Articles tagged with Orthopedics
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.
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.
A study found no benefit of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis, but an expert argues it has a place in specific cases. Arthroscopy is valuable for patients with co-existing knee injuries, such as meniscal tears or loose cartilage.
A study found that 83% of young athletes who underwent 'Tommy John' elbow reconstruction surgery were able to return to the same or better level of play. However, the increasing trend of young athletes requiring the surgery is alarming, highlighting the need for prevention and rest to avoid long-term arm injuries.
A recent study found that cadaver replacement ligaments fail nearly 25 percent of the time in young athletes undergoing ACL reconstruction. The high failure rate is attributed to factors such as graft type and patient activity level, highlighting the need for better outcomes measures and surgical techniques.
A study found that blowing cool, dry air under football shoulder pads reduces core body temperature by up to 1 degree Fahrenheit and lowers heart rate significantly. This technology could help prevent heat-related illnesses in football players.
Research from Hospital for Special Surgery found that individuals born with a birthweight over 10 pounds are twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis as those with average birthweight. A study of 87,077 women identified a significant association between high birthweight and rheumatoid arthritis.
A study by Hospital for Special Surgery found that same-day pregnancy testing reduces the risk of miscarriage during surgery, allowing patients to weigh the risks and benefits. The protocol also eliminates financial losses due to cancelled surgeries, making it a cost-effective measure for hospitals.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, along with medical societies, warns that children should be at least 12 years old to operate lawn mowers and wear protective gear. Serious injuries from lawn mower accidents can lead to devastating consequences, including reconstructive surgeries.
A pivotal Phase III clinical trial demonstrated that rivaroxaban was superior in preventing venous blood clots in patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. Rivaroxaban provided a statistically significant 31% relative risk reduction in total venous thromboembolism events compared to enoxaparin.
A new review of 28,000 patients undergoing joint replacement surgery found that potent anticoagulants may actually lead to more deaths. The authors argue that these drugs have significant side effects and do not prevent pulmonary embolism effectively.
A study found that unconscious biases among doctors may lead to unequal treatment for patients with knee pain. Physicians were twice as likely to recommend total knee replacement surgery for male patients compared to female patients.
A new study recommends treating young athletes with suspected neck injuries in the same way as adults, with both helmet and shoulder pads left on during initial treatment. The researchers found that removing only the helmet was not a safer alternative for children due to their larger head-to-torso proportion.
Research reveals that professional baseball players have a disappointing comeback rate to their pre-injury level after shoulder or elbow surgery. Only 20 of 44 players returned to the same or higher playing level, highlighting the high physical demands of throwing at this elite level.
A study released by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that arthroscopic surgery is successful in young, athletic patients with a high failure rate of conservative methods. The study evaluated 39 patients over an average of 11.7 years and found excellent shoulder function and activity level maintenance.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients who underwent surgery for spinal stenosis showed significant improvement compared to those treated nonsurgically. After two years, 63% of surgical patients experienced a major improvement, while 29% of non-surgical patients reported similar results.
A new British hospital reduced its infection rate from 1% to 0.16% and length of stay by an average of five days, thanks to collaboration with Hospital for Special Surgery.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital found that routine screening for carbon monoxide poisoning can detect life-threatening cases in emergency room patients. The study screened over 14,000 patients and identified 11 unexpected cases, highlighting the importance of universal screening to prevent further exposure.
As patients gain knowledge, they increasingly demand accurate information and higher expectations for their care. Doctors must balance scientific evidence with patient needs, while maintaining accountability for patient safety and care.
The annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality and Clinical Excellence study identifies top hospitals nationwide with a 27% lower risk of inpatient mortality. Distinguished Hospitals for Clinical Excellence have consistently delivered high-quality care across various specialties, reducing complications by an average of five percent.
A new study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers reveals that the majority of psychiatry outpatients have more than one disorder when seeking treatment. The study found that patients with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder had the highest number of diagnoses.
A protein found in human hair, keratin, has been shown to speed up nerve regeneration and improve nerve function in animal studies. The study used keratin-filled gels to repair nerve gaps and showed promising results compared to current treatment options.
A $1.5 million grant renewal will support the first-of-its-kind study examining driving abilities in cognitively impaired elders. The study aims to understand the validity of road tests and develop computerized measures as a screening tool.
A retrospective case note review of 1000 patients found that 8.7% experienced at least one adverse event, with many preventable, and led to extended hospital stays or permanent disability
Researchers found that drug-eluting stents were not associated with excess risk of death or heart attack compared to bare-metal stents, with a cumulative mortality rate of 7.6% vs 8.7%. The study also showed reduced target vessel revascularization rates and enhanced durability of initial angioplasty with drug-eluting stents.
The study found that children who received continuous peripheral nerve blockade (CPNB) for pain management after orthopaedic surgery had better pain control and a shorter hospital stay. The catheter system offers continuous relief for up to 100 hours, potentially cheaper than alternative treatments and long hospital stays.
A team of researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered stem cells in the intervertebral discs of humans and animals, suggesting a potential new approach to treating degenerative disc disease. The discovery could lead to the use of adult stem cells to repair damaged discs and alleviate lower back and neck pain.
A new study found that 18% of bariatric surgery candidates were not psychologically cleared for surgery, citing frequent overeating as a coping mechanism for stress and uncontrolled psychiatric disorders. Researchers emphasize the importance of pre-operative screening to determine suitable surgical candidates.
Two studies examining duty hour reform found no significant association between the reform and an increased risk of death among hospitalized patients. The first study, published in JAMA, analyzed data from over 8 million Medicare patients and found no increase in mortality following the implementation of work hour limits.
A research group led by Dr. Cato T. Laurencin has received a $2 million NSF grant to explore novel methods for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration. The project aims to engineer new material surfaces that will allow a range of tissues to grow, potentially leading to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
A new study by researchers at the University of Iowa found that specialty orthopedic hospitals have a 40% lower risk of complications compared to general hospitals for Medicare patients undergoing hip or knee replacement. Despite admitting fewer complex cases, specialty hospitals still exhibit better outcomes.
A new study at WashU Medicine found that surgical repair of sports hernias using tension-free mesh, coupled with an innovative rehabilitation program, successfully returned athletes to competition in 93% of cases. The rehab protocol was developed by Ray Barile and involves a multistep, graduated approach to physical activity.
Long-term study found adaptive changes in the shoulders of young baseball players to help protect against injury. However, high pitch counts and year-round play can push these adaptations too far, leading to pain and growth plate injuries.
A new study published by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that arthroscopic treatment of tennis elbow provides excellent long-term pain relief and functional restoration. The procedure demonstrated a high success rate, with 93% of patients satisfied and no repeat surgeries or injections required.
Research by Yale med student Peter Fabricant found that women and people with osteoarthritis have poorer short-term recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery. In contrast, factors such as age, obesity, and tissue removal affect long-term outcome. The study suggests that severe osteoarthritis may be a contraindication to surgery.
Researchers studied 150 athletes after ACL reconstruction and found no significant differences between functional knee braces and neoprene sleeves. The study suggests that most patients do not require a rigid knee brace during recovery.
A preseason groin injury prevention program reduced groin injuries by 28% in professional soccer players, with a significant decrease in acute injuries. The program's success was attributed to multidisciplinary efforts and has the potential to become widely adopted in professional soccer teams.
A new Rhode Island Hospital study shows a significant increase in trampoline-related injuries, with 531,378 reported cases over the decade. The majority of injuries (71%) were to extremities and occurred on home trampolines, prompting researchers to urge parents not to purchase these equipment for their children.
A new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research found that femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) was seen in all five healthy female volunteers, despite no reported hip pain. The results suggest that FAI may not be a cause of osteoarthritis in some racial groups, particularly in Asian populations.
A new dynamic brace, designed by Matthew B. Dobbs, has shown to be at least as effective as traditional braces in treating clubfoot, while resulting in better parental compliance. The brace allows for active movement, preserves muscle strength, and is less restrictive than traditional braces.
A new study by Saint Louis University researchers found that patients' emotional well-being is a crucial factor in determining the success of hip surgery. The clinical test used to evaluate hip function was shown to be less effective than previously thought, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to patient care.
Researchers found that cigarette smoke impairs the recruitment of cells to injured ligaments, delaying healing. Smoking cessation before surgery may help reverse these delays, suggesting another reason for quitting.
A team of Johns Hopkins undergraduates has invented a handheld metal detector to aid in the removal of orthopedic screws from patients' bodies. The device emits a tone that rises in pitch as the surgeon moves closer to the screw, guiding them to hidden hardware.
A Rhode Island Hospital study found patients with long-term elder care and HIV-infection to be at high risk of MRSA carriage. The study quantified the presence of MRSA in nasal swabs from various patient groups, highlighting the need for targeted screening and infection control measures.
A new treatment developed by a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Washington University School of Medicine has shown early success in correcting congenital vertical talus with minimal surgery. The treatment involves gentle manipulation and long leg casts to gradually correct the deformity.
The HealthGrades study reveals top hospitals have a significantly lower risk of mortality and complications compared to other hospitals. With an average 28% lower risk of mortality for certain procedures, these high-performing hospitals are setting a new standard for clinical excellence.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that nearly one-third of children having surgery are overweight or obese, with more than half qualifying as obese. This increases their risk of experiencing problems during and after surgery, as well as future health issues such as type II diabetes and breathing problems.