Articles tagged with Orthopedics
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.
UT Southwestern Medical Center has been named the official healthcare team of the Dallas Stars, marking a significant expansion of their longstanding relationship with the club. The team will oversee the health needs of players, including injury evaluation and treatment, and promote healthy messages through initiatives such as "Hockey ...
Recent studies have found that poorly-performing hand implants, such as the Moje and Elektra thumb CMC joint implants, should be withdrawn due to poor outcomes. The Journal of Hand Surgery recommends caution when using these implants in future surgeries.
A recent JAAOS study highlights the success of nerve transfer surgery, particularly when patients are referred early. Nerve transfer surgeries can restore function to severely damaged nerves, and the study aims to raise awareness among healthcare providers about this treatment option.
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 ...
Researchers found that pre-injury levels of four biomarkers were associated with an increased likelihood of ACL injury, with one biomarker linked to a 19-fold risk increase.
Patients undergoing multiple ACL surgeries show basic functional improvement, but rarely regain full pre-operative activity levels. Chondral injuries and high BMI are associated with worse outcomes.
A new study confirms platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy as a safe option for treating cartilage tears in athletes, with patients experiencing significant improvement in pain and basic function. The research involved 180 patients who received either PRP or viscosupplementation treatment, with all patients showing no complications.
A new study finds that immobilizing patients for longer periods after rotator cuff surgery may improve healing rates. The research used a rat model and found that immobilization improved tendon healing, reducing scar tissue and inflammation.
Researchers found that 81% of elite athletes returned to play at a similar level after undergoing an arthroscopic reconstruction technique using an autograft, with improved clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction reported. The technique was effective in treating labral tears and associated hip instability issues.
Researchers have found that double bundle ACL reconstruction does not significantly reduce the risk of osteoarthritis progression in patients. Despite this, patients over 40 at the time of surgery are more likely to experience OA change over time.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery demonstrate the superiority of the All-Inside, All-Epiphyseal ACL Reconstruction (AE) technique in children. The AE procedure provides great knee stability and effectively controls joint stress without risking injury to growing bones.
A recent study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) increases stress across the groin in athletes. This increased stress leads to a higher risk of sports hernia, a common cause of groin pain in athletes.
A recent study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that concussion rates among college football players have doubled in three programs over two years. The increase is attributed to improved reporting of concussions under new NCAA regulations.
A new study suggests that nonsurgical treatment for common shoulder injuries like SLAP tears may be more effective than surgery in increasing the chances of return-to-play in baseball players. The researchers found that position players were more likely to return to competition at a higher rate than pitchers, with 73% vs 40% respectively.
A new study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery shows that children with hip and thigh fractures can heal just as well in single-leg casts, providing greater comfort and mobility. Parents reported taking fewer days off work to care for their children, with an average of eight fewer missed days.
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...
A study published in JAMA found that certain biomarker levels, specifically troponin T, measured after noncardiac surgery are associated with an increased risk of death within 30 days. The researchers identified peak troponin T values as the strongest predictors of 30-day mortality.
A study of half a million patients found that 3% require critical care services after hip and knee replacements. Hospitals should prepare for the growing number of orthopedic patients needing critical care, with risk factors including age, comorbidities, and anesthesia type.
New research from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that patients with a past history of skin infection are three times more likely to develop painful and costly surgical site infections during operations. Despite following proper procedures to prevent SSIs, some patients appear to be more susceptible to contracting an infection due to un...
A study of 27 orthopedic surgery residents found that they were functioning at less than 80% mental effectiveness due to fatigue during 48% of their awake time. Residents who worked night shifts slept an average of 5.1 hours daily, highlighting the prevalence and variability of resident fatigue.
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.
Patients who engage in high-impact sports like football and skiing experience better function and quality-of-life scores than those with lower activity levels. However, this comes at the cost of reduced durability of hip implants, with a 15-year follow-up showing an 80% implant survivorship rate compared to 94% for low-activity patients.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals wide variation in blood transfusion use during surgery, with frequent unnecessary transfusions. Researchers suggest that patients only need a transfusion if their hemoglobin levels fall below seven or eight grams per deciliter.
A new study reveals that outpatient surgery patients are at risk for blood clots due to multiple factors such as age, surgery length, and type of procedure. The study suggests a need for better screening and prevention strategies in the growing outpatient surgery population.
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.
A new study by UCSF doctors suggests that publicly available overall readmission rates may overestimate unplanned readmissions by up to 25 percent. The team found that 'all cause' readmission rates do not distinguish between planned and unplanned surgeries, potentially leading to misinformation about hospital quality.
A new study from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons analyzes current security measures on patients who have had a total hip replacement. The authors conclude that full body scanners can be a viable option for some travelers, but may cause delays and inconveniences.
A Canadian Journal of Surgery study reveals that only 13 out of 14,000 cancer patients with bone metastases receive orthopedic care annually. This under-referral may contribute to poor outcomes and high mortality rates, emphasizing the need for timely surgical consultations.
A structured exercise regimen reduced physical therapy visits by 40% in workers' compensation patients after arthroscopic meniscectomy. The study supports the implementation of independent exercise protocols to reduce therapy costs without compromising patient outcomes.
Researchers found that thromboembolic events following ankle fracture surgery are uncommon, with most patients experiencing no complications. The study suggests that surgical treatment for ankle fractures does not significantly increase the risk of blood clots or pulmonary embolism.
The Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT) found surgical treatment significantly favored outcomes for IDH, DS, and LSS, while vitamin D deficiency is critical to musculoskeletal health. A new study urges orthopaedic surgeons to proactively diagnose and treat vitamin D deficiency, which can improve treatment results for various ...
Cartilage transplant tissue can now be stored for up to 63 days, compared to 28 days previously, using a new method developed by researchers at the University of Missouri. This increase in storage time is expected to greatly improve the success rate of joint grafting procedures.
A Seminar published in The Lancet calls for improved long-term monitoring of knee replacement implant outcomes using national registries. This will provide patients and surgeons with high-quality evidence to assess different implants and techniques, ultimately enhancing clinical decision-making.
A study published in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research finds that socioeconomically disadvantaged patients actually sue physicians less frequently than other patient groups. This disparity is attributed to unconscious biases and limitations in accessing legal resources, which can affect the quality of medical care and the doct...
Researchers at UCSF Orthopaedic Trauma Institute have found a promising method to regenerate bone using cartilage grafts, which can integrate with the host bone and vascularize it. This approach could offer an alternative to traditional bone grafting techniques, which can result in poor integration and osteonecrosis.
A new orthopaedic smart device provides real-time diagnostic data to enable precise post-surgical diagnosis and follow-up. The device, made possible by tiny wireless sensors, can monitor load, strain, motion, temperature, and pressure in orthopaedic implants.
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center has developed a vaccine that can prevent MRSA infection of orthopaedic implants. The antibody targets a component of the cell wall, preventing normal bacterial cell division and formation of sequestrum, a hallmark of osteomyelitis.
Researchers found that abduction strained the ACL more than anterior translation and internal rotation increased load equally with anterior translation. The combination of all three factors resulted in an additive effect, increasing average ACL strain significantly.
Epidural steroid injections showed promise as a treatment option for athletes suffering from lumbar disc herniations. The 89% success rate allows patients to participate in physical therapy sooner and reduces time missed from play. However, certain injuries still require surgery and long-term recovery.
A study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that athletes wearing properly fitted helmets were 82% less likely to experience loss of consciousness due to concussions. Helmet fit was not associated with a significant impact on concussion severity, but proper air bladder inflation was.
A recent study found that approximately 73% of healthy individuals have abnormal MRI scan results, highlighting the limitations of imaging in hip pain diagnosis. The study emphasizes the importance of correlating clinical signs and symptoms with imaging findings for accurate treatment decision-making.
The study found that primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction improves quality of life and sports functionality for athletes. Researchers also identified risk factors, including younger female soccer players, smokers, and patients with meniscal or chondral injury at the time of surgery.
A new study by researchers at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that elbow position alone does not affect injury rates or performance in baseball pitchers. Instead, visual elbow drag was positively associated with ball velocity, suggesting that proper pitching technique is crucial for optimal performance.
Researchers found that despite high success rates of ACL surgery, many amateur football players struggle to return to play due to fear of re-injury and decreased performance concerns. The study suggests that additional research is needed to analyze the rate of return based on position played.
Researchers found that children treated more than 150 days after an ACL injury have a higher rate of other knee injuries, including medial meniscal tears. Weight over 143 lbs was also associated with an increased risk of meniscal tears at the time of surgery.
Researchers found PRP treatment to be effective in treating partial UCL tears, improving KJOC Score and DASH Score. Athletes returned to play on average 10 weeks after treatment.
Researchers analyzed metal-on-metal hip replacement studies for negative outcomes, finding no bias in results from authors with disclosed conflicts. Despite a trend towards increasingly negative study results over time, the findings support the AAOS's disclosure requirements and peer review process.
More than 4.5 million Americans are living with a total knee replacement, with osteoarthritis being the leading cause. The prevalence of TKR is higher in women, with 5.3% compared to 4.1% in men.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has established a new credentialing process for doctors who plan to travel internationally to disaster sites. The Disaster Responders Certification Program provides training and certification for orthopaedic surgeons, with three levels of certification available. A study reports long-term po...
The department's second annual analysis of orthopaedic procedures reveals focus areas such as VTE prevention, MRSA control, and reducing readmission rates. NYU Langone Medical Center aims to embed quality and patient safety in every aspect of its work.
Hip fracture patients with undiagnosed neurological disorders, such as cervical myelopathy, are at increased risk of falls and additional fractures. Screening for cervical myelopathy should be standard care for all hip fracture patients to reduce this risk.
New research finds that shorter hospital stays for total knee replacement (TKR) patients are associated with increased risk of revision and mortality. Outpatient groups had lower costs at 2 years, but higher mortality and dislocation rates.
A national survey of 2000 orthopedic surgeons found that 96% practice defensive medicine, accounting for 24% of imaging studies, laboratory tests, consultations, and hospital admissions. The average cost per month is $8,485, totaling $2 billion annually.
A recent study has estimated the annual cost of defensive orthopaedic care in the US at $2 billion. The study found that 96% of orthopaedic surgeons ordered tests and referrals primarily to avoid malpractice liability, resulting in a significant increase in healthcare costs.
Two U.S. Army studies found that patients with a history of shoulder instability are more likely to experience future instability, while arthroscopic surgery has better outcomes than open repairs. The studies also identified risk factors associated with surgical failure and found that arthroscopic Bankart repair has a lower failure rate.
Researchers found ultrasound images to have 100% diagnostic correlation with X-rays for detecting developmental dislocation of the hip. The study showed ultrasound to be a reliable alternative imaging method for DDH screening in young children.
A study published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that excessive sporting activities can lead to a higher risk of surgical revision in patients with hip resurfacing. Patients with lower Impact Scores had better survival rates and lower revision risks, highlighting the importance of limiting physical activity.
Men with anxiety traits experience higher post-operative pain ratings and longer hospital stays. Women report higher pain levels and are less satisfied with pain control following total knee replacement surgery.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that the OATS procedure provides a higher return to sport and longer lasting results compared to microfracture. The study showed that patients who underwent OATS had improved Marx activity levels, indicating they could perform more sports and athletic activities.