Learn While You Engage with Colleagues at AAOS 2021
Be challenged at the AAOS 2021 Annual Meeting, Aug. 31–Sept. 3, in San Diego. Top-rated faculty will present the latest evidence-based advancements and researchers will push boundaries to reveal what’s possible to transform the way you care for your patients. Plus, you’ll earn up to 28.5 American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award Category 1 Credits™.
Study: Female Surgeons in the U.S. Face Increased Pregnancy Complications
A survey of 850 surgeons (women, n = 692; men, n = 158), published online in JAMA Surgery, found increased pregnancy complications among female surgeons in the U.S. Forty-two percent of female surgeons experienced pregnancy loss. Female surgeons were more likely than male surgeons to use assisted reproductive technology. Female surgeons had increased pregnancy complications (48.3 percent) than male surgeons’ female partners (27.2 percent). Operating ≥12 hours weekly during the third trimester was associated with major pregnancy complications. Compared to female nonsurgeon partners, female surgeons had higher risk of nonelective Cesarean delivery and postpartum depression.
Study: Incidence of Repeated Radiographs at Initial Orthopaedic Arthroplasty Visit
A study published online in The Journal of Arthroplasty found that 65 percent of outpatient orthopaedic patients underwent repeat radiography at orthopaedic visits, primarily due to radiographs being inaccessible (47 percent) or the patient being non-weightbearing (40 percent). Of 292 patients who presented with joint pain at five arthroplasty surgeon clinics, 88 percent had radiographs prior to their visit. Repeat radiographs were collected from 167 patients; the repeated radiographs changed the diagnosis in 40 percent of cases and management in 22 percent.
Study: Concurrent Repair of Medial Meniscal Posterior Root Tears during HTO for Medial OA
Concurrent repair of medial meniscal posterior root tear (MMPRT) during high tibial osteotomy (HTO) for medial osteoarthritis (OA) did not significantly improve short-term clinical, radiological, or arthroscopic outcomes compared to HTO alone, according to a systematic review published online in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. Seven patient subgroups in six studies were included. Concurrent MMPRT repair significantly improved postoperative Lysholm scores and led to a higher rate of complete meniscal healing compared to HTO alone. Lysholm scores and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores were comparable between groups.
2022 Medicare Hospital IPPS Final Rule Addresses AAOS Comments
On Monday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the final rule for fiscal year (FY) 2022 Medicare Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System, taking effect on Oct. 1. Earlier this year, AAOS submitted comments when the changes were being proposed and is pleased that CMS acknowledged several comments, including ‘Hospital-Level, Risk Standardized Patient Reported Outcomes Measure Following Elective Primary Total Hip and/or Total Knee Arthroplasty (NQF# 3559),’ encouraging use of clinical data registries in patient reported outcomes data collection. CMS also finalized add-on payments for 19 technologies, including a one-year extension of new technology add-on payments for 13 technologies that would otherwise be discontinued in FY 2022. CMS will respond to provisions regarding payments to hospitals for direct graduate medical education and indirect medical education costs in subsequent parts of this final rule.
Orthopaedic Advocacy Week Advances Three AAOS Policy Priorities
From May 24 to 28, AAOS members amplified yearlong advocacy efforts on behalf of the musculoskeletal community during Orthopaedic Advocacy Week. The first-ever completely virtual event comprised daily advocacy activities for delivering critical messages to lawmakers on key healthcare policy issues, including prior authorization reform, flexibility for telemedicine services, and mental health issues for healthcare professionals. The concerted effort of 249 event registrants from 39 states and Puerto Rico resulted in 582 letters sent to policymakers, 202 meetings with legislators, and 81 member signatories on AAOS-led regulatory letters. As part of the event, the Orthopaedic Political Action Committee hosted a “Day of Giving” sweepstakes that raised $269,111 from 986 contributors.
Take Part in the Development of a Technology Overview
AAOS is seeking volunteers to take part in the work group for the development of the Platelet-rich Plasma for Knee Osteoarthritis Technology Overview. Due to limited space, applications will be reviewed and approved on a first come, first served basis.
