The AAOS Nominating Committee is actively soliciting nominees for individuals to serve in the following positions:
Second Vice President
Treasurer-elect
Board Member-at-large [Age 45 and over] (over age 45 on Feb. 19, 2024)
Board Member-at-large [Under age 45] (younger than age 45 on Feb. 19, 2024)
Nominees to the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Nominations close on Aug. 7. Members can review the position descriptions—including information about responsibilities, desired experience, and time commitments—as well as submit nomination(s) online.
Do Patients with Diabetes Experience Worse Outcomes after TKA under Enhanced Recovery?
The Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research published a retrospective study which found patients with diabetes were at an increased risk of postoperative complications than nondiabetic patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) under enhanced recovery. Outcomes such as knee joint function, the incidence of postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and the Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) sensory results five years postsurgery were compared between 84 matched diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Diabetic patients had longer LOS, with 66.7 percent experiencing an LOS >3 days. Diabetic patients also displayed less range of motion (106.43 versus 109.50 degrees) and lower FJS-12 scores (6816 versus 71.57).
Study: Lower Limb Arthroplasty Patients with BMI >40 Not at Greater Risk of DVT
A study in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research investigated whether patients with BMI >40 kg/m2 were at increased risk of proximal distal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) after lower limb arthroplasty. Data were retrospectively pulled from 8,184 total hip arthroplasties, 3,494 total knee arthroplasties, and 355 unicompartmental knee arthroplasties. Between patients with BMI <40 kg/m2 and >40 kg/m2, there were no differences in terms of odds of PE (0.8 percent versus 0.8 percent) or proximal DVT (0.4 percent versus 0.2 percent).
Study Compares Outcomes of RTSA versus ORIF in Patients with Proximal Humerus Fractures Aged >60 Years
According to a propensity score matched comparison in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, in patients aged >60 years with proximal humerus fractures, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) led to a slower recovery at three months postoperation but better outcomes after two years than ORIF. Twenty-five patients each comprised the RTSA and ORIF cohorts. Constant scores, range of motion, and rate of complications were compared. After three months, Constant scores (37.7 versus 45.5) and mean abduction range (64 degrees versus 88.6 degrees) were lower in the RTSA group; however, both measurements were higher in the RTSA group than the ORIF group after two years.
Study Examines Median Nerve Palsy Recovery in Pediatric Patients with Supracondylar Humerus Fractures
The Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics published a retrospective study which assessed the speed and completeness of median nerve palsy in pediatric patients with supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHF). The motor recovery of Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 4 or 5 and injury- and treatment-related factors were assessed in 1,096 patients with SCHF. Of these patients, 21 had an associated median nerve palsy and underwent serial examination. The mean recovery time was 120 days; however, only 50 percent attained MRC grade 5 after two years. Patients who underwent open reduction recovered faster than those undergoing closed reduction (71 days versus 151 days).
Recent NFL Player Judgment Could Alter the Athlete-Team Physician Relationship
A verdict was recently awarded to a former NFL football player in connection with a knee injury and subsequent surgery. As details and debate over the specifics of the verdict have been documented in the lay press, the implication of the decision has sent shock waves through the orthopaedic sports medicine team physician community. The magnitude of the $43.5 million judgment against both the individual physician and an associated orthopaedic musculoskeletal institute far outstripped many prior awards in this vein beyond class actions, such as in concussion cases.
AAOS Volunteer Opportunities: Applications Open through Aug. 1
Apply to serve on one of the many AAOS Councils and Committees. Members who have an interest in contributing to the mission and vision of AAOS are encouraged to visit the link below to view and apply for available volunteer positions within the AAOS governance structure. Member username and password are required to view and apply for positions of interest. Volunteers should keep in mind that the Committee Appointment Program is designed so interested members can only view positions for which their membership category is eligible to apply.
New AAOS Advocacy Podcast: FDA Interview on Orthopaedic Medical Device Innovation
Innovation in orthopaedic care faces stiff headwinds, but the relationships among stakeholders are not zero-sum. Following the in-person AAOS/FDA Townhall during the 2023 AAOS Annual Meeting, leaders from both organizations sat down for a conversation on the ways both parties can evolve together to improve patient care. They emphasized the need for collaboration, innovation, and reliable data to improve patient outcomes and shape the future of the field. Visit the link below to listen as they delve into the topic of innovation in orthopaedic medical devices, products, and technology.
