Study Assesses Impact of Antipsychotic Medication on TKA Complications and Cost
A study published in the July 1 issue of the Journal of the AAOS ® found that use of antipsychotic medication prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was associated with increased length of stay (LOS), venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, and costs. The investigators compared outcomes from 73,285 patients taking antipsychotic medication to outcomes from 366,294 matched controls. Patients taking antipsychotic medication had longer LOS (3.27 days versus 3.02), incidence of VTE (2.37 percent versus 1.05 percent) and 90-day costs ($17,322.70 versus. $15,95.00) compared to matched controls.
Study: Surgeon Practice Patterns Regarding Arthroscopy for FAI in Patients with OA
A survey of orthopaedic surgeons published online in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy showed most surgeons report that arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a viable option for patients aged 40–60 years with mild osteoarthritis (OA). However, fewer surgeons used arthroscopy for patients with moderate or worse OA. The 12-question survey was distributed to 76 surgeons who routinely treat FAI arthroscopically. Most respondents (96 percent) said they would consider arthroscopy viable for patients aged >40 years. The most important factor in deciding to move forward with surgery was absence of OA.
Study: Drug Allergies Are Associated with Worse Outcomes after TSA
A study published online in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery found that patient-reported drug allergies may negatively impact outcomes and patient satisfaction after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). In total, 411 shoulders were assessed, and patients were followed for one year postoperatively. There was an overall trend of worse patient-reported outcomes for patients with drug allergies compared to those without. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores were significantly higher for patients with two or more allergies. Allergies were an independent predictor of patient satisfaction.
Study: Long-term Outcomes of Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy Treated Surgically
A retrospective study published online in Foot & Ankle International found that nearly half of patients treated for insertional Achilles tendinopathy by debridement with the midline-incision trans-achillary approach had continued impairment at four years, despite improvements in postoperative patient-reported outcomes. Functional measures showed overall improvements at an average of 50 months for 118 patients. Forty-seven percent of patients had residual symptoms at final follow-up.
Study: Reductions in Disk Height Are Associated with Pain Scores after Discectomy Surgery
A systematic review published online in the European Spine Journal found significant reductions in disk height (DH) and disk height index (DHI) after discectomy for lumbar disk herniation. Eighteen studies, comprising 893 patients, were included in the analysis. There was an overall DH reduction of 14.4 percent and DHI reduction of 11.5 percent. The researchers noted a significant relationship between DH reduction and decreased scores for back pain.
AAOS’ $100,000 Pledge to AOSSM Supports Evidence-based Orthopaedic Research and Education
AAOS and the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) are proud to announce a major partnership centered on AOSSM’s upcoming historic 50th Anniversary Research Initiative. Through the partnership, AAOS has pledged $100,000 to support the innovative multicenter sports medicine research being led by Kurt Spindler, MD, FAAOS, incoming AOSSM president.
Last Chance to Submit Manuscripts for the KD and OREF Awards
AAOS is soliciting manuscripts for the 2022 Kappa Delta Orthopaedic Research Awards and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) Clinical Research Award. Up to two $20,000 Kappa Delta awards (Elizabeth Winston Lanier Award and Ann Doner Vaughn Award), one $20,000 Kappa Delta Young Investigator award, and one $20,000 OREF award will be bestowed, provided manuscripts of requisite quality are submitted. Manuscripts should represent a large body of cohesive scientific work generally reflecting years of investigation. Manuscripts must be submitted by members (or candidate members) of AAOS, Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS), Canadian Orthopaedic Association, or Canadian Orthopaedic Research Society. The awards will be presented at the AAOS 2022 Annual Meeting, and recipients will be invited to speak at the ORS 2022 Annual Meeting. Submissions are due no later than 11:59 p.m. C.D.T. on July 1.
