Delaying ACL reconstruction or treating the injury with exercise therapy alone may alter the final prognosis

ACL injuries are still a major challenge in everyday clinical practice. Evidence-based recommendations for surgical intervention, as opposed to conservative management, has not been clearly established yet. This study ( see page 1622 ) provides the basis for clinicians to offer individualised management options, conservative or surgical, tailored to the patient’s needs and the characteristics of the injury.

Deconstructing a popular myth: why knee arthroscopy is no better than placebo surgery for degenerative meniscal tears

It is traditionally suggested that meniscal tears cause pain and that this can be relieved by removing the damaged tissue. In this review ( see page 1630 ), the authors deconstruct this myth and discuss the possible placebo effects of having a knee arthroscopy. The indications for knee surgery are critically evaluated, and the concept of ‘mechanical symptoms’ is explored.

Surgical criteria for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a scoping review

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is increasingly recognised as a major cause of hip pain in athletes. Despite the increasing prevalence in sport, agreed criteria for choosing conservative or surgical management appear to be missing. In this scoping review ( see page 1605 ), a wide range of symptoms and interventions are analysed, and suggestions are put forward regarding the criteria for surgical intervention in cases of FAI.

Is reduced hip range of motion a risk factor for groin pain in athletes? A systematic review with clinical applications

Exercise-related groin pain is very common in all sports, all levels of participation. The aetiology is multifactorial, but the relationship between pain and range of movement (ROM) has been a source of interest for some time. This review ( see page 1611 ) outlines the possible relationship between hip pain and ROM and provides clinicians with helpful advice in assessing patients and identifying risk factors.

5th Congress of ECOSEP with FIFA update in Dubai

The FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence in Dubai, in collaboration with the European College of Sports and Exercise Medicine Physicians (ECOSEP), welcomes the sports medicine community to the 5th Congress, to be held 9–10 December 2017 at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

We at ECOSEP are dedicated to encouraging collaboration between SEM organisations and SEM centres on the globe. To achieve this, we have assembled outstanding speakers from around the world who will cover a wide range of exciting topics over the two days of the Congress. Attendees will hear about the latest research and take part in panel discussions, symposia and workshops to stimulate their minds and enhance their knowledge base.

At the 5th Congress of the ECOSEP and FIFA Football Medicine, East and West will come together to share their knowledge and experience in the fascinating field of SEM, and delegates will be able to experience the wonderful culture and diversity of Dubai.

Young SEM clinicians will be able to showcase their research in the form of posters, abstracts and oral presentations, and everyone will benefit from daily interacting with the experts.

The final programme can be found on the ECOSEP website http://ecosep.eu/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1.Brouchure-Final.pdf

We hope to meet you all there!