Articles tagged with Orthopedics
A supplement to OTA International journal summarizes current status and future needs of national trauma systems in lower- and higher-income countries. The report highlights the importance of well-developed trauma systems in improving patient outcomes and reducing trauma-related mortality.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have successfully completed a Phase I trial for the Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair (BEAR) procedure, which helps the ligament regrow itself. The study showed promising results with no graft or repair failures and similar recovery times between the BEAR group and traditional reconstruction.
A new assessment tool before revision hip replacement surgery has significantly reduced the rate of recurrent dislocations compared to a standard evaluation. The tool assigns a score based on spinal alignment and mobility, informing the approach for revision surgery.
A study found that a significant number of patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion had previously undiagnosed low bone density, with 44% diagnosed with osteopenia and 15% with osteoporosis. This discovery could lead to changes in surgical planning and treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that low-risk patients undergoing total hip replacement with a posterior approach can eliminate standard hip precautions without increasing the risk of dislocation. This could lead to improved recovery and reduced fear in patients, as they focus more on mobility rather than restrictions.
A new study by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery found that patients living near the hospital after joint replacement surgery are less likely to seek follow-up care in person, but instead call their surgeon with questions. This efficient use of healthcare resources is ideal, as it reduces expensive ER visits.
HSS has developed a pain management pathway that combines multimodal analgesia and alternative treatments, resulting in a significant decrease in opioid use without sacrificing pain control. The initiative involves surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other care team members.
A recent study found that most middle-aged and older adults recover their ability to live independently within a year after surgery for hip fracture. Age, fitness level, and certain fracture characteristics are strong predictors of returning to independent living and walking one year after hip fracture surgery.
A study of 4,818 patients found that diabetes, morbid obesity, tobacco smoking, and prolonged surgical duration increase the risk of surgical site infections. The overall incidence was 3.64%, with deep and superficial infections occurring at 0.4% and 1.1% respectively.
A new study suggests that surgery is a viable option for adults with scoliosis, but nonoperative treatments can also be effective. The extent of disability was found to be the most important factor in deciding whether to operate, with patients who had adequate quality-of-life benefiting from nonoperative treatment.
A global study analyzing thousands of case studies found that eight out of ten total knee replacements and six out of ten total hip replacements will last 25 years. The study provides reliable data on the long-term outcomes of joint replacement surgery, giving patients and clinicians a better understanding of what to expect.
Dr. Cato T. Laurencin is being honored for his groundbreaking contributions to biomedical engineering, including the development of biocomposite interference screws and soft tissue implants that have transformed orthopedic therapies. He has also played a key role in shaping US technology policy and mentoring minority scientists.
A new analysis found that a classification system for hip preservation surgery relies heavily on age and radiographic tests, raising concerns about its accuracy. The system's limitations may lead to incorrect clinical decisions for patients with complex hip conditions.
A study by the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that new appointment wait times have decreased at VA medical centers, making it easier for veterans to access healthcare services. The research compared primary care, dermatology, cardiology, and orthopedics appointments in 15 major metropolitan areas.
CHOP surgeons found that opioids were often overprescribed for children's elbow fractures, with patients using less than 25% of the prescribed amount. Most patients stopped taking opioid medication after a short period, with some opting for over-the-counter pain relievers instead.
A confidential online poll of 81 UK female surgeons found that over half have faced or witnessed discrimination in the workplace. The survey also revealed that Orthopaedics is seen as the most sexist surgical specialty, with many respondents citing poor work-life balance and inflexibility as major obstacles to a career in surgery.
A study by Kenton Panas and colleagues found that cross-contamination during two-person assisted gowning procedures is common, affecting 67% of cases. A single-person gowning procedure can eliminate this source of contamination and optimize sterile technique in the OR.
A new study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found no increase in complications for patients undergoing overlapping orthopedic surgery. The analysis included over 22,000 outpatient procedures and showed a comparable complication rate between overlapping and nonoverlapping surgeries.
Researchers found children born in the 1990s are reaching skeletal maturity faster than those born in the 1930s. The 'new normal' for bone maturity timing directly impacts pediatric orthopaedic care for conditions like leg-length differences and scoliosis.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that underrepresented populations are less likely to be eligible for hip or knee replacement surgeries due to inflexible hospital requirements. The researchers aimed to measure how these criteria worsen health disparities and identify disadvantaged groups affected.
The study found that at least 4% of doctors play golf, with male doctors and surgical specialists spending the most time on the course. Male doctors between 61-70 were most likely to play golf, while female doctors aged 31-35 were least likely.
Small-head cemented metal-on-plastic hip replacements are the most cost-effective option for men and women over 65 years. For younger adults, small-head cemented ceramic-on-plastic hip replacements are more likely to be cost-effective. The study found no evidence that uncemented or hybrid implants are cost-effective options.
A multicenter study of 14,135 orthopaedic procedures found that overlapping surgeries did not increase complication rates and had lower hospital stay lengths. The researchers emphasize the importance of patient informed consent and disclosure of this practice.
A multidisciplinary team at Penn successfully demonstrated the feasibility of 'engineered living tissue' disc replacement in a large animal model. The study showed that bioengineered spinal discs can restore native disc structure, biology, and mechanical function, offering new hope for treating spinal pain.
The article discusses the challenges in managing common ankle fractures, particularly those above and below the level of the syndesmosis. Researchers recommend assessing medial clear space on radiographs and patient pain ratings to guide management. They also emphasize the importance of dynamic imaging with stress radiographs to detect...
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that complementary practices like meditation and mindful breathing helped patients manage chronic pain and reduced the need for medication. Participants reported improved daily function, calmness, and a better state of mind after using these techniques.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients taking aspirin alone had similar protection against blood clots as those on anticoagulant treatments. Aspirin use has become increasingly popular among Michigan surgeons, with 70% of surgeons prescribing it to patients after knee replacement surgery.
A deep neural network trained on annotated radiographs from senior orthopedic surgeons helps reduce misinterpretation of fractures in emergency department clinicians. The system demonstrated the transfer of expertise from specialists to generalist clinicians, leading to improved accuracy.
The South Carolina Center for Translational Research Improving Musculoskeletal Health brings together scientists from across South Carolina to study and develop new treatments for musculoskeletal disorders. The center will create virtual clinical trials to speed up innovation and improve care.
Researchers developed an implantable device that delivers electrical pulses to damaged peripheral nerves in rats, promoting nerve regeneration and recovery. The device lasts about two weeks before being absorbed into the body, providing a continuous boost to the healing process.
A study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that 8.3% of patients with total hip replacements experienced atypical femoral fractures, a type of rare stress fracture. The researchers also discovered a strong association between bisphosphonate use and the risk of these fractures.
New studies from UC Davis Health reveal that fractures lead to bone density losses throughout the body, particularly around the time of fracture and in bones far from the site of injury. The research also identifies age-related recovery differences, with younger mice regaining pre-fracture bone mineral density levels.
A study by Daniel J. Scott and colleagues found that surgeons spent significantly less time interacting with patients (10.03 minutes) after implementing an electronic medical records system. Despite initial increases in labor costs, the time spent on documentation persisted, leading to a negative trade-off for patient care.
Patients with end-stage ankle arthritis experience significant improvements in range of motion, pain levels, and functionality after total ankle arthroplasty. On average, surgery boosts ankle range of motion by over 60% and reduces pain scores by 59 points.
A study by LSU Health finds that Louisiana Medicaid patients have limited access to outpatient orthopaedic care, with only about 10% of the orthopaedic workforce in the state available. The limited access can cause delays in care and lead to poorer outcomes.
A blood management program safely reduced transfusions in orthopedic patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgeries. The program implemented strategies to minimize bleeding, resulting in lower hemoglobin thresholds and reduced complications.
A study reveals a widening wage gap between hospital CEOs and medical staff, with CEO salaries increasing by 93% while doctor and nurse wages rose by 26-15%. The cost-burden of nonclinical workers contributed to the growth in healthcare costs, with nationwide expenditures reaching $3.2 trillion in 2015.
The guidelines, published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, recommend custom-tailored pain management regimens based on the operation and patient needs. The ranges offered for each procedure generally call for reductions from current rates of opioid prescription.
A long-term study confirms that cross-linked polyethylene hip implants significantly lower the rate of repeat surgery, with a cumulative revision rate of 11.7% compared to 6.2% for conventional polyethylene implants over 16 years. The use of XLPE implants also encourages total hip replacement in younger patients.
A new study published in The BMJ found that decompression surgery for shoulder impingement syndrome offers no greater relief from pain than placebo surgery. Two years after the procedure, patients in both groups experienced equally little shoulder pain and were equally satisfied with their situation.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that patients taking prescription opioids for more than 60 days before total knee or hip replacement surgery are at higher risk of hospital readmission and repeat joint-replacement surgery. Prolonged opioid use was associated with an increased risk of both adverse outcomes,...
A 45% increase in rejected requests for knee and hip surgery has been revealed by an investigation by The BMJ. The number of patients being refused these operations has risen to nearly 1,700, causing stress for doctors and patients alike.
A new study shows that young patients who underwent surgery for isolated meniscus tears between 1990 and 2005 experienced significant improvements in functional outcomes. The average IKDC score increased from pre-operative levels, indicating a lasting improvement in knee health.
A recent study suggests that young athletes with shoulder instability can benefit from arthroscopic stabilization when properly selected. The procedure resulted in low revision surgery rates (6%) and high return to sport rates (82%) at a minimum follow-up of 2 years.
Current ACL return to sport criteria may not accurately assess young patients at risk of future injury, according to a new study. The study found that only 26% of athletes met standard return to play criteria after ACL reconstruction, with no difference in second injury rates between those who met and failed to meet the criteria.
A study of 149 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair found significant functional improvements and pain relief through the procedure. Males demonstrated better outcomes than females, while pre-operative narcotic use correlated with poorer results.
A new study reveals that young athletes who experience fatigue are more likely to suffer from Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries. The research found that athletes demonstrating high levels of fatigue had a significantly increased risk of ACL injury compared to those without fatigue.
Researchers found that young female athletes who underwent ACL reconstruction using bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) or quadrupled hamstring (HS) autografts had different outcomes. The study revealed higher re-tear rates in younger patients using HS autografts compared to BTB, suggesting that age affects graft repair success.
Researchers found that older patients (over 40) with knee pain can benefit from osteochondral allograft transplantation, showing significant improvement in knee function and daily activities. This novel approach offers an alternative to traditional treatments for cartilage disorders in active individuals.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that patients who take prescription opioids for a longer period before spinal surgery are more likely to continue using opioids several months after surgery. Duration of opioid use before surgery was the main risk factor for continued use. After adjustment, the likelihood o...
Researchers identified urinary markers that differentiate between hip replacement patients who develop bone tissue destruction and those who do not. The combination of α-CTX and IL-6 biomarkers predicted osteolysis with high accuracy.
The study analyzed an insurance database of over 1 million patients with knee osteoarthritis treated between 2007 and 2015. Updated guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons led to a decline in hyaluronic acid injections, while steroid injection rates leveled off after a recommendation against its use was made.
A network meta-analysis of 53 randomized controlled trials found naproxen most effective in improving both pain and function, followed by cortisone injections and PRP injections. The study suggests naproxen as a relatively safe and low-cost treatment option for knee osteoarthritis.
New research from Duke University Medical Center found that ACL tears occur the same way in women and men, contradicting previous theories. The study used forensic analysis to examine bone bruises on knees of athletes with torn ACLs, revealing no significant difference in injury mechanism between sexes.
A multicenter database study of adults undergoing spinal deformity surgery found that daily opioid users had longer ICU stays and more severe postop disability compared to non-opioid users. The study highlights the need for preoperative counseling and alternative pain management strategies for patients at risk of daily narcotic use.
A new study found that only slightly more than half of PT clinics in the metropolitan Boston area accept Medicaid, leading to longer wait times for initial appointments compared to privately insured patients. The authors highlight the importance of providers working with patients with Medicaid earlier on to establish a postoperative tr...
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that scoliosis surgery significantly improves the quality of life for children with severe cerebral palsy and their caregivers. The procedure reduces spinal curvature and leads to long-term gains in personal care, positioning, and comfort.
A recent study found that the rate of hip replacement revision surgery has decreased in all age groups except those between 45 and 64 years old. In this age group, the revision rate increased by over 30%, indicating a need for longer-lasting implants.
A new study found that serious chest muscle injuries, including pectoralis major tears, are occurring with 'alarming frequency' among deployed service members who lift weights. The injuries required surgical repair and six months recovery.
A new study from Hospital for Special Surgery finds that flatfoot reconstruction is a viable option for older patients, providing better long-term outcomes and mobility compared to foot fusions. The research, which evaluated over 130 patients aged 65 and older, showed consistent positive surgical outcomes across all age groups.