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Apply for Volunteer Opportunities with AAOS Now

The AAOS Now Editorial Board has five open Member-at-Large positions:

  • Adult reconstruction specialist
  • Hand specialist
  • Foot & ankle specialist
  • Advocacy subject matter expert
  • Practice management subject matter expert

The deadline to submit applications is Oct. 12.

Learn more and submit applications…(member login required)

 
 
 
 
In Other News

Study Assesses Effect of Chronic Corticosteroid Use on TJA Complications

A retrospective study published in the July issue of the Journal of the AAOS Global Research & Reviews ® evaluated the correlation between chronic corticosteroid use and complications in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients. Among 403,566 TJA patients identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, 14,774 were prescribed chronic corticosteroid regimens. The corticosteroid group had higher rates of surgical site infection (SSI); wound dehiscence; general wound infection; pneumonia; urinary tract infection; readmission; and occurrences of deep incisional SSI, organ space SSI, and unplanned intubation. Thirty-day mortality, cardiovascular outcomes, and sepsis did not largely differ between the groups.

Read the study…

 
 
 
 
Study Identifies Predictive Biomarkers of DVT After Foot Fracture

A retrospective study published online in Foot & Ankle International examined the incidence of and hematological biomarkers correlated with preoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients with closed foot fractures (excluding calcaneal fractures). Among 537 patients, 28 had preoperative DVTs (5.2 percent). DVT risk factors included alcohol consumption, concomitant other fractures, platelet distribution width less than 12 percent, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 1.1 mmol/L, serum alkaline phosphatase > 100 U/L, serum sodium concentration < 135 mmol/L, and D-dimer > 0.5 mg/L.

Read the abstract…

 
 
 
Study: Patient Satisfaction Following Midshaft Clavicle Fracture Treatment

A study published online in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders measured patient satisfaction among operative and nonoperative midshaft clavicle fracture patients using a focus group approach. Patients treated either operatively (n = 10) or nonoperatively (n = 14) took part in face-to-face or web-based focus groups. The main themes observed across treatment groups were need for more information, functional recovery, speed of recovery, and patient-doctor interaction. Themes did not largely differ between operative and nonoperative patients. Among dissatisfied patients, the most significant complaint was lack of information.

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Study: How Do Surgeons, Healthcare Administrators Perceive Implant Costs?

A study published online in Current Orthopaedic Practice surveyed musculoskeletal surgeons and healthcare administrators to determine their perceptions of implant costs. Participants completed a 10-question survey consisting of 10 fracture patients, their postoperative radiographs, and the corresponding implant list. Overall, administrators overestimated by an average $4,655.22 per case and surgeons by $41.61 per case. When asked about their own subspecialty, surgeons underestimated by an average $608.06 per case and $3,160.07 per case for control cases (excluding neurosurgeons). On average, traumatologists underestimated by $381.24 per case overall, $379.72 per case for their subspecialty cases, and $13.06 per case for control cases.

Read the abstract…

 
 
 
COVID-19 Updates

Final Call: Provider Relief Fund Applications Due in One Week

Medicaid, Medicaid managed care, CHIP, and dental providers affected by COVID-19 can still apply for aid from the Provider Relief Fund. The extended deadline also applies to Medicare providers who had difficulties during the first application period or experienced a change in ownership and were previously ineligible for phase one funding. The new deadline to apply for these groups is Aug. 28.

Learn more about the Provider Relief Fund…

Learn more about COVID-19 financial relief programs…

 
 
 
AAOS Now

True Progress in Orthobiologics Requires That We Police Ourselves and Each Other

AAOS is dedicating more resources and focus to the topic of biologic product development and responsible clinical use. The formation of the Committee on Devices, Biologics, and Technology will shine a brighter light on the need for evidence-based content and assist in developing educational programs, regulatory resources, and symposia. As the use of biologic products expands beyond the purview of orthopaedic surgeons and into the realm of pain management, podiatry, and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialties, it is even more important that clinicians, educators, and related professional societies understand and manage this product category.

Read more…