Apply to serve on one of the many AAOS Councils and Committees. Members who have an interest in contributing to the mission and vision of AAOS are encouraged to visit www.aaos.org/cap through Aug. 1 to view and apply for available volunteer positions within the AAOS governance structure. Member username and password are required to view and apply for positions of interest Volunteers should keep in mind that the Committee Appointment Program is designed so interested members can view only positions for which their membership category is eligible to apply.
Study: Prior Cerebrovascular Accidents Are Associated with Lower Survival Rates after TJA
For patients with prior cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) who are undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA), five-year patient survivorship was significantly lower compared with patients without prior CVA, according to a study published online in The Journal of Arthroplasty. Forty-two CVA sequelae patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 56 undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were matched to a non-CVA cohort. Five-year survival rates were 69 percent for THA and 56 percent for TKA, compared with 89 percent and 90 percent, respectively, in the non-CVA group. Postoperative complications were similar overall.
Randomized Study: Opioid-sparing Protocol after TSA Significantly Reduced Postoperative Opioid Use
A randomized controlled trial published online in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery reported a four-fold reduction in opioid consumption with an opioid-sparing pain-control regimen during and after anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Seventy-eight patients were included. The control group received a postoperative prescription for 40 oxycodone tablets. The experimental group received ketorolac during admission and continuous cryotherapy and was discharged with 10 oxycodone tablets. Pain scores were similar between groups up to 12 weeks postoperatively. Eighty-six percent of the experimental group discontinued opioids by two weeks postoperatively, compared with 58.5 percent of the control group.
Study: Preoperative Lateral-to-medial Joint Space Ratio Is Associated with Conversion to Arthroplasty after Hip Arthroscopy
A larger preoperative lateral-to-medial (L/M) joint space ratio was a significant predictor of survivorship at two years following primary hip arthroscopy, according to a retrospective study published online in Arthroscopy. In total, 1,885 arthroscopy cases were included. A preoperative L/M ratio of ≥0.75 was associated with 91.7 percent survivorship (free from conversion to total hip arthroplasty or hip resurfacing), compared with 75 percent survivorship in patients with an L/M ratio of <0.75.
Payment Changes Proposed for the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
On July 7, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year (CY) 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) proposed rule. Proposed changes include a $33.08 conversion factor, which is a $1.53 decrease from the $34.61 conversion factor for 2022. This change and other statutory cuts to physician reimbursement are not sustainable, and AAOS has been advocating for an overhaul of the Medicare physician fee schedule system. CMS is also proposing to expand dental and behavioral health coverage and update value-based care design in the Medicare program. AAOS will be analyzing the rule, evaluating the impact of proposed changes on musculoskeletal care, and then submitting formal comments to the agency on behalf of members in September. Refer to the CMS press release and fact sheet for additional information.
ROCK Program Standardizes and Enhances Learning Curriculum
The AAOS Resident Orthopaedic Core Knowledge (ROCK) program is inviting orthopaedic surgery residents to experience the most comprehensive and customizable digital learning platform available. Complimentary to residents, ROCK provides in-depth resources utilizing the latest technology, research, and educational materials at a pace that meets learners’ needs, styles, and schedules.
Take Part in the Review Period for a Technology Overview
AAOS is seeking volunteers to review their Technology Overview for the Use of Platelet-rich Plasma for Lateral Epicondylitis/Tendinitis. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a first come, first served basis.
