Study: Evaluating Implicit Bias in the Orthopaedic Residency Application Process
A study published in the Nov. 1 issue of the Journal of the AAOS ® found that, after removing photographs and names from orthopaedic residency applications, applicants who were underrepresented minorities (URM) were more likely than non-URM applicants to be invited to an interview. Data from the 2018–2019 application cycle were collected from a single institution, comprising 411 applicants (URM, 27.5 percent; non-URM, 72.5 percent). URM applicants were 3.8 times more likely to get an interview than matched non-URM applicants in the regular application cycle and 2.5 times more likely in the “blinded” review.
Study Assesses Protocol to Identify Self-reported Penicillin Allergy before TJA
A study published online in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery evaluated a screening protocol to identify self-reported penicillin allergy before total joint arthroplasty (TJA) without additional allergy testing. At one center, a questionnaire-based protocol was implemented in 2019; all subsequent TJA patients were stratified by allergy risk. Low-risk patients received cefazolin and high-risk patients received non-cefazolin antibiotics. Patients were matched with a preprotocol control group. More allergies were reported postprotocol compared with preprotocol (17.2 versus 14.9 percent). Fewer patients received non-cephalosporin antibiotics with the protocol compared with controls (5.7 versus 15.2 percent). Between-group rates of allergic reactions and infections were comparable.
Study: Long-term Outcomes of Immobilization in External Rotation after Shoulder Dislocation
A study published online in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery reported that immobilization in external rotation (ER) reduced long-term risk of surgical intervention compared with internal rotation (IR) for first-time anterior shoulder dislocation. An initial cohort of 198 patients were randomized to ER or IR for three weeks; of this cohort, 56 patients were followed for an average of 18.2 years. Overall recurrence rates were 33 percent with ER and 55 percent with IR. Eleven percent of the ER group had to be surgically stabilized, compared with 34 percent of the IR group.
Study: Induced Membrane Technique for Infected Forearm Nonunion
A retrospective study published online in the Journal of Hand Surgery found that an induced membrane technique with an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer is effective for treatment of infected forearm nonunion. Thirty-two cases were evaluated. Spacers were implanted, left in place for four to six weeks, and incised. The defect was then filled with cancellous autograft with internal fixation. All nonunions healed without recurrent infection or loosening at final follow-up. Fourteen patients reported “excellent” results, 13 reported “satisfactory” results, and five reported “unsatisfactory” results.
Study Investigates Benefits of Automated Text Messaging after Hip Arthroscopy
A randomized study published online in Arthroscopy found that automated text messaging after hip arthroscopy did not result in a statistically significant benefit in Hip Disability Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (HOOS) for physical function or pain, rehabilitation compliance, or patient satisfaction. In total, 121 patients were randomized to automated postoperative text messages for 90 days or standard perioperative communication. Despite the failure to show significant improvement in HOOS scores, subjective feedback was positive, and most patients who received text messages (96 percent) reported they would choose automated text messages again in the future.
A No-nonsense Explanation of the Impending Cuts to Your Medicare Reimbursements
In this article, Douglas W. Lundy, MD, MBA, FAAOS, chair of the AAOS Advocacy Council, reviews the upcoming cuts to the payments physicians receive from Medicare: the expiration of the 3.75 percent conversion factor update, Medicare sequestration cuts, and PAYGO cuts. He also urges orthopaedic surgeons to do their part in advocating for fair reimbursement policies. “As tired as we are of lobbying Congress to stop targeting our payments, we must continuously step up and face the threats that are on the near horizon,” Dr. Lundy writes.
AAOS offers a variety of learning activities to help you fulfill Continuing Medical Education requirements, prepare for exams, and manage your Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process with ease. Attend review courses for all stages of certification, explore a variety of interactive online learning modules, or choose from a collection of self-assessment examinations in your specialty. The AAOS Learning Portfolio also helps you track continuing medical education credits by event and year.
