Articles tagged with Orthopedics
A national study led by Dr. Joseph Guettler found that youth baseball pitchers experience serious injuries 16 times more often than 30 years ago. Parents' behavior is to blame, with most leagues and coaches adhering to guidelines, yet pitchers still engaging in excessive throwing behaviors.
A large international study led by McMaster researchers found that one in six women arriving at orthopedic fracture clinics have been victims of physical, emotional, or sexual violence within the past year. This highlights the need for healthcare professionals to identify and support victims of intimate partner violence, who are often ...
A study of 2945 adult women found that 16% experienced domestic violence in the past year and 34.6% reported abuse at some point in their lives. The research suggests that healthcare professionals in injury clinics are well-positioned to identify and support victims, emphasizing the need for screening and referral services.
The Brown University School of Public Health and Alpert Medical School will develop and deliver aging-related curricula for hundreds of doctors. The program aims to improve care for older patients by integrating healthy aging into medical specialties.
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 study published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research found that people on higher incomes are more satisfied with their knee replacement surgery results. In contrast, those from lower-income households reported higher levels of dissatisfaction and poorer function.
The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine publishes quality research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses on orthopaedic sports medicine topics. The first three published articles include studies on ACL reconstruction, running-related injuries, and knee kinematics.
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.
A study of 406 patients found that male athletes, particularly those who engage in sports like basketball and tennis, are at a higher risk of Achilles tendon ruptures. The majority of these injuries occur during sporting activities, and delayed diagnosis can lead to poorer outcomes. Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons emphasize the imp...
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 new study presents biceps tenodesis surgery as a safe and effective treatment option for individuals with failed primary arthroscopic repairs, allowing 81% of patients to return to pre-injury activity levels. The procedure alleviates pain and dysfunction, enabling patients to regain full shoulder function.
Researchers compared two ACL repair methods and found both techniques lead to similarly effective outcomes for patients. The study involved 98 patients who underwent reconstructions using either a single or double-bundle method, with 79% of the double bundle group showing normal knee function.
A new case study on over 500 hip procedures found a complication rate of 7.2%, higher than previously reported 1.5%. The multicenter study evaluated all arthroscopic hip procedures using a grading scheme and included a mean age of 32.3 years among participants.
A study of 38 military patients treated with allograft osteoarticular transplants (OATS) found that only 28.9% returned to full duty, while 5.3% regained pre-injury level of activity. Cartilage injuries remain a challenge for high-demand athletes.
A recent study found that exercise interventions in childhood may be associated with lower fracture risks as people age due to increased peak bone mass. Researchers conducted a six-year exercise intervention in children aged 7-9 and found similar fracture risks between the intervention and control groups.
A small study involving 42 patients found that mechanomyography (MMG) technology effectively measures nerve function and determines whether nerves are compressed. After decompression, 70% of nerves had normal threshold values, while 98% showed a drop in threshold greater than 1mA.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that smoking delays fracture healing and increases post-operative complications. The research, which analyzed over 6,480 patient cases, shows that smokers take roughly six weeks longer to heal than non-smokers.
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 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 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 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 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.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that the docking technique yielded favorable results in teenage athletes with UCL tears, outperforming previous reports. The procedure resulted in excellent outcomes for 89% of patients, who were able to return to competitive play.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that younger mice exhibit a more robust healing response compared to older mice. The team identified the Notch signaling pathway as critical to fracture healing, with reduced baseline activity in geriatric MSCs.
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.
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.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that tissue damage is more likely to cause unexplained pain in metal-on-metal hip implant patients. The study found significant tissue damage in 90% of patients with unexplained pain compared to 10% in the control group.
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.
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 from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that physical therapy improves functional status, pain, and physical function in patients with meniscal tears and osteoarthritis. For a third of patients assigned to physical therapy, surgery was still necessary.
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.
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.
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 multi-center study found that total knee replacements in younger patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) last at least 10 years in 92 percent of cases. More than 75 percent of implants survived for 20 years or more, enabling many JIA patients to walk again and lead normal lives.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 new study by Hospital for Special Surgery found that approximately 25% of ACL tears from recreational ski injuries can heal on their own. Researchers developed a six-to-12-week test to identify patients with low-grade ACL injuries who are likely to recover without surgery.
A study by pediatric orthopaedic surgeons at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital found that spine-related injuries from ATVs are more common in older children and females, with a significant increase in non-contiguous spinal fractures. The researchers emphasize the need for parents to recognize ATV safety risks and take preventive measures.
A new study by UCSF neurosurgeon Christopher Ames and orthopedic surgeon Vedat Deviren found that complex spinal surgeries with two attending physicians were significantly shorter, averaging five hours instead of eight, and resulted in less blood loss, fewer major complications, and shorter hospital stays.
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.
Researchers developed reverse dynamization, which accelerates healing of large segmental bone defects by varying stiffness levels. This approach showed promising results in rat models, with improved bone mineral content and mechanical strength compared to traditional methods.
New research suggests that statins can decrease inflammatory and thrombotic proteins in individuals with antiphospholipid antibodies, reducing the risk of blood clots and other complications. A prospective study found that fluvastatin significantly decreased protein levels in patients with APS, offering a potential new treatment option.
Using regional anesthesia reduces need for blood transfusions and major complications in bilateral knee replacements, according to a new study. Patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia had lower rates of blood transfusions compared to general anesthesia.
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.
Research finds that academic websites provide the most accurate pediatric orthopedic information, while commercial sites yield the least reliable results. The study also highlights concerns about duplicate content and misinterpretation of information.
A recent study found that only 23.2% of general orthopedic practices agreed to schedule an appointment for a pediatric fracture patient with Medicaid, while 82% accepted private PPO insurance. This decline in access to care is attributed to low Medicaid reimbursement rates.
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 new study reveals that younger and healthier patients undergoing bilateral total knee replacements are actually becoming sicker, with rising complication rates attributed to obesity. The study found a 3% increase in pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, and nonmyocardial infarction cardiac complications over time.
A recent study found that nearly 20 percent of people who underwent low back fusion surgery developed post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. The strongest factor in determining whether a patient suffered PTSD symptoms was a pre-surgery psychiatric disturbance, but some patients without such diagnoses also experienced symptoms.
Researchers at Penn State developed a method to create a rough surface on bone grafts similar to untreated bone, promoting healing and increasing the likelihood of successful implantation. The new technique uses physical vapor deposition to coat the graft with hydroxyapatite, optimizing its osteogenic properties.
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 review of twelve studies on joint replacement surgery found no conclusive evidence for weight loss after the procedure. In fact, some patients even gained weight due to improved mobility and reduced pain.