Study: More than Two-thirds of VTE Events after ACLR Occur Within 30 Days
A study published online in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy assessed incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The researchers reviewed data from 11,977 patients treated between 2007 and 2017 via the Humana claims database. Rates of VTE were 1.01 percent (n = 120) and 1.22 percent (n = 146) at 30 and 90 days, respectively. Most VTE events occurred within 90 days (84.3 percent), and more than two-thirds (69.6 percent) occurred in the first month. VTE risk factors included age ≥45 years, inpatient surgery, tobacco use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as concurrent posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, meniscal transplant, or osteochondral allograft.
Study: Preoperative Vitamin D Deficiency Predicts Six-month Hip Fracture Surgery Outcomes
Severe preoperative vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for poor six-month outcomes after surgery for hip fracture, according to a retrospective study published online in Osteoporosis International. The researchers assessed 664 patients treated between 2012 and 2016, including 9 percent who had severe Vitamin D deficiency at baseline and 39 percent with mild deficiency. Compared to patients without severe deficiency, those with severe preoperative deficiency had significantly lower Parker Mobility Scores and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Functioning subscores both at baseline and after six months.
Study: IV Tranexamic Acid Reduces Drainage, Blood Loss, and Pain after Open Elbow Arthrolysis
A randomized, controlled study published online in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery evaluated IV tranexamic acid (TXA) in open elbow arthrolysis (OEA) for post-traumatic elbow stiffness. Ninety-six patients were randomized 1:1 to receive 100 mL saline plus 1 g TXA or a saline placebo preoperatively. TXA significantly improved postoperative drainage compared to placebo (182 mL versus 214 mL) and reduced blood loss (582 mL versus 657 mL). Complications were similar between groups. TXA also improved Visual Analog Scale pain scores at one and two days postoperatively compared to placebo (5 and 4 versus 6 and 5, respectively). Elbow function was similar between both groups after six months.
Study: Variable-angle Versus Fixed-angle Volar Locking Plates for Intra-articular DRF
A randomized study published online in the Journal of Hand Surgery compared variable-angle (VAVLP) versus fixed-angle volar locking plating (FAVLP) for unstable intra-articular distal radius fractures (DRF). In total, 120 patients were randomized 1:1 to ORIF (open reduction internal fixation) with either VAVLP or FAVLP. Supplementary methods, such as Kirschner wires, were required in four patients with VAVLP and nine with FAVLP. Clinical outcomes were similar between groups. Volar tilt after one year was significantly higher in the FAVLP versus VAVLP group (6 degrees versus 5 degrees). Complications occurred more frequently in VAVLP versus FAVLP groups (38 percent versus 19 percent).
Hip Fractures: What Has COVID-19 Taught Us? Free Webinar May 20
The Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) is a global interdisciplinary organization focused on improving the treatment and prevention of fragility fractures. AAOS members are invited to join the FFN’s U.S. regional meeting on May 20 in preparation for the virtual FFN Global Congress taking place September 28–30. The U.S. regional meeting will focus on hip fracture care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
AAOS Leadership Institute Announces 2021 Classes for Levels 3 and 4
The AAOS Leadership Institute (ALI) has reached the next level—or, more accurately, the next two levels—with the announcement of the two 2021 classes of Fellows who will participate in Levels 3 and 4 of the four-level program. Levels 3 and 4 are offered via application to members seeking higher levels of service, such as a committee or council chair or a seat on the Board of Directors. Participants are selected through the Committee Appointment Program application process. Each year, Level 3 will be open to 20 qualified and engaged AAOS volunteers, whereas Level 4 will be open to 10 similarly well-qualified Fellows.
Take Part in the Development of a Clinical Practice Guideline
AAOS is seeking volunteers to take part on the work group for the development of the Treatment of Clavicle Fractures Clinical Practice Guideline. Due to limited space, applications will be reviewed and approved on a first come, first served basis.
