Study Compares Convolutional Neural Network Versus Surgeons to Diagnose Knee OA
A convolutional neural network (CNN) was as accurate as a fellowship-trained knee arthroplasty surgeon in classifying osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee using plain radiographs, according to a study published in the September issue of The Journal of Arthroplasty. Final analysis included 1,780 human knee ratings from four blinded surgeons. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for the four surgeons for all possible International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) grades was 0.703 versus 0.685 for the surgeons and trained CNN. Among the four surgeons, the ICC for all possible IKDC grades was 0.713 compared to 0.697 for the surgeons and CNN.
Study Evaluates Long-term Revision THA Implant Survivorship by Stem
A study published online in the Journal of the AAOS ® compared long-term outcomes for survivorship in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the Zimmer Modular Revision hip porous-coated cylindrical (PCM) versus taper (TM) stems. Final analysis included 68 PCM and 78 TM stem patients; both groups had a least 10 years of clinical and radiographic follow-up. Fifteen-year survivorship was similar between the PCM (87.1 percent) and TM (87.8 percent) groups; aseptic loosening was the most common indication for failure in both groups (1.4 percent and 5.6 percent, respectively).
Study Assesses Outcomes of Midline Incision for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
A study published online in Foot & Ankle International evaluated outcomes when using the midline-incision trans-achillary approach (MITA) to treat insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Among 118 patients (mean age, 50 years), 63.4 percent were available for follow-up (mean, 4.2 years). Minor complications presented in 14 percent of patients, 75 percent of which were surgical site infections Shoe selection was limited in 41 percent of patients, while 32 percent reported a shoe conflict. Most patients were satisfied (78 percent) and would recommend the surgery (89 percent). Shoe conflict was the only factor negatively correlated with patient satisfaction.
CMS Rule Would Make Latest Medical Technologies More Accessible for Beneficiaries
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule that would provide Medicare beneficiaries with access to new treatments, tests, and medical technologies. The Medicare Coverage of Innovative Technology proposed rule would allow beneficiaries faster access to products considered “breakthrough” by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). National coverage would be provided by Medicare simultaneously with FDA approval for four years, after which time the technology in question would be subject to reevaluation by CMS.
Webinar Tomorrow: E/M Changes—What You Need to Know for 2021, Part I
Join AAOS for part one of a two-part webinar series tomorrow, Sept. 3 at 7:15 p.m. CT. This two-part series will provide an in-depth analysis of changes to the 2021 evaluation and management (E/M) services. Part one will discuss the history of E/M services guidelines and the requested change to guidelines that go into effect Jan. 1, 2021. This webinar will also dive deep into the specific E/M guideline changes and how to accurately report the correct level of E/M service according to the new reporting guidelines.
The ABOS Institutes Online Case Based Examinations
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Board of Directors made the difficult decision in early June to transition from an in-person ABOS Oral Examination to a new online ABOS Case Based Examination for 2020. This article discusses the three stages of the 2020 ABOS Case Based Examination: (1) remote case-based practice examination, (2) remote case-based oral examination, and (3) final evaluation.
The Bone Beat Podcast: ‘In-District Event and Grassroots Advocacy’
Orthopaedic surgeons across the United States engaged with members of Congress in August as part of the Office of Government Relations’ In-District Advocacy Event. In the eighth episode of AAOS’ advocacy podcast The Bone Beat, AAOS First Vice President Daniel K. Guy, MD, FAAOS, talks about the policy issues they raised with legislators and why grassroots advocacy is a powerful tool for strengthening the voice of the musculoskeletal community. Learn more by following #OrthoAdvocacyinAction on social media.
