Articles tagged with Orthopedics
A new study found that nearly all recreational athletes under 55 who underwent total shoulder replacement surgery returned to at least one sport within seven months, with high satisfaction rates and high use of their shoulders.
Patients with high cholesterol levels face increased risk of rotator cuff surgery failure. Statin use prior to surgery reduces this risk, according to a new study. The study found no impact on outcomes from patient triglyceride levels.
Patients taking SSRIs for anxiety and depression may experience a reduced risk of revision surgery after total hip or knee replacement. This is due to better management of depression and pain in these patients, or potential positive biologic effects of SSRIs.
A study found that bariatric surgery prior to total hip or knee replacement can reduce in-hospital and 90-day postoperative complications, improving patient health for morbidly obese patients. However, it does not reduce the risk of needing a revision surgery.
The University of Miami's Miami project successfully completes a Phase I clinical trial of schwann cell transplantation to treat spinal cord injuries. The trial demonstrates the safety and feasibility of transplanting autologous human Schwann cells to repair damaged spinal cords.
A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals that body mass index (BMI) has no effect on meniscus repair surgery failure rates. The research found similar success rates for patients with average and higher BMI, challenging common assumptions about weight and joint pressure.
A new study published in JOSPT found that physical therapy achieved results comparable to surgery outcomes for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients treated with physical therapy showed faster improvements and similar benefits at one year following treatment.
Researchers identified key strategies to enhance total knee replacement outcomes for patients with obesity, including managing chronic conditions and nutritional deficiencies. Excess soft tissue during surgery can obstruct visibility, leading to difficulty achieving proper alignment and implant fixation.
Scientists discover a tissue layer with extremely thin protein fibers at the interface between tendons and bones, explaining why athletes can withstand tremendous loads without damaging the bond. This breakthrough could lead to innovative connections in material research and tumour surgery.
Current smokers have a significantly higher rate of septic reoperation compared to nonsmokers, with each additional pack-year contributing to total reoperations. Smoking history affects the risk of hospital readmissions among patients undergoing total joint replacement.
A study analyzing over 100,000 shoulder replacement surgery cases found that patients with Medicaid or no insurance had significantly higher complication rates compared to privately insured patients. Disparities in postoperative outcomes were attributed to lack of access to preoperative and postoperative care due to socioeconomic factors.
Researchers found that elevated levels of GFAP and UCH-L1 in patients with acute orthopedic injuries did not distinguish between those with and without mild traumatic brain injury. This study highlights the need for caution when using these biomarkers, as false-positive diagnoses could lead to unnecessary imaging.
Patients with low back pain that radiates to the buttock, groin, thigh, and knees may have complex 'hip-spine syndrome'. A comprehensive physical examination and imaging studies can help diagnose the primary cause of pain. The article recommends considering both hip and spine conditions in diagnosis and treatment.
The American College of Surgeons has launched a new initiative funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to implement Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols in 750 hospitals. ERAS practices have been shown to lower costs, improve safety, and shorten recovery times for surgical patients.
Misdiagnosing six common foot and ankle injuries can result in poor long-term patient outcomes, including arthritis and disability. Clinicians are advised to be suspicious and obtain additional imaging or a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon to confirm the initial diagnosis.
A new review found functional rehabilitation and minimally invasive surgery to be effective treatment options for Achilles tendon tears, especially in recreational athletes. Surgical repair may be optimal for high-performance athletes, offering improved strength and power.
Researchers found rotator cuff tendon overuse leads to degeneration of the shoulder tendon and osteoarthritis-like changes to neighboring cartilage. The study may help clinicians determine optimal treatment for tendon overuse injuries, reducing further damage.
Researchers found that patients recovering from carpal tunnel release surgery can regain their pre-operative typing speed within two to three weeks. This recovery timeline allows patients to resume typing earlier, with some restrictions on prolonged use.
Research suggests direct costs for select orthopaedic procedures at ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) could be significantly less than university hospitals. ASCs offer convenient and potentially cost-effective care options with streamlined processes.
A decision aid significantly increased the rate of total knee replacement surgery among black patients, who were more likely to undergo surgery when informed about treatment risks and benefits. The intervention also led to a higher uptake of surgery among those willing compared to unwilling patients, women, and younger patients.
A bilingual support group addressing the psychological and educational needs of patients with lupus and their families has been shown to have a positive impact. The study found substantial improvements in knowledge and coping strategies among participants, particularly those from the Hispanic/Latino community.
A study of over 1,200 patients found that mild postoperative pulmonary complications are associated with increased intensive care unit admission and early mortality. The researchers call for more interventions to curb these risks and improve patient outcomes.
Orthopaedic surgeons are adopting new patient-focused measures to improve post-surgical outcomes and quality of life. The National Institutes of Health's Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is being used to objectively assess and track patient symptoms over time.
A Hospital for Special Surgery survey found that arthritis and osteoporosis were the most common diagnosed musculoskeletal conditions affecting residents in lower Fairfield and Upper Westchester Counties. The study also highlighted falls as a significant problem, with 25% of respondents reporting a fall in the past year.
A study of patient perceptions by Henry Ford Hospital found that patients overestimate the Medicare reimbursement for knee surgery and ACL reconstruction procedures. Patients believe a surgeon's salary should be compensated more for advanced training and are willing to pay more out-of-pocket costs.
A Canadian study found that patients with hip fractures have higher mortality rates at smaller hospitals compared to teaching hospitals. The risk of death after surgery was also higher at medium community hospitals, possibly due to limited resources.
A modified casting technique resulted in comparable functional outcomes to surgery at 6 months, while reducing wound complications and intervention costs. The study found no significant differences in quality of life, pain, or mobility between the two groups.
A new study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that incorporating multiple senses in physician-patient conversations improves patient comprehension of orthopaedic conditions. The study showed significant differences in understanding between groups using verbal, video, and model-based discussions.
A study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that X-rays are the most effective diagnostic tool for knee pain in middle-aged patients. The study suggests that weight-bearing X-rays should be obtained before an MRI to screen for knee pain, as they can often provide enough information for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
A national team of orthopaedic surgeons identified risk factors contributing to fracture nonunion in adults, including the severity and location of the fracture, presence of diseases, and medication use. Nonunion rates varied by bone type, with scaphoid and tibia/fibula showing the highest rates.
A new study found that prevention programs significantly reduce the risk of ankle injuries in soccer players. These programs include neuromuscular, proprioceptive, strengthening, and stretching exercises, and have been shown to be effective in reducing injury rates by up to 40%.
A new study found that Medicare's mandatory bundled payment program could cause financial difficulties for hospitals caring for older, sicker patients. Introducing risk adjustment to the program could mitigate this impact and ensure fairer reimbursement.
In Illinois, average monthly ER visits increased by 5.7% after Obamacare's implementation. In Massachusetts, availability of on-call specialists declined significantly between 2005 and 2014.
Research found no significant differences in post-operative complications or mortality between African American and white patients treated in a universally insured military health system. In contrast, uninsured or Medicaid-receiving African Americans experienced significantly higher odds of mortality, complications, and readmission aft...
The study found moderate inter-rater reliability between therapists in determining muscle fatigue through observation of changes in movement patterns. This approach may provide clinicians with a tool to address the challenge of therapeutic exercise dosing in rehabilitation settings.
An automated communication system has been shown to improve surgical patient engagement in preventing SSIs, with a high degree of patient acceptance. The system's two-pronged approach reminds patients to follow antibiotic protocols and reports signs of infection, reducing the risk of rehospitalization and treatment costs.
Research found that osteochondral allograft transplantation can successfully treat knee cartilage injuries in athletes and highly active patients. After an average follow-up of 6 years, 76% of patients returned to activity, with 90% survivorship of the transplanted grafts.
A new study found that wearing a wearable neuromuscular device improved postural control in athletes without limiting performance. The devices, used with regular training programs, also prevented any ACL injuries during the season.
A study found that artificial turf surfaces with higher infill weights (above 9 pounds per square foot) resulted in lower injury rates among high school football players. The research, led by Michael Clinton Meyers, PhD, recommends a minimum of 6.0 pounds per square foot of infill weight to optimize player safety on artificial surfaces.
A study found that using hamstring injury prevention programs can reduce hamstring injuries by 40% and lost playing time by up to 45.3% in minor league players, with a 65% reduction in major league players.
A new study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that surgical treatment for shoulder instability in collegiate athletes can lead to high return-to-play rates, especially for those who played at high levels previously. Athletes with scholarships were more likely to return as starters after surgery.
Research suggests that the location of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in MLB pitchers can predict non-operative treatment failures and guide surgical recommendations. Distal UCL tears are more likely to require surgery than proximal tears.
A study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that surgery after a first-time shoulder dislocation lowers re-injury risks and need for follow-up surgery. The average age of patients was 19 years old, with a postoperative dislocation rate of 29% compared to 62% in those who did not have surgery.
A look-back study suggests that a major operation to fuse the spines of children with rare, early-onset scoliosis can be eliminated in many cases. In the study, 26 out of 30 patients who opted out of the final fusion procedure had their spines stay straight over three to seven years of follow-up.
Researchers found that female patients under 25 with graft sizes less than 8mm are more likely to experience an ACL re-tear. This is due to factors such as estrogen levels, anatomical differences, and decreased knee strength.
Dr. K. Donald Shelbourne has made a lasting impact on sports medicine through his work on ACL rehabilitation and long-term outcomes research. He is recognized as one of the pioneers in this field, with over 6,500 successful ACL reconstructions performed.
Dr. Freddie H. Fu, MD, has been inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's (AOSSM) Hall of Fame for his substantial contributions to the field of sports medicine. Dr. Fu is a renowned expert in anatomic ACL reconstruction and bioengineering of sports-related problems.
Researchers found that combining procedural checklists with error-tracking systems enhances resident performance. Evaluating residents on cadavers helps them identify areas for improvement, while an objective evaluation system provides unambiguous feedback.
A new study at Hospital for Special Surgery shows that a communication skills training program for orthopedic surgery residents has a positive impact on their interactions with older adults. The program, which includes interactive sessions and presentations, results in improved attitudes and anxiety levels towards older adults.
A study investigated risk factors for progressive kyphosis after a thoracolumbar spine injury. The authors analyzed X-rays of patients with traumatic spinal fractures to determine the relationship between fracture type, patient characteristics (AO classification, age, gender, and localization), and post-traumatic kyphosis.
LegBank, a social enterprise company, has received a $1 million grant from Google.org to produce and distribute high-quality prosthetic limbs to amputees in need. The grant will enable production expansion and distribution to Colombia, where it aims to help an estimated 15,000 amputees with limited access to prosthetic care.
A literature review found that deployed military service members are three times more likely to suffer non-combat musculoskeletal injuries than combat-related ones. Non-combat injuries common among service members include ACL injuries and ankle sprains, with 50% of surgical procedures on the knee or shoulder.
A study found that patients who listened to relaxing music before cataracts surgery experienced significantly reduced anxiety and required less sedation. Music-induced relaxation lasts for approximately 60 minutes after the music stops, making it a potential non-pharmacological method to reduce pre-operative anxiety.
Researchers found that MLB pitchers who threw fastballs nearly half of the time were at increased risk for Tommy John surgery. The study also showed no correlation between pitch velocity and risk of injury.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new minimally invasive tendon repair technique that supports knee movement sooner after surgery. The suture anchor technique, which requires a smaller incision and disrupts less tissue, showed better strength results in human cadaveric tendon specimens.
A Loyola Medicine study found no differences in bacterial infections between knee replacement patients who showered two days after surgery and those who waited 10-14 days. Patients overwhelmingly preferred early showering, with 94% reporting its importance.
A new study found that visiting consultant clinics (VCCs) with orthopaedic surgeons traveling to meet patients in rural areas significantly improved access to care. The average driving distance to the nearest orthopaedic surgeon was reduced by more than 50% for 450,000 to 670,000 Iowa residents.
A recent study published in The British Medical Journal found that deprived patients and those admitted at weekends are least likely to receive the recommended total hip replacement surgery. Despite national guidelines setting out who should get the procedure, substantial variation in compliance between hospitals was observed.
A large study of nearly 29,000 outpatient hand and shoulder surgeries found a 0.2 percent complication rate, with most complications being post-operative infections or blood clots. The study suggests that proper patient selection can make these procedures safe at freestanding ambulatory surgery centers.
Minimalist running shoes with forefoot strike may reduce repetitive strain on the knee, lower leg, and heel. However, runners should still exercise caution and transition to a new gait pattern gradually to avoid injuries.