Background-Impaired joint position sense (JPS) has been shown in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient and osteoarthritic knees. The relation between JPS and function is uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine further ifACL deficient knees show abnormal JPS and the effect of exercise therapy on JPS, and also to assess the relation between JPS, functional stability, and strength. Methods-Fifty patients (46 men and four women, mean age 26.3 years) with unilateral ACL deficient knees were assessed on admission and after rehabilitation (5 hours a day for four weeks). JPS was assessed by reproduction of passive positioning using a visual analogue incorporating a goniometer. Knee stability was analysed by self report questionnaire (score 0-280) and functional activity test (single leg hop and figure of eight run). Isokinetic dynamometry was performed to evaluate quadriceps and hamstring peak torque strength. Controls were either age and sex matched individuals or the contralateral knee. Statistical analysis was by Wilcoxon signed rank test and Spearman rank order correlation coefficient. Results-JPS was impaired in ACL deficient knees. The mean (SD) errors in reproducing angles were 9.4 (3.1)0 and 7.1 (2.3)0 for the ACL deficient knee and control knee respectively (P<0.0005). There was no improvement in JPS after rehabilitation (9.4 (3.1)°and 8.5 (3.2)0 before and after rehabilitation respectively, P = 0.14). There was improvement as ascertained from the questionnaire ( (Br J Sports Med 1997;31:209-212)

As 64% of sports medicine doctors were unable to show proficiency at basic life support and assessment and management of a seriously injured patient with a potential spinal injury in the last two examinations for a University of Bath diploma in sports and exercise medicine, it was decided that a reminder is required of the importance of acquiring, at the very least, some basic resuscitation skills. An analysis and comment on the results from the first aid component of the examination is also presented. (Br J Sports Med 2001;35:128-130)

Persistent disabling groin pain in an active sportsman is a frustrating diagnostic and management problem for both the athlete and physician. After clinical examination and investigation there remains a group of patients who have unexplained groin pain, and may undergo lengthy periods of conservative management with numerous radiological investigations. Here we highlight such a case.

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