Today’s Top Story

Study evaluates outcomes of octogenarian patients who undergo uncemented THA

Uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) appears to be a safe option for patients aged 80 years and older, according to a prospective cohort study published online in The Journal of Arthroplasty. The study included 143 patients (mean age, 86.2 years) who underwent uncemented THA (n = 76) or hybrid THA (n = 67). The uncemented THA cohort had lower rates of intraoperative complication and transfusion. Mean hospital stays among the groups were similar: 11 days and 12 days for the cementless and hybrid THA cohorts, respectively In each cohort, two patients required revision surgery. The researchers noted that age should not be a determining factor when choosing an implant; however, they recommended that surgeons use intraoperative assessment of bone quality to decide which implant is best.

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Other News

Study: Risk of falls in TKA patients with OA

Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis (OA) may be at risk for falls even after surgery, according to a systematic literature review published in the September issue of the Journal of Orthopaedics. Researchers assessed 11 papers that included 1,237 patients for prevalence, risk factors, correlation with clinical outcome, and effect of treatments of falls. Preoperative fall rates ranged from 23 percent to 63 percent, while postoperative fall rates ranged from 12 percent to 38 percent. Researchers found that clinical scales, body mass index, and limited preoperative range of motion did not influence results. There was no indication that surgical or rehabilitative strategies reduced fall risk. Data on fall risk related to sex, fall history, age, kyphosis, muscle weakness, fear of falling, depression, balance, and gait impairment were conflicting.

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Study: Simultaneous surgical treatment in patients with LE and LCL insufficiency

Simultaneous surgical treatment may yield positive outcomes for patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis (LE) with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) insufficiency, according to a study published online in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. Researchers retrospectively reviewed 14 patients with chronic LE and LCL insufficiency who had undergone débridement for LE and ligament reconstruction for LCL insufficiency. At mean follow-up of 36 months, the visual analog scale pain score; Mayo Elbow Performance Score; and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score improved in all patients. Researchers also noted that the number of steroid injections and patients with a history of more than three steroid injections was much higher in LCL patients.

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MSSP ACOs saved Medicare more than previously reported

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) generated an estimated $1.84 billion in savings from 2013–2015, according to a report by the National Association of Accountable Care Organizations (NAACOS). This updated figure was nearly double what the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services previously reported ($954 million). “The analysis should put to rest claims that shared savings only ACOs do not save Medicare money,” said Clif Gaus, ScD, president and CEO of NAACOS.

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FDA announces recalls of certain oral spray products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that Beaumont Bio Med, Inc., voluntarily recalled all of its aqueous/alcohol-based products within expiry. The recall was due to possible microbial contamination, which could lead to potentially life-threatening infections in certain individuals. Eleven products are affected by the recall, including Arthritis Pain Relief and Muscle & Joint Pain Relief, all of which are 2 fluid oz oral sprays in amber glass packaging.

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AAOS Now

Hips and slips in children: Managing hip fractures and SCFE

Pediatric hip fractures are rare injuries, accounting for 1 percent of fractures in children, but a high complication rate—most critically involving osteonecrosis—means they warrant elevated vigilance and, generally, prompt treatment with open or closed reduction. During the AAOS 2018 Annual Meeting symposium titled “Staying out of Trouble in Pediatric Trauma,” Wudbhav N. Sankar, MD, of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, offered guidance and tips for managing pediatric hip fractures as well as “unstable slips,” or slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE).

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Your AAOS

Final call: Apply for Resident Bowl Question Workgroup member position

The Resident Bowl Question Workgroup has an open member position, a five-month term that runs from Oct. 1 to March 8, 2019. Members of this work group will develop questions and answers for the Resident Bowl, an event that enables residents to compete against one another in a quiz-bowl setting for a chance to win grand and runner-up prizes. The last day to submit an application is Sept. 15.

Learn more and submit your application…(member login required)