Study Compares Postoperative Opioid-related AEs Between IV Oxycodone Versus Morphine after THA
According to a randomized, controlled trial published online in Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, postoperative opioid-related adverse events (AEs) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) did not largely differ between patients receiving IV oxycodone versus morphine. Among 238 total patients, 55 oxycodone patients and 46 morphine patients sustained at least one opioid-related AE (48 percent versus 40 percent). IV oxycodone and morphine requirements were: for titration, 6 mg versus 8 mg; for patient-controlled analgesia, 15 mg versus 8 mg; and for cumulated IV consumption, 22 mg versus 19 mg. There were no significant differences between oxycodone and morphine patients in 24-hour rates of nausea, vomiting, urinary retention, or pain scores.
Study Assesses Leg Compartment Pressure in Asymptomatic Collegiate Distance Runners
A study published in the July/August issue of Current Orthopaedic Practice found that asymptomatic collegiate distance runners may still present post-exercise elevated anterior leg compartment pressures. The study included 15 male and 15 female runners aged 18 to 23 years who ran at a moderately intense pace for 15 minutes and underwent one-minute post-exercise compartment pressure measurements of bilateral anterior leg compartments. Overall, 11 participants met the criteria for exertional compartment syndrome in at least one leg; four presented bilateral positive measurements. The average intracompartmental pressure measurement was 27.5 mmHg.
Study Assesses Early Weight Bearing after ORIF for Calcaneal Fracture
A retrospective study published online in Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery evaluated clinical and radiological outcomes for calcaneal fracture patients who underwent early weight bearing and rehabilitation following ORIF. A total of 78 patients were followed for a mean 45.8 months. The mean Böhler angle was 31.7 degrees at two weeks, 31.2 degrees at three months, and 30.1 degrees at final follow-up. The average Foot and Ankle Outcome Score was 86.1 points, with the highest score observed in the function domain (mean, 92.5 points).
Study Evaluates Radial Collateral Ligament Repair of the Thumb
A study published in the September issue of Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery analyzed long-term outcomes in patients who underwent operative repair for thumb radial collateral ligament tear. A total of 43 patients (median age, 43.5 years) were followed for a mean 5.3 years. The first metacarpophalangeal joint was stable postoperatively in all patients. Postoperative Disability of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand score was 3.75, and Short-Form 36 score was 44.96. Average grip strength was 32.7 kg and pinch strength was 8.37 kg. Factors associated with postoperative deficits included surgery delays longer than three weeks and preoperative palmar subluxation.
Medical Groups Develop Guidance to Continue Essential Surgeries During COVID-19
The American College of Surgeons, American Hospital Association, American Society of Anesthesiologists, and Association of periOperative Registered Nurses created a roadmap for how to continue essential surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance discusses regional cooperation, the supply chain, COVID-19 testing, personal protective equipment, and more.
AAOS members will soon receive the print edition of the August issue of AAOS Now, but the electronic edition is already available on the AAOS Now website and on iOS and Android devices through the AAOS Access app. This month’s issue highlights include a guide to the available COVID-19 loan programs, providing religiously and culturally competent care, surviving orthopaedic residency during the pandemic via technology, and more.
