Study: Safe Perioperative Opioid Use to Reduce Persistent Usage in Opioid-naïve Patients after TJA
A retrospective study published online in The Journal of Arthroplasty examined the relationship between perioperative opioid exposure and persistent usage among opioid-naïve patients following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Perioperative opioid exposure was measured in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) between one month before and two weeks after TJA. Persistent usage was defined as at least one opioid prescription between 90 to 180 days postoperatively. Of the 22,310 patients included in the analysis, patients who received 600 to 900 MME had a 77 percent increased risk of developing new persistent usage, and patients who received ≥1,200 MME perioperatively had a 285 percent increased risk.
Study: Comparing Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Unilateral and Bilateral Open-wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy published a study comparing the clinical and radiological outcomes of unilateral and bilateral open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). Alignment changes were assessed in 40 patients with bilateral OWHTO and 49 patients (49 knees) with unilateral OWHTO. Both groups were divided into four subgroups to compare each limb. Each unilaterally involved limb and primarily treated bilaterally involved limb experienced a postoperative increase in joint line orientation angle. Patients in the unilateral and bilateral OWHTO groups showed similar postoperative radiological and clinical outcomes.
Study: Internal Joint Stabilizer Is a Safe Treatment Option for Traumatic Elbow Instability Injuries
The outcomes of an internal joint stabilizer of the elbow (IJS-E) in the treatment of unstable traumatic elbow dislocations were retrospectively evaluated and published online in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. Elbow stability, arc of motion, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores were assessed radiographically and clinically in 17 patients over a two-year period following IJS-E. Five patients developed complications and two patients required revision for implant failure. The mean DASH score was 22.2. Mean elbow arc of motion was restored to 92 degrees for flexion-extension.
Study: Outcomes and Complications of Simultaneous versus Sequential Bilateral Total Ankle Arthroplasty
A comparative cohort study, published online in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, compared bilateral simultaneous and sequential total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Overall, patient-reported outcome measures, perioperative complications, and reoperations were collected in 50 patients (100 ankles). Patients were evenly sorted into bilateral simultaneous or sequential TAA cohorts. Both cohorts reported improved outcomes postoperatively, and there were no significant between-group differences. Additionally, the simultaneous and bilateral TAA cohorts experienced comparable rates of complications (22 percent versus 24 percent) and reoperation (12 percent versus 10 percent).
Study: Vertebroplasty with Facet Joint Block versus Vertebroplasty Alone in Relieving Acute Pain of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders published a prospective, randomized controlled study comparing the efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) combined with facet joint block (FB) and vertebroplasty alone in relieving acute pain on osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). One hundred ninety-eight OVCF patients were divided into two cohorts (PVP or PVP with FB). Visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, hospitalization time, and complications were measured. There were no significant differences seen between groups in hospitalization time, or complication rates; however, PVP with FB patients showed significantly lower VAS and ODI scores one-day and one-month postoperatively.
At the AAOS 2022 Annual Meeting in Chicago, four experienced orthopaedic surgeons shared their perspectives on “Leadership in Orthopaedics: How to Be Your Own Chief Operations Officer” in an Instructional Course Lecture. Panelists offered guidance on engaging and motivating a team, making committee meetings more effective, and leading by example.
OrthoInfo, the Academy’s patient education website, is here to provide your patients with in-depth information—all written, reviewed, and regularly updated by orthopaedic experts. This includes a wealth of information about scoliosis and its treatments to help families navigate a diagnosis that can be both physically and emotionally challenging.
