Cast Your Ballot! AAOS Nominating Committee, Resolutions, and Bylaws Amendments
AAOS Fellows: Electronic balloting is now open to elect the five members of the AAOS Nominating Committee and to determine action on AAOS Resolutions and Bylaws Amendments. Balloting is quick, secure, and confidential. For the resolutions and bylaws amendments, at least 5 percent of the total Fellowship must cast ballots for the voting to be valid. A personalized email, including a link to the ballot, has been sent to all AAOS Fellows for whom AAOS has an email address. Ballots must be submitted by Saturday, May 15.
Study Evaluates Patient-reported Outcomes of Posterior Spinal Fusion for Pediatric Scoliosis
A retrospective study published in the March issue of the Journal of the AAOS: Global Research and Reviews ® assessed posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in pediatric patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The researchers evaluated Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores of 122 patients aged <18 years. Upper extremity and mobility functional scores fell at six months postoperatively but returned to baseline with longer follow-up. Pain and peer relationships scores improved at one and two years postoperatively compared to preoperative levels. PROMIS scores were not associated with preoperative coronal and sagittal measures or the percentage of coronal correction.
Preoperative Corticosteroid Injection Increases Infection Risk after Arthroscopic Meniscectomy
A study published online in Arthroscopy assessed the relationship between preoperative corticosteroid injections and infection after arthroscopic meniscectomy, finding that injections administered within one month of surgery increased infection risk. The researchers used the Humana administrative claims database to identify 11,652 patients with and 37,261 patients without a history of knee corticosteroid injection within one year of arthroscopic meniscectomy. Injection within one month of surgery was associated with a twofold higher risk and was found to be a significant predictor of postoperative infection. However, injection more than one month before surgery was not associated with increased infection risk.
Comparing Grammont Versus Lateralized Humeral Design Prosthesis for RTSA
A study published online in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery compared patients’ clinical outcomes and radiographic parameters after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) with Grammont reverse prosthesis versus a lateralized humeral design prosthesis. In total, 114 patients treated with RTSA for rotator cuff tears were enrolled, including 43 who received the Grammont prosthesis and 71 who received a lateralized humeral prosthesis. Both groups achieved similar clinical and functional outcomes after two years. The Grammont prothesis was associated with improved postoperative forward flexion and abduction, as well as Visual Analog Scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon, and Constant scores compared to lateralized prosthesis. However, patients who underwent RTSA with lateralized prosthesis had lower incidence of scapular notching.
Study Identifies Risk Factors of Ankle OA after Distraction Osteogenesis Using Ilizarov Technique
A study published online in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders evaluated the incidence of ankle osteoarthritis (OA) after distraction osteogenesis using the Ilizarov external circular fixator. In total, 236 patients treated between 2008 and 2018 were followed for a mean 2.1 years. Forty-nine patients (20.8 percent) developed ankle OA. Nineteen patients had Kellgren and Lawrence grade 3 OA and seven had grade 4 OA. Risk factors for OA diagnosis included double-level bone transport, external fixator index >50 days/cm, age >45 years, osteoporosis, and BMI >25. Male sex, BMI >25, osteoporosis, and score on the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale were independently associated with ankle OA.
In the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic, What About Orthopaedic Care Equity?
Early, conservative modeling suggested there will be roughly $163 billion in direct COVID-19–related healthcare expenses, which may underestimate true values. The nation’s health insurance system—largely based on employer-sponsored insurance—has been reeling from high levels of unemployment, and the underinsured population is nearing levels seen before enactment of the Affordable Care Act. Rapid implementation of telemedicine into care delivery to maintain physical distancing, and virtual visits/remote monitoring will continue to be heavily utilized in the future. This article highlights several points for consideration regarding where these changes may exacerbate existing disparities in orthopaedic care.
Tune in to Watch the Third Match of the 2021 Resident Rumble
Show your support for the competing residency programs by signing up to watch the AAOS 2021 Virtual Resident Rumble, sponsored by DePuy Synthes. The third AAOS orthopaedics-based trivia event of 2021 will take place tonight from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Don’t miss the game that will decide who will face University of Iowa and Harvard Combined Orthopedics in the April semifinal match!
