COVID-19 Emergency Declarations Set to End on May 11
On Jan. 30, the Biden Administration announced that it intends to end the national emergency and public health emergency declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic on May 11. These emergency declarations have been in place since early 2020 and gave the federal government flexibility to waive or modify certain requirements in a range of areas. Major health-related COVID-19 federal emergency declarations that were made included coverage, costs, and payment for COVID-19 testing, treatments, and vaccines; Medicaid coverage and federal match rates; telehealth; and more.
Study Examines Factors Associated with Psychological Readiness to RTS after ACLR
Arthroscopy published a retrospective cross-sectional study identifying the factors associated with psychological readiness to return to sport (RTS) in 105 patients awaiting ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Psychological readiness was measured using Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury scores. Patients’ personal and injury-related information, psychological status, and knee functions were assessed. The results of the study suggested that kinesiophobia was moderately negatively associated with psychological readiness to RTS.
Study: What Factors Are Associated with Humeral Stem Revision in TSA to RTSA Patients?
According to a study in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, younger patients and those receiving a lateralized glenosphere were more likely to undergo humeral stem revision during conversion from total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) to reverse TSA (RTSA). The retrospective chart review identified 107 patients undergoing conversion to RTSA and evaluated factors associated with humeral stem revision versus retention. Fifty-two patients underwent humeral stem revision. The glenoid to humeral head cut distance also approached significant association with the need for humeral stem revision.
Study: Does Early Discontinuation of Antibiotic Prophylaxis Result in Increased Postoperative Infection after Digit Replantation?
A study in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research investigated the risk of postoperative infection with early discontinuation of antibiotic prophylaxis and how prolonged postoperative antithrombotic and antispasmodic treatments affected depression and anxiety. A total of 362 digit replantation patients (440 digits) were examined. Patients were treated with antibiotic prophylaxis for either one week or <48 hours. Rates of postoperative infection after 48 hours did not increase without prolonged use of antibiotic prophylaxis (1 percent versus 2 percent, respectively). Prolonged antithrombotic and antispasmodic treatment were associated with increased Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores for anxiety (11.2 versus 6.7) and depression (7.9 versus 5.2).
Study Identifies Factors of ECRT Autograft Incorporation after Intercalary Resection of Bone Sarcoma
In a retrospective study of 96 osteotomies in 48 patients with intercalary resections of primary extremity bone sarcomas, modified diaphyseal osteotomy enhanced the incorporation of extracorporeal radiation therapy (ECRT) autograft. The study was published in International Orthopaedics. Overall, 12.5 percent of patients had infections, 11.4 percent experienced non-union, 2.1 percent experienced graft failure, and 14.5 percent had soft-tissue local recurrences. Following univariate analysis, age <20 years, metaphyseal osteotomy site, and use of an additional plate at diaphyseal osteotomy were associated with a significantly faster time to union. Gender, tumor type, and use of an intramedullary fibula did not influence union time.
AAOS Webinar Surveys the State of Augmented Reality
During the webinar titled “The Current State of Augmented Reality (AR) in Orthopaedics,” clinicians and representatives from the FDA and from industry offered information and insights on the use of AR and their perspectives on the benefits and risks of the technology. Among the topics covered were the clinical and technological challenges associated with orthopaedic AR applications, the scope of possible adverse events and reporting limitations, and the process for implementing adverse-event reporting.
The AAOS Registry Program is pleased to announce the availability of the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) 2022 Annual Report Supplement and the American Spine Registry (ASR) 2023 Fact Sheet. The reports, which were released today during the AAOS 2023 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, offer actionable information to guide physician and patient decision making to improve care. The AJRR 2022 Annual Report Supplement assesses the generalizability of AJRR patient-reported outcome measures data. The ASR 2023 Fact Sheet provides a preview into the data of the two ASR modules: Degenerative Lumbar Spine and Degenerative Cervical Spine.
