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| Editor’s note: Due to unexpected issues with the Academy’s email service provider, Headline News Now (HNN) was distributed Friday to an incomplete distribution list and was not published on Monday. In response, AAOS is publishing a bonus issue of HNN today. Starting next week, HNN will return to its normal publishing schedule—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The editors thank the readers for their patience and understanding. |
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| Today’s Top Story
Study: Patient Comorbidities Associated with Higher TJA Costs
A study published in the April 15 issue of the Journal of the AAOS ® calculated total joint arthroplasty (TJA) cost increases associated with patient characteristics. The researchers analyzed claims data for 6,537 patients who underwent TJA between 2015 and 2016 (Medicare, n = 4,835; private payer, n = 1,702). Mean 90-day costs were $19,555 and $30,020 for Medicare and privately insured patients, respectively. Heart failure, stroke, renal disease, and diabetes increased mean costs for Medicare patients by $3,937, $2,604, $2,479, and $1,368, respectively. Cardiac disease increased costs by $4,765 for privately insured patients, while age and BMI were associated with increased costs in both groups.
Read the abstract… |
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| In Other News
Comparing Needle Arthroscopy and MRI to Surgical Arthroscopy of the Shoulder
A blinded study published in Arthroscopy compared a minimally invasive needle arthroscopy device and MRI versus surgical arthroscopy for diagnosing intra-articular shoulder pathology. Fifty patients underwent a clinical evaluation, MRI, needle arthroscopy, and surgical arthroscopy, and videos and images were blindly reviewed postoperatively. Needle arthroscopy and MRI had accuracy comparable to surgical arthroscopy. Needle arthroscopy had similar specificity to MRI for diagnosing cartilage, labrum, rotator cuff, and biceps pathology.
Read the abstract… |
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| Study: Glucocorticoids Show Benefit in Periarticular Infiltration Analgesia in TKA
A systematic review published online in The Journal of Arthroplasty evaluated glucocorticoid use in periarticular infiltration analgesia (PIA) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Eleven randomized controlled trials were included, comprising 93 patients who underwent 1,051 primary TKAs with glucocorticoids as part of the multimodal cocktail protocol used in PIA. Postoperative Visual Analog Scale scores were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group. Glucocorticoid use was associated with significant improvement in range of motion, reduced morphine use, and lower levels of C-reactive protein, but did not impact length of stay or long-term functional scores.
Read the abstract… |
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| Comparing Structural versus Nonstructural Bone Grafting in Treatment of Scaphoid Waist Nonunion
A randomized study published online in the Journal of Hand Surgery compared grafting of the corticocancellous (CC) versus cancellous bone only (C-only) in ORIF (open reduction–internal fixation) for unstable scaphoid waist nonunion without avascular necrosis in 98 patients. After 24 weeks, nonunion was 90 percent and 94 percent in the CC and C-only groups, respectively. Radiographic and functional outcomes were similar between groups. Patients in the CC group with severe scaphoid deformity had superior Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores compared to those with less severe deformity C-only grafting led to earlier time to union.
Read the abstract… |
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| Novel Coronal Aligner Improves Balance in Spinal Deformity Patients Fused to Pelvis
A study published online in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders evaluated a novel integrated global coronal aligner (IGCA) to improve coronal imbalance in adult spinal deformity patients who were fused to pelvis. A group of 52 patients were divided according to IGCA use (n = 27) versus non-IGCA use (n = 25). Postoperatively, the IGCA group had significantly improved coronal balance difference (24.7 ± 20.3 mm versus 12.6 ± 6.4 mm) and reduced imbalance/balance ratio (55.6 percent versus 11.1 percent). Non-IGCA patients did not show significant improvement in either category. IGCA use was found to be associated with higher odds of postoperative coronal balance compared to non-IGCA use.
Read the abstract… |
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| AAOS Now
April Issue of AAOS Now is Now Online
AAOS members will soon receive the print edition of the April issue of AAOS Now, but the electronic edition is already available on the AAOS Now website. This month’s issue spotlights new AAOS President Daniel K. Guy, MD, FAAOS, revisits elective surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, previews what’s coming to the AAOS Annual Meeting in San Diego this Aug. 31–Sept. 3, and more.
Read more… |
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| Your AAOS
Register for DOCSF 2021, Tune in for AAOS Session April 24
Tune in for the next installment of the Digital Orthopaedics Conference San Francisco (DOCSF) 2021, happening virtually on April 23–24. Experts from around the world will share their insights and experience with digital health technologies including artificial intelligence, sensors, and chatbots in orthopaedics. You’ll also hear from startup companies developing technology to solve real problems in musculoskeletal care. During a special session on Saturday April 24 from 12:00–12:45 p.m. PT, AAOS Advocacy Council Chair Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, and Jordan Vivian from the AAOS Office of Government Relations will review the healthcare policy priorities of the Biden Administration. The event is complimentary, but registration is required, and all are encouraged to attend.
Learn more and register for the conference… |
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