Articles tagged with Orthopedics
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
Mayo Clinic researchers use advanced MRI to predict surgical success in rare sciatic notch dumbbell-shaped tumors. The 3-Tesla MRI system provides detailed images of tumor and nerve relationships, allowing for safe removal of tumors while protecting nerves.
A new study found that MRI changed treatment plans for 35% of patients with ankle pain, reducing potential diagnoses from 2.3 to 1.2. The imaging modality increased referring physicians' confidence in their diagnoses by 66%, improving patient outcomes.
Competitive surfers experience a relatively low risk of injury, but more than double the risk in large waves or over hard bottoms. Common injuries include sprains and strains to the knees.
A national survey of Canadian surgeons found marked variability in the use of blood thinner ASA in non-cardiac surgery, with many surgeons uncertain about its benefits and risks. The researchers call for a randomized controlled trial to address the issue.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have received a $7.8 million grant to develop new treatments for bone fractures and arthritis. The team will explore ways to predict who is likely to suffer from osteoarthritis after injury and create targeted drug therapies to prevent it.
Researchers found that nicotine delays tendon-to-bone healing, reducing cellular proliferation and collagen production. This can lead to weaker tissue and increased vulnerability to re-injury after surgery. The study used a rat shoulder model to investigate the effects of cigarette smoking on rotator cuff repair.
A study by Dr. John Ratliff found that obese patients are more likely to experience complications during spine surgery, including blood clots and wound infections. The risk increases with the degree of obesity, emphasizing the importance of weight loss before undergoing elective spinal surgery.
A new study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that routine use of anti-inflammatory drugs following hip replacement surgery may do more harm than good. The study found that patients taking ibuprofen for 14 days after surgery reported no significant reductions in hip pain or physical disability.
Researchers found that nurses experience debilitating low back pain, especially in orthopedic and ICU settings, with 65% of orthopedic nurses developing the condition. Providing access to mechanical lifting devices and redesigning hospital rooms could help prevent such injuries.
A recent study found that dehydration affects a significant proportion of older adults, particularly those in long-term care facilities (LTC) and emergency departments (ER). Sufficient fluid consumption has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced falls, constipation, and improved rehabilitation.
Researchers have created a growth-factor-rich gel that regenerates the knee ligament, with a 40% increase in strength. The treatment uses platelet-rich blood plasma and collagen hydrogel to bridge the gap between torn ligament ends.
A study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting found that sodium hyaluronate reduced chronic pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder by nearly 50%. The results were comparable to a previous study that led to the approval of the drug for knee pain, and are being reviewed by the FDA.
The Specialty Excellence Awards recognize hospitals with the lowest risk-adjusted mortality and complication rates in eight specialty areas. HealthGrades analyzed star ratings for procedures and diagnoses to determine the top 10% of hospitals nationwide, highlighting exceptional patient outcomes across various specialties.
A study at Rush University Medical Center found that 96% of patients underwent minimally invasive knee replacement surgery could be discharged the same day without any complications. The key to this success was a comprehensive team approach, including pre-surgical education, optimized care pathways, and post-operative rehabilitation.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a new approach to tissue engineering that allows for the growth of predictable volumes of bone on demand. This method involves creating a 'bioreactor' space under the periosteum, a thin outer layer covering long bones, and filling it with a gel containing calcium to stimulate bone growth.
A study of minor league baseball players found early damage to the hands of healthy players due to catcher's mitt design. The research revealed significant blood vessel damage and hand weakness among catchers despite using protective padding.
A study found that nearly all US physicians in six high-risk specialties reported practicing defensive medicine, with common practices including ordering unnecessary tests and referring patients for consultation. Defensive medicine may reduce access to care and pose risks of physical harm, particularly in women's health.
Researchers found a surprising decrease in surgical infection risk after age 65, peaking at 65-74 years. The study analyzed 144,485 patients and found the highest rates of infections for gastrointestinal, cardiothoracic, and vascular procedures.
The US Army, Navy and Air Force academies will enroll 4,800 male and female cadets in a four-year study to investigate risk factors for knee injuries. The study aims to refine ACL injury prevention programs and identify neuromuscular factors associated with increased risk.
Researchers have developed a new positive air pressure chamber that enables early upright gait rehabilitation after lower-extremity orthopaedic surgery. The device allows for precise adjustment of air pressure to minimize impact on the patient's joints and facilitate faster healing.
UCSD researchers discovered that titanium particles weaken artificial joints by affecting bone-building and -destroying cells. The study's findings suggest improved implant material with enhanced wear resistance and fatigue properties to reduce particle generation.
New imaging technologies provide non-invasive diagnostic tools for orthopedic conditions, allowing for early disease detection and objective outcome measures. These technologies enable precise quantification of bone loss and synovial reaction in osteoarthritis, facilitating more effective treatment strategies.
New cartilage repair techniques have been shown to improve knee function and reduce pain in patients. Studies using osteochondral allografts and microfracture procedures resulted in better outcomes, including increased knee function and reduced pain, after a minimum of two years.
A new gene therapy technique converts dead bone grafts into fully functional, living tissue by triggering the body's natural bone remodeling response. This method uses genetically modified viruses to activate key proteins in healthy bones, effectively turning a dead bone splint into the patient's own, whole bone.
Mikos has developed extensive expertise in fabricating synthetic materials with tailored chemistries for specific tissue-engineered repair of orthopaedic injuries. His laboratory has created novel materials based on fumaric acid, non-toxic to surrounding cells and tissues.
Researchers found that high-dose-rate brachytherapy after surgery improved limb-sparing outcomes for soft-tissue sarcoma patients. Five-year survival rates reached 83%, with significant reductions in tumor recurrence and metastasis.
Dr. Adele Boskey, a researcher at the Hospital for Special Surgery, has been elected as an AAAS Fellow for her significant work on biological calcification and extracellular matrix proteins. She was recognized at the 2005 AAAS Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.
Decreasing length of stay (LOS) for patients receiving inpatient medical rehabilitation has been associated with increased mortality rates, despite improved efficiency and functional status. The study found that LOS decreased by 42% from 1994 to 2001, while mortality rates increased from less than 1% to 4.7% during the same period.
Heart failure patients face significant risks after major non-cardiac surgery, including high mortality rates and readmissions. The study, analyzing Medicare data, reveals a stark contrast in outcomes between heart failure patients and those with coronary artery disease or no heart disease.
A study by Dr. Massey Beveridge highlights the importance of orthopedic care in developing countries, where road traffic injuries and falls are major causes of disease burden among children. With only 400 surgeons serving 200 million people, access to simple surgical and obstetrical procedures could prevent up to 10% of all deaths.
The final pooled analysis of SPORTIF III and V1,2 confirms ximelagatran's effectiveness in preventing strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation. Ximelagatran offers a safer alternative to warfarin without coagulation monitoring or dose titration, reducing the risk of stroke by 62%.
According to a study by Yale University, older female runners aged 50-59 improved their average race time by 2.08 minutes per year, significantly exceeding male runners of the same age. The older male runners also showed an accelerated rate of improvement, outperforming younger men in the 60-69 and 70-79 age categories.
A new study found that pain medications NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors can slow healing after shoulder surgery. The research used laboratory rats to test the effects of these medications on tendon-bone healing.
A new study found that anabolic steroids can significantly improve the biomechanical properties of bioartificial tendon matrices, making them stronger, more elastic, and better remodeling. This could have clinical applications for orthopedic surgeons, particularly those specializing in shoulder repairs.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that patients who broke bones in traumatic accidents often experience Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with almost 51% of civilian orthopaedic trauma patients displaying symptoms. The more severe the injury, the higher the likelihood of PTSD.
A new CT-based classification system has been proposed to improve surgical planning and outcomes for patients with acetabular fractures. The system can clearly define the type of fracture, location, and position of principal fragments, enabling preoperative surgical planning that leads to shorter operating times and recovery periods.
A new, low-cost hand-held magnetic surgical tool has been developed to reduce X-ray exposure during long bone repair surgeries. The device uses electronic sensors instead of X-rays to locate screw holes, making the process precise and reducing radiation exposure for surgeons.
The NIH consensus panel confirms the effectiveness of total knee replacement surgery, highlighting the importance of surgeon volume and proper prosthesis alignment to minimize long-term complications. Computer navigation technology may eventually reduce malalignment risks but is currently unproven and costly.
A UCLA study reveals a significant shortage of surgeons is looming due to an aging population. The study finds that surgeries performed on older adults will have the highest increase in demand by 2020, with ophthalmology leading the way.
Researchers have developed new diagnostic tools to assess injury risk in wheelchair users, measure hand movement, and improve tinnitus rehabilitation. A computerized glove and instrumented globe system enhance hand-function assessment and shoulder rehabilitation, while shock-absorbing prostheses promote active lifestyles for amputees.
A Mayo Clinic study found that total hip replacement surgery can significantly improve the quality of life for patients over 90 years old. The study, which reviewed medical records from 1970 to 1997, showed that patients experienced substantial relief of pain and functional improvement after surgery.