Study: Increasing Out-of-pocket Costs for Elective Orthopaedic Surgery
Out-of-pocket costs for elective orthopaedic surgery rose substantially between 2014 and 2019, according to a retrospective study published in the July 15 issue of the Journal of the AAOS ®. Employer-sponsored insurance claims data were queried for 10,225 anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion procedures, 28,841 posterior lumbar fusions, 70,815 total hip arthroplasties, and 108,940 total knee arthroplasties. Costs for all procedures increased significantly during the study period. Patients with high-deductible plans had the highest episodic out-of-pocket costs.
Study: Risk of Complications with Tranexamic Acid Use in Intertrochanteric Fracture Surgery
A study published in the July 6 issue of the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery reported that the use of tranexamic acid in high-risk patients with intertrochanteric fractures was not associated with increased 90-day complications or mortality. Risk of complications after intertrochanteric fracture surgery was assessed in 141 high-risk patients and the overall cohort (n = 316). Patients who received tranexamic acid did not have an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, or stroke compared with patients who did not receive tranexamic acid.
Study: Race, Ethnicity, and Insurance Are Associated with Odds of Surgery for Rotator Cuff Tear
Black or Hispanic patients and patients with Medicaid insurance were less likely to undergo operative rotator cuff repair for cuff tears, according to a study published online in Arthroscopy. Data from 87,660 patients with rotator cuff tears in New York state were assessed. Overall, 41.5 percent underwent surgical treatment. Other government insurance besides Medicaid was also associated with lower odds of surgery. Male gender, Asian race, Workers’ Compensation insurance, and residence in higher-income areas were associated with greater odds of undergoing surgery. Racial differences in odds of surgery were altered when accounting for other variables.
Study: Outcomes of Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing for Preadolescent Unstable Diaphyseal Femur Fractures
A retrospective study published online in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma reported that children aged <10 years did not experience more complications after elastic stable intramedullary nailing for unstable diaphyseal femur fractures than children with stable fractures. In total, 106 patients were included, and 43 had length unstable fractures. Length unstable fractures were not associated with early femoral shortening or leg-length discrepancy compared with stable fractures.
Study Investigates Risk of Perioperative Stroke in Spine Surgery Patients
A retrospective study published online in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders reported a 0.07 percent incidence of perioperative stroke in patients undergoing spinal surgery. In total, 17,408 patients were included. Fifty-eight percent of strokes were ischemic, and 42 percent were hemorrhagic. Perioperative stroke was associated with longer hospitalization and higher hospital expenses. Average onset time of perioperative stroke was 1.3 days after surgery. A history of stroke and hyperlipidemia were risk factors of perioperative stroke.
AAOS Continues Its Progress on Many Critical Initiatives
In this President’s Message, AAOS President Felix H. “Buddy” Savoie III, MD, FAAOS, discusses the latest AAOS initiatives to improve musculoskeletal care for both surgeons and patients. Dr. Savoie addresses AAOS’ work to improve digital communications with the membership and efforts to promote key advocacy issues, including prior authorization reform. He also highlights the upcoming Orthopaedic Advocacy Week, in which AAOS members will be encouraged to communicate with local and federal lawmakers to address orthopaedic advocacy issues.
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 range of articles about rotator cuff tears, how they are treated, and how to prevent these common shoulder injuries.
