The Nominating Committee is actively soliciting nominees for individuals to serve in the following positions:
Second Vice President
Board Member-at-Large (no age designation)
Board Member-at-Large (younger than age 45 on March 15, 2021)
Treasurer-Elect
Nominee to the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Nominations close on Aug. 30. Members can review the position descriptions—including information about responsibilities, desired experience, and time commitments—as well as submit nomination(s) online.
Study Analyzes 10-year Trends in THA Operative Times
A study published in the August issue of The Journal of Arthroplasty evaluated trends in total hip arthroplasty (THA) operative times over a 10-year period. A total of 157,574 primary THA patients treated between 2008 and 2018 were identified in the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The median operative time was 87 minutes and remained within five minutes of the median over the study period. Factors that influenced operative time included age, BMI, resident involvement, modified Charlson Comorbidity Index, and preoperative laboratory values. Nonelective surgeries were longer than elective surgeries.
Study: Does Electronic Patient Portal Use Affect Orthopaedic Surgery Outcomes?
A study published in the Aug. 5 issue of The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery assessed the correlation between electronic patient portal (EPP) use and orthopaedic surgery satisfaction and outcomes. Orthopaedic surgery patients treated between May 2015 and December 2018 at two academic medical centers were identified. Data collection included patient demographic and operative characteristics, satisfaction scores, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). EPP use was independently correlated with greater odds of completing a PROM and a satisfaction survey, as well as higher overall satisfaction. Patients who used an EPP had a lower no-show rate (6.8 percent versus 9.3 percent).
Study Evaluates Outcomes for Revision Ankle Arthroplasty with Intramedullary-referencing Implant
A retrospective study published online in Foot & Ankle International reviewed revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) outcomes with a fixed-bearing, intramedullary-referencing implant. Between 2008 and 2015, 18 consecutive revision TAAs were performed. Patients were followed for a mean 47.5 months. The implant survival rate was 77.8 percent. The most common indication for revision was aseptic talar subsidence (55.6 percent). After the index revision, four patients required reoperation at a mean 57.3 months. The median American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score was 74.5 and Foot Function Index score was 10.2.
Study: Outcomes of Arthroscopic Arthrolysis in Post-traumatic Elbow Stiffness
According to a study published in the Aug. 1 issue of the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, arthroscopic arthrolysis improved range of motion (ROM) and health-related quality of life in post-traumatic elbow stiffness. Forty-four patients underwent arthroscopic arthrolysis. Outcomes included ROM; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH); Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI); EQ-5D; and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Arc of elbow motion improved from 84 degrees preoperatively to 120 degrees postoperatively. Significant improvements from pre- to postoperatively were observed in MEPI (59.8 to 84.3), DASH (43.5 to 16.8), EQ-5D (72.8 to 84.0), and SF-36 outcomes.
Study Assesses Telemedicine Use in Pediatric Spine Patients
A study published in the September issue of the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics evaluated patient satisfaction among pediatric spinal deformity (PSD) patients compared to general pediatric orthopaedic patients utilizing virtual visits. Final analysis included 33 PSD virtual visits and 156 general pediatric orthopaedic visits. PSD patients were older (15 years versus 12 years), more likely to be female (76 percent versus 47 percent), and had longer virtual visits (8 minutes versus 5 minutes). Both groups presented similar high surgeon performance and overall satisfaction.
Podcast Covers Disparities and Public Policy Solutions
Structural inequities and barriers to health care existed prior to COVID-19, but the pandemic has put a spotlight on the problem, which has also recently become the focus of advocacy efforts nationwide. On an episode of “The Bone Beat,” Movement Is Life Chair Mary I. O’Connor, MD, FAAOS, professor of orthopaedics and rehabilitation at the Yale School of Medicine, discussed how public policy and individual surgeons can strengthen community-based programs to ultimately help narrow the health equity gap.
