Study Compares Stem Type and Outcomes of Subtrochanteric Osteotomy in Crowe Type IV Hip Dysplasia
A retrospective study published in the June 15 issue of the Journal of the AAOS ® found that subtrochanteric osteotomy using a straight uncemented stem with tapered lateral shoulder and osteoconductive coating (Link Classic Uncemented [LCU] stem) demonstrated a greater tendency to varus alignment, longer union time, malunion, and stem loosening compared with other stems. Thirty-seven hips with Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia were treated with either an LCU stem, the Link Ribbed stem, or the Synergy stem. Follow-up was 36 months. Overall, 89 percent of hips achieved good and excellent clinical outcomes.
Study: Patellofemoral OA Is Associated with Higher Risk of Knee Arthroplasty in Middle Aged Patients
A study published online in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders reported that, in patients aged 45 to 65 years, baseline radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) was associated with increased risk of requiring knee arthroplasty within ten years compared with no OA. Data from 842 patients were included. Forty-four knees (out of 1,678 total) required arthroplasty within ten years of baseline. Combined patellofemoral and tibiofemoral OA and isolated patellofemoral OA were associated with higher risk of arthroplasty. Isolated tibiofemoral OA was not associated with increased risk of arthroplasty.
Study: Open Latarjet Procedure versus Arthroscopic Bankart Repair in Adolescents
Arthroscopic Bankart repair in adolescent patients was associated with a greater risk of treatment failure than an open Latarjet procedure for management of patients who are at high risk of recurrent anterior shoulder failure, according to a study published in the June 15 issue of the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. Forty-one shoulders treated via Bankart repair and 40 shoulders treated with a Latarjet procedure were included. Long-term follow-up was available for 35 and 31 shoulders, respectively. Treatment failure occurred in 57 percent of the Bankart group and 6 percent of the Latarjet group. Younger age was significantly associated with failure after a Bankart repair.
Study: Clindamycin Is Associated with Lower Odds of Amputation in Patients with Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection
Using clindamycin in the initial antibiotic regimen for managing necrotizing soft tissue infection significantly decreased rates of amputation but not mortality rates, according to a retrospective study published in the July issue of the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. In total, 190 patients with necrotizing fasciitis were included. Clindamycin was associated with 2.92-times reduced odds of requiring amputation compared with no clindamycin. Mortality rates were 8.3 percent in the clindamycin group and 11.3 percent in patients who did not receive clindamycin.
Bipartisan Gun Safety Legislation Heads to the Presidents’ Desk
On June 24, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill to address the increase in gun violence in the United States. The agreement is considered the biggest legislative breakthrough on gun safety in more than 30 years and now heads to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. Of note for orthopaedic surgeons, the bill includes two components that were also addressed in the AAOS-supported American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma’s Firearm Strategy Team Workgroup recommendations: state funding to implement so-called “red flag laws” and an increase in funding for mental health services, particularly in schools and for children.
Robert Erdin, MD, Recognized for Commitment and Leadership in Global Health
Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO), a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve global health through education of local health workforces in resource-scarce countries, named Robert Erdin, MD, FAAOS, as a recipient of the 17th annual HVO Golden Apple Award. Dr. Erdin was awarded for his work on orthopaedics projects in Tanzania, including the establishment of monthly virtual grand rounds and online case conferences in collaboration with his orthopaedic group in the United States.
The AAOS Workers’ Compensation Course Returns to In-person Learning
Make plans to attend this unique and practical course, taking place Nov. 4 to 6 in San Antonio, Texas. Growing in popularity every year, this CME event is designed to help orthopaedic surgeons develop and improve their handling of the medical and nonmedical components of workers’ compensation cases. Attendees will explore the current legal, administrative, ethical, and insurance issues in their cases and how to address them.
