Study Evaluates Effect of Dexamethasone on Postoperative TSA Outcomes
A randomized, controlled trial published online in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery assessed the effect of dexamethasone on pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and length of stay after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse TSA. Patients treated by a single surgeon were randomized to one of two groups: dexamethasone (10 mg within 90 minutes of surgery; n = 32) or control (n = 43). During the first 24 hours postoperatively, the dexamethasone group had lower average ondansetron use, lower visual analog scale score, and lower morphine equivalent use. Glucose control and complications did not differ between the groups
Study Investigates Prevalence, Referral Pathway, Costs of ED Visits for DVT Concern Following TJA
A study published online in the Journal of the AAOS ® analyzed emergency department (ED) visits due to concern for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). In 2018, 108 of 10,445 primary TJA patients (1 percent) visited the ED for DVT concern. Most cases were self-referral (n = 69), followed by orthopaedic on-call referral (n = 21). Fifteen patients had ultrasonography evidence of DVT. For patients with public insurance, the mean cost to access the ED was $834.
A retrospective study published online in Foot & Ankle International reported treatment and outcomes for patients with calcaneal fracture-dislocations. Over an eight-year period, 10 patients (average age, 61.7 years) were treated for acute calcaneal fracture-dislocations at two level 1 trauma centers. Cases included involvement of the calcaneocuboid joint (n = 9) and concomitant fractures of the lateral talar process (n = 7) and of the tip of the distal fibula (n = 7). Patients underwent ORIF (n = 9) and primary subtalar fusion (n = 1). Average follow-up was three years. All patients achieved anatomic fixation.
Study: Effect of Scapholunate Ligament Injury on Intra-articular DRF Outcomes
A retrospective analysis published online in The Journal of Hand Surgery assessed whether scapholunate (SL) ligament injury was associated with prognosis following intra-articular distal radius fractures (DRFs). Researchers assessed outcomes at 12 and 24 months post-DRF in 192 patients who were stratified according to SL angles greater than or less than 70 degrees. At baseline, disability, pain, and other clinical factors were similar between the two groups. After follow-up, the investigators found no statistically significant differences in patient-reported outcomes according to SL ligament injury status.
Study: Utility of GAP Score for Predicting Complications After Spinal Deformity Surgery
A study published online in the European Spine Journal evaluated the predictive utility of the global alignment proportion (GAP) score for postoperative mechanical failure in 84 elderly patients following spinal deformity surgery. Researchers calculated GAP scores from postoperative radiographs and conducted univariate logistic regression analysis and Cochran–Armitage tests to estimate any associations with mechanical complications. Overall, GAP score was significantly correlated with mechanical complications, including minor complications and proximal junctional failure, and was found to be a “moderately accurate” predictor of outcomes.
Five Best Practices for the Social Media-inclined Orthopaedic Surgeon
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, social media allows us to stay connected to loved ones. Beyond that, physicians have begun using social media platforms as tools in their practices. From offering medical information to the public to highlighting career achievements, social media has become a personal marketing tool for the 21st-century doctor. With that in mind, this article provides five helpful tips for using social media as a part of your orthopaedic practice.
Take Part in a Workgroup Panel for Distal Radius Fractures AUC
AAOS is seeking volunteers to take part on the writing and voting panels for the development of Distal Radius Fractures Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC). Please note that writing panelists do not have conflict of interest restrictions, whereas voting panelists do. The deadline to submit applications is Feb. 12.
