A new study highlights the long-term benefits of rotator cuff surgery, showing significant cost savings and improved quality of life for patients. The study estimates that surgeries result in a lifetime societal savings of approximately $3.44 billion annually.
Despite obesity, patients experience improved shoulder function and reduced pain after two years post-surgery, but overall physical function remains unchanged. The study suggests that total shoulder replacement is an effective procedure for pain relief and functional improvement in patients with shoulder arthritis.
Patients should never drive if taking narcotic pain medication, as it impairs cognitive judgment and reaction time. Additionally, using one arm can significantly limit safe driving abilities due to impaired coordination and control of the vehicle.
Approximately 1.4 million people suffer minor traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) each year, with falls and motor vehicle accidents being common causes. Orthopedic surgeons can play a critical role in diagnosing mTBI, ensuring patients receive proper care and referrals for management.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that ACL reconstruction surgery provides a significant cost savings to society, with an average lifetime benefit of $50,000 per patient. The study estimated lifetime societal savings of approximately $10.1 billion annually.
A recent study found that using DVDs, booklets, and health coaches can help patients arrive at an informed treatment decision within their first visit with an orthopaedic surgeon. The study showed a significant increase in patient confidence in knowing what questions to ask their doctor, leading to better shared medical decision making.
A literature review found that one in four people develop hip arthritis before age 85, contributing to groin pain. Contributing factors include sports-related injuries, prior surgery, and traumatic occupational history. A detailed medical history and examination are crucial for diagnosing the source of groin pain.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has released a list of five targeted, evidence-based recommendations to support conversations between patients and physicians about necessary care. The recommendations aim to reduce waste and overuse in the healthcare system by identifying unnecessary tests and procedures in orthopaedics.
A new study highlights the economic benefits of knee replacement surgery, finding that patients can save nearly $40,000 in indirect costs, resulting in lifetime societal savings of $10,000-$30,000. The study estimates that total knee replacement surgeries will exceed 3 million by 2030 due to an aging population.
Using proper child safety restraint systems decreases mortality and serious injury rates in motor vehicle crashes. Booster seats minimize abdominal injuries, and rear-facing seats should be used until at least 2 years old or 20 pounds.
A retrospective study found that higher numbers of lumbar epidural steroid injections (LESI) were associated with increased risk of bone fragility and vertebral fractures. Patients at high risk for fractures include older women, those who have had an earlier fracture, smokers, and underweight individuals.
A literature review highlights the evolution of synthetic playing surfaces and their association with injuries, particularly to the foot, ankle, toe, and knee. The study suggests that optimal shoe-playing surface conditions are level and sport-specific, and further research is needed to improve playing conditions for all athletes.
Orthopedic surgery faces challenges with obese patients due to increased risk of complications, poor nutrition, and diminished treatment outcomes. Weight loss is recommended for pre-joint replacement surgery to improve outcomes.
A recent study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that smoking significantly increases the risk of nonunion in fractures involving long bones. The average time to fracture healing is also longer for smokers compared to nonsmokers, highlighting the negative impact of smoking on bone health.
A new study found that total hip replacement (THR) is associated with reduced mortality, heart failure, depression, and diabetes rates in Medicare patients with osteoarthritis. THR also shows potential long-term benefits in terms of prolonged lifespan and reduced disease burden.
A study at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found significant variations in spinal component costs, with pedicle screws, anterior cervical plates, and posterior interbody cages costing $400 to $7,200 per patient. Greater transparency and coordinated implant selection and purchase processes could reduce these costs by up to ...
A new study identifies predictors of complications and mortality following a hip fracture, including dialysis, cardiac disease, and diabetes. The study found that reducing time to surgical intervention appears to be the single greatest factor in influencing the risk of mortality or complications.
A new study found that nearly all (98%) total knee replacement patients returned to work after surgery, with 89% able to return to their previous job. The study also showed significant improvements in physical activity levels among THR patients over a decade, with many resuming activities like biking and swimming.
Research studies found that obesity is associated with longer hospital stays and higher related costs in total knee replacement patients, but not with an overall increase in complication risk. Patients with a BMI of 25-30kg/m2 had the lowest length of hospital stay and direct medical costs.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that female-specific knee implants do not significantly improve clinical outcomes in total knee replacement patients. The study compared implant fit and clinical results with and without female components, revealing comparable pain scores and range of motion.
A multi-center study found that PRP treatment improved pain scores and reduced elbow tenderness in 55.1% and 37.4% of patients at 12 weeks, respectively. At six months, 83.9% of patients reported significantly less pain and tenderness following PRP treatment.
A recent study found that current and past smokers have a higher risk of hip replacement failure compared to non-smokers. The study, which reviewed records of total hip replacement patients between 2007 and 2009, found a significant correlation between smoking and increased revision rates.
Researchers have made significant discoveries in musculoskeletal health, including bio-enhanced ACL repair and the diagnosis of posterolateral knee injuries. The new approaches aim to stimulate healing and regeneration, reduce future injury-related osteoarthritis, and improve patient outcomes.
New research found that total hip and knee replacement surgeries significantly improve sexual function in 90% of patients, with women experiencing a higher rate of improvement. The study also revealed that psychological issues related to osteoarthritis were common among patients, but improved following surgery.
Research found that cushioned heel trainers alter an adolescent runner's biomechanics and diminish performance by promoting a heel-strike pattern. In contrast, runners with track flats and barefoot had a forefoot or mid-foot strike pattern.
A recent study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting found that spine patients who quit smoking experience diminished pain. Non-smokers showed significant improvements in reported pain, while those who continued to smoke saw no clinically significant improvement.
The Return to Run program, using the Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis (IDEO), successfully returned 13 out of 14 service members to duty. Functional capabilities improved significantly, including walking, running, and jumping without assistive devices.
Injuries from bicycling, roller sports, and trampolines decreased by 38.1%, 20.8%, and 17.5% respectively between 2000 and 2010. Football and soccer injuries increased by 22.8% and 10.8%, with overall musculoskeletal-specific injuries declining 12.4%.
A new study found that MRI is highly sensitive and specific for identifying tissue damage in metal-on-metal hip replacement patients. Early detection allows for timely revision surgery, decreasing the risk of further tissue damage and pain.
A new study published at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) meeting found that living in a sunny climate does not improve vitamin D levels in patients with hip fractures. The majority of patients with hip fractures had insufficient or deficient levels of vitamin D, regardless of their geographical location.
A new study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons meeting shows that 13 out of 14 wounded warriors returned to combat after completing the Return to Run orthotic rehab initiative. The program successfully restored functional and occupational capabilities, including walking, running, and standing for long periods.
A literature review suggests that weight loss can diminish pain, restore function, and quality of life in osteoarthritis patients. Obesity may trigger biomechanical changes contributing to the condition, making weight loss a key treatment option for arthritis and joint pain prevention.
A study of over 40,000 Kaiser Permanente patients found no increased risk of infection or complications following total knee replacement (TKR) for those with diabetes. However, patients with uncontrolled diabetes were more likely to be obese and have severe comorbidities.
The number of ACL injuries in young athletes is rising due to increased training and reduced free play. Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons recommend optimal strategies for treating ACL injuries based on the specifics of the injury and the child's skeletal maturity, including non-surgical management and surgical reconstruction.
A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that obese patients with lumbar disc herniation tend to have poorer outcomes with both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. The study included 854 non-obese patients and 336 obese patients, and compared their outcomes over a four-year period.
Research highlights the unique anatomical differences in the female knee that contribute to higher injury rates. Preseason and ongoing neuromuscular training programs can significantly decrease ACL injury risk among girls and women.
Patients with severe back pain who quit smoking reported less pain than those who continued to smoke, according to a recent study. The study found that quitting smoking led to significant improvements in pain levels and disability indexes for nonsmokers.
Athletes are vulnerable to extreme heat or cold, which can cause hypothermia, frostbite, heat edema, heat syncope, and even life-threatening conditions. Team physicians play a crucial role in educating coaches and athletes on the risks of exposure and how to prevent these injuries.
A new study published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that computer-navigated total knee replacement had the same results as conventional procedures in terms of knee function, alignment, and durability. The study followed 520 patients for 10-12 years and found no significant differences between the two groups.
Obese patients are at a greater risk of post-surgical infections and require more follow-up surgeries following total knee replacement. The study advises well-informed obese patients to lose weight before surgery to lessen osteoarthritis symptoms and improve outcomes.
A literature review published in Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that physical therapy begun shortly after ACL surgery can bring about very good outcomes for patients. However, bracing did not seem to improve results. Strength, range-of-motion, and functionality exercises are recommended as a key part of rehabilitation.
Older patients with shoulder dislocations are more likely to experience rotator cuff tears due to weakened tissues, but less likely to recur compared to younger patients. Prompt evaluation and management by a specialist or orthopedic surgeon is crucial for optimal outcomes.
A study of spinal injury data found that explosions accounted for 56% of spine injuries, followed by motor vehicle collisions and gunshots. The average age of injured personnel was 26.5 years, and 90% were enlisted personnel.
A recent study suggests that some blood clots identified by sensitive testing methods may not require treatment, potentially reducing risks of bleeding complications. However, developing guidelines to accurately identify patients who can benefit from anticoagulant therapy is crucial.
Young athletes playing contact sports are at high risk of recurring shoulder instability injuries, often caused by traumatic contact injuries such as force or falling on an outstretched arm. Symptoms include pain, instability, and weakness in the affected shoulder.
Two studies published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that high blood sugar and obesity significantly increase the risk of surgical site infections after orthopaedic trauma and total joint replacement. Nearly one-third of hospital admissions without diabetes have hyperglycemia, which is associated with longer stays, ICU ...
The June issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons highlights the negative impact of smoking on bone and joint health. Smokers face increased risks of postoperative complications and bone density loss, but preoperative counseling programs can mitigate these effects. The journal also discusses treatment option...
The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons May issue highlights new review articles on treating pediatric toe walking, managing pain after rotator cuff surgery, and other orthopaedic topics. The articles provide insights into diagnosis, treatment options, and patient outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that hand and wrist injuries account for a significant number of annual emergency department visits in the US. The study estimated that the total cost of these injuries is substantial, with over $2 billion spent on healthcare costs and lost productivity each year.
Researchers investigated non-emergent musculoskeletal injuries in soldiers returning from combat, finding that nearly 19% required orthopaedic consultations. Another study estimated the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism after elective knee arthroscopy, revealing a relatively low risk for complications.