Articles tagged with Orthopedics
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that patients who received N-acetylcysteine (NAC) during spinal surgery reported lower pain scores and requested fewer opioids. This could lead to a reduction in opioid use after surgery, a crucial step towards minimizing addictive potential.
Scooter-related injuries in the US nearly tripled from 2016 to 2020, resulting in more severe injuries and higher healthcare costs. The study found that scooter riders were more likely to experience long bone fractures and paralysis than bicycle riders.
A pair of proteins YAP and TAZ have been identified as conductors of bone development in the womb. They help direct blood vessel integration into cartilage, a vital aspect of bone development, and may provide insight into genetic diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta.
Post-surgery pain relief has shifted away from opioids since 2016, with a 36% drop in prescription rates and 46% decrease in average amount of opioids. However, the rate of decline slowed after 2020, suggesting ongoing efforts are needed to right-size prescribing.
A new implant coating made of Silver-Gallium nano-amalgamated particles has shown potent antimicrobial properties against various bacterial strains in animal models. The technology, patented and developed by Flinders University researchers, could be easily applied to medical devices to protect them against infection.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a unique healing mechanism in newts that could aid humans in recovering faster from tendon injuries. By understanding how newts regenerate damaged tendons without scar tissue, scientists hope to develop more effective treatments for human athletes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 875 patients with knee osteoarthritis found significant reductions in patient-reported pain from the third month onwards. Stem cell treatment was most effective when using patient's own fat-derived stem cells, leading to better pain alleviation and recovery of joint function.
A new study has found that most patients with osteoporosis want to receive information on their fracture risk, but only half of them actually get it. Patients prefer visual representations, such as graphs with a colored traffic-light system, to communicate fracture risk and are more likely to take medication if presented in this way.
Researchers have developed additively manufactured Ti-Ta-Cu alloys that exhibit improved biocompatibility and bacterial resistance, making them a promising alternative to traditional Ti6Al4V implants. The alloys were found to display remarkable synergistic effects in improving both in vivo biocompatibility and microbial resistance.
Researchers developed 'tension-activated repair patches' that release anti-inflammatory molecules, helping discs regain tension and reverse herniation. The patch uses natural biomechanical movement to activate its release, offering a potential early intervention for preventing worsening pain related to disc degeneration.
Researchers at CSU and the University of St. Andrews created an effective antimicrobial material that slowly releases nitric oxide, killing bacteria and fungus over time.
Researchers have identified a potential treatment for lower back pain by targeting senescent osteoclasts in the vertebral column of mice. Using anti-senescent drugs like Navitoclax may relieve spinal sensitivity and reduce pain, according to the study published in eLife.
A retrospective cohort study found that Black, lower SES, and publicly insured teens are at higher risk of major complications after scoliosis surgery. These disparities also affect pre-operative care, including rates of brace prescription and second opinions.
A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adding a second antibiotic, vancomycin, did not protect against infection and may have led to more infections. The study showed no clear benefit from using two antibiotics instead of one.
A study by Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that ChatGPT's diagnoses and recommendations for carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical myelopathy, and hip osteoarthritis were inaccurate. The chatbot was consistent in some areas but inconsistent in others, highlighting the need for further development to ensure patient safety.
A new study uses AI to predict mortality rates in patients with hip fractures, identifying key biomarkers for poor outcomes. The model achieved accurate predictions using basic blood and lab test data as well as demographic information.
A clinical trial by HKUMed evaluates the effectiveness of a combination of intravenous corticosteroids (IVS) and periarticular corticosteroids (PAS) in TKA patients. The study finds that IVSPAS leads to improved pain relief, functional recovery, and discharge rates compared to individual treatments.
A recent study found that patients over 90 have higher complication and mortality rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the risks can be minimized through careful patient selection and adequate preparation. Comorbidity has a major impact on THA risks, with certain conditions increasing the risk of complications and mortality.
A recent study found that cast immobilization is as effective as surgery in treating older adults with arm fractures. After one year, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of disability or range of motion. The study included 276 patients aged 70–89 years who suffered a distal radius fracture.
Researchers from Osaka University found that fibroblasts in cholesteatoma tissues express activin A, a protein causing local bone erosion. This discovery may lead to new treatments for managing cholesteatomas.
A new review describes the development and impact of a Latin American mentorship program for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), resulting in 64 FLSs getting started and providing coverage for over 17,200 patients. The program also supports the establishment of active communities of mentors across Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina.
A new open-source software, NMSM Pipeline, enables clinicians and engineers to create personalized computer models of patient movement to optimize treatment designs. The software uses physics-based models to predict and optimize functional outcomes for patients with various mobility impairments.
The Capture the Fracture Partnership has successfully driven global Fracture Liaison Services implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability. The partnership's unique approach, including policy, coalitions, mentorship, and scalable solutions, has delivered impactful resources and activities to prioritize secondary fracture prevention.
A new position paper reviews TBS for fracture risk prediction, treatment initiation and monitoring in osteoporosis. The evidence-based guide provides practical guidance for clinicians to integrate TBS into clinical practice.
Research discusses challenges and future directions for porous metallic implant fabrication, focusing on microstructure, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties. The review aims to promote metabolite and nutrient exchange, bone ingrowth, and improved implant-tissue anchorage.
A new study by the University of Bristol highlights significant variations in healthcare spending and care delivery across NHS hospitals following hip fracture. The research found that patients who received timely orthogeriatrician assessment and physiotherapy had lower costs and reduced risk of delirium.
Patients undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasty are at a higher risk of complications such as pulmonary embolism, stroke, and blood loss anemia compared to those undergoing unilateral TKA. The study found that the risks of these complications were approximately doubled in the bilateral TKA group.
A second-generation all-inside meniscal repair system demonstrates a high successful repair rate of 84-88% at 10 years, with low failure rates and no correlation to patient characteristics or surgical techniques. Patient-reported outcomes improve after meniscal repair and ACL reconstruction.
Researchers found that treatment with tranexamic acid (TXA) is associated with a decreased incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO), a common complication of abnormal bone formation. The study showed a significant reduction in HO risk, with an odds ratio of 0.49 and a 50% lower risk compared to patients not receiving TXA.
A novel study found that honokiol promotes healing of rotator cuff injury and may be an effective treatment for humans. The study suggests that SIRT3 activation plays a protective role in alleviating aging-induced fibrocartilage degeneration and promoting rotator cuff healing.
A global study predicts a significant increase in hip fractures worldwide by 2050, with the number projected to nearly double compared to 2018. The study highlights a post-fracture treatment gap in fracture prevention, particularly for men, leading to increased mortality and dependency.
A recent study published in The Journal of Orthopaedics found that patients who underwent partial meniscectomy using a needle arthroscopic technique experienced significantly less pain and improved patient-reported outcomes at two weeks after surgery. However, differences were not sustained at six weeks.
Researchers found bacterial DNA in surgical specimens of patients with hip and knee arthritis, revealing a microbiome in previously assumed sterile sites. The most common bacteria were Escherichia, Cutibacterium, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, and Pseudomonas.
The new FRAXplus beta version offers a more user-friendly platform to refine risk factor information, allowing clinicians to explore the impact on individual patients. The tool provides helpful features such as saved data and export options to facilitate sharing.
A new Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that patients with low pain self-efficacy are more likely to use daily prescribed opioids before surgery. Surgeons can use pain self-efficacy scores to identify high-risk patients and provide education and counseling to improve post-surgery outcomes.
Researchers developed 'smart' coatings that monitor strain on implants to prevent infection and provide early failure warning. The coatings, inspired by dragonfly and cicada wings, integrate flexible sensors with antibacterial surfaces.
The IOF-ESCEO World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis, and Musculoskeletal Diseases is the largest international scientific event devoted to musculoskeletal disorders. The congress presents new clinical advances and research on osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, sarcopenia, frailty, and rare skeletal disorders.
The Build Better Bones platform provides practical guidance on strengthening bones through targeted exercises and bone-healthy nutrition. The platform also offers helpful information for caregivers, including support with daily tasks and medical specialty knowledge.
A study of joint replacements in England finds socio-economic inequalities remain, with those living in deprived areas having the least access to surgery. The findings highlight the need for healthcare commissioners to address disparities in joint replacement provision.
A new study from Lund University estimates that regression to the mean can account for up to 1 point improvement in pain scores among osteoarthritis patients. This natural phenomenon can lead to false positives in clinical trials, masking the true efficacy of treatments.
A study found that sleeve gastrectomy decreases bone mineral density and strength in adolescents and young adults. Participants who underwent weight loss surgery lost significant amounts of weight and experienced reductions in abdominal fat tissue and muscle mass.
Patients with low sodium levels before or after total knee or hip arthroplasty are at increased risk of complications and adverse outcomes. Postoperative hyponatremia was linked to longer hospital stays, higher rates of discharge to rehabilitation centers, and readmission within 90 days.
Researchers found that preserving the meniscus with sutures is more effective in protecting cartilage from future damage in younger patients. Meniscectomies, which remove more than half of the meniscus, were more likely to progress cartilage degeneration.
A research team at HKUMed has invented a non-invasive technology to effectively reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in bony tissue. The novel antibacterial nano-sheets can release ROS subject to ultrasound stimulation, eliminating MRSA bacteria deeply seated in bony tissue with 99.72% efficacy.
Researchers have found a potential treatment for osteoarthritis by targeting the GP130 immune receptor, which causes hyper-inflammation in joints. The new compound R805/CX-011 showed promising results in animal studies, reducing joint pain and stiffness, and may lead to Phase 1 and 2A clinical trials.
A new way to identify higher-risk groups of older surgical patients can help surgeons make better care decisions and compare hospital performance. The new definitions label fewer patients as multimorbid and specify high-risk comorbidity combinations, which contribute to patient risk.
A study found that Spp24 inhibits osteosarcoma tumor cell proliferation, invasiveness, and promotes apoptosis. It achieves this by neutralizing bone morphogenetic protein 2.
Higher body mass index patients undergoing unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) experience lower revision rates with cementless implants, according to a new study. Cementless fixation is preferred in higher-BMI patients, reducing the risk of revision surgery by up to 40%.
A novel surgical pain management strategy has been developed to reduce opioid use after total knee arthroplasty. The study found that changing prescriptions for opioids at discharge from automatic to upon request dramatically decreased opioid use, with over half of patients recovering without opioid use.
A systematic review of 18 studies found that muscle relaxants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can effectively reduce symptoms. Combining NSAIDs with paracetamol showed a greater improvement than using NSAIDs alone.
Researchers found that young adults post-ACLR who exhibited lower patellofemoral joint (PFJ) loading during hopping were more likely to develop PFJ osteoarthritis at 1-year and worsening PFJ osteoarthritis between 1-5 years. Lower PFJ contact force was linked to increased risk of early osteoarthritis.
A new economic model estimates the health benefits and budget impact of Fracture Liaison Services, showing significant reductions in fragility fractures, hospital bed days, and social care costs. The model suggests that FLS implementation would lead to improved patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
A new study finds that age-related abdominal fat is associated with lower muscle density, leading to less effective muscle function. This accumulation of visceral adipose tissue may represent a modifiable risk factor for poor musculoskeletal outcomes with aging.
Researchers found no subgroup of patients who benefit from surgery for a torn meniscus, suggesting it should only be performed in cases of obvious complaints. A personalized approach focusing on prevention and physiotherapy is recommended to save healthcare costs and improve quality of life.
The Geriatric Fracture Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been shown to reduce hospital stays by 2.12 days and lower hospital-related costs by $5,316 for patients aged 65 and older. The program's comprehensive care approach, including bone strength assessments and fall prevention strategies, is effective in improving outcomes.
A recent study found that Black and Hispanic veterans experienced longer wait times for cardiology and orthopedic services compared to white veterans, highlighting racial disparities in healthcare access
A new clinical trial of over 12,000 patients found that inexpensive aspirin is just as effective as injectable blood thinners in preventing life-threatening blood clots and other complications. The study suggests that surgeons may change their practice to administer aspirin to patients hospitalized with bone fractures.
Researchers found that knee extension velocity, not quadriceps strength, is a strong predictor of walking performance in elderly patients after total knee arthroplasty. This study suggests that training to enhance knee extension velocity could be effective in recovering gait function.
A new study published in BMJ Open found no significant difference between older and newer knee replacement implants six months after surgery. This is a breakthrough for patients, as it suggests that older designs with proven track records can provide similar patient-reported outcomes to more modern designs.
A randomized trial shows that patients undergoing partial knee arthroplasty (UKA) experience faster functional recovery in walking speed and mobility tests compared to those who had total knee arthroplasty (TKA). UKA also resulted in shorter operative times, reduced blood loss, and improved functional outcomes.