Study Identifies Potential Cost Savings with Orthopaedic Urgent Care for Low-acuity Fractures
Treatment of patients with low-acuity fractures in an immediate care orthopaedic center versus an ED may lead to cost savings, according to a retrospective study published in the Journal of the AAOS ®. The study included 610 fracture patients treated during a six-month period in the same metropolitan area (orthopaedic center, n = 311; ED, n = 299). Low-acuity injuries were more frequently treated at the orthopaedic center (60.1 percent) than in the ED (18.1 percent). According to a cost analysis, the practice of initially diverting low-acuity fractures to the orthopaedic center would have led to an estimated $62,150 savings during the study period.
Study: Five-year Outcomes and Mortality after Two-stage Revision for Chronic Knee PJI
A retrospective study published online in The Journal of Arthroplasty reported that two-stage exchange knee arthroplasty for chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) led to high rates of infection eradication. In total, 178 patients treated between 1990 and 2015 at three tertiary centers were assessed. After a mean of 6.63 years of follow-up, 118 patients had ≥5 years of follow-up. In this group, rates of infection eradication and mortality were 88.9 percent and 33.05 percent, respectively.
Study Finds Relationship between Low BMI and Improvement after Hip Arthroscopy for FAI
A study published online in the American Journal of Sports Medicine reported that low BMI (<18.5 kg/m 2) may be associated with inferior outcomes in female patients undergoing arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Forty-three patients with low BMI were matched with 93 controls with normal BMI. Functional and pain scores improved significantly from preoperative levels in the low BMI group. However, compared with controls, low BMI was associated with significantly lower rates of achieving a Patient Acceptable Symptom Status for the modified Harris Hip Score and the Hip Outcome Score–Sport Specific Subscale.
Study: High Rate of Long-term Complications with Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System for ACL Rupture
A study published online in The Bone & Joint Journal reported a long-term complications rate of 66 percent with the use of the synthetic Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System device for treatment of ACL rupture. Forty-one patients were prospectively enrolled and followed for up to a median of 16.5 years postoperatively. Of 27 total complications, 11 developed within one year and 16 after one year of surgery. Graft failure occurred in 24 percent and reactive synovitis in 20 percent. Twenty-one patients required revision.
Study: Autologous Osteoperiosteal versus Osteochondral Transplantation for Cystic Osteochondral Talus Lesions
Autologous osteoperiosteal transplantation (AOPT) grafted from the iliac crest for treatment of large cystic osteochondral talus lesions demonstrated similar clinical and radiologic outcomes compared with autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOCT) from the ipsilateral knee, according to a study published online in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Twenty-three patients each underwent AOPT or AOCT and mean follow-up was 48 months. Visual Analog Scale pain scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scores, and Tegner scores were comparable between techniques. Total donor site morbidity and discomfort morbidity were significantly lower with AOPT versus AOCT.
The AAOS Annual Meeting is back and better than ever. This March, AAOS is excited to return the Annual Meeting to its traditional place on the calendar for what is sure to be the must-attend orthopaedic event of the year. In Chicago on March 22–26, attendees will experience outstanding education, technological innovations, and in-person collaboration.
Hundreds of Surgical Techniques Modules Available Free to AAOS Members
Build your surgical and clinical decision-making skills with unique educational experiences available on the AAOS Online Learning platform. Explore the surgical instruction interactive learning modules that assess your knowledge, patient management, and clinical decision making. Available free to AAOS members, these microlearning experiences provide quick and exciting lessons for hundreds of procedural techniques. Topics include advanced reconstruction, foot and ankle, hand and wrist, shoulder and elbow, hip and knee, spine, and sports medicine.
