Articles tagged with Orthopedics
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery used a novel technique involving transplanted bone and cartilage to treat an 18-year-old man's severe femoral head fracture. The patient successfully recovered from the surgery and delayed his need for a total hip replacement, avoiding multiple revision surgeries.
Researchers found that the natural grass/cleat combination placed a statistically lower maximum strain on the leg compared to other shoe-surface interactions. The Astroturf shoe was 80.2% greater, while modern playing turf/turf shoes were 47.5% and 45.1% greater than the natural/grass cleat combination.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that the risk of early postoperative mortality following knee and hip replacement surgeries is slightly increased for the first 26 days after surgery. However, the risk of mortality drops to negligible levels 26 days post-op. The study included data from over 188,000 ...
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons emphasizes the need for better care for extremity war injuries, citing challenges in research, host nation care, and disaster preparedness. The symposium highlighted the importance of funding more research to improve treatment outcomes.
A recent study by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery identifies four key areas of need for orthopedic training programs: addressing compromised learning experiences due to work-hour restrictions, developing core knowledge with specific goals, establishing common benchmarks for program effectiveness, and adapting to generationa...
Researchers found that patients with high immune response during surgery recovered faster and had better knee function. Men were more likely to mount the beneficial stress response, leading to full recovery. The study suggests simple blood tests could predict patient recovery months after surgery.
A new review article highlights the importance of detailed diagnosis for talus fractures, which are commonly misdiagnosed due to complex anatomy and subtle radiographic clues. By recognizing these injuries and providing targeted treatment, patients can avoid permanent disability and improve outcomes.
Meniscal tears in children can often be repaired successfully with appropriate treatment, with a high success rate of 75-90%. Early treatment is crucial to prevent complications and promote long-term health. Diagnosing meniscal tears requires simple physical exams and imaging tests, such as MRI, to accurately assess the injury.
Researchers from American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found shock-wave therapy equally effective as surgery for healing nonunions. The study showed that extracorporeal shock-wave therapy stimulated bone healing within six months and provided comparable outcomes to surgery even two years later.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that aggressively managing patients at risk for osteoporosis can reduce the hip fracture rate by 25%. The study, which followed 650,000 men and women over 50 years old, found a 38% drop in hip fractures and prevented 970 hip fractures in 2007.
A new study published in JBJS found that teenagers and young adults are more likely to need subsequent knee surgery after ACL reconstruction. The study analyzed over 70,000 patients and found that those under 20 years old had an 82% increased risk for additional ACL surgery.
A new study suggests that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may catalyze the body's repair mechanisms at areas of injury, improving healing and shortening recovery time. However, more research is needed to determine its clinical effectiveness for chronic tendon conditions, such as tennis elbow and Achilles tendonitis.
A study found that 6.5% of ACL surgery patients underwent another knee operation within one year, with women and those treated by low volume surgeons at higher risk for subsequent surgeries. Younger patients under 40 were also more likely to require re-ACL reconstruction.
A Loyola University Health System study found that co-managing high-risk surgical patients with general internists trained in managing medical complications resulted in significantly shorter hospital stays. Patients also reported being treated with more courtesy and respect.
Researchers found that athletes with previous injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tend to have smaller ACLs than those without injuries. The study suggests that a smaller ACL may be more susceptible to injury due to various factors such as activity level, neuromuscular coordination, and muscle strength.
A survey found that 75% of surgical patients would consider allowing a competent unsupervised trainee to perform their entire operation if it meant they could have it done more quickly. Most respondents felt trainees needed to operate under supervision to improve skills, but were willing for supervised trainees to do procedures.
A new study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that patients undergoing after-hour orthopedic surgeries experience slightly higher rates of necessary follow-up surgeries compared to daytime surgeries. The data also suggests that nighttime surgery patients have similar healing times, recovery periods, and major compli...
Prolonged surgery can weaken the immune system, leading to a higher likelihood of complications. Limiting surgical time to less than three hours improves patient outcomes. External fixators are often used to stabilize orthopaedic injuries and allow for staggered surgeries over several days.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients who undergo anterior cervical reconstructive surgery can experience significant improvement in headache symptoms. The study, which evaluated over 1000 patients, suggests that neck surgery can alleviate headaches associated with cervical spine disease.
Johns Hopkins students have developed a way to embed patient-derived stem cells in sutures to speed up healing and improve outcomes for orthopedic injuries. The technology has great promise for treating debilitating tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries that affect thousands of young and middle-aged adults annually.
Researchers at UAB will explore next-generation technology to improve the service life of total joint replacements, potentially reducing recurrent surgical procedures. The partnership with Smith and Nephew Inc. will provide access to state-of-the-art testing equipment and expertise.
A new study found that delaying ACL reconstruction in young athletes under 14 can lead to a four-fold increase in irreparable medial meniscus tears. The study highlights the need for continued injury prevention efforts, suggesting that the risks of delaying treatment may outweigh the benefits.
A new study suggests that ACL reconstruction does not shorten the NFL career length, unlike meniscectomies which can reduce it by 1.5 years and 23 games played. The study found no significant impact on career longevity from isolated ACL surgery.
A new study found that approximately 94% of patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty can return to sports and 85% can return to their type-specific sport. Activity modification until the six-month point in rehabilitation protected the shoulder from injury.
A study suggests that preseason shoulder strength can predict injury severity in baseball pitchers, with weak points in prone internal rotation, external rotation, and supraspinatus strength linked to increased risk of injury. The findings highlight the importance of targeted strength training programs to prevent serious injuries.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery have identified a drilling technique that improves the outcome of ACL surgery by better reproducing the native ligament anatomy. The anteromedial portal drilling technique outperforms the traditional transtibial technique in restoring knee stability and preventing complications.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery have developed a biodegradable scaffold to treat patients with damaged knee cartilage. The study found that the plug demonstrated predictable maturation on imaging studies and showed encouraging properties similar to native articular cartilage.
Researchers used motion analysis to study the kicking motion in male and female soccer players, finding that males have more activation in hip flexors and hip abductors compared to females. Female players also exhibit a knock-kneed knee position, which may contribute to increased ACL injuries.
Two newer surgical options, two-bundle grafts and inlay reconstruction, show promise for treating PCL tears, with one study suggesting improved results over traditional methods. Orthopaedic surgeons debate the best treatment approach, emphasizing patient-specific care and experience with PCL reconstructions.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing biological joints using living tissue that can mimic normal cartilage in a healthy joint. These new joints have shown promising results in dogs and aim to be used for human patients with similar physical characteristics, potentially reducing complications from repeat surgeries.
A large-scale trial found that surgical treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis provides significantly greater relief from pain compared to non-operative approaches. Patients who underwent surgery reported better function, less pain, and higher satisfaction than those who chose not to have surgery.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that elderly women with hyperkyphosis, or 'dowager's hump,' are at a higher risk for premature death. The study, which analyzed data from over 610 women, suggests that the increased spinal curvature itself may be predictive of adverse health outcomes.
A phase III study found that oral rivaroxaban is more effective than subcutaneous enoxaparin in preventing blood clots (venous thromboembolism/VTE) after knee replacement surgery. The study, published in The Lancet, showed a 31% reduction in relative risk for patients given oral rivaroxaban.
A new study published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found a strong link between genetic predisposition and rotator cuff tears. Family members of patients with rotator cuff tears are at increased risk of similar tendon tears, suggesting that heredity plays a role in the development of the disease.
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that 96 percent of cementless metal components remained securely fixed in place after 20 years. The implants showed promise, especially for younger patients, but wear-related problems were more common among those under 60.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in the treatment of bone injuries, using teriparatide to jumpstart the body's natural healing process. The study shows significant healing and pain control in patients with unhealed bone fractures, offering new hope for those with no effective treatment options.
Early diagnosis and treatment of achondroplasia's manifestations can produce better outcomes for patients later in life. This includes addressing stenosis of the foramen magnum and thoracolumbar kyphosis, which can cause developmental delays and spinal deformities.
Mid-level shoulder separations, also known as acromioclavicular joint injuries, are common athletic injuries. Nonsurgical treatment is often favored for type III injuries, but surgical reconstruction may be recommended for certain patients with persistent instability. Both approaches require rehabilitation to restore motion and strength.
A recent study highlights the importance of prompt medical intervention in combat injuries, where timely surgical care can significantly improve survival rates. Orthopaedic surgeons are at the forefront of this effort, providing treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage and promote optimal function.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center identified a key immunological defense reaction to metal debris in joint replacement devices, causing loosening of components and early failure. This study found that inflammation is triggered by localized immune reactions to tiny particles of debris released from worn-out implants.
New research suggests that UCL reconstruction prior to MLB draft selection has no effect on injury risk or professional advancement. The study, conducted from 1999-2003, analyzed data from 30 MLB draft picks with UCL reconstruction compared to a control group.
A new study found that patients who underwent rotator cuff repair surgery experienced continued pain relief and improved shoulder function, even after a tear recurrence. The study of 15 patients eight years after surgery showed that those with recurrent tears were better off in terms of pain, function, and strength than before.
A Mayo Clinic study found significant effects of obesity on total hip replacements, with a 50% higher complication rate in superobese patients. The study also reported complications with knee implants under extreme weight stress, highlighting the need for weight loss management prior to surgery.
Researchers found that artificial disc replacement is as effective as, or even better than, spinal fusion surgery in treating damaged discs in the neck. Patients who received an artificial disc lost less motion and recovered faster than those who had a disc removed and the bones of the spine fused.
University of Delaware researchers have won the American Physical Therapy Association's award for the best clinical paper in orthopedics published in 2008. Their study focuses on the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, a common issue affecting nearly 250,000 Americans each year.
A review article recommends physical therapy as a first line of treatment for symptomatic lumbar degenerative disc disease, showing exercise and manual therapy improve function and decrease pain. Physical therapists tailor individualized exercise programs to help patients avoid surgery.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a strain of laboratory mice with 'superhealing' powers that resist inflammation and arthritis after a knee injury. The study revealed the mechanisms of post-traumatic arthritis and could lead to therapies for this condition, which affects younger people.
A study found that white patients have better survival rates after surgery at teaching hospitals compared to nonteaching hospitals, but this advantage does not apply to black patients. The disparity exists across different hospitals and within the same hospital for both racial groups.
A new surgical procedure called OCRPRC (OsteoChondral Resurfacing in Proximal Row Carpectomy) offers a promising alternative to traditional treatments for wrist arthritis. By reducing inflammation and improving cartilage status, the procedure aims to restore wrist function and alleviate pain.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that a cementless metal cup design remained fixed in place in 95% of hip revision cases after 20 years. The device's bone-in-growth surface allows for long-term stability and durability, reducing the need for repeat surgeries.
According to the HealthGrades Seventh Annual Hospital Quality and Clinical Excellence study, patients treated at top-rated hospitals experience a 27% lower risk of death compared to those at other hospitals. These high-performing institutions also have an eight percent lower risk of complications during their stay.
Biomedical engineers at UT Health Science Center are developing a 'fracture putty' that could regenerate bones and reduce the need for amputations. The putty, made from nanoporous silicon, aims to mimic bone structure and function, allowing patients to regain full use of their limbs in a shorter period.
Researchers studying astronauts on the International Space Station found a greater rate of bone deterioration than previously thought. Astronauts experienced an average loss of 14% hipbone strength, comparable to those with osteoporosis.
The multifidus muscle's unique packing design allows it to serve as a critical stabilizer of the lumbar spine, providing strong support for the lower back. This discovery could lead to improved therapeutic interventions, such as physical therapy targeting specific muscles, to treat spinal disorders and reduce lower back pain.
A five-year study tracked over 625,000 patients in Southern California to find that a healthy bones program reduced hip fracture rates by an average of 37.2%, with some reductions reaching as high as 50%. Implementing initiatives such as bone density tests and anti-osteoporosis medications led to significant improvements.
A Rush University Medical Center study of over 500 hip resurfacing surgeries reveals that complications occur more frequently in women of all ages and men over 55. The most common complication was a fracture of the femoral neck.
A recent US study found that hip resurfacing surgery is not suitable for all patients, particularly those over 55 or female. The procedure's success depends on a patient's age and gender due to differences in bone quality.
Surgeons at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center combined three innovative minimally invasive spine surgery procedures to correct spinal curvature in adults. The procedures involved accessing damaged disc material, replacing it with spacers filled with bone and a protein that promotes fusion.
A new study shows that web-based academic discussions are a cost-effective and effective method of continuing medical education for orthopaedic surgeons. The interactive Orthochina.org wiki project, launched in 1998, allows professionals to share real patient cases and engage in collaborative discussions.
A landmark study conducted at The University of Western Ontario found that arthroscopic surgery provides no additional therapeutic value for patients with moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Physical therapy and medication proved equally effective in reducing joint pain and improving function.