercise performance. METHODS: Elite male cyclists were randomized to MMC (n = 8) or passive recovery (control, n = 8). MMC is incorporated into a sandal that intermittently compresses the venous plexus during non-weight bearing to augment venous return. On day 1, subjects performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer followed by 60 minutes of seated recovery, with or without MMC. Blood lactate concentration ([La(-)]) was measured during exercise and recovery. Subjects returned home for 3 more hours of seated recovery, with or without MMC. On days 2 and 3, subjects exercised to exhaustion in a fixed-load cycle ergometer test at 85% peak power and then repeated the day 1 post-exercise recovery procedures. Lactate clearance data after the time to exhaustion tests on days 2 and 3 were averaged to adjust for interday variation. RESULTS: On the day after MMC or control recovery, mean time to exhaustion was 15% longer (mean difference, 2.1 minutes) in the MMC group (P = 0.30). The standardized mean difference of MMC for time to exhaustion was 0.55, defined as a moderate treatment effect. Following the graded exercise test, area under the 60-minute lactate curve was nonsignificantly lower with MMC (3.2 ± 0.4 millimolar [mM]) versus control (3.5 ± 0.4 mM, P = 0.10) and times from end of exercise to 4mM and 2mM were 2.1 minutes (P = 0.58) and 7.2 minutes (P = 0.12) shorter, although neither achieved statistical significance. Following time to exhaustion testing, the area under the 60-minute lactate curve was lower with MMC (3.2 ± 0.2 mM) versus control (3.5 ± 0.2 mM, P = 0.02) and times from end of exercise to 4mM and 2mM were 4.4 minutes (P = 0.02) and 7.6 minutes (P < 0.01) faster. The standardized mean difference of MMC on most lactate clearance parameters was >0.8, defined as a large treatment effect. CONCLUSION: MMC yields large treatment effects on lactate clearance following high-intensity exercise and moderate treatment effects on subsequent exercise performance in elite male cyclists.

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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) I, formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a painful neuropathic condition that most commonly affects a traumatized extremity. It is characterized by pain that is out of proportion to the original injury, has a distal predominance, and is not attributable to a specific peripheral nerve injury. The name RSD has been changed to CRPS I reflecting the fact that although sympathetic dysfunction can maintain the painful state, it is not the essential pathophysiologic lesion. Successful treatment hinges on early recognition of suspected cases, prompt referral to pain specialists, and ultimately pain control and return of limb function. Treatments range from noninvasive medications and therapies to sympathetic ganglion blockade and sympathectomy. The sports medicine physician is in an ideal position to recognize CRPS I in its earliest stages postinjury, and is advised to make prompt referral to a pain specialist when suspected.

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PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the efficacy, stability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser thermal keratoplasty (LTK) for the treatment of simple hyperopia. SETTING: John Hill Eye and Laser Centre, Cape Town, South Africa. METHODS: This retrospective study comprised consecutive patients having primary treatment of simple hyperopia of up to 3.0 diopters (D) with astigmatism of 0.5 D or less. Treatment methods were as follows: Group 1 (81 eyes), LASIK with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser; Group 2 (69 eyes), LASIK with the LaserSight LSX excimer laser; and Group 3 (84 eyes), LTK with the Sunrise holmium:YAG laser. RESULTS: The hyperopia decreased in all 3 groups. Both LASIK groups were stable by 1 month; there was continued regression in the LTK group for up to 18 months. The percentage of eyes achieving uncorrected visual acuities of 20/20 and 20/40 at 3 months were Nidek, 41% and 92%, respectively; LaserSight, 50% and 90%, respectively; and LTK, 21% and 89%, respectively. No eye lost more than 2 lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity. Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was evident in all 3 groups; it was highest in the LTK group. The mean posttreatment astigmatism was -0.47 D +/- 0.40 (SD) (range 0 to -1.50 D) in the Nidek group, -0.45 +/- 0.40 D (range 0 to -1.25 D) in the LaserSight group, and -0.81 +/- 0.51 D (range 0 to -2.25 D) in the LTK group. The enhancement rates were 16.75%, 22.57%, and 38.30%, respectively. Because of the SIA, 61% of the LTK enhancements were corrected with LASIK. CONCLUSIONS: All 3 treatment methods corrected hyperopia, but stability was achieved early in both LASIK groups, allowing early enhancement when necessary. Because LTK cannot currently correct astigmatism, many of the LTK repeat treatments required LASIK procedures. For these reasons, LASIK remains my preferred method to treat simple hyperopia up to +3.0 D.

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PURPOSE: Patient satisfaction following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is commonly reported as high. This paper reviews the outcome of LASIK both in terms of visual results and satisfaction. METHODS: Two-hundred patients were surveyed telephonically to establish their degree of satisfaction with LASIK and to enquire about postoperative use of glasses, and symptoms of light sensitivity and of night vision problems. Patient anonymity was assured. RESULTS: The majority of patients (95%) never wore distance glasses after LASIK. Reading glasses were used by 49 (24.5%), related to age and presbyopia. Light sensitivity was not a problem or was unchanged from baseline in 73% of patients; 27% said they were worse; a few (5.5%) said their symptoms were better. Night vision was not a problem or was unchanged from baseline in 76% of patients; 24% said they were worse; 17% said their symptoms were better. One hundred ninety-five patients (97.5%) were extremely happy with their results and 197 (98.5%) would have the procedure again. CONCLUSION: After LASIK, 95% of 200 patients wore no distance optical correction; 99% would have the procedure again; and light sensitivity and night vision problems bothered a significant number of patients.

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