Study: Low Compliance to CMS Hospital Price Transparency Mandate for Total Joint Arthroplasty
A study published online in the Journal of the AAOS ® reported that 36 of 50 top orthopaedic hospitals in the United States reported diagnosis-related group (DRG) pricing for total joint arthroplasty procedures since the introduction of the 2019 price transparency mandate from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, suggesting overall poor compliance. Reporting of the chargemaster and pricing of DRG codes related to total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty were evaluated from 50 top hospitals (as ranked by U.S. News). Only 15 hospitals reported pricing for all seven DRGs of interest.
Study Investigates Fragility Index in RCTs of Treatments for Proximal Humerus Fractures
A study published online in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery investigated the strength of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for treatments of proximal humerus fractures using the fragility index (FI). Ten RCTs, comprising 656 patients, were included. The median FI was 1, indicating that one patient reporting alternative outcomes or having not been lost to follow-up could have changed the trial’s outcome. The median number of patients lost to follow-up exceeded the FI in 50 percent of studies. FI was not associated with sample size or journal impact factor.
Study: Resilience Scores Associated with Opioid Consumption after Orthopaedic Trauma
Lower psychological resilience scores were associated with higher postoperative opioid consumption and refill rates after surgery for orthopaedic trauma, according to a study published online in Injury. The researchers screened 117 pelvic or extremity fracture patients treated at a single center using the OSPRO-YF tool, which screens for psychological distress. Patients with resilience scores in the lowest quartile had significantly higher opioid use and number of prescriptions filled at one year postoperatively compared with those with higher resilience scores.
Study: Intercostal Nerve Transfer to the Radial Nerve Branch to the Long Head Triceps Muscle
A study of 55 patients, published online in the Journal of Hand Surgery, reported that transfer of the third to fifth intercostal nerves to the radial nerve branch to the long head triceps muscle was effective in restoring elbow extension in patients with total brachial plexus palsy or C5 to C7 palsy with loss of triceps muscle function. At two-year follow-up, 36 patients (65 percent) achieved antigravity motor function. BMI, time to surgery, and injury of the dominant limb were associated with recovery.
Study: Underweight Patients Are at Increased Risk of ALIF Complications
Compared with patients with normal, overweight, or obese BMI, patients who are underweight are at greater odds of perioperative complications in anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), according to a retrospective study published online in The Spine Journal. In total, 13,710 patients were identified from National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. BMI under 18.5 was associated with increased risk of adverse events and postoperative infection. BMI over 50 was associated with elevated odds of mortality.
Identifying the Best Treatment for Charcot Foot and Ankle Is Critical
The incidence of diabetes is increasing in the general population, so Charcot foot and ankle arthropathy and the devastating sequelae of the disorders have become more important clinical challenges for orthopaedic surgeons. Limb salvage is often the main goal yet choosing between salvage and amputation greatly affects patients’ potential quality of life. In this article, the first in a two-part series on the treatment of Charcot foot and ankle, the authors focus on understanding the pathology, medical considerations, and “red flags” in surgical planning.
Do You Like Trivia? The Virtual Resident Rumble Is for You!
The Resident Rumble virtual trivia competition kicks off in April! This free, virtual event is open to teams of residents. This fierce competition is tournament-style, meaning each team will play a maximum of three dates. The games will be one-hour long and take place on Wednesday evenings in April and May from 8 to 9 p.m. The winner of each week plays in a final game at the end of April or May to determine who plays in the championship game on June 1. Are you ready to be crowned the Champion? Resident programs—spots are filling up fast. Sign up today!
