Study Analyzes Cost-effectiveness of Dual Mobility Bearings in Revision THA
A study published in the September issue of The Bone & Joint Journal found that, compared to single bearings, dual mobility bearings were cost-effective in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). A Markov model was created to calculate expected costs and benefits of dual mobility versus single bearing implants. At a minimum five-year follow-up, dual mobility bearings were cost-effective in patients aged 55 years or younger and between 64 and 75 years, as well as in patients aged 75 years or older if the timeline exceeded seven years.
Study Compares Fracture Prevention Strategies in Advanced Cancer with Bone Metastasis
A study published in the August issue of the Journal of the AAOS: Global Research & Reviews ® compared zoledronic acid (ZA) versus denosumab for fracture prevention in patients with bone metastases from advanced cancers. PubMed and Medline were queried for randomized, controlled trials comparing ZA to denosumab; final analysis included four trials encompassing 7,320 patients. When combining all tumor types, denosumab outperformed ZA in reducing the risk of pathological fractures. In endodermal origin and mesodermal origin tumors, denosumab was still more favorable than ZA, although the difference was not statistically significant.
Study Evaluates Outcomes in Ankle Fractures Treated Based on Stability Classification
A retrospective study published online in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma assessed long-term outcomes in ankle fracture patients treated by stability classification. At a mean 12-year follow-up, 102 patients were reviewed; 67 underwent standing ankle radiographs in the outpatient clinic, and the other 35 were followed by mail or telephone. In the stable and unstable fracture groups, 96 percent and 82 percent, respectively, reported very good to excellent ankle functional outcomes. Unstable fracture patients significantly improved from two to 12 years. None of the stable fracture patients needed operative intervention.
Study: 10-year Update of Growth-friendly Implants for Early-onset Scoliosis
A study published in the September issue of the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics reported 10-year updates in the use of growth-friendly implants for early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Using the Pediatric Spine Study Group database, 1,298 patients who received growth-friendly implants from July 2007 through June 2017 were identified. Over the study period, the annual proportion of idiopathic EOS patients increased from 12 percent to 33 percent; at all time points, the most common type of EOS was neuromuscular. Vertically expandable prosthetic titanium ribs and growth-guidance devices both decreased, while magnetically controlled growing roots increased. Mean age at the time of first surgery increased from 6.1 years to 7.8 years.
CMS Issues Part I of 2022 Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released Part I of the Contract Year (CY) 2022 Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Medicare Advantage Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies. The news comes about three months earlier than usual to give more time to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans to estimate plan costs for 2022. Per CMS’ proposal, the CMS-Hierarchical Condition Categories model will be fully phased in in CY 2022. Also beginning in 2022, the Part C risk score used for payment will be calculated based completely on encounter data.
Several months ago, a friendly debate was sparked on the American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives’ (AAOE) members-only online community, Collaborate, when a member posed the question of whether to conduct marketing in-house or outsource it. To continue the conversation, AAOE hosted a webinar that featured members from two practices sharing their experiences. By the conclusion of the webinar, one thing had become clear: There’s no “right answer” when it comes to marketing, but community outreach must be handled internally.
AAOS Partners with OREF for Clinical Research Gaps Initiative
Providing patients with safe, proven, effective treatment options is the goal of every orthopaedic surgeon, but there are areas of practice where clarity does not exist because clinical data are not available. Through a partnership between AAOS and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF), you can help close those data gaps. The OREF/AAOS Clinical Research Gaps initiative aims to improve clinical outcomes by identifying and funding areas of clinical research in need. Join AAOS in the fight to close clinical data gaps and improve patient care with a gift to the OREF/AAOS Clinical Research Gaps Fund.
