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 www.aaos.org/cap from June 15 to Aug. 1 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 view only positions for which their membership category is eligible to apply.
Study: Changes in Patient-reported Outcomes from Presentation to Day of Surgery in TJA Patients
A retrospective study of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients, published in The Journal of Arthroplasty, reported wide variability in patient-reported outcomes from initial presentation to the day of surgery at an individual level, but not a population level. In total, 497 patients completed two preoperative sets of patient-reported outcome measurements. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement was the only measure that significantly differed between presentation and day of surgery. However, there were meaningful patient-level score changes in all measures, based on published minimal clinically important differences.
Study: ORIF with Locking Plate for C-type Distal Humerus Fractures in Older Patients
A retrospective study published online in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders reported that ORIF (open reduction–internal fixation) with modern locking plates reliably treated distal AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association C-type distal humerus fractures in patients aged ≥65 years, with somewhat impaired function compared with the healthy arm. Thirty-nine patients were treated, 23 of whom provided follow-up data, and 14 attended a follow-up visit. Eleven patients required revision and one serious deep infection occurred. Among patients with a follow-up visit, Mayo Elbow Performance Scores and arc of motion were worse on the treated versus healthy arm.
Randomized Trial: Double-tunnel versus Single-tunnel MPFL Reconstruction
The double-tunnel (DT) technique for medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction led to greater postoperative Lysholm scores and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score symptoms and knee-related quality of life subscores compared with the single-tunnel (ST) technique. However, failure rates and radiological results were similar between techniques. This randomized study was published online in Arthroscopy. Ninety patients were included. Forty-three of 48 patients in the ST group received combined tibial tuberosity transfer, as did 40 of 42 patients in the DT group. All patients underwent lateral reticulum release.
Study: Reconstruction with Autologous Gracilis Tendon versus Modified Broström-Gould Procedure for Chronic Ankle Instability
Anatomic lateral ligament reconstruction using the autologous gracilis tendon and the modified Broström-Gould (MBG) procedure demonstrated similar long-term clinical outcomes for treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability, according to a study published online in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. Thirty reconstruction patients were matched to 30 patients undergoing the MBG procedure. Subjective scores significantly improved postoperatively, regardless of treatment. The MBG procedure was associated with a higher rate of sprain recurrence than reconstruction. Patients who underwent reconstruction required a longer period to achieve full weightbearing status, jogging, and return-to-work than those in the MBG group.
The Road Increasingly Traveled toward Orthopaedic Residency
In this month’s Editor’s Message, AAOS Now Editor-in-chief Robert Orfaly, MD, MBA, FAAOS, reflects on the current state of the orthopaedic residency application process, including the trend of a greater number of applicants for each slot. “Although it is gratifying to know that specialties such as orthopaedic surgery remain popular among medical students, the challenges of providing fair assessments and selecting the candidates who will best advance musculoskeletal care are understandably taxing. There is also no indication that the growth in applications will slow in coming years,” Dr. Orfaly wrote.
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 full range of articles to help your patients prepare for their surgical procedures.
