Study: Aspirin as Prophylaxis for TJA Patients with a History of VTE
The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery published a retrospective cohort study assessing the effectiveness of aspirin as a prophylactic agent in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative factors, and postoperative complications were collected from 36,333 patients, including 1,087 with a history of VTE. In patients with a history of VTE, rates of subsequent VTE were similar between those who received aspirin and those who received other VTE prophylaxis (04. percent versus 1.5 percent). Regression analysis showed that the administration of aspirin was not associated with an increased risk for subsequent VTE.
Study: The Effects of Thigh Tourniquet Use on Muscle Fiber Size and Contractile Function after ACLR
A study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine investigated the effects of tourniquet use during ACL reconstruction (ACLR) on knee extensor muscle contraction and muscle fiber size. Study participants included patients undergoing ACLR with the use of a tourniquet placed in a standardized location on the thigh. The tourniquet was inflated to a pressure range of 250 to 275 mm Hg. Muscle biopsy and contractile function were measured at three weeks and six months postoperatively. Tourniquet use did not explain variations in muscle fiber size or contraction at three weeks or six months postoperatively.
Study: Return to Sports in Overhead Athletes after Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis for SLAP Tear
Arthroscopy published a retrospective study online evaluating functional and athletic outcomes after primary subpectoral biceps tenodesis for type II superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears in overhead athletes. The visual analog scale, Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic shoulder score, and single assessment numerical evaluation were measured in 16 competitive overhead athletes at a mean 4.5-year follow-up. At a mean of 4.1 months postoperatively, 81 percent of patients returned to athletic activity. There were no significant differences in mean forward flexion or rotation in the adducted position; however, there was a significant decrease in postoperative abduction, from 165 degrees to 155 degrees.
Study: Distal Femur Growth Modification Surgery Associated with Surgical Wound Complications in Pediatric Patients
The Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics published a retrospective study in the September issue that reported on the complication rates associated with pediatric growth modification surgeries. A total of 622 pediatric patients undergoing growth modification surgeries (418 patients) or osteotomies (204 patients) in lower extremities were included. The surgical wound complication rate was 6.9 percent per patient and 3.6 percent per surgical site in the growth modification group, compared with >1.0 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively, in the osteotomy group. Additionally, wound complications were associated with surgery in the distal femur (5.2 percent) and the use of plates or staples (4.3 to 10.5 percent).
Study: Oncologic and Functional Outcomes after Chondrosarcoma Scapulectomy
In a retrospective study published online in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, surgical treatments of chondrosarcoma of the scapula achieved satisfactory prognosis and shoulder function. Of the 21 patients who underwent partial or total capsulectomy, the overall survival rate at five years was 84.6 percent, and the disease-free survival rate was 69.3 percent. Patients who underwent partial scapulectomy had significantly better postoperative shoulder abduction function than those who underwent total scapulectomy reconstruction. There were no significant differences in flexion and adduction of the shoulder joint between groups.
AAOS Board Approves Tech Overview for Platelet-rich Plasma for Knee Osteoarthritis
In May, the AAOS Board of Directors approved the Technology Overview for Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) for Osteoarthritis of the Knee. The Technology Overview was designed to evaluate efficacy and differences in outcomes with PRP as compared with other treatments or placebo. In all, 648 abstracts and 261 full-text articles were systematically evaluated to identify the 54 highest-quality manuscripts available.
Take Part in the Development of a Clinical Practice Guideline or Appropriate Use Criteria
AAOS is seeking volunteers to take part in the workgroup for the development of the Management of Acute Meniscal Pathology Clinical Practice Guideline, as well as the Management of Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis Appropriate Use Criteria. Both projects are slated to begin within the coming weeks. Due to limited space, applications will be reviewed and approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
