May 2, 2022 | Today’s News

Study: Isolated Greater Trochanter Fracture Poses Similar Mortality Risk to Hip Fractures and Needs Ongoing Care

According to a retrospective study published online in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, older patients with isolated greater trochanter fracture (IGT) had a survival risk similar to hip fractures (HF), signifying a need for ongoing care. Patients aged ≥50 years with an index HF or IGT diagnosis between 2009 and 2017 were evaluated. A total of 0.4 percent had IGT and received significantly less care. Their acute care was 4.5 days shorter than patients with HF, and they had a 39.2 and 50 percent less chance for receiving post-acute care and receiving physical and occupational therapy, respectively. Three-year mortality rates were similar for both groups.

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Study: Supervised Exercise Improves Postoperative Shoulder Function in Breast Cancer Patients

Supervised exercise after breast cancer surgery can positively impact shoulder function, postoperative pain, and health-related quality of life, according to a study published online in the Journal of the American Medical Association. A total of 392 patients with high risk of developing postoperative shoulder problems were assessed, with most receiving axillary node clearance surgery and radiotherapy. One group of patients received sessions for shoulder mobility, stretching, and strength exercises led by a physical therapist, and the other received written information on exercises. After 12 months, the exercise group reported less pain, better arm function, better quality of life, and higher confidence when returning to usual activities.

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A retrospective study published online in Foot & Ankle International found that the position of the calcaneus is compensatory with coronal plane orientation when the talar tilt (TT) is ≤9.5 degrees in patients with varus ankle osteoarthritis. A total of 132 ankles that received weightbearing computed tomography were evaluated and measured for TT, subtalar inclination angle (SIA), and calcaneal inclination angle (CIA) using Takakura stages. Subtalar compensation was significantly lower in Takakura stages 3b and 4. Noncompensated CIA varied significantly, and the SIA was mostly constant. TT was greater than 9.5 degrees, indicating a high probability of noncompensated heel.

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According to a study published in the July 2022 issue of Bone, daily teriparatide (D-PTH) and weekly high-dose teriparatide (W-PTH) increased cortical thickness (Ct.Th) in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. A total of 131 women with histories of fragility fractures were randomized to receive D-PTH, W-PTH, or alendronate or risedronate for 18 months, and were evaluated at the 6 and 18-month mark. D-PTH had a strong effect on trabecular bone and bone strength, while increasing trabecular volumetric bone mineral density at the distal radius and tibia. W-PTH had a moderate effect on trabecular bone but increased bone strength similar to D-PTH.

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A study published online in The Spine Journal found that quantifying standing balance in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is significantly worse than age-matched healthy volunteers, and the Romberg test on a force plate can help with diagnosis and evaluating severity. Thirty-four CSM patients and 34 age-matched healthy volunteers performed the Romberg test while on a force plate to measure the center of pressure (COP). CSM patients had worse maximum lateral movement, maximum anterior-posterior movement, total lateral COP movement, total COP trace movement, sway area, and average speed when eyes were closed during the Romberg test.

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Sound Off: Fasting during Ramadan as an Orthopaedic Surgeon

In this article, Sean A. Tabaie, MD, FAAOS, talks about what it is like to experience Ramadan as an orthopaedic surgeon. Ensuring he has clarity to treat his patients efficiently and staying away from the break room can create challenging and sometimes lonely days. Dr. Tabaie notes it is important to keep colleagues who might be fasting in mind by including them in conversations outside of regular mealtimes and asking questions.

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Take Part in the Development of a Clinical Practice Guideline

AAOS is seeking volunteers to take part in a work group for the development of the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hip Clinical Practice Guideline. Due to limited space, applications will be reviewed and approved on a first come, first served basis.

Learn more and submit your application…