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Prolonged opioid use before knee or hip replacement surgery increases risk of poor outcomes

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,...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 18, 2018

Sustained use of opioids before spine surgery increases risk of continued use after surgery

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...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJun 7, 2018

Injections for knee osteoarthritis -- 'subtle but significant' impact of revisions in clinical practice guidelines

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.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateMay 17, 2018

Patients with Medicaid have limited access to physical therapy in Massachusetts

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...

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 5, 2018

BU study: Insurance status affects in-hospital complication rates after total knee arthroplasty

A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine found that cardiac events and urinary tract infections were more common in Medicare patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The study also showed increased risks of central nervous system complications, gastrointestinal issues, and mortality among Medicare patients compared to...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalOrthopedics·DateMar 6, 2018

Opioid crisis affects children and teens too -- Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics outlines strategies to reduce opioid prescribing

A review in Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics outlines the severity of opioid use among children and teenagers undergoing surgery, with nearly one-fourth of US high school seniors having exposure to prescription opioids. Strategies for reducing opioid prescribing include education, standardized practices, and legislation to shift presc...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Pediatric Orthopaedics·DateFeb 28, 2018

First-ever questionnaire assesses impact of brachial plexus injury and surgical outcomes

A new patient questionnaire developed by Hospital for Special Surgery measures the physical and emotional impact of brachial plexus injury, assessing patients' expectations and treatment outcomes. The survey has the potential to improve patient care by aligning surgical alternatives with patient needs and expectations.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 7, 2018

Nearly one in three pugs has an abnormal gait

A Swedish study found that nearly one-third of pugs have abnormal gait, associated with breathing problems, incontinence, and neurological disorders. The prevalence of gait abnormalities was higher than previously thought, suggesting a more significant health issue.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateFeb 5, 2018

Don't let skiing and snowboarding injuries take you downhill

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends a preseason conditioning program and familiarity with equipment maintenance to reduce the risk of bone and joint injuries. Skiers are more likely to experience lower extremity injuries, while snowboarders are more likely to suffer upper extremity injuries due to falls.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateJan 12, 2018

High success rate reported for diabetic Charcot foot surgery

A Loyola Medicine study found nearly four out of five diabetic patients with severe Charcot foot were able to walk normally after surgery. The study used a stricter standard for treatment success, with 77.6% of patients meeting the criteria, and Dr. Pinzur's Ilizarov circular external fixator technique showed promising results.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalFoot & Ankle International·DateDec 14, 2017

Small increases in complications when knee replacement done as outpatient procedure

A recent study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that outpatient total knee replacement surgery is associated with a higher risk of certain complications, including infections, repeat surgery, and blood clots. Patients undergoing outpatient TKA were more likely to experience joint-related complications and medical ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateDec 13, 2017