Study Assesses Opioid Consumption after Hip Arthroscopy
A randomized study published in the June 15 issue of the Journal of the AAOS ® found total opioid tablets prescribed to patients after hip arthroscopy did not affect total utilization. In addition, preoperative opioid or muscle relaxant use and International Hip Outcome Tool scores predicted postoperative opioid requirements. Investigators randomized 111 patients who were prescribed either 30 or 60 tablets of hydrocodone/acetaminophen postoperatively. Patients prescribed 60 tablets had significantly more tablets leftover after three weeks compared to the 30-tablet group, with no significant changes in pain ratings and average consumption.
Study: Does VTE Prophylaxis Increase Risk of VTE Events after TJA?
A study published online in The Journal of Arthroplasty found that patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) continuing to take low-dose aspirin or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis were not at increased risk of postoperative VTE. The investigators assessed 1,084 patients taking aspirin 75 mg and 5,010 patients given LMWH for 12–14 days preoperatively. After three months, rates of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were 0.28 percent and 0.28 percent in the aspirin cohort and 0.24 percent and 0.16 percent in the LWMH cohort, respectively.
Study: High Rate of Return to Sport after Shoulder Surgery among Professional Goalkeepers
A retrospective study published online in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy found a high rate of return to play after shoulder surgery among professional goalkeepers, despite persistence of mild symptoms. Twenty-six shoulders from 19 male athletes treated for instability or tendon injuries were assessed. Mean time to return to differentiated training and unrestricted sport was 14.0 and 20.2 weeks, respectively. Fifteen athletes (62.5 percent) returned to full activity, eight returned to ≥80 percent activity, and one stopped professional activity. Twenty-one percent reported persistence of symptoms.
Study Finds Favorable Outcomes of Peri-implant DRF Fixation
A retrospective study published online in the Journal of Hand Surgery found satisfactory outcomes of fixation of peri-implant distal radius fractures (DRF). Twelve patients with previous DRF fixation who experienced subsequent fracture at or adjacent to existing hardware and underwent revision for hardware removal were assessed. Median time from fixation to peri-implant DRF was 2.7 years. At six months, all patients achieved acceptable radiographic alignment. At final follow-up, mean wrist motion for flexion, extension, supination, and pronation were 66 degrees, 66 degrees, 83 degrees, and 86 degrees, respectively.
Study: Trends in Treatment of Patellar Instability for U.S. Children and Adolescents
A study published online in Arthroscopy found consistent incidence of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in children and adolescents in the U.S. between 2010 and 2018, while isolated lateral release incidence decreased. The investigators assessed trends in patellar instability treatment among patients aged 5 to 18 years (MPFL, n = 2,161; lateral release, n = 1,159). The most common 90-day complication was patella fracture. Arthroscopy was frequently performed concomitantly with MPFL reconstruction, which decreased the risk of postoperative growth arrest compared to reconstruction alone.
In December 2013, an AAOS Now article (“Orthopaedist Mentors Teen in ‘Job Shadowing’ Program”) highlighted an innovative “job shadowing” program for a motivated high school senior by Kent Jason Lowry, MD. Eight years later, Dr. Lowry is mentoring his fifth high school senior through this unique opportunity. This article provides a follow-up to demonstrate how a program like this can impact a young person’s educational goals, and how you can make a difference as an orthopaedic surgeon.
