| |
| Today’s Top Story
Study: Impact of Single Versus Two Doses of Tranexamic Acid on TJA Complications
A retrospective study published online the Journal of the AAOS ® compared the impact of single- versus two-dose regimens of IV tranexamic acid (TXA) during total joint arthroplasty (TJA) on postoperative hemoglobin levels and outcomes. Patients who received TJA between 2017 and 2019 from a single institution were evaluated (two doses of TXA, n = 873 procedures; single dose, n = 647 procedures). Postoperative hemoglobin levels, hospital length of stay, and 30-day complications were similar between groups. A two-dose regimen of TXA was associated with a slightly decreased odds of transfusion requirement.
Read the abstract… |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| In Other News
Study: Hip Arthroscopy Incidence Increased by 85 Percent between 2011 and 2018
A study published online in Arthroscopy measured the incidence of hip arthroscopy for labral pathology between 2011 through 2018. The researchers evaluated 35,966 arthroscopies from a randomly selected sample of 30 million orthopaedic patients identified via the PearlDiver Mariner dataset. Incidence of arthroscopy increased by 85 percent from 2011–2018. There was a higher incidence of arthroscopy in women compared to men (67.9 percent versus 32.1 percent), and mean patient ages trended younger during the time period. The most frequent CPT code used was 29914, hip arthroscopy with femoroplasty (36.8 percent).
Read the abstract… |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Study: Influences on Patient Willingness to Reschedule TKA during the COVID-19 Pandemic
A study published online in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, and Arthroscopy evaluated patient willingness to reschedule primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or revision TKA after lockdown protocols enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic (March to May 2020). The researchers surveyed 156 patients on a TKA waitlist prior to March 2020 (TKA, n = 143; revision TKA, n = 13) regarding COVID-19 infection risk, stress, pain, and function, as well as preference regarding rescheduling surgery. Eighty-eight patients reported being ready for surgery within one month. When surgery was rescheduled, 41 patients refused to undergo surgery. Patients aged <65 years were more likely to reschedule surgery. Revision surgery and perceived severe pain were significantly associated with patient preferences toward rescheduling.
Read the study… |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Study Assesses Long-term Outcomes of Surgery for Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
A retrospective study published online in the Journal of Hand Surgery assessed long-term hand function outcomes after primary nerve reconstruction for total brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) without nerve root in continuity prior to surgery. Fifty patients, treated at a mean age of 4.1 months, were followed until the age of 8 years. Active movement scale (AMS) scores at ages 4 and 8 years showed significant improvement from preoperative levels for all movements except forearm pronation. At 4 years and 8 years, 83 percent and 81 percent of patients, respectively, had sufficient functional movement to perform wrist, finger, and thumb activities.
Read the abstract… |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Study Surveys Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Experiences with Augmented Reality in the OR
A study published online in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders investigated orthopaedic surgeons’ experiences using an augmented reality (AR) head-mounted device during surgery. Thirteen orthopaedic surgeons performed 25 procedures wearing a holographic AR headset that offered three-dimensional patient-specific anatomic information. Surgeons then completed a questionnaire about their experiences. Surgeons reported general satisfaction with image quality and accuracy of virtual objects, and less favorable ratings for voice commands and gestures. The AR device was rated as “fairly comfortable.” Participants reported the greatest potential use of the AR device was for surgical correction of deformities, and there was a high rate of requests for future access to the device.
Read the study… |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| AAOS Now
Advocacy 101 Series Introduces Key Advocacy Concepts to AAOS Members
This year, AAOS Now launched the Advocacy 101 series, penned by Advocacy Council chair Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, to introduce and explain key advocacy concepts to members. In part one, published in the January issue, Dr Lundy explores the agencies and people who are responsible for the country’s health. Part two of the series, published in the February issue, provides an overview of the U.S. legislative body and the structure and role of congressional committees. In part three, published in March, Dr. Lundy offers his tips on setting aside political differences to effectively advocate for causes important to orthopaedic surgeons.
Read part one, “A Review of Regulatory Bodies Overseeing U.S. Health Care”…
Read part two, “Congressional Committees Greatly Impact Legislative Processes and Orthopaedics”…
Read part three, “Unified Advocacy Agenda: How Do We Decide What We Are for or Against?”… |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Your AAOS
AAOS’ Orthopaedic Advocacy Week Kicks Off
Today marks the start of Orthopaedic Advocacy Week hosted by the AAOS Office of Government Relations in conjunction with AAOS leadership. This new, completely virtual event is open to all members and will amplify yearlong advocacy efforts on healthcare policy issues impacting musculoskeletal care including prior authorization, telemedicine, and physician mental health. Each day of the event and related call-to-action for participants focuses on a tactic in AAOS’ advocacy strategy toolbox.
- Today: Growing Support with Grassroots
- Tomorrow: Amplify with Social Media
- Wednesday: Shaping Policy through Rulemaking
- Thursday: Virtual Capitol Hill Day with Lawmakers
- Friday: Get Invested with Orthopaedic PAC
Learn more or participate in daily advocacy activities… |
| |
|
