Study: THA Leads to Better Results after Low-energy Displaced Femoral Neck Fracture in Patients Aged >55 Years
In a study published online in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, patients aged 55 to 70 years who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) for a low-energy displaced femoral neck fracture experienced better outcomes than those who underwent closed reduction and internal fixation (IF). A total of 102 patients were randomized to either IF or THA. The primary outcome was the Harris Hip Score (HHS), measured for 12 months postoperatively. Twenty-six IF patients underwent major reoperation compared with only two THA patients. Additionally, THA patients had a significantly higher HHS at four and 12 months.
Study: Preoperative Anemia Is Associated with Worse Joint-specific Outcomes after TKA
A retrospective study published online in The Journal of Arthroplasty found an association between preoperative anemia and lower postoperative joint-specific functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there were no associations between preoperative anemia and quality of life or patient satisfaction. Preoperative and postoperative forgotten joint score (FJS), patient satisfaction, and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were measured in 497 TKA patients. OKS and FJS were significantly lower in the 56 patients who had anemia, and these patients were more likely to present with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, connective tissue disease, and kidney disease.
Study: Absorbable versus Nonabsorbable Sutures for the Krackow Suture Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture
The Bone & Joint Journal published a prospective study that found the use of absorbable sutures for the repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture was not inferior to nonabsorbable sutures. Overall, 37 patients who completed 12 months of follow-up were randomly assigned to braided absorbable polyglactin suture or braided nonabsorbable polyethylene terephthalate suture groups. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score, visual analog scale for pain, and EuroQoL five-dimension health questionnaire were measure at six months and 12 months postoperatively. No differences were observed between groups, and no reruptures occurred in either group.
Study: Incidence of Infection in Operatively Treated Distal Radius Fractures after Conversion to Internal Fixation
A retrospective review investigating the incidence of infection after conversion from external fixation (EF) to internal fixation (IF) of distal radius fractures was published online in The Journal of Hand Surgery. Infection was defined as positive intraoperative cultures or a documented return to OR for debridement after IF. Patients were aged >18 years with distal radius fractures treated initially with EF and followed by IF. Infections developed in six of the 64 fractures included in the analysis, and the incidence of infection was higher in patients who had >14 days between conversion from EF to IF.
Study: Reliability of a 3D Spinal Proprioception Assessment for AIS
A study published online in the European Spine Journal evaluated the reliability of a novel 3D spinal proprioception assessment in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). In total, 59 patients with a primary diagnosis of AIS who did not receive or failed conservative treatments were included in the study. The outcome measure was 3D kinematics of the trunk, which included flexion-extension, lateral-flexion, and axial-rotation. Test reliability was analyzed by the intraclass correlation coefficient. Each test demonstrated moderate to good reliability, with trunk flexion-extension reporting the highest reliability.
Orthopaedic Surgeons Tasked with Addressing Sexism
During the President’s Forum on Ethics, Bullying, and Harassment, which took place at the AAOS 2022 Annual Meeting, presenter Casey Jo Humbyrd, MD, FAAOS, spoke on the direct and indirect harms of sexism as it pertains to medicine. AAOS Now spoke with Dr. Humbyrd about her address at the President’s Forum, how sexism impacts patient care, and the moral obligations of orthopaedic surgeons in the face of discrimination.
OrthoInfo Offers Injury Prevention Resources for Student-Athletes
OrthoInfo, the Academy’s patient education website, is here to provide your patients with in-depth information—all written, reviewed, and regularly updated by orthopaedic experts. This includes a full range of articles to help ensure a safe return to school and club sports for kids of all ages, including how parents can keep their young athletes healthy.
