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| Today’s Top Story
Study: How Do Patient Expectations Align with Outcomes for Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy?
A study published in the December 2020 issue of The Journal of Arthroplasty observed a small discrepancy between preoperative expectations and postoperative fulfillment of expectations following medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy, which affected patients’ satisfaction. The Hospital for Special Surgery-Knee Replacement Expectations Survey was used to determine 115 patients’ expectations The most commonly expected items were “pain relief,” “walking ability,” and “perform daily activities”; those with the biggest discrepancies between expectations versus fulfillment scores were “kneeling,” “squatting,” and “pain relief.” Two years postoperatively, more patients were satisfied (78.3 percent) than dissatisfied (21.7 percent).
Read the abstract… |
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| In Other News
Study: Reverse TSA Versus Hemiarthroplasty for Displaced Multifragment Proximal Humeral Fractures
A randomized, controlled trial published online in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery observed better functional outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) compared to hemiarthroplasty in patients aged older than 70 years with displaced three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures. Final analysis consisted of 41 rTSA patients and 43 hemiarthroplasty patients (mean age, 79.5 years; 76 were female). The rTSA group had a higher mean Constant score (primary outcome) as well as greater mean satisfaction with shoulder satisfaction, flexion, and abduction. The Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder index and EQ-5D did not differ between the groups.
Read the abstract… |
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| Study: Minimally Invasive Intramedullary Nail Device for Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus
A study published online in Foot & Ankle International observed acceptable clinical and radiographic outcomes when using the Minimally Invasive Intramedullary Nail Device to correct moderate to severe hallux valgus. One hundred patients with a mean follow-up of 97 months were assessed. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score was 90.5 points, visual analog scale score was 1.5, and patients’ satisfaction was 8.7. Mean intermetatarsal angle and metatarsophalangeal hallux valgus angle (HVA) showed significant correction. Factors associated with HVA correction and its persistence over time included sex, severity, associated procedures, and preoperative angle
Read the study… |
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| Congress Votes to Repeal McCarran-Ferguson Antitrust Exemption
The Senate and House of Representatives recently voted in favor of the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act of 2020, which would repeal an antitrust exemption in the McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945 protecting health insurance companies from federal competition laws. The new legislation amends the McCarran-Ferguson Act to include: “Nothing contained in this Act shall modify, impair, or supersede the operation of any of the antitrust laws with respect to the business of health insurance (including the business of dental insurance and limited-scope dental benefits).” The bill was supported by AAOS and now awaits President Donald J. Trump’s signature to become law.
Read more… |
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| COVID-19 Updates
President Trump Signs COVID-19 Relief and Omnibus Spending Bill
On Dec. 27, 2020, President Trump signed the combined omnibus spending bill and COVID-19 relief package, avoiding a potential government shutdown. This is the government’s fifth COVID-19 relief bill. The latest legislation allocates $600 direct payments to eligible individuals and families as well as $300 weekly enhanced unemployment benefits. Of importance to the healthcare community and previously noted in AAOS communication, the package ends surprise medical bills and helps to mitigate the impact of Medicare pay cuts as a result of updates to evaluation and management services planned for 2021—unfortunately the cuts to the relative value units for hip and knee procedures remain.
Read more… |
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| AAOS Now
AAOS Names Interim AAOS Now Editor in Chief
Robert M. Orfaly, MD, FAAOS, has been appointed the interim editor in chief of AAOS Now for 2021. Dr. Orfaly is a professor in the Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation at the Oregon Health and Science University.
Dr. Orfaly served on the AAOS Board of Directors from 2017 to 2020; chaired the Membership and Leadership Development Committee from 2019 to 2020; was the 2019 to 2020 chair of the Board of Councilors; and has been a member of various AAOS committees and councils, including the State Legislative and Regulatory Issues Committee, Council on Advocacy, Council on Education, Council on Research and Quality, Communications Cabinet, and more. Dr. Orfaly has published more than 20 peer-reviewed and nonpeer-reviewed journal articles, as well as served as an associate editor for The Journal of Hand Surgery.
Dr. Orfaly succeeds Eeric Truumees, MD, FAAOS, who served as the editor in chief for six years before his term ended on Dec. 31, 2020.
Contact Dr. Orfaly with letters to the editor and article recommendations… |
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| Your AAOS
Upcoming Webinar: The Immediate Future of Digital Health in Orthopaedics
AAOS is excited to bring you a virtual series that takes a closer look into technology and orthopaedics. Beginning with the Jan. 10 event, AAOS President Joseph A. Bosco III, MD, FAAOS, and First Vice President Daniel K. Guy, MD, FAAOS, join the Digital Orthopaedics Conference San Francisco to lend their vision and insights in a fireside chat format. The event is complimentary, and all are encouraged to attend.
Register for the webinar… |
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