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| Today’s Top Story
Study: Standardized Language Improves Intraoperative Communication during C-arm Fluoroscopy
A standardized language protocol for intraoperative C-arm fluoroscopy improved communication between orthopaedic surgeons and radiology technologists, according to a study published in the May 1 issue of the Journal of the AAOS ®. Surgeons and technologists were surveyed regarding communication effectiveness, need for repeat scans and C-arm position corrections, and confusion during surgery before and after undergoing a fluoroscopy terminology education protocol. The educational intervention led to a significant improvement in perceived quality of intraoperative communication between surgeon and technologist. The protocol also led to decreased confusion in the OR, less correction of the C-arm, and fewer repeat radiographs.
Read the abstract… |
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| In Other News
Study: Factors Impacting Return to Sport after Adolescent Clavicle Fracture Repair
A retrospective study published online in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery compared return to sport after nonoperative versus operative repair of clavicle fractures in adolescent athletes. In total, 47 patients aged an average of 15.6 years treated between 2015 and 2019 were assessed. Eleven patients underwent surgical repair. Patients treated nonoperatively had faster return to sport compared to those treated surgically (61 ± 38 days versus 100 ± 49 days). Factors associated with slower return to sport included fracture displacement ≥100 percent and greater comminution and angulation. Patients with clavicular shortening <2 cm had similar return to sport as patients with shortening of ≥2 cm.
Read the abstract… |
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| Study: Trends in Revision Hip Arthroscopy and Conversion to THA
A study published online in Arthroscopy utilized the Mariner PearlDiver dataset to assess hip arthroscopy revision or conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) within two years postoperatively. Of 53,103 patients treated between 2010 and 2017, 19.0 percent required revision within two years, and 3.9 percent converted to THA. Femoroplasty was the most common cause of revision. Patients aged ≤29 years were most likely to require revision, and patients aged ≥50 years had the highest risk of conversion to THA. Patients aged 20–29 years had higher rates of ED and hospital admissions within 30 days postoperatively compared to other age groups.
Read the abstract… |
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| Study: Surgical Timing for Carpal Tunnel Release in a Veteran Population
A study published online in the Journal of Hand Surgery compared wait times for carpal tunnel release (CTR) at a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital compared to wait times at its academic affiliate. Patients who underwent CTR between 2010 and 2015 were included. Overall, VA patients had a median time from primary care visit to CTR of 168 days, compared to 410 days for patients treated at the academic affiliate. VA patients had longer time from surgical consultation to CTR compared to patients treated at the academic institution (98 days versus 55 days). Receiving both pre- and postreferral electrodiagnostic testing was associated with a nearly two-fold prolonged time to CTR for both systems.
Read the abstract… |
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| CMS Issues Final Rule to Extend and Revise CJR Model
On April 29, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule to extend and update the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model. The new rule extends the model for an additional three years until Dec. 2024, revises the CJR episode definition to include outpatient lower extremity joint replacement, and updates the CMS target price calculation methodology. Other revisions include changes to the reconciliation process, beneficiary notification, gainsharing caps, patient-related outcomes reporting, the appeals process, and waiver sections to align with the model extension. As a reminder, AAOS submitted formal comments when these changes were being proposed, suggesting that Performance Year 5 be further extended, supporting updates for extreme and uncontrollable circumstances, and expressing concern with the mandatory nature of the model.
Read more…
Read the CMS fact sheet… |
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| AAOS Now
We Meet Again: Registration Opens for Annual Meeting
It’s time for the community of orthopaedics to safely reunite for the most highly anticipated and innovative musculoskeletal health gathering in the country. As AAOS Past President Joseph A. Bosco III, MD, FAAOS, notes, the Annual Meeting is your opportunity to “reconnect with old friends, make new contacts, and experience orthopaedic excellence at its finest.” With a multitude of offerings for educational and professional enrichment, the 2021 Annual Meeting, taking place Aug. 31–Sept. 3 in San Diego, promises more than ever to live up to its theme and enable attendees to Engage in Excellence.
Read more… |
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| Your AAOS
A New Month of Resident Rumble Matches Begins
After the conclusion of last week’s April semifinal match, the AAOS 2021 Virtual Resident Rumble, sponsored by DePuy Synthes, continues in May. Tune in to Wednesday’s game at 8:00 p.m. ET to see which of the three residency programs competing will advance on to the May semifinal match. Zachary D. Post, MD, FAAOS, from Rothman Orthopaedic Institute co-hosts this online event. The games are a combination of orthopaedic-based trivia, pop culture trivia, and fun competitions.
Learn more and register for the event… |
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