Preoperative Symptom Severity Predicts 5-Year Hip Arthroscopy Outcomes

PURPOSE

Thisstudy sought to assessthe prognostic effect of preoperative symptom severity on hip arthroscopy outcomes for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI).

METHODS

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy between September 2012 and July 2014 for FAI with a minimum of 5-year clinical outcomes were compiled. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) including modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) were collected. High and low preoperative function (PF) subgroups were created using baseline population median mHHS (43.3) as a threshold with PROs below the median score indicating low preoperative function and vice versa for scores above the median. Kaplan-Meier analysis, Cox proportional modeling, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and linear regressions were used for analysis.

RESULTS

One hundred five of 131 eligible patients(80.2% inclusion; age: 42.6 ± 1.4 years; body mass index: 25.3 ± 0.4 kg/m2 ) met the study criteria. The 5-year survival-torevision rate (85% versus 61%, p = 0.013) and survivalto-arthroplasty rate (95% vs. 82%, p = 0.022) were greater in the high versus low PF group. ANOVA demonstrated the high versus low PF group had higher baseline (mHHS: 52.7 ± 1.4 vs. 36.1 ± 1.1, p < 0.001; NAHS: 57.4 ± 1.6 vs. 39.3 ± 1.2, p < 0.001) and 1-year (mHHS: 91.9 ± 1.8 vs. 79.5 ± 2.7, p < 0.001; NAHS: 91.7 ± 1.6 vs. 80.8 ± 2.5, p < 0.001) outcomes. High versus low PF achieved higher Minimal Clinically Important Difference (77% vs. 57%, p = 0.026) at 5-years. High versus low PF achieved higher Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State rates at 1 year (79% vs. 47%, p < 0.001) and 5 years (66% vs. 45%, p = 0.032). Linear regression demonstrated body mass index (mHHS: p = 0.002; NAHS: p = 0.005), pincer resection (mHHS: p = 0.046), and preoperative symptom severity (mHHS: p = 0.001; NAHS: p = 0.002) to be predictors of 5-year change in PROs.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative symptom severity is a reliable prognostic indicator of clinical survival rates and PROs after hip arthroscopy for FAI. Subjects with high PF are likely to have increased longevity of the index procedure while maintaining excellent PASS and MCID rates mid-term as opposed to those with low PF.

Rapid Adoption of Telemedicine Increases Opioid Prescribing in Orthopedic Surgery

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to health care practitioners utilizing new technologies to deliver health care, including telemedicine. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of rapidly proliferative use of video visits on opioid prescribing to orthopedic patients at a large academic health system that had existing procedure-specific opioid prescribing guidelines. Methods: This IRB-exempt study examined 651 opioid prescriptions written to patients who had video (visual and audio), telephone (audio only), or in-person encounters at our institution from March 1 to June 1, 2020 and compared them with 963 prescriptions written during the same months in 2019. Prescriptions were converted into daily milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) to facilitate direct comparison. Chi-square testing was used to compare categorical data, whereas analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare numerical data between groups. Statistical significance was set at <0.05. Results: Six hundred fifty-one of 1,614 prescriptions analyzed (40.3%) occurred during the pandemic. Patients prescribed opioids during video visits were prescribed 53.3 ± 37 MME, significantly higher than in-person (p = 0.002) or audio visits (p < 0.001) before or during the pandemic. Prepandemic, significantly higher MME were prescribed for in-person versus audio only visits (41.6 ± 89 vs. 30.2 ± 28 MME; p = 0.026); during the pandemic, there was no difference between these groups (p = 0.91). Significantly higher MME were prescribed by Nurse Practitioners and Physician Associates versus MD or DO prescribers for both time periods (51.3 ± 109 vs. 27.9 ± 42 MME; p < 0.001; 42.9 ± 70 vs. 28.2 ± 42 MME; p < 0.001). Conclusion: During crisis and with new technology, we should be vigilant about prescribing of opioid analgesics. Despite well-established protocols, patients received significantly higher MME through video than for other encounter types, including in-person encounters. In addition, significantly higher MME were prescribed by mid-level prescribers compared with DOs or MDs. Institutions should ensure these prescribers are involved during creation of opioid prescribing protocols after orthopedic surgery.

Tunnel Widening Following All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Varies Depending on Soft Tissue Graft Type

PURPOSE

Bone tunnel widening (TW) is a well-described complication after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic bone TW and clinical outcomes in patients with ACLR performed with suspensory fixation on both the femoral and tibial tunnels using different soft tissue grafts.

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary ACLR with a soft tissue graft (hamstring autograft or allograft or quadriceps autograft) using an all-inside technique were included for analysis. Anterior cruciate ligament tunnel width was measured postoperatively on anteroposterior and lateral plain radiographs at a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee form as well as assessing patient records for complication data.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (15 quadriceps autografts, 24 hamstring autografts, 11 hamstring allografts) were included in this study. The quadriceps autograft cohort was the youngest, (16.6 ± 2.8 years), followed by the hamstring autograft cohort (27.7 ± 9.0 years), and the hamstring allograft cohort (48.2 ± 9.4 years; p < 0.001) for all comparisons. Quadriceps autografts experienced less tibial tunnel-widening (0.6 ± 0.6 mm) than hamstring autografts (2.0 ± 1.1 mm; p = 0.011), which, in turn, experienced less widening than hamstring allografts (3.9 ± 2.3 mm; p < 0.001). Quadriceps autografts also experienced less femoral tunnel widening (0.3 ± 0.6 mm) than hamstring autografts (2.1 ± 1.2 mm; p < 0.001) which, in turn, experienced less tunnel-widening than hamstring allografts (4.0 ± 2.1; p < 0.001). At follow-up, mean IKDC for hamstring autografts, quadriceps autografts, and hamstring allografts were 79.9 ± 17.9, 88.5 ± 7.1, and 77.7 ± 20.4, respectively (p = 0.243). There was no statistically significant difference between groups with respect to postoperative complications; p = 0.874.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps autograft resulted in the least tunnel widening compared to hamstring autograft and allograft when using an all-inside suspensory fixation device. Both autograft groups resulted in less widening than the allograft group. Despite the greatest increased radiographic tunnel widening in the allograft group, there was no significant difference in clinical outcomes or knee laxity.

Pain-management protocol aimed at reducing opioids following total knee arthroplasty does not negatively impact patient satisfaction

BACKGROUND

Prior research has demonstrated that the prescription of opioid medications may be associated with the desire to treat pain in order to achieve favorable patient satisfaction. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of decreased opioid prescribing following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on survey-administered patient satisfaction scores.

METHOD

This study is a retrospective review of prospectively collected survey data for patients who underwent primary elective TKA for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) between September 2014 and June 2019. All patients included had completed Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAPS) survey information. Patients were stratified into two cohorts based on whether their surgery took place prior to or subsequent to the implementation of an institutional-wide opioid-sparing regimen.

RESULTS

Of the 613 patients included, 488 (80%) were in the pre-protocol cohort and 125 (20%) in the post-protocol cohort. Rate of opioid refills (33.6% to 11.2%; p < 0.001) as well as length of stay (LOS, 2.40 ± 1.05 to 2.13 ± 1.13 days; p = 0.014) decreased significantly after protocol change while rate of current smokers increased significantly (4.1% to 10.4%; p = 0.011). No significant difference was observed in "top box" percentages for satisfaction with pain control (Pre: 70.5% vs Post: 72.8%; p = 0.775).

CONCLUSIONS

Protocols calling for reduced prescription of opioids following TKA resulted in significantly lower rates of opioid refills, and were associated with significantly shorter LOS, while causing no statistically significant deleterious changes in patient satisfaction, as measured by HCAPS survey. LOE: III.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study suggests that HCAPS scores are not negatively impacted by a reduction in postoperative opioid analgesics.

The Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Traumatic Hip Fractures: A Network Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of different dosages of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) in the treatment of traumatic hip fractures against that of the control group of no TXA.

DATA SOURCES

This study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to perform a network meta-analysis on the use of TXA for the treatment of hip fractures. The study team used Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Reviews, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases to perform the search. Studies that were published in English between the years 2010 and 2020 were selected.

STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION

For inclusion in this study, selected articles were required to be randomized controlled trials with at least 1 control group that had no antifibrinolytic intervention to serve as a control, and IV formulations of TXA were used as part of the treatment group. Furthermore, all study participants must have undergone surgical intervention for traumatic hip fractures. Studies that did not immediately meet criteria for inclusion were saved for a review by the full investigating team and were included based on consensus.

DATA SYNTHESIS

All statistical analyses conducted for this study were performed using R software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Network meta-analyses were conducted with a frequentist approach with a random-effects model using the netmeta package version 0.9-6 in R. The frequentist equivalent to surface under the cumulative ranking probabilities, termed " P score," was used to rank different treatments.

CONCLUSION

The use of TXA in the surgical management of traumatic hip fractures reduces the number of transfusions and perioperative blood loss, with minimal to no increased incidence of thrombotic events when compared with those in controls. When comparing formulations, no route of administration is clearly superior in reducing perioperative blood loss.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Non-English Speakers and Socioeconomic Minorities are Significantly Less Likely to Complete Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: Analysis of 16,119 Cases

BACKGROUND

The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement requires patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) completion for total knee/hip arthroplasty (TKA/THA) patients. A 90% completion rate to avoid penalties was planned for 2023 but has been delayed. Our analysis compares TKA/THA PROM completion and results across demographics. We hypothesized that minority groups would be less likely to complete PROMs.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed from 2018 to 2021 of 16,119 patients who underwent primary elective TKA or THA at a single institution. Pairwise chi-squared tests, t-tests, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to compare PROM completion rates and scores across demographics and surgery type (TKA/THA).

RESULTS

Comparing patients who had (N = 7,664) and did not have (N = 8,455) documented PROMs, completion rates were significantly lower in patients who were women, Black, Hispanic, less educated, used Medicaid insurance, lived in lower income neighborhoods, spoke non-English languages, required an interpreter, and underwent TKA versus THA. After regression analyses, odds ratios for PROM completion remained significantly lower in non-English speakers, Hispanic and Medicaid patients, lower income groups, and patients undergoing TKA. For the 31.8% of patients who completed both preoperative/postoperative PROMs, women, Black, and non-English speaking patients had significantly lower PROM scores for most measures preoperatively and postoperatively despite similar or better improvements after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing TKA and non-English speaking, ethnic, and socioeconomic minorities are less likely to complete PROMs. Strategies to create, validate, and collect PROMs for these populations are needed to avoid exacerbation of healthcare disparities.

Clinical Outcomes After Concomitant Hip Arthroscopy and Iliotibial Band Lengthening With Trochanteric Bursectomy Compared to a Matched Cohort

PURPOSE

This study sought to determine the clinical outcomes of patients that underwent hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and concomitant arthroscopic iliotibial (IT) band lengthening with trochan- teric bursectomy (TB group) as well as a matched cohort of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for isolated FAI symptoms (NTB group) from baseline to a minimum of 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

Patients who were diagnosed with FAI and symptomatic trochanteric bursitis and who failed con- servative measures and underwent hip arthroscopy and arthroscopic IT band lengthening with trochanteric bur- sectomy were identified. These patients were matched by age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) to a group of patients who underwent surgery for FAI without trochanteric bur- sitis symptoms. Patients were separated into two groups: iliotibial band lengthening with trochanteric bursectomy (TB) and non-trochanteric bursectomy (NTB). The patient reported outcomes (PROs) recorded were the modified Har- ris Hip Score (mHHS) and Non-Arthritic Hips Score (NAHS), which were obtained with a minimum of 2-years follow-up.

RESULTS

Each cohort was composed of 22 patients. The TB cohort was composed of 19 females (86%) with a re- ported mean age of 49.3 ± 11.6 years. The NTB cohort was composed of 19 females (86%) with a reported mean age of 49.0 ± 11.7 years. Both cohorts showed significant improve- ment from baseline in the mHHS and NAHS. There was no significant difference in the mHHS and NAHS between the two groups. There was no significant difference between TB and NTB groups with respect to achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID), [19 (86%) vs. 20 (91%), p > 0.99] or patient acceptable symptom state (PASS), [13 (59%) vs. 14 (64%), p = 0.76].

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in PROs of patients with FAI and trochanteric bursitis who underwent hip ar- throscopy with concomitant arthroscopic IT band lengthen- ing with trochanteric bursectomy compared to patients with isolated FAI who underwent hip arthroscopy.

Frank B. Bicknell: Pioneer in Pediatric Urology and Founder of the American Urological Association History Forum

OBJECTIVE

To explore and document the life and urologic contributions of Dr. Frank B. Bicknell.

METHODS

We researched the life of Dr. Bicknell via his publications, archived documents from the Didusch Museum and through the description of his life and accomplishments by his colleagues including John K. Lattimer and Frank Hinman Jr.

RESULTS

Frank B. Bicknell (1907-1999) attended the University of Michigan (1925-1928) and Universityof Michigan Medical School (1928-1932) prior to his internship and urology residency at the Receiving Hospital, Detroit, Michigan (1932-1936). He served in the Merchant Marine in the 1930s, sailing around the world. He was a major in World War II and served as Professor of Urology at Wayne State University. In 1951 Dr. Bicknell got together a small group of eight urologists interested in pediatric urology during the AUA Annual Meeting. Drs. Campbell, Barber, Johnson, Mertz, Hinman Jr., Spence and Lattimer all met in Dr. Bicknell's Chicago hotel room and would form The Society for Pediatric Urology. At the time, Dr. Bicknell's brother-in-law had just become president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Dr. John Lattimer with the help of Dr. Bicknell's brother-in-law was able to get a room at the AAP meeting which he filled with 2500 people, thought to be the largest collection of urologists in one room at the time. The success of the session led the AAP to develop a Section of Urology and impressed upon the AUA the magnitude of interest in pediatric urology. This allowed pediatric urologists to secure an exclusive session on the day before the main AUA meeting which has persisted since that time.Dr. Bicknell founded the History Forum in 1966 and chaired this very popular event during its first decade. The forum now occupies an entire afternoon during the AUA annual meeting, with papers presented on historic urologic topics. The highlight of this assembly is the annual lecture on the history of medicine. In 2000, this oration was renamed the Frank Bicknell History of Urology Oration to honor the founder of the History Forum.

CONCLUSION

Dr. Frank Bicknell was an early leader in pediatric urology and urologic history who helped found The Society of Pediatric Urology and the AUA History Forum.

The Minimal Clinically Important Difference: A Review of Clinical Significance

BACKGROUND

The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is a term synonymous with orthopaedic clinical research over the past decade. The term represents the smallest change in a patient-reported outcome measure that is of genuine clinical value to patients. It has been derived in a myriad of ways in existing orthopaedic literature.

PURPOSE

To describe the various modalities for deriving the MCID.

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

The definitions of common MCID determinations were first identified. These were then evaluated by their clinical and statistical merits and limitations.

RESULTS

There are 3 primary ways for determining the MCID: anchor-based analysis, distribution-based analysis, and sensitivity- and specificity-based analysis. Each has unique strengths and weaknesses with respect to its ability to evaluate the patient's clinical status change from baseline to posttreatment. Anchor-based analyses are inherently tied to clinical status yet lack standardization. Distribution-based analyses are the opposite, with strong foundations in statistics, yet they fail to adequately address the clinical status change. Sensitivity and specificity analyses offer a compromise of the other methodologies but still rely on a somewhat arbitrarily defined global transition question.

CONCLUSION

This current concepts review demonstrates the need for (1) better standardization in the establishment of MCIDs for orthopaedic patient-reported outcome measures and (2) better study design-namely, until a universally accepted MCID derivation exists, studies attempting to derive the MCID should utilize the anchor-based within-cohort design based on Food and Drug Administration recommendations. Ideally, large studies reporting the MCID as an outcome will also derive the value for their populations. It is important to consider that there may be reasonable replacements for current derivations of the MCID. As such, future research should consider an alternative threshold score with a more universal method of derivation.

Sex-Based Differences in Outcomes of Tibial Tubercle Anteromedialization

Bulletin of the Hospital for Joint Diseases 2022;80(4):252-6252 Bloom DA, Gonzalez M, Hurley ET, Kingery MT, Carter CW, Jazrawi LM, Strauss EJ. Sex-based differences in outcomes of tibial tubercle anteromedi- alization. Bull Hosp Jt Dis. 2022;80(4):252-6. Abstract Background: Previous research has demonstrated sex- based differences in patient-reported outcomes of orthopedic surgical procedures. The hypothesis of the current study was that females would have inferior patient-reported outcomes to their male peers following a tibial tubercle anteromedial- ization (AMZ) procedure for both patellofemoral instability and cartilage defects.

METHODS

Patients who had undergone AMZ for isolated osteochondral defect or patellofemoral instability with a minimum follow-up time of 1 year were identified. They were then asked to complete several patient-reported outcome questionnaires that were then statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 109 patients were included in this study. Seventy-nine patients (72.5%) were female with a mean follow-up duration of 3.4 ± 2.0 years. Forty-seven females had AMZ for patellar instability while 32 females had AMZ for osteochondral defects. There were no statistically signifi- cant differences between sexes with respect to concomitant procedures performed, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, or patient reported outcome (PRO) scores at follow-up (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference with respect to outcomes between the sexes for AMZ overall and when isolating the sexes based on indication.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that female patients undergoing AMZ have short-term clinical and functional outcomes that are not significantly different to those reported in males.

Age-Associated Functional Outcomes Following Hip Arthroscopy in Females Analysis with 5-Year Follow-Up

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate out- comes of hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) in female patients at 5-year follow-up. The working hypothesis for this study was that increased age and body mass index (BMI) would be associated with poor outcomes.

METHODS

This study included all female patients 14 years and older who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAI with 5-year patient-reported outcome scores. Patients were separated into three age-based cohorts (< 30 years old, 30 to 45 years old, and > 45 years old) for subsequent statistical analysis. This analysis included a comparison of patient demographic information, intraoperative pathology, and functional outcome scores (modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS] and nonarthritic hip score [NAHS]). Statistically significant values were utilized in a regression-based analy- sis to determine predictors of 5-year outcomes in female patients. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to be statisti- cally significant.

RESULTS

Overall, 97 patients met the inclusion criteria, and there was no significant difference in patient demo- graphics (other than age and BMI) or in intraoperative pathologies identified. There were no significant difference across the three groups for mHHS and NAHS at baseline (p > 0.05). At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between groups for NAHS scores, however < 30-year-old and 30- to 45-year-old cohorts had superior final NAHS scores relative to the > 45-year-old cohort (p = 0.005). At 5-year follow-up, the NAHS scores were significantly better for patients under 30 and 30 to 45 year olds relative to patients over 45 (84.2 ± 15.1 vs. 86.7 ± 11.0 vs. 71.9 ± 26.8, respectively; p = 0.005). Overall, 88 patients (91%) met the minimal clinically important differ- ence (MCID), and 60 patients (62%) achieved the patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS). Baseline mHHS and BMI were shown to be statistically significant predictors of achieving MCID at 5 years in multivariate analysis (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that women generally have good-to-excellent outcomes following hip ar- throscopy, although females older than 45 may have inferior outcomes relative to younger patients, and BMI and baseline mHHS may be utilized to predict long-term improvement.

Return to Work and Sport Following Tibial Tubercle Anteromedialization

BACKGROUND

Tibial tubercle anteromedialization (AMZ) is a commonly performed procedure for patients with patellofemoral instability or patellofemoral osteochondral disease. While prior studies have demonstrated that this form of osteotomy produces generally good outcomes, the time needed for return to work and return to sport remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the mean length of time before return to work and the rate of return to sport following AMZ.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who had undergone AMZ for either patellofemoral instability or isolated osteochon- dral defect with a minimum follow-up time of 1 year were identified. Patients less than 18 years of age were excluded. Patients were asked to complete a series of patient reported outcomes surveys including specific queries regarding their return to work and return to athletic activity.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients were included in this study. The majority were female (79 patients, 72.3%). The mean age was 30.74 ± 9.90 years at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up duration was 3.40 ± 1.97 years. Of the 109 patients, 104 (95.4%) had returned to work at the time of follow-up. Mean time to return to work was 2.96 ± 3.33 months (range: 0.25 to 24 months). Of the 90 patients who were involved in a sport or physical activity prior to injury, 64 patients (71.1%) had returned to sport at some level at the time of most recent follow-up. Of those who had returned to sport, mean time to return to sport was 9.21 ± 5.46 months (range: 1 to 24 months).

CONCLUSIONS

At a minimum follow-up time of 1 year, patients who underwent AMZ were found to have a return to sport rate of 71% with a mean time of 9.21 months to return to athletic activity. Over 95% of AMZ patients had returned to work by 1 year after the procedure. Patients required an average of 3 months to return to work, although those with physically demanding jobs required slightly more time. Data from the current study is useful in setting expectations for patients undergoing tibial tubercle anteromedialization for patellofemoral instability or patellofemoral osteochondral disease.

The State of Meniscal Allograft Transplantation in New York Over the Last Decade

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate for changes in the incidence of arthroscopic meniscal procedures, especially meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) in New York State (NYS) between 2005 to 2014.

METHODS

The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative Systems (SPARCS) database was queried from 2005 through 2014 to identify patients undergoing meniscetomies, meniscal repairs, and MAT. Patients were followed longitudinally to determine the incidence of subsequent ipsilateral knee procedures. The impact of patient demographics and surgeon volume on reoperation was explored.

RESULTS

From 2005 through 2014, there were 524,737 arthroscopic meniscal procedures. Of these, there were 510,406 meniscectomies, 14,214 meniscal repairs, and 117 MATs. The number of MATs increased 15.5% per year, with the largest increase being between 2013 to 2014 (an increase of 86.5%). Average MAT patient age was 29.8 ± 11.1 years; 65.0% of patients were male; 66% were Caucasian; 84% were privately-insured; and 23% of surgeons met the criteria for high-volume (five or more MATs in a year). A total of 25.6% (30/117) patients underwent subsequent surgery; 26 patients underwent knee procedures at mean of 18.9 ± 18.3 months after initial MAT, the most common of which were ipsilateral meniscectomies (19/26). Four patients underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at a mean of 21.0 ± 9.2 months after initial MAT. Patients undergoing TKA after MAT were significantly older (42.0 ± 15.0 years vs, 29.3 ± 10.7 years; p = 0.0242) than patients who did not. Neither demographics nor surgeon volume were statistically significant factors for undergoing subsequent surgery (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Meniscal allograft transplantation, though relatively uncommon, is being performed with greater frequency in NYS. Surgeons should counsel patients regarding the likelihood of requiring subsequent knee surgery after MAT, with repeat arthroscopic partial meniscectomy being the most commonly performed procedure.

A Surgeon-Volume Comparison of Opioid Prescribing Patterns to Adolescents Following Outpatient Shoulder, Hip, and Knee Arthroscopy

PURPOSE

Given the wide variation that exists in the amount and duration of postoperative opioid medication prescribed by orthopedic surgeons, the purpose of the current study was to analyze the opioid prescribing patterns at our institution for adolescent patients undergoing outpatient sports medicine procedures Methods: A total of 468 adolescent patients (between the ages of 13 and 18 years old) who underwent outpatient shoulder, hip, or knee arthroscopy (including ACL reconstruction) between 2016 and 2018 were retrospectively identified, and demographic data were collected. Opioid prescriptions following surgery were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for direct comparison. Prescribing patterns of the 44 surgeons included in our cohort were evaluated with respect to procedures performed and overall surgical volume. High-dose prescriptions were defined as ≥ 300 MME (equivalent to 40 tabs of oxycodone/ acetaminophen [Percocet] 5/325 mg) and low-dose prescriptions were defined as < 300 MME.

RESULTS

The mean discharge prescription following outpatient arthroscopy in this patient population was 299.8 ± 271 MME. When each individual case-type was analyzed, there were significant positive correlations between surgeonvolume and MME prescribed following shoulder arthroscopy (r = 0.387, p < 0.001) and knee arthroscopy, (r = 0.350, p < 0.001). Results of logistic regression demonstrated that for every 10 additional cases performed, the odds that a given surgeon would prescribe ≥ 300 MME postoperatively increased by a factor of 1.14 (p < 0.001). There were no significant correlations observed following hip arthroscopy, anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, or meniscus repair. Over the course of the observation period, a significant reduction in opioid prescribing was seen among the participating surgeons.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons who perform a greater volume of outpatient shoulder and knee arthroscopy on adolescent patients were more likely to prescribe high opioid dosages postoperatively. Awareness of existing variation in narcotic prescribing patterns for patients in this age group is important for quality of care and safety improvement amidst the opioid epidemic.

The effect of specialization and level of competition on injury in elite male ice hockey players

OBJECTIVE

Young players experience pressure to focus on ice hockey at the exclusion of other sports in order to improve chances of success. Early specialization in other sports has been associated with increased injury without the benefit of improved success. The objective of the current study was to investigate whether earlier specialization results in increased injury without higher rates of career success. This study also aimed to compare rates of injury in athletes at various levels of competition.

METHODS

An original survey was issued to men's ice hockey players at the juniorA, collegiate, and professional levels. The survey consisted of 34 questions on various demographic, specialization, and injury variables. All participants were >18 years of age.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 101 athletes. The mean age at specialization was 13 (±4) overall and 14 (±3), 13 (±4), and 11(±4) for professional, collegiate, and junior players, respectively. There was no difference in age at specialization between each group and professional players did not specialize earlier than the remainder of the cohort as a whole (p > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between age at specialization and total injuries (p > 0.05). There was no difference in concussions causing missed play time between groups (p > 0.05) but professional players had more overall concussions and underwent more surgeries due to hockey-related injuries (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Specializing exclusively in ice hockey earlier in life was not associated with playing professionally. Both collegiate and professional players do not tend to specialize prior to age 12. Age at specialization was not associated with overall number of injuries. Professional players with longer careers appear to sustain more concussions and undergo more surgery.

A single institution's experience with the management of peripheral bronchial atresia

PURPOSE

Peripheral bronchial atresia is a pulmonary abnormality diagnosed on postnatal computed tomography after prenatal imaging reveals a congenital lung lesion. Debate regarding management of this abnormality prompted us to review our institution's practice patterns and outcomes.

METHODS

All patients diagnosed with bronchial atresia were assessed from 6/2014 to 7/2020. Pediatric radiologists were surveyed to delineate computed tomography criteria used to diagnose peripheral bronchial atresia. Criteria were applied in an independent blinded review of postnatal imaging. Data for patients determined to have peripheral bronchial atresia and at least an initial pediatric surgical evaluation were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients with bronchial atresia received at least an initial pediatric surgical evaluation. Expectant management was planned for 22/28 (79%) patients. Two patients transitioned from an expectant management strategy to an operative strategy for recurrent respiratory infections; final pathology revealed bronchial atresia in both. Six patients were initially managed operatively; final pathology revealed bronchial atresia (n = 3) or congenital lobar overinflation (n = 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral bronchial atresia can be safely managed expectantly. A change in symptoms is suspicious for alternate lung pathology, warranting further workup and consideration for resection.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Female Gender Is Associated with Lower Satisfaction with Postoperative Telemedicine Visits in Sports Medicine

Introduction: Telemedicine is a relatively new adjunct in orthopedic care but it has emerged from the periphery, driven in part by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it has drastically increased in use, little is known of the factors that drive satisfaction with telemedicine. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the patient's satisfaction with postoperative telemedicine visits in those undergoing knee or shoulder arthroscopy, and to analyze the factors associated with satisfaction with telemedicine. Methods: A prospective study was performed to evaluate satisfaction comparing postoperative telemedicine and in-office visits, in those undergoing shoulder and knee arthroscopy. Multiple factors were analyzed for correlation with satisfaction via multi-linear regression, including demographics such as gender, education, age, and race. Patients were also evaluated for preference for future visits with reference to the group in which they were placed. Results: Overall, 215 patients were included with a subgroup analysis of 93 patients receiving telemedicine visits. Patients reported overall similar satisfaction with telemedicine visits after shoulder and knee arthroscopy, with a high level of satisfaction seen in both. Female sex was found to be associated with decreasing satisfaction with telemedicine visits (p = 0.036). In addition, as a whole, the cohort was found to prefer future visits to be the same as the group they were placed in, but females statistically did not have this preference for their familiar group and were skewed toward the preference of in-person visits (p = 0.377). Conclusions: Our study found that female patients were less likely to be satisfied with postoperative telemedicine visits after knee or shoulder arthroscopy. Further, females were also less likely to indicate preference for future telemedicine visits. In contrast, education, history of prior surgery, age, and race were not associated with postoperative satisfaction.

Distal posterolateral corner injury in the setting of multiligament knee injury increases risk of common peroneal palsy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify if the location of posterolateral corner (PLC) injury was predictive of clinical common peroneal nerve (CPN) palsy.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients presenting to our institution with operative PLC injuries. Assessment of concomitant injuries and presence of neurologic injury was completed via chart review and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) review. A fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologist reviewed the PLC injury and categorized it into distal, middle and proximal injuries with or without a biceps femoral avulsion. The CPN was evaluated for signs of displacement or neuritis.

RESULTS

Forty-seven operatively managed patients between 2014 and 2019 (mean age-at-injury 29.5 ± 10.7 years) were included in this study. Eleven (23.4%) total patients presented with a clinical CPN palsy. Distal PLC injuries were significantly associated with CPN palsy [9 (81.8%) patients, (P = 0.041)]. Nine of 11 (81.8%) patients with CPN palsy had biceps femoral avulsion (P = 0.041). Of the patients presenting with CPN palsy, only four (36.4%) patients experienced complete neurologic recovery. Three of 7 patients (43%) with an intact CPN had full resolution of their clinically complete CPN palsy at the time of follow-up (482 ± 357 days). All patients presenting with a CPN palsy also had a complete anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in addition to a PLC injury (P = 0.009), with or without a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury. No patient presenting with an isolated pattern of PCL-PLC injury (those without ACL tears) had a clinical CPN palsy.

CONCLUSION

Distal PLC injuries have a strong association with clinical CPN palsy, with suboptimal resolution in the initial post-operative period. Specifically, the presence of a biceps femoris avulsion injury was highly associated with a clinical CPN palsy. Additionally, CPN palsy in the context of PLC injury has a strong association with concomitant ACL injury. Furthermore, the relative rates of involvement of the ACL vs. PCL suggest that specific injury mechanism may have an important role in CPN palsy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Reducing Postoperative Opioid-prescribing Following Posterior Lumbar Fusion Does Not Significantly Change Patient Satisfaction

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective comparative; LOE-3.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate what effect, if any, an institutional opioid reduction prescribing policy following one- or two-level lumbar fusion has on Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey results.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Previous research has demonstrated that high levels of opioid-prescribing may be related, in part, to a desire to produce superior patient satisfaction.

METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted on patients who underwent one- or two-level lumbar fusions L3-S1 between October 2014 and October 2019 at a single institution. Patients with complete survey information were included in the analysis. Patients with a history of trauma, fracture, spinal deformity, fusions more than two levels, or prior lumbar fusion surgery L3-S1 were excluded. Cohorts were based on date of surgery relative to implementation of an institutional opioid reduction policy, which commenced in October 1, 2018. To better compare groups, opioid prescriptions were converted into milligram morphine equivalents (MME).

RESULTS

A total of 330 patients met inclusion criteria: 259 pre-protocol, 71 post-protocol. There were 256 one-level fusions and 74 two-level fusions included. There were few statistically significant differences between groups with respect to patient demographics (P > 0.05) with the exception of number of patients who saw the pain management service, which increased from 36.7% (95) pre-protocol to 59.2% (42) post-protocol; P < 0.001. Estimated blood loss (EBL) decreased from 533 ± 571 mL to 346 ± 328 mL (P = 0.003). Percentage of patients who underwent concomitant laminectomy decreased from 71.8% to 49.3% (P < 0.001). Average opioids prescribed on discharge in the pre-protocol period was 534 ± 425 MME, compared to after initiation of the protocol, that is 320 ± 174 MME (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference with respect to satisfaction with pain control, 4.49 ± 0.85 pre-protocol versus 4.51 ± 0.82 post-protocol (P = 0.986).

CONCLUSION

A reduction in opioids prescribed at discharge after one- or two-level lumbar fusion is not associated with any statistically significant change in patient satisfaction with pain management, as measured by the HCAHPS survey.Level of Evidence: 3.

Six-Month Outcome Scores Predicts Short-Term Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy

PURPOSE

To determine whether early patient-reported outcome improvements in the 6 months after surgery are predictive of achieving a patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) at 2 years.

METHODS

A prospectively collected database was retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria included patients ≥18 years of age, Tönnis grade 0 or 1 changes, radiographic imaging consistent with femoroacetabular impingement or labral pathology, a primary diagnosis of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement for which they underwent primary hip arthroscopy, and baseline, 6-month, and 2-year modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) scores. Revision cases were excluded. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to determine whether 6-month change in mHHS was a predictor for achieving PASS at 2 years.

RESULTS

There were 173 patients (mean age: 39.8, 61.8% female) included within the study. Patients who do not achieve the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), defined as a change of 8 points in mHHS, by 6 months (n = 21) tended to have significantly lower mHHS scores at 1 year and 2 years compared with those who did (n = 152). Only 52% of patients who did not achieve MCID by 6 months achieved MCID by 2 years (vs 98% for those that did) and only 24% achieved PASS by 2 years (vs 88% that did). Using the MCID as a cutoff for improvement in mHHS at 6 months results in a 96% sensitivity but 47% specificity for predicting PASS achievement at 2 years. Using 24 points of improvement in mHHS as a cutoff at 6 months improves sensitivity and specificity to 81% and 80%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Early improvement in mHHS scores is associated with 2-year outcomes. Patients who do not achieve MCID within 6 months of surgery have a high rate of not achieving PASS at 2 years.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, case series study.

Tranexamic Acid Has No Effect on Postoperative Hemarthrosis or Pain Control After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autograft: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

The purpose of this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the use of intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing primary bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) regarding postoperative hemarthrosis, pain, opioid consumption, and quadriceps atrophy and activation.

METHODS

A controlled, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted in 110 patients who underwent ACLR with BPTB autograft. Patients were equally randomized to the control and experimental groups. The experimental group received two 1-g boluses of IV TXA, one prior to tourniquet inflation and one prior to wound closure; the control group did not receive TXA. If a clinically significant hemarthrosis was evident, the knee was aspirated and the volume of blood (in milliliters) was recorded. Additionally, we recorded perioperative blood loss (in milliliters); visual analog scale scores on postoperative days 1, 4, and 7 and at postoperative weeks 1, 6, and 12; postoperative opioid consumption on postoperative days 1, 4, and 7; range of motion (ROM) and ability to perform a straight leg raise at postoperative weeks 1, 6, and 12; and preoperative and postoperative thigh circumference ratio.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in perioperative blood loss between the TXA and control groups (32.5 mL vs 35.6 mL, P = .47). In the TXA group, 23 knees were aspirated; in the control group, 26 knees were aspirated (P = .56). No significant difference in postoperative hemarthrosis volume was seen in patients who received IV TXA versus those who did not (26.7 mL vs 37.3 mL, P = .12). There was no significant difference in visual analog scale scores between the 2 groups (P = .15); in addition, there was no difference in postoperative opioid consumption (P = .33). No significant difference in ROM, ability to perform a straight leg raise, or postoperative thigh circumference ratio was observed (P > .05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

IV TXA in patients who undergo ACLR with BPTB autograft does not significantly impact perioperative blood loss, postoperative hemarthrosis, or postoperative pain levels. Additionally, no significant differences were seen in early postoperative recovery regarding ROM or quadriceps reactivation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Autograft Thickness Is a Risk Factor for Graft Failure. A Case-Control Analysis

BACKGROUND

Graft failure following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a devastating complication. Risk factors such as patient characteristics and tunnel positions are well described. The relationship between graft dimension and failure rates has been investigated mainly in soft tissue grafts. Less studied are the effects of patella tendon (PT) dimensions on the risk of graft failure following patella tendon autograft (PTA) reconstructions.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the current study was to investigate if patellar tendon thickness measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) predicts failure after ACLR using PTA.

METHODS

This was an institutional review board approved, single-center, retrospective case-control study comparing patients' preoperative patellar tendon thickness between July 2005 and January 2017. Sixteen patients (mean age 21.2 ± 5.0 years) with PTA failure requiring revision surgery were identified and compared to 34 control patients who had undergone primary ACLR with PTA without failure with a minimum of 2-years follow-up. Patients with failure were matched at approximately 1:2 based on age, sex, height, weight, associated meniscus injury, and associated meniscal surgery. Patellar tendon dimensions were measured at the inferior pole of the patella (IPP), tibial tubercle insertion (TT), and longitudinal midpoint (MP) on preoperative axial and sagittal cut MRIs. Interclass correlation coefficeint (ICC) and Bland-Altman analyses were evaluated to determine inter-observer reliability. The two cohorts were compared using independent samples t-tests and analysis of variance.

RESULTS

All ACLR failures occurred after a non-contact, pivot type injury. There were no significant differences in age, sex, height, weight, meniscal injury, or meniscal surgery between the two groups. Mean time between primary ACLR and revision was 2.6 ± 2.6 years and mean follow-up time was 3.1 ± 1.0 years in the control group. Patellar tendon length and width were not significantly different between the two groups. The average thickness at both the inferior pole and longitudinal midpoint was significantly higher in the failure group compared to controls (IPP: 5.04 ± 1.1 mm versus 4.33 ± 0.7 mm, p = 0.01; MP: 4.60 ± 0.7 mm versus 4.22 ± 0.5 mm, p = 0.03). Additionally, ICC was high across all measurements, with all values > 0.978. Similarly, all values demonstrated bias of less than ± 0.05.

CONCLUSION

Patella tendon autograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction failures had significantly thicker patellar tendons at the inferior pole and longitudinal midpoint of the patella tendon.

Characterizing Sport Specialization Patterns in Professional Women's Ice Hockey Players

BACKGROUND

Early year-round training in a single sport has been associated with high rates of overuse injuries. Despite this increasingly well-known risk of early sport specialization, many young athletes elect to specialize in a single sport due to the perception that this practice gives them the best chance of attaining elite athletic status. However, early specialization in women's ice hockey has not previously been shown to be reliably associated with attainment of elite levels of performance. We hypothesized that professional women's ice hockey players specialize in mid-adolescence, at an age comparable to their male counterparts.

METHODS

An anonymous survey was given to members of two National Women's Hockey League teams. The athletes were asked how many years they have been playing hockey, at what age they began playing only hockey on a year-round basis, how many sports they played in addition to hockey, and if they felt that playing multiple sports while growing up positively affected their hockey careers.

RESULTS

Fifty-four players completed the survey. The players reported playing hockey for an average of 19.4 ± 3.4 years. They began specializing in ice hockey at an average of 16.1 ± 3.3 years of age, 2 years later than previously reported in male NHL and NCAA athletes. Before specializing in hockey, players played an average of 3.5 ± 1.4 other sports. Ninetyone percent of players reported feeling as though playing other sports positively affected their hockey career.

Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: Minimal Clinically Important Difference Rates Decline From 1- to 5-Year Outcomes

Purpose

To correlate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement rates after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI).

Methods

Patients with clinically diagnosed FAI who underwent primary hip arthroscopy from September 2012 to March 2014 with a minimum of 5-year outcomes were identified. Patients undergoing labral debridement, microfracture, bilateral procedures, with evidence of dysplasia, Tönnis grade >1, and joint space <2 mm were excluded. Analysis of variance was used to compare PROs. Survival rates were determined using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Regression analysis identified associations with modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS), minimal clinically important difference (MCID) rates, and Nonarthritic Hip Scores (NAHS).

Results

A total of 85 of 101 eligible consecutive patients (84% inclusion) (age: 41.4 ± 14.0 years; 69% female, mean body mass index [BMI] 25.0 ± 4.2) met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients underwent labral repair (100%) and a combination of cam (86%) and pincer resection (99%). The 5-year survival-to-revision rate was 77% whereas 5-year survival rate to total hip arthroplasty was 94%. The 1-year (87.4 ± 13.6) and 5-year (84.5 ± 13.5) mHHS scores were greater versus preoperative scores (46.3 ± 11.3, P < .001). There was a decrease in MCID rate between 1-year (n = 74, 87%) and 5-year (n = 61, 73%, P = .019) outcomes. The 1-year (87.4 ± 12.7) and 5-year (89.2 ± 15.8) NAHS scores were greater versus preoperative scores (49.7 ± 12.7, P < .001). Regression demonstrated associations between BMI (MCID: P = .033; NAHS: P = .010), age (mHHS: P = .031), and cam resection (mHHS: P = .010) with 5-year outcomes.

Conclusions

There is a decline in MCID at 5-year follow-up after hip arthroscopy for FAI. Lower BMI, younger age, and cam resection are associated with positive outcomes. There is excellent index procedure survivability and excellent total hip arthroplasty prevention rate.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.

Patient Satisfaction Is Equivalent Using Telemedicine Versus Office-Based Follow-up After Arthroscopic Meniscal Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine has increasingly been considered as a viable alternative to traditional office-based health care, including postoperative follow-up visits. The purpose of the present study was to determine if patient satisfaction with overall care is equivalent for telemedicine follow-up (i.e., synchronous face-to-face video) and office-based follow-up after arthroscopic meniscectomy and repair.

METHODS

Patients were prospectively enrolled from August 1, 2019, to March 1, 2020. Patients were included who were ≥18 years old, consented to isolated arthroscopic meniscal repair or meniscectomy, and were able to properly utilize telemedicine software on a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a built-in camera. Patient demographic data, including complication events and postoperative satisfaction data, were recorded and analyzed for significance.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 122 (81.3%) were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of patient demographics or satisfaction scores. Patient satisfaction with overall care was equivalent based on the results of two 1-sided t-test analysis for equivalence (9.77 ± 0.60 in the office-based group versus 9.79 ± 0.53 in the telemedicine group; p < 0.001). When patients were asked to indicate their preferred follow-up type with the options listed as the type they received versus an alternative, 58 patients (84.1%) in the office-based group preferred their received type of follow-up, whereas 42 (79.2%) in the telemedicine group preferred their received follow-up (p = 0.493). There were no significant differences between groups in terms of complications (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that patient satisfaction with overall care is equivalent between telemedicine and office-based follow-up in the immediate postoperative period following an arthroscopic meniscal surgical procedure, and should be considered a reasonable alternative to the traditional in-office modality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Institutional reductions in opioid prescribing do not change patient satisfaction on Press Ganey surveys after total shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

With an ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States, it is important to examine if decreased opioid prescribing can affect patient experience, namely satisfaction with pain control.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate what effect, if any, decreased opioid prescribing after total shoulder arthroplasty had on Press Ganey satisfaction surveys.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent primary anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty between October 2014 and October 2019. Patients with complete Press Ganey survey information and no history of trauma, fracture, connective tissue disease, or prior shoulder arthroplasty surgery were included in the analysis. Patients were segregated into 2 groups, pre-protocol and post-protocol, based on the date of surgery relative to implementation of an institutional opioid reduction protocol, which occurred in October 2018. Prescriptions were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for direct comparison between different opioid medications.

RESULTS

A total of 201 patients met inclusion criteria, and there were 110 reverse total shoulder arthroplasties and 91 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties. Average opioids prescribed on discharge for the pre-protocol group were 426.3 ± 295 MME (equivalent to 56.8 tablets of oxycodone 5 mg), whereas after the initiation of the protocol, they were 193.8 ± 199 MME (equivalent to 25.8 tablets of oxycodone 5 mg); P < .0001. Average satisfaction with pain control did not change significantly between pre-protocol and post-protocol (4.71 ± 0.65 pre-protocol and 4.74 ± 0.44 post-protocol, P = .82).

CONCLUSION

A reduction in opioids prescribed after a total shoulder replacement is not associated with any negative effects on patient satisfaction, as measured by the Press Ganey survey.

Distance of the Posterior Interosseous Nerve From the Bicipital (Radial) Tuberosity at Varying Positions of Forearm Rotation: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study With Clinical Implications

BACKGROUND

The proximity of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) to the bicipital tuberosity is clinically important in the increasingly popular anterior single-incision technique for distal biceps tendon repair. Maximal forearm supination is recommended during tendon reinsertion from the anterior approach to ensure the maximum protective distance of the PIN from the bicipital tuberosity.

PURPOSE

To compare the location of the PIN on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relative to bicortical drill pin instrumentation for suspensory button fixation via the anterior single-incision approach in varying positions of forearm rotation.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive laboratory study.

METHODS

Axial, non-fat suppressed, T1-weighted MRI scans of the elbow were obtained in positions of maximal supination, neutral, and maximal pronation in 13 skeletally mature individuals. Distances were measured from the PIN to (1) the simulated path of an entering guidewire (GWE-PIN) and (2) the cortical starting point of the guidewire on the bicipital tuberosity (CSP-PIN) achievable from the single-incision approach. To radiographically define the location of the nerve relative to constant landmarks, measurements were also made from the PIN to (3) the prominent-most point on the bicipital tuberosity (BTP-PIN) and (4) a perpendicular plane trajectory from the bicipital tuberosity exiting the opposing radial cortex (PPT-PIN). All measurements were subsequently compared between positions of pronation, neutral, and supination. In supination only, BTP-PIN and PPT-PIN measurements were made and compared at 3 sequential axial levels to evaluate the longitudinal course of the nerve relative to the bicipital tuberosity.

RESULTS

Of the 13 study participants, mean age was 38.77 years, and mean body mass index was 25.58. Five participants were female, and 5 left and 8 right elbow MRI scans were reviewed. The GWE-PIN was significantly greater in supination (mean ± SD, 16.01 ± 2.9 mm) compared with pronation (13.66 ± 2.5 mm) (P < .005). The mean CSP-PIN was significantly greater in supination (16.20 ± 2.8 mm) compared with pronation (14.18 ± 2.4 mm) (P < .013).The mean PPT-PIN was significantly greater in supination (9.00 ± 3.0 mm) compared with both pronation (1.96 ± 1.2 mm; P < .001) and neutral (4.73 ± 2.6 mm; P < .001). The mean BTP-PIN was 20.54 ± 3.0, 20.81 ± 2.7, and 20.35 ± 2.9 mm in pronation, neutral, and supination, respectively, which did not significantly differ between positions. In supination, the proximal, midportion, and distal measurements of BTP-PIN did not significantly differ. The proximal PPT-PIN distance (9.08 ± 2.9 mm) was significantly greater than midportion PPT-PIN (5.85 ± 2.4 mm; P < .001) and distal BTP-PIN (2.27 ± 1.8 mm; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

This MRI study supports existing evidence that supination protects the PIN from the entering guidewire instrumentation during anterior, single-incision biceps tendon repair using cortical button fixation. The distances between the entering guidewire trajectory and PIN show that guidewire-inflicted injury to the nerve is unlikely during the anterior single-incision approach.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

When a safe technique is used, PIN injuries during anterior repair are likely the result of aberrant retractor placement, and we recommend against the use of retractors deep to the radial neck. Guidewire placement as close as possible to the anatomic footprint of the biceps tendon is safe from the anterior approach. MRI evaluation confirms that ulnar and proximal guidewire trajectory is the safest technique when using single-incision bicortical suspensory button fixation.

Reduced opioid prescribing following arthroscopic meniscectomy does not negatively impact patient satisfaction

BACKGROUND

Prior research has demonstrated that physician desire to optimize patient satisfaction is a cause of over-prescription of opioid medications in the healthcare setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate what effect, if any, decreased opioid prescribing following arthroscopic meniscectomy had on Press-Ganey (PG) satisfaction survey scores.

METHODS

A retrospective review of prospectively-collected data was conducted on patients who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy between October2014-October2019. Inclusion criteria consisted of complete PG information, no history of trauma, connective tissue disease, or prior knee surgery. Groups were separated based on date of surgery relative to implementation of an institutional opioid reduction policy which occurred on October 1, 2018. Prescriptions were converted to milligram-morphine-equivalents (MME) for direct comparison between opioids. Minimal-Detectable-Change (MDC) was calculated to evaluate clinical significance of any statistically significant findings.

RESULTS

554 patients were included in this analysis (452pre-protocol, 102post-protocol). The groups did not differ statistically (p > 0.05) with respect to any patient demographics (age, BMI, sex, prior opioid use, opioid naivete) with the exception of smoking history; 54.4% in the pre-protocol group and 32.4%in the post-protocol group; p < 0.001. Mean discharge dose for the pre-protocol group was 229.3 ± 141MME, and 80.05 ± 82.7MME post-protocol; P < 0.0001. There were no statistically significant differences between pre-and-post-protocol satisfaction with pain control scores; P = 0.15. The differences between satisfaction with pain control did not meet clinical or statistical significance, based on a calculated MDC = 0.368. Among pre-protocol patients, 372(82.3%) gave a "top box" response to the question "degree-to-which-your-pain-was-controlled", compared to 91(89.2%) from the post-protocol group; P = 0.10.

CONCLUSION

A reduction in opioids prescribed after arthroscopic meniscectomy was not associated with any difference in patient satisfaction with pain management, as measured by the Press-Ganey survey. LOE: 3.

Institutional Reductions in Opioid Prescribing Following Hip Arthroscopy Do Not Change Patient Satisfaction Scores

Purpose

To investigate what effect decreased opioid prescribing following hip arthroscopy had on Press-Ganey satisfaction survey scores.

Methods

A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted on patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement between October 2014 and October 2019. Inclusion criteria consisted of complete Press-Ganey survey information, no history of trauma, fracture, connective tissue disease, developmental hip dysplasia, autoimmune disease, or previous hip arthroscopy. Groups were separated based on date of surgery relative to implementation of an institutional opioid reduction policy that occurred in October 2018. Prescriptions were converted to milligram morphine equivalents (MME) for direct comparison between different opioids.

Results

A total of 113 patients met inclusion criteria, 88 preprotocol and 25 postprotocol. There were no statistically significant differences between groups with respect to patient demographics or intraoperative pathologies (P > .05). Average opioid prescription dropped from 249.6 ± 152 MME (equivalent to 33.3 tablets of oxycodone 5 mg) preprotocol to 108.6 ± 84.7 MME (equivalent to 14.5 tablets of oxycodone 5 mg) postprotocol; P = .0002. There were no statistically significant differences in Press-Ganey survey scores between pre- and postprotocol groups (P > .05).

Conclusions

A reduction in opioids prescribed after a hip arthroscopy is not associated with any statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction with pain management, as measured by the Press-Ganey survey.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Effect of Acetaminophen on Postoperative Percocet Use In Hip Arthroscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

To determine whether postoperative acetaminophen reduced narcotic consumption following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement.

METHODS

This was a single-center randomized controlled trial. Opioid-naïve patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement were randomized into 2 groups. The control group received our institution's standard of care for postoperative pain control, 28 tablets of 5 mg/325 mg oxycodone-acetaminophen prescribed as 1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed for pain, whereas the treatment group were prescribed 650 mg acetaminophen every 6 hours for pain, with 5 mg/325 mg oxycodone-acetaminophen prescribed for breakthrough pain. Patients were instructed to be mindful of taking no more than 3 g of acetaminophen in a 24-hour limit. If this limit was reached, oxycodone 5 mg would be prescribed. They were contacted daily and asked to report opioid use as well as their level of pain using the visual analog pain scale.

RESULTS

Our institution enrolled 86 patients, 80 of whom completed the study (40 control, 40 treatment). There were no statistically significant differences with respect to patient demographics and patient-specific factors between groups (age at time of surgery, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, or body mass index). In addition, there was no statistically significant difference with respect to visual analog scale pain between groups preoperatively (P = .64) or at 1-week follow up (P = .39). The treatment group did not use a statistically significant different number of narcotics than the control group throughout the first postoperative week (6.325 pills treatment vs 5.688 pills control, P = .237).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this randomized controlled trial suggest that postoperative acetaminophen may have no effect on reducing the number of narcotic pills consumed by opioid-naïve patients following hip arthroscopy in the setting of reduced opioid-prescribing on the part of orthopaedic surgeons. Furthermore, the results of this study suggest surgeons may reduce postoperative narcotic prescribing without reducing patient satisfaction following hip arthroscopy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II randomized control trial.

Management of Meniscal Pathology: From Partial Meniscectomy to Transplantation

Meniscal pathology is one of the most common structural knee issues seen and managed by the orthopaedic surgeon. An ever-evolving armamentarium of management options exists that are geared toward the elimination of symptoms and restoration of normal knee function. A common theme among these management options is to preserve meniscal tissue whenever possible through repair or minimization of meniscal excision, as the literature has shown that the loss of meniscal tissue can significantly alter the distribution of forces and contact stresses on knee articular cartilage, thus predisposing the joint to degenerative osteoarthritis. In the setting of meniscal injuries or insufficiency, various advances in repair techniques, use of meniscal allografts, and use of biologic adjuvants have been reported to help preserve and/or attempt to restore the native kinematic properties of the knee. It is important to explore meniscal function, its associated pathologies, and currently available treatment options that are supported by short-term and long-term clinical data.

Evaluation of stress and anxiety caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in pediatric radiology

BACKGROUND

Work-related stress and burnout were documented to be high among pediatric radiologists prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. New challenges arose from the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially introducing new stressors and anxieties.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate potential sources of stress and anxiety for pediatric radiology faculty during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a survey of attending physician members of the Society for Pediatric Radiology in North America from April 27, 2020, to May 22, 2020. The response rate was 21% (251/1,206). Survey questions included demographic information and questions regarding working remotely, personal protective equipment, redeployment, personal wellness, wellness resources and financial concerns. A psychometrician reviewed the questions to ensure minimal risk of misinterpretation.

RESULTS

Median age of respondents was 48 years (range 33-70 years) with median number of years in practice of 14 (range 1-45 years). Fifty-three percent of respondents were women and 46% were men. Because of an increase in remote work, 69% of respondents endorsed feeling more isolated from a lack of regular interaction with colleagues. Fifty-three percent of respondents indicated that it is challenging to work remotely while overseeing home schooling for children. In comparison to men, women reported overall higher work-related stress and anxiety (P=0.02), higher feelings of guilt from radiology staff (i.e. technologists and nurses) being more exposed to COVID-19 (P=0.02) and higher levels of stress providing for dependents (P=0.04). Most respondents thought that departmental leadership was effective and respondents were not concerned about meeting financial obligations or job loss.

CONCLUSION

The early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic caused additional stress and anxiety for pediatric radiology faculty and disproportionally affected women. Given the continuously evolving state of the COVID-19 pandemic, these results could aid in planning and implementation of future strategies to combat burnout in radiology. Specific attention should be directed to different stressors experienced by female versus male radiologists, especially in regard to dependent care.

Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: 1-Year Outcomes Predict 5-Year Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence exists comparing short- and long-term patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and overall survival rates after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

HYPOTHESIS

Patients with high improvement (HI) versus low improvement (LI) at 1 year postoperatively would achieve higher PROs and better index procedure survival rates at 5-year follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS between September 2012 and March 2014 with minimum 5-year outcome data were identified. Using the median 1-year change in modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) as a threshold, HI and LI subcohorts were determined. Analysis of variance was used to compare PROs. Failure rates were determined using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards model analyses. Regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with increasing 5-year change in mHHS and Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS).

RESULTS

Out of 108 eligible consecutive patients, 89 (82.4%) were included (mean [SD]: age, 43.3 [14.6] years; body mass index, 25.4 [4.5]). As compared with the LI group (n = 45), the HI group (n = 44) had a longer 5-year index surgery survival rate (mean ± SEM: 83.7 ± 3.3 months vs 68.5 ± 4.6 months; P = .012) and 5-year estimated survival rate (89% vs 71%). The HI group had a decreased risk of failure versus the LI group (hazard ratio, 0.15; P = .002). The HI group also had greater PROs than did the LI group at 1 year (mHHS: 94.8 ± 1.2 vs 72.6 ± 2.7, P < .001; NAHS: 94.0 ± 1.3 vs 75.6 ± 2.2, P < .001) and 5 years (mHHS: 86.9 ± 2.0 vs 77.6 ± 3.4, P = .017; NAHS: 92.6 ± 1.8 vs 82.7 ± 4.1, P = .020). As compared with the LI group, the HI group achieved higher rates of the Patient Acceptable Symptomatic State (PASS) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) at 1 year (PASS: 95% vs 42%, P < .001; MCID: 100% vs 89%, P = .056) and 5 years (PASS: 77% vs 45%, P = .002; MCID: 86% vs 64%, P = .014). Linear regression demonstrated that being in the HI group (ΔmHHS, P = .041; ΔNAHS, P = .017) and decreasing body mass index (ΔmHHS, P = .055; ΔNAHS, P = .023) were associated with higher 5-year ΔPROs.

CONCLUSION

Patients with FAIS and significant improvement in the first year after hip arthroscopy had superior 5-year outcomes versus patients with persistent symptom severity. Survival rates and PROs were significantly better in patients who achieved high early outcomes at the 1-year mark.

Males Achieve Similar Success at Two Years Following Hip Arthroscopy Irrespective of Age

PURPOSE

Previous research has demonstrated that there is a statistically significant relationship between hip arthroscopy outcomes and age. The purpose of this research was to investigate the link, if any, between hip arthroscopy outcomes and intraoperative pathology as well as with both patient age and sex.

METHODS

All male patients 14 years of age or older who underwent primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and who had a 2-year patient-reported outcome scores were analyzed. These patients were separated into three age-based cohorts (< 30 years old, 30 to 45 years old, and > 45 years old). These cohorts were then analyzed and compared with respect to patient demographic information, intraoperative pathology, and functional outcome scores for statistical significance, set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

At 2-year follow-up, there was a significant difference seen between the modified Harris Hip scores (mHHS) of the < 30 years old and > 45 years old cohorts with a mean difference of 10.2 (92.05 ± 10.3 and 81.89 ± 16.7, p = 0.044). The results of an ANOVA comparing 2-year non-arthritic hip scores (NAHS) were not statistically significant (p = 0.196). At 2-year follow up, the NAHS scores were 92.18 ± 10.3, 87.76 ± 15.6, and 84.63 ± 15.9 for the < 30 years old, 30 to 45 years old, and > 45 years old cohorts, respectively. When analyzing cohorts for rates of achieving a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), however, there were no statistically significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that males of all ages have generally good and similar outcomes following hip arthroscopy for FAI as determined by their similar rates of achieving both MCID and PASS.

The Incidence of Concussion and Symptom Non-Reporting Among Professional Women's Ice Hockey Players

BACKGROUND

Female ice hockey players have rates of sports-related concussion that are similar to male participants at various levels of play, despite differences in the rules that do not allow for body checking in the women's game. At the elite level, there are limited data regarding concussion rates and concussion symptom reporting. Therefore, it was hypothesized that there would be a high incidence of concussion and concussion symptom-reporting in professional women's ice hockey players.

METHODS

A survey was given to 54 players in the National Women's Hockey League at the end of the 2018-2019 season. Players reported on the number of concussions diagnosed by a physician throughout their careers, the number of times they have had concussion symptoms, if they had ever continued playing after experiencing concussion symptoms, and if they had ever failed to report concussion symptoms to a medical professional or coach.

RESULTS

Fifty-four players completed the survey. Thirtyone (57%) respondents reported at least one concussion diagnosed during their playing career, with 16 (30%) reporting two or more diagnosed concussions. Thirty-six (67%) players reported experiencing concussion symptoms at least once, with 26 (48%) reporting two or more occurrences of such symptoms. Of the 36 players who had experienced symptoms of concussion, 25 (69%) reported that they continued playing at least once after experiencing concussion symptoms. Seventeen players (36%) reported that they did not initially tell anyone about their concussion symptoms on at least one occasion, while seven players (19%) never disclosed their symptoms.

CONCLUSION

There is a high incidence of sport-related concussions reported in women's professional ice hockey players as well as an alarming rate of symptom nonreporting.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study provides new data on rates of concussion and symptom non-reporting among female professional ice hockey players and will aid clinicians in decision making when caring for these athletes.

Age and Outcomes in Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Comparison Across 3 Age Groups

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence exists concerning the effect of age on hip arthroscopy outcomes for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose was to investigate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and clinical failure rates across various age groups in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI. We hypothesized that older patients would experience lower improvements in PROs and higher clinical failure rates.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

A total of 109 of 130 eligible consecutive patients underwent hip arthroscopy for FAI with a minimum 5-year follow-up. Patients were stratified into 3 groups for comparison (ages 15-34, 35-50, and 51-75 years). Clinical survival rates to revision surgery or total hip arthroplasty (THA) were determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and PROs were assessed using analysis of variance. Regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with clinical failure and ΔPROs from baseline to 5 years.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival-to-revision rate was 71% (survival time, 69.2 months; 95% CI, 62.8 to 75.5 months). A significant difference in survival to THA was found between groups (P = .030). Being in the older group versus the young and middle-aged groups predicted increased risk of THA conversion (hazard ratio, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 28.6; P = .035). Overall modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS) improved from baseline to 5 years (mHHS, P < .001; NAHS, P < .001). Body mass index (mHHS: beta, -1.2; 95% CI, -2.2 to -0.3; P = .013; NAHS: beta, -1.6; 95% CI, -2.6 to -0.5; P = .005) and baseline PROs (mHHS: beta, -0.8; 95% CI, -1.1 to -0.4; P < .001; NAHS: beta, -0.7; 95% CI, -1.1 to -0.4; P < .001) were predictive of 5-year ΔPROs. A decrease was seen in minimal clinically important difference rates in middle-aged (P = .011) and old (P = .030) groups from 6-month to 5-year outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Although hip arthroscopy for FAI yielded improvements in PROs regardless of age, middle-aged and older patients experienced greater declines in clinical outcomes over time than younger patients. Older patients remain good candidates for arthroscopy despite a greater risk for conversion to THA.

Radiographic Factors Associated With Failure of Revision Hip Arthroscopy

Purpose

To identify clinical and radiographic factors associated with failure of revision hip arthroscopy (RHA).

Methods

A database was used to identify patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy and revision hip arthroscopy (RHA) from January 2007 to December 2017 for the indication of femoroacetabular impingement and failure of the index procedure, respectively. The primary outcome was defined as the change, or difference, in the preoperative to postoperative alpha angle between patients with successful RHA and those with failed RHA. Failure was defined as reoperation on the operative hip for any indication or a modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) of less than 70 at the 1-year postoperative time point. All patients had a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up from the date of revision hip surgery. Patients with a history of revision were divided into those with failed revisions and those with successful revisions. The inclusion criteria for failed revision included a history of subsequent revision surgery (or arthroplasty) or an mHHS of less than 70 at final follow-up.

Results

The study included 26 patients, comprising 8 (31%) with failed RHA and 18 (69%) with successful revision. The failure group showed a significantly smaller decrease in the alpha angle with surgery, measured on the Dunn view, compared with the success group. When the preoperative alpha angle was held constant, each 1° increase in the difference between the preoperative and postoperative alpha angles achieved during surgery was associated with a 17% decrease in the odds of failure. Patients included in the success group had both a higher preoperative mHHS (44.2 ± 8.6 vs 34.7 ± 9.6) and a higher postoperative mHHS (83.2 ± 8.3 vs 62.3 ± 14.2) than patients with failed RHA. There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency of patients who achieved the patient acceptable symptomatic state of +74.0 between the failure (25%) and success (83%) groups; 88% of patients in the failure group met the minimal clinically important difference, whereas 100% of patients in the success group (n = 18) met it.

Conclusions

Complete resection of cam lesions as determined by changes in the alpha angle, anterior offset, and head-neck ratio when measured on the Dunn 45° view correlates with positive clinical outcomes after RHA.

Level of Evidence

III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

Distal biceps femoris avulsions: Associated injuries and neurological sequelae

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe associated injuries in cases of distal biceps femoris avulsions (DBFA) as well as the incidence of neurological injury and radiographic abnormalities of the common peroneal nerve (CPN).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients presenting to our office or trauma center with DBFA injuries. Demographic data was obtained as well as mechanism of injury. Assessment of concomitant injuries and presence of neurologic injury was completed via chart review and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) review. The CPN was evaluated for signs of displacement or neuritis.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were identified (mean age-at-injury 28.6 years, 87.5% male) with DBFA. Three patients (18.8%) sustained their injuries secondary to high energy trauma while 13 (81.3%) had injuries secondary to lower energy trauma. Nine patients (56.3%) initially presented with CPN palsy. All patients presenting with CPN palsy of any kind were found to have a displaced CPN on MRI and no patient with a normal nerve course had a CPN palsy.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series demonstrates a strong association between DBFA and CPN palsy as well as multi-ligamentous knee injury (MLKI). These injuries have a higher rate of CPN palsy than that typically reported for MLKI. Furthermore, these findings suggest that CPN displacement on MRI may be a clinically significant indicator of nerve injury. LOE: IV.

Early Experience with Virtual Pediatric Orthopedics in New York CityPearls for Incorporating Telemedicine into Your Practice

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize challenges and benefits to the use of tele-medicine for the treatment of pediatric orthopedic patients during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A novel survey was sent to all faculty members at an academic pediatric orthopedic practice in New York City regarding their use of telemedicine in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

Faculty members performed 227 unique tele-health visits with pediatric orthopedic patients over a 7-week period in early 2020, and this formed the basis for responses to the survey. The results of the faculty survey suggest that telemedicine has substantial clinical benefits for pediatric orthopedic surgeons and our patients that extend beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers recognize the limits of conducting physical exams over telemedicine and should always use clinical judgment when evaluating patients, par-ticularly trauma patients who may require prompt referral for additional care.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability to provide pediatric orthopedic care through telemedicine has allowed us to safely evaluate and treat pediatric patients with musculoskeletal problems in New York City and its environs despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The efficient evaluation of both new and exist-ing pediatric orthopedic patients via telehealth is viable. Physical examination is the most challenging aspect of the physician-patient encounter to replicate virtually. Targeted educational efforts for patients and their families before the visit about what to expect and how to prepare improves efficiency with virtual pediatric orthopedic visits. Efforts to limit disparities in access to telemedicine will be needed to allow all pediatric orthopedic patients to participate in telemedicine equitably.

The Simplified Science of Corticosteroids for Clinicians

Clinicians should be aware of the differences in corticosteroid formulations as these differences dictate which agent is best in various clinical situations. Corticosteroids work primarily by modulating transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational mechanisms within cellular nuclei to decrease the production of inflammatory mediators. Because this process requires change at the cellular level, clinical effects typically take days. The main consideration when selecting a corticosteroid is solubility. Less-soluble agents have a longer onset of action and a longer duration. However, they can have negative side effects on soft-tissue structures. They are ideal for intra-articular use. More-soluble agents have a faster onset of action but are rapidly cleared. They are ideal for extra-articular soft-tissue structures. Fluorinated compounds have decreased solubility, which further increases duration of action, but they have been shown to be associated with tendon rupture and atrophy.

Age-Associated Pathology and Functional Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy in Female Patients: Analysis With 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Previous research has demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between hip arthroscopy outcomes and age.

PURPOSE

To investigate the link, if any, between hip arthroscopy outcomes and intraoperative pathology as well as with patient age and sex.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Of 272 female patients aged ≥14 years undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement between August 2010 and September 2017, and with 2-year patient-reported outcome scores, a total of 194 (71.3%) were included for final analysis. These patients were separated into 3 age-based cohorts: <30 years (n = 44), 30 to 45 years (n = 74), and >45 years (n = 76). Their data were then analyzed and compared with respect to patient characteristic information, intraoperative pathology, and functional outcome scores for statistical significance, which was set at P < .05.

RESULTS

When an analysis of variance was conducted for the 3 age groups at 2-year follow-up, there was a statistically significant difference for modified Hip Harris Score (P = .0003; <30 years, 88.26 ± 13.1 [mean ± SD]; 30-45 years, 82.68 ± 18.0; >45 years, 75.03 ± 19.5). The results of an analysis of variance comparing 2-year Non-arthritic Hip Score were also statistically significant (P = .0002; <30 years, 89.9 ± 13.7; 30-45 years, 85.8 ± 15.8; >45 years, 78.1 ± 17.2). Results of logistic regression demonstrated that the odds of a cam-type lesion decreased by 0.971 for every additional year in age among female patients. The odds of achieving the patient-acceptable symptomatic state decreased by a factor of 0.96 for each additional year in age (P < .0004).

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement in females led to improved functional outcomes at 2 years of follow-up, although older female patients did worse after hip arthroscopy as compared with their younger counterparts. There may be an age-dependent decrease in incidence of cam-type lesions in female patients.

Opioid Stewardship in Orthopaedic Surgery: Principles and Practice

The abuse of prescription opioid pain medication has contributed to the U.S. opioid crisis. Opioid stewardship programs ensure that our patients receive the safest and most effective opioid regimens. Opioid stewardship programs involve a multidisciplinary team, including pharmacists, orthopaedic surgeons, nurses, pain management personnel, and anesthesiologists. All of these stakeholders work together to formulate the best evidence-based use of these medications.