Study Design: Anatomical study of the interosseous region of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) complex.

Objectives: To document and quantify the surface topography of the interosseous region of the SIJ.

Background: A review of the literature reveals that little consideration has been given to the interosseous region of the SIJ anatomically, biomechanically, and clinically.

Methods and Measures: The interosseous region of 11 cadaveric specimens (9 formalin embalmed and 2 fresh frozen) were studied. Ten specimens were 55 years of age or older and 1 was 20 years old. To view the interosseous surfaces of the sacrum and ilium the specimens were either axially sectioned (1-cm slices) or disarticulated. One fresh-frozen and 6 embalmed specimens were disarticulated and the remainder axially sectioned. The topography (surface ridging and areas of ossification) of the interosseous region was documented in all specimens and in 2 specimens the surfaces were 3-dimensionally reconstructed using modeling and animation software (MAYA; Autodesk, Inc, San Rafael, CA).

Results: Surface characteristics of the SIJ complex observed in specimens 55 years of age or older included moderate to extensive ridging of the interosseous region of the sacrum and ilium in 100% of specimens and ossification of the central interosseous region of the sacroiliac (SI) ligament in 60% of specimens.

Conclusions: Central region ossification of the interosseous SI ligament and the presence of ridges and depressions over the opposing interosseous surfaces of the sacrum and ilium are features common to specimens that are in or beyond their sixth decade. These findings further support the contention that there is little to no movement available at this joint in older individuals.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006;36(4):200-208, doi:10.2519/jospt.2006.2099.

Key Words: ilium, joint morphology, pelvis, sacrum, surface topography

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Objective: To examine clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of hamstring muscle injury to determine if any are predictive for recurrent injury.

Background: Hamstring muscle strain injury and subsequent recurrent injury are common. Little information exists on factors that may increase the risk for recurrent injury.

Methods and Measures: The subjects were athletes from 3 professional Australian Rules football teams (n = 162). Anthropometric measurements, clinical signs, convalescent interval, and MRI assessment and measurement were undertaken and recorded in athletes with hamstring muscle strain injury. Athletes were followed for the presence, or absence, of recurrent injury to the same-side posterior thigh over the same and subsequent playing seasons.

Results: Thirty athletes met criteria for hamstring injury. Twelve (40%) of 30 athletes had recurrent injury within the same season, with an additional 7 athletes having recurrent injury in the subsequent season. None of the features examined were associated with increased recurrent injury risk within the same playing season. Statistical analysis demonstrated that when combining the same with the subsequent playing season a larger size of initial hamstring injury, as measured by MRI, was associated with an increased risk for recurrent injury (P<.01). A measured transverse size of injury greater than 55% of the muscle, or calculated volume of injury greater than 21.8 cm³, resulted in an increased risk for hamstring recurrence of 2.2 (95% CI, 0.88-5.32) and 2.3 (95% CI, 0.94-5.81) times, respectively, when compared to athletes with hamstring injuries below these measurements.

Conclusions: A larger size of hamstring injury was indicative of higher risk for recurrent injury but only after the subsequent playing season was considered along with the same playing season. None of the other parameters tested, including a shorter convalescent interval and clinical features, were associated with an increased risk for recurrent injury. However, due to low sample size the certainty of these conclusions may be limited.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006; 36(4):215-224, doi:10.2519/jospt.2006.2086.

Key Words: Australian Football, biceps femoris, muscle injury, reinjury, risk factor assessment

Study Design: A systematic review.

Objective: To determine the strength of evidence of the effect of low-Dye taping on lower limb kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic variables.

Background: Low-Dye taping is a foot-taping technique that aims to limit foot pronation and is commonly used to treat a number of foot disorders.

Methods and Measures: Systematic review of randomized or quasi-randomized trials examining the effect of low-Dye taping compared with no taping on kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic variables. Trials were identified by searching CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, and CENTRAL, and by recursive checking of bibliographies. Data were extracted from published trials and from mail contact with authors for further information as necessary. Meta-analyses were planned for all outcomes using the generic inverse variance method. Sensitivity analyses were planned by pooling data from nonrandomized trials. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the quantity I2.

Results: Six trials met inclusion criteria and, of these, 5 trials reported sufficient data on kinematic and kinetic variables to be included in the analysis. Results from the 5 randomized trials were considered robust when pooled with data from 7 nonrandomized trials in a sensitivity analysis. When compared to no taping, low-Dye taping increased navicular height immediately after application (weighted mean difference [WMD], 5.90 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41 to 11.39; P = .04) and had no effect on navicular height post exercise (WMD, 4.70 mm; 95% CI, –0.61 to 10.01; P = .08), maximum rearfoot eversion while walking (WMD, –0.59°; 95% CI, –2.53 to 1.35; P = .55), and total rearfoot range of motion while walking (WMD, 2.3°; 95% CI, –0.64 to 5.24; P = .13).

Conclusions: Low-Dye taping provides a small change in navicular height post application, although it is unclear whether this change is clinically important. There was high heterogeneity between some trials examining other variables, indicating that more research is needed to confirm the results of previous trials.

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2006;36(4):232-241, doi:10.2519/jospt.2006.2190.

Key Words: arch, foot, pronation, strapping, tape