AAOS Continues Its Commitment to Safety; Requires Masks at 2021 Annual Meeting
AAOS is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all AAOS 2021 Annual Meeting attendees, exhibitors, San Diego Convention Center workers, AAOS staff, and the community. As such, face coverings/masks are required at the meeting in San Diego Aug. 31 to Sept. 3. In addition to showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the first day of attendance, all attendees should properly wear a face covering/mask while in public event spaces. Faculty or designated speakers will be allowed to remove their mask while presenting but should wear them at all other times. Visit the AAOS 2021 Health & Safety Resources webpage for the latest updates and guidance.
Study: Early Patient-reported Pain in TKA Is Associated with Recovery at Three Months
Severe pain immediately after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may impact later outcomes, according to a study published online in PLOS One. Sixty patients received scheduled (n = 32) or “on-demand” (n = 28) pain management. The scheduled group reported less severe pain and interference with daily living activities within in the first five postoperative days compared to the on-demand group. After three months, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Scores were significantly higher in the scheduled versus on-demand groups. Lower pain on postoperative days one and five were associated with higher knee-related quality of life at three months.
Study: Radial Nerve Palsy in Humeral Shaft Fractures Is Linked to Injury Mechanism
A study published online in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery found that incidence of radial nerve palsy is significantly associated with the injury mechanism in humeral shaft fractures. The researchers assessed 162 patients (high-energy fracture, n = 109; low-energy fracture, n = 53). Thirty-one cases of radial nerve palsy occurred, including 27 in the high-energy group. Early nerve exploration was associated with recovery: 19 of 21 explored nerves fully recovered (80.6 percent). Of nine nerves not explored, only five cases recovered (55.6 percent).
Study: Recovery Timeline following Simultaneous, Bilateral Endoscopic CTR
In a single-center prospective case series, patients who underwent simultaneous, bilateral endoscopic carpal tunnel release (CTR) demonstrated recovery to self-reliance for basic activities within five days postoperatively, with continued recovery of hand function going forward. This study was published online in the Journal of Hand Surgery. Eighty-one patients were included. Average time to self-reliance was 4.9 days (median, 4 days). Functional status (via Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) improved gradually over the first seven days, and symptom severity generally improved compared to preoperative levels.
Study: Impact of Opioid-restricting Policies on Post-TJA Prescriptions
A systematic review published online in The Journal of Arthroplasty found that opioid-restricting legislation at the state and national level in the U.S. has been effective in reducing opioid prescriptions after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Six studies were assessed by two reviewers. Three studies assessed state level legislation and three evaluated institution-based guidelines. The researchers note that the studies demonstrated significant decreases in mean morphine milligram equivalents at the initial opioid prescription after policies were implemented.
The AAOS Annual Meeting Is Right Around the Corner
The entire orthopaedic profession and community now can revel in seeing friends and colleagues in person at the world’s premier orthopaedic event: the AAOS 2021 Annual Meeting, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, in beautiful San Diego. As we navigate the ever-evolving pandemic, safety is the No. 1 priority. This article covers the latest guidance at press time regarding on-site safety requirements for the Annual Meeting. For real- time information about COVID-19 protocols at the San Diego Convention Center and the Annual Meeting, make sure to check www.aaos.org/annual for up-to-the-minute guidance.
Do you have timely research or an interesting story to tell? AAOS Now is seeking editorial submissions from orthopaedic surgeons and orthopaedic- and practice-related product and service providers that qualify as subject matter experts. The magazine features various formats and opportunities to highlight your information or topic. AAOS Now encourages interested authors to contact staff prior to writing in order to review suggestions and provide feedback. Submit an article suggestion online or email AAOS Now Publisher Dennis Coyle at coyle@aaos.org.
