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| COVID-19 Updates
COVID-19 Presidential Update from Joseph A. Bosco III, MD, FAAOS
In his latest COVID-19 update, AAOS President Joseph A. Bosco III, MD, FAAOS, discussed updates on the federal and state levels, as well as AAOS’ continued advocacy efforts. Since March 16, AAOS’ Office of Government Relations has met with more than 100 members of Congress (via phone or video) to make sure AAOS’ voice is heard on important COVID-19-related policies. On the state level, AAOS is working with several orthopaedic societies to address issues, including access to and costs associated with testing and treatment, the personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain, limitations on procedures considered elective, and more. Dr. Bosco also called on members to join the next free AAOS Presidential Line Webinar this Wednesday, May 13, at 8 p.m. C.S.T. (9 p.m. E.S.T.).
Read Dr. Bosco’s message… |
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| In Other News
Study: Do Depressive Disorders Affect TKA Outcomes?
A study published in the May issue of The Journal of Arthroplasty evaluated the effects of depressive disorders in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Primary TKA patients with depressive disorders (n = 23,061) were matched 1:5 to controls (n = 115,015) by age, sex, and comorbidities. Patients with depressive disorders had significantly longer in-hospital length of stay (6.2 days versus 3.1 days), as well as a higher incidence of readmissions (15.5 percent versus 12.1 percent), medical complications (5.0 percent versus 1.6 percent), and implant-related complications (3.3 percent versus 1.7 percent). Patients with depressive disorders also had higher day of surgery ($12,356.59 versus $10,487.71) and 90-day ($23,386.17 versus $22,201.43) costs.
Read the abstract… |
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| Study: Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion Surgery Outcomes Between Fellow Versus Resident Assistance
A study published in the May 1 issue of the Journal of the AAOS ® compared patient health-related outcomes in anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) between spine fellow versus orthopaedic surgery resident assistance. Between 2015 and 2017, 407 consecutive ACDF cases were performed at a single high-volume institution; cases were stratified as fellow-assisted (n = 228) and resident-assisted (n = 179). Fellows had a higher proportion of three or more level ACDF surgeries. The fellow-assisted ACDF cases had greater estimated blood loss, longer surgery time, and longer total time in the room. Neither group had 30-day readmissions. One acute hemorrhagic anemia case was reported in the fellow group. Postoperative complications were higher in the resident group, but there were no between-group differences in intraoperative complications.
Read the study… |
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| Study Evaluates Use of Stretching Exercise in Camptodactyly Patients
A study published in the May issue of The Journal of Hand Surgery determined the usefulness of a stretching exercise in patients with infantile-type camptodactyly for proximal phalangeal head normalization. Twenty camptodactyly patients (48 fingers) were taught how to perform the stretching exercise. Two hand surgeons performed the qualitative assessments of proximal phalangeal head remodeling. Finger lateral radiographs were taken at the initial baseline and 12-month follow-up to assess head triangle ratio (HTR) and head angle (HA) and evaluate intra- and interobserver reliability of each. HTR and HA values were compared to those of 177 noncamptodactyly fingers in 80 children. Clinical outcomes of nonsurgical treatment were assessed per the extent of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion contracture. Qualitative assessments yielded meaningful improvements. HTR and HA both presented significant changes from pre- to post-intervention, with excellent intra- and interobserver reliability. Significant improvements were observed in average PIP joint flexion contracture. No significant differences were observed in HTR or HA in the noncamptodactyly group in accordance with finger types and age ranges.
Read the abstract… |
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| Study: Recommendations for Return to Work After Distal Biceps Repair
A study published in the May issue of the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery provided guidance for return to work following distal biceps repair. A systematic literature review was conducted of the Embase and Medline databases from inception through Oct. 11, 2018, yielding 480 studies; 40 were included for final review: 19 case control studies, 12 retrospective reviews, and nine prospective reviews. The data included 1,270 patients (mean age, 45.38 years; 97 percent were male) with 1,280 distal bicep ruptures. Mean follow-up was 30 months. Most patients (n = 1,128; 89 percent) were able to return to work following repair without modifying their duties. Seventeen included studies reported time to return to work; the mean was 14.37 weeks.
Read the abstract… |
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| AAOS Now
Economics of COVID-19: Survival of Private Practice During a Global Pandemic
Spurred by the global pandemic known as COVID-19, the U.S. healthcare system has never faced so many unprecedented challenges simultaneously. Specialties such as orthopaedic surgery face a different challenge: postponing or canceling “elective” or “nonessential” procedures at the recommendation of agencies such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, state governments, and medical specialty associations (e.g., AAOS). Although patient safety and the availability of PPE and other lifesaving supplies for those on the front lines are of the utmost importance, physicians working outside the emergency space are now facing their own set of economic challenges based on these never-before-seen pauses in nonemergent care.
Read more… |
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| Your AAOS
AAOS and OREF Launch Collaborative Effort to Help Drive Funding for Targeted Clinical Research
AAOS and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) announced a strategic partnership to help narrow the gap between clinical research funding and prioritized clinical research needs in musculoskeletal care. The partnership aims to highlight areas of clinical research for which there is a need for increased, targeted funding to evaluate the effectiveness of various orthopaedic interventions, including orthobiologics, and ultimately improve the quality of care for patients. To help jump-start the effort this year, AAOS is making an initial financial investment. Donors interested in earmarking funds to further enable AAOS-prioritized clinical research needs within musculoskeletal health care can contribute to the OREF/AAOS Clinical Research Gaps Fund.
Read more…
Make a secure online donation… |
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