Pregnancy and infertility in orthopedics: A review of the current state

BACKGROUND

Orthopedic surgery continues to have one of the lowest rates of female trainees among all medical specialties in the United States. Barriers to pursuing a surgical residency include the challenges of family planning and work-life balance during training.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of articles published between June 2012 and December 2022 in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was performed in January 2023 according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis). Studies were included if they evaluated pregnancy and peripartum experience and/or outcomes amongst orthopedic surgeons or trainees.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included. Up to 67.3% of female orthopedic surgeons and trainees and 38.7% of their male counterparts delayed childbearing during residency. The most reported reasons for this delay included career choice as an orthopedic surgeon, residency training, and reputational concerns among faculty or co-residents. Infertility ranged from 17.0% to 30.4% in female orthopedic surgeons and up to 31.2% suffered obstetric complications. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) resulted in 12.4%-56.3% of successful pregnancies. Maternity and paternity leaves ranged from 1 to 11 weeks for trainees with more negative attitudes associated with maternal leave.

CONCLUSIONS

Female orthopedic trainees and attending delay childbearing, experience higher rates of obstetric complications, and more stigma associated with pregnancy compared to their male colleagues. Program and institutional policies regarding maternity and paternity leave are variable across programs, and therefore, attention should be directed toward standardizing policies.

The Second Annual Musculoskeletal Biologics Special Issue Highlights Evidence-Based Therapies

Orthopaedic biologics continues to hold great promise. The editors of Arthroscopy; Arthroscopy Techniques; and Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation once again Call for Papers and invite authors to submit clinical musculoskeletal biologics original scientific research and technical notes with video. Our top articles are awarded inclusion in the Annual Musculoskeletal Biologics Special Issue.

The Purpose of Journal Peer Review Is to Make Articles Better

Authors may have the misconception that the purpose of peer review is to serve as an arbiter or referee, or in other words, to make a binary, Accept After Revision versus Reject, decision whether an article will be published in our journal. In truth, although making that difficult decision is part of the process, it is only a part. The principal goal of peer review is to make articles better.

Bilateral Subacromial-Subdeltoid Rice Bodies in the Shoulder: A Surgical Case Report

Introduction

Rice bodies (RBs) are pale and glossy appearing small fibrinous nodules that form due to synovial or tenosynovial joint inflammation. RBs are significant as they are common in orthopedic practices causing nonspecific symptoms such as pain, swelling, range of motion limitations, crepitus, and catching sensations. These loose bodies occur often within the bursa as a symptom of chronic bursitis and are commonly associated with rheumatoid, inflammatory, or tuberculous arthritis. Reports on RBs are present; however, few bilateral cases within the shoulder appear in the literature. Case Presentation. This case demonstrates an unusual bilateral, subacromial-subdeltoid presentation of rice bodies (RBs) in a 41-year-old Caucasian female patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis. We describe treatment with right shoulder arthroscopy to remove the loose bodies. One-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) show improvement in symptoms, pain, and overall function.

Conclusion

Formation of RBs occurs as a symptom of an inflammatory response in synovial joints. This provokes multiple small fibrin aggregates to collect within synovial bursae and occasionally tendon sheaths. RBs are rarely seen bilaterally. Arthroscopic removal of RBs is an appropriate treatment method for symptom improvement.

Editorial Commentary: When Managing Patellofemoral Instability, Mind Your P's and Q's: Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Versus Medial Quadriceps Tendon Femoral Ligament Versus Medial Patellofemoral Complex

Our understanding of patellar instability and the medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) has evolved over the past 15 years. Despite advancements and appreciation of the anatomy and biomechanics of the MPFC, the best surgical treatment for recurrent patellar instability has yet to be determined. The goals of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), medial quadriceps tendon femoral ligament (MQTFL), or MPFC reconstructions (with grafts from both the patella and quad to the femur) are to return patients back to activity and avoid complications such as recurrent instability, overconstraint, secondary arthrosis, and potential patellar fracture from surgical drill holes. Other considerations when managing recurrent instability include patella alta, hypermobility, and whether an osteotomy procedure is indicated. Although we always need to make good choices and mind our P's and Q's, the big question remains: Is MPFL, MQTFL, or MPFC the best choice for our patients?

A modified Delphi consensus statement on patellar instability: part II

Aims

The aim of this study was to establish consensus statements on medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, anteromedialization tibial tubercle osteotomy, trochleoplasty, and rehabilitation and return to sporting activity in patients with patellar instability, using the modified Delphi process.

Methods

This was the second part of a study dealing with these aspects of management in these patients. As in part I, a total of 60 surgeons from 11 countries contributed to the development of consensus statements based on their expertise in this area. They were assigned to one of seven working groups defined by subtopics of interest. Consensus was defined as achieving between 80% and 89% agreement, strong consensus was defined as between 90% and 99% agreement, and 100% agreement was considered unanimous.

Results

Of 41 questions and statements on patellar instability, none achieved unanimous consensus, 19 achieved strong consensus, 15 achieved consensus, and seven did not achieve consensus.

Conclusion

Most statements reached some degree of consensus, without any achieving unanimous consensus. There was no consensus on the use of anchors in MPFL reconstruction, and the order of fixation of the graft (patella first versus femur first). There was also no consensus on the indications for trochleoplasty or its effect on the viability of the cartilage after elevation of the osteochondral flap. There was also no consensus on postoperative immobilization or weightbearing, or whether paediatric patients should avoid an early return to sport.

A modified Delphi consensus statement on patellar instability: part I

Aims

The aim of this study was to establish consensus statements on the diagnosis, nonoperative management, and indications, if any, for medial patellofemoral complex (MPFC) repair in patients with patellar instability, using the modified Delphi approach.

Methods

A total of 60 surgeons from 11 countries were invited to develop consensus statements based on their expertise in this area. They were assigned to one of seven working groups defined by subtopics of interest within patellar instability. Consensus was defined as achieving between 80% and 89% agreement, strong consensus was defined as between 90% and 99% agreement, and 100% agreement was considered to be unanimous.

Results

Of 27 questions and statements on patellar instability, three achieved unanimous consensus, 14 achieved strong consensus, five achieved consensus, and five did not achieve consensus.

Conclusion

The statements that reached unanimous consensus were that an assessment of physeal status is critical for paediatric patients with patellar instability. There was also unanimous consensus on early mobilization and resistance training following nonoperative management once there is no apprehension. The statements that did not achieve consensus were on the importance of immobilization of the knee, the use of orthobiologics in nonoperative management, the indications for MPFC repair, and whether a vastus medialis oblique advancement should be performed.

Psychological Aspects of Return to Sport for the Female Athlete

Female athletes represent a unique population of competitors who face distinct stressors when compared with male athletes. These include sport inequities, violence, abuse, body image concerns, disordered eating, relative energy deficiency, family planning challenges, hormonal challenges, and mental distress. When combined with sports injuries, these stressors can negatively impact the mental health of female athletes as well as their injury recovery and return to sports. It is essential for orthopaedic surgeons to be familiar with the unique aspects inherent to being a female athlete, along with the psychological aspects of sports injuries. By integrating questions about female athletes' psychological well-being into their routine practice and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, orthopaedic surgeons can better address these unique stressors, support female athletes in achieving optimal outcomes, and enhance return to sport rates.

Level of Evidence

V, expert opinion.

Editorial Commentary: Spontaneous Insufficiency Fracture of the Knee, Formerly Known as Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee, May Benefit From Combined Mosaicplasty and High Tibial Osteotomy: Better Together

Spontaneous insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK) previously termed spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) is a painful knee condition that can occur spontaneously from unknown causes. Histology confirms that a subchondral insufficiency fracture is the true finding and osteonecrosis is a secondary and end-stage finding of the SIFK spectrum of disease. SIFK demonstrates a subchondral fracture and bone marrow edema (BME) on MRI and if left untreated, it can lead to collapse. SONK is most often diagnosed in middle-aged and older patients and is more common in females. It is usually found in the medial femoral condyle. Approximately one-third of patients progressed to total knee arthroplasty. Factors that contributed to disease progression included baseline arthritis, older age, location of the insufficiency fracture, meniscal extrusion, and varus malalignment. Positive outcomes have been reported when SIFK is treated with a combination of mosaicplasty (MOS) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO). And just as like MOS and HTO work better together, we need to collaborate to find solutions. We too are better together.

Up to One-Half of Runners Return to Running One Year After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

Obesity and sex influence fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff: the Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup (ROW) and Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) cohorts

BACKGROUND

Fatty infiltration (FI) is one of the most important prognostic factors for outcomes after rotator cuff surgery. Established risk factors include advancing age, larger tear size, and increased tear chronicity. A growing body of evidence suggests that sex and obesity are associated with FI; however, data are limited.

METHODS

We recruited 2 well-characterized multicenter cohorts of patients with rotator cuff tears (Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network [MOON] cohort [n = 80] and Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup [ROW] cohort [n = 158]). We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the presence of FI while adjusting for the participant's age at magnetic resonance imaging, sex, and duration of shoulder symptoms, as well as the cross-sectional area of the tear. We analyzed the 2 cohorts separately and performed a meta-analysis to combine estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 27 patients (33.8%) in the Multicenter Orthopaedic Outcomes Network (MOON) cohort and 57 patients (36.1%) in the Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup (ROW) cohort had FI. When BMI < 25 kg/m2 was used as the reference category, being overweight was associated with a 2.37-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-7.29) increased odds of FI and being obese was associated with a 3.28-fold (95% CI, 1.16-9.25) increased odds of FI. Women were 4.9 times (95% CI, 2.06-11.69) as likely to have FI as men.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with rotator cuff tears, obese patients had a substantially higher likelihood of FI. Further research is needed to assess whether modifying BMI can alter FI in patients with rotator cuff tears. This may have significant clinical implications for presurgical surgical management of rotator cuff tears. Sex was also significantly associated with FI, with women having higher odds of FI than men. Higher odds of FI in female patients may also explain previously reported early suboptimal outcomes of rotator cuff surgery and higher pain levels in female patients as compared with male patients.

Editorial Commentary: Large-Diameter Quadrupled Hamstring Autografts Are an Acceptable Option for National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I College Football Players: We Must Challenge Our Comfort Zone to Be Successful in the End Zone

The majority of surgeons caring for elite American football teams choose bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) autograft for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. As we strive to continue to improve currently favorable outcomes, we need to consider all options regarding graft choice, surgical technique, and postoperative rehabilitation. Advantages of BTB include an excellent track record, potential for faster incorporation with bone-to-bone healing. Disadvantages include risk of patellar fracture/tendon rupture and anterior knee pain. The pros of quadrupled hamstring (QH) graft include stronger graft (higher ultimate load to failure) and less anterior knee pain and stiffness, and the cons include loss of flexion/hamstring strength and slower healing in the tunnels. Several studies have shown that smaller grafts have higher failure rates, and recent research shows that QH grafts >9 mm had decreased risk of revision compared to BTB. We can now quadruple the semitendinosus tendon to provide elite athletes with even more robust grafts. Large-diameter QH autografts are an acceptable option for National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college football players.

Factors Associated With Symptomatic Rotator Cuff Tears: The Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Although rotator cuff tear is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders, its etiology is poorly understood. We assessed factors associated with the presence of rotator cuff tears in a cohort of patients with shoulder pain.

DESIGN

From February 2011 to July 2016, a longitudinal cohort of patients with shoulder pain was recruited. Patients completed a detailed questionnaire in addition to a magnetic resonance imaging scan and a clinical shoulder evaluation. The association of multiple factors associated with rotator cuff tears was assessed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

In our cohort of 266 patients, 61.3% of patients had a rotator cuff tear. Older age (per 1 yr: odds ratio = 1.03, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.07), involvement of the dominant shoulder (odds ratio = 2.02, 95% confidence interval = 1.16-3.52), and a higher body mass index (per 1 kg/m2: odds ratio = 1.06, 95% confidence interval = 1.03-1.12) were independently associated with rotator cuff tears. Sex, depression, smoking status, shoulder use at work, hypertension, and diabetes were not significantly associated with rotator cuff tear.

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of patients with shoulder pain, we identified older age, involvement of the dominant shoulder, and a higher body mass index to be independently associated with rotator cuff tear. The mechanism of how these factors possibly lead to rotator cuff tears needs further research.

TO CLAIM CME CREDITS

Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCME.

CME OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Identify factors associated with an increased risk of developing rotator cuff tears in adults; (2) Describe the current epidemiological trends of rotator cuff tears in the United States; and (3) Discuss the pathophysiological role of aging in the development of nontraumatic rotator cuff tears.

LEVEL

Advanced.

ACCREDITATION

The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Comparative Time to Improvement in Nonoperative and Operative Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears

BACKGROUND

Comparative time to recovery after operative and nonoperative treatment for rotator cuff tears is an important consideration for patients. Hence, we compared the time to achieve clinically meaningful reduction in shoulder pain and function after treatment.

METHODS

From February 2011 to June 2015, a multicenter cohort of patients with rotator cuff tears undergoing operative or nonoperative treatment was recruited. After propensity score weighting, the Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the time to achieve a minimal clinically important difference (MCID), >30% reduction, and >50% reduction in the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores. (In our analysis, both ASES and SPADI were coded such that a lower number corresponded to a better outcome; thus, the word "reduction" was used to indicate improvement in both ASES and SPADI scores.) A 2-stage test was conducted to detect a difference between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

In this cohort, 96 patients underwent nonoperative treatment and 73 patients underwent a surgical procedure. The surgical treatment group and the nonoperative treatment group were significantly different with respect to SPADI and ASES scores (p < 0.05). The maximum difference between groups in achievement of the MCID for the SPADI scores was at 3.25 months, favoring the nonoperative treatment group. The probability to achieve the MCID was 0.06 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.00 to 0.12) for the surgical treatment group compared with 0.40 (95% CI, 0.29 to 0.50) for the nonoperative treatment group. The surgical treatment group had a greater probability of achieving >50% reduction in SPADI scores at 15.49 months (0.20 [95% CI, 0.12 to 0.29] for the surgical treatment group compared with 0.04 [95% CI, 0.00 to 0.09] for the nonoperative treatment group). The surgical treatment group had a greater probability of achieving >50% reduction in ASES scores at 24.74 months (0.96 [95% CI, 0.84 to 0.99] for the surgical treatment group compared with 0.66 [95% CI, 0.53 to 0.75] for the nonoperative treatment group). The differences for >30% reduction in SPADI and ASES scores and the MCID for ASES scores were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing nonoperative treatment had significantly better outcomes in the initial follow-up period compared with patients undergoing a surgical procedure, but this trend reversed in the longer term. These data can be used to inform expectations for nonoperative and operative treatments for rotator cuff tears.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Can pharmacological and non-pharmacological sleep aids reduce post-operative pain and opioid usage? A review of the literature

Sleep is important for our health and well-being and is especially pertinent to orthopedic surgery because it has been shown to play a role in pain tolerance. Knowing the benefits of sleep, one way to positively impact patients’ pain and recovery post-surgery is to encourage sleep. Zolpidem, a pharmacologic sleep aid, has been shown to decrease opioid consumption, reduce pain, and increase quality of life when briefly used after orthopedic procedures. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), a nonpharmacologic sleep aid, has been shown to increase the quality of sleep and sleep time, decrease sleep onset latency, decrease pain, and help patients maintain those gains. Because of the dangers of opioids, it is important for physicians to search for alternative methods to manage their patients’ pain, like zolpidem and CBT-I. More research is needed to determine which method may be the most efficacious and how these can be integrated into patient care.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: Indications, Technique, and Outcomes

The medial patellofemoral ligament is the primary static restraint to lateral patellar translation. It is injured in 96% to 100% of patellar dislocations that affect approximately 6 to 29 of 100,000 patients and is more common in patients younger than 20 years of age. Risk factors for patellar dislocation include patella alta, trochlear dysplasia, genu valgus, increased Q angle, and hyperlaxity. The treatment for patellar instability depends on the clinical and radiographic findings and can be nonoperative for first-time dislocations (bracing, proximal strengthening, and progressive return to sport) or operative for recurrent dislocations. It is critical for medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction to reproduce the anatomy and isometry of the native ligament. Graft choice and methods of fixation are less critical to achieve successful outcomes. Studies have reported successful outcomes and improved Kujala scores, with recurrent instability ranging from 1% to 5%. Careful surgical technique can avoid complications, including fracture, graft failure, loss of range of motion, persistent anterior knee pain, medial instability, and recurrent instability. The role of the medial quadriceps tendon femoral ligament also should be considered more in future research.

Comparative Effectiveness of Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears: A Propensity Score Analysis From the ROW Cohort

BACKGROUND

The evidence to support operative versus nonoperative treatment for rotator cuff tears is sparse and inconclusive.

PURPOSE

To assess pain and functional outcomes in patients undergoing operative and nonoperative treatments for rotator cuff tears.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

From March 2011 to February 2015, a multicenter cohort of patients with rotator cuff tears undergoing operative and nonoperative treatments was recruited. Patients completed a detailed history questionnaire, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) standardized form and underwent magnetic resonance imaging. In addition to baseline assessments, patients received follow-up questionnaires at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Propensity score weighting was used to balance differences in characteristics of the operative and nonoperative groups.

RESULTS

Adjusted for propensity scores, the operative (n = 50) and nonoperative (n = 77) groups had similar characteristics, as evidenced by the small standardized mean differences between the groups. Adjusted mean differences in the SPADI and ASES scores between the operative and nonoperative groups were -22.0 points (95% CI, -32.1 to -11.8) and -22.2 points (95% CI, -32.8 to -11.6) at 18 months, respectively. The operative group had a significantly higher proportion of patients who showed ≥30% (P = .002) and ≥50% (P < .0001) improvement in SPADI and ASES scores as compared with the nonoperative group.

CONCLUSION

In this prospective cohort study, patients undergoing operative treatment had significantly better pain and functional outcomes as compared with patients undergoing nonoperative treatment for rotator cuff tears. Differences between the 2 groups in SPADI and ASES scores at the 6- to 18-month time points met the minimal clinically important difference (depending on the threshold used). A large randomized controlled trial is needed to answer this question more definitively.

Which Is the Best Outcome Measure for Rotator Cuff Tears?

BACKGROUND

The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Form (ASES), the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and the shortened Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (quickDASH) are patient-reported upper extremity-specific outcome scales currently used to evaluate patients with rotator cuff tears. This heterogeneity does not allow for a uniform metric for research and patient care.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Our objective was to determine psychometric properties (reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and responsiveness) of five commonly used outcome instruments (the ASES, the SPADI, the quickDASH, the SF-12, and the EuroQol-5D) in a longitudinal study of patients undergoing treatment for rotator cuff tears.

METHODS

From February 2011 through June 2015, 120 patients completed a standardized history, the five outcome scales under study, a physical examination, and an MRI. Of these, 47 (39%) were lost to followup before 18 months, and another 24 (20%) were accounted for at 18 months but had missing data at one or more of the earlier prespecified followup intervals (3, 6, or 12 months). Reliability (the reproducibility of an outcome instrument between subjects; tested by Cronbach's alpha), convergent and discriminant validity (determining which outcome measures correlate most strongly with others; tested by Spearman's correlation coefficients), and responsiveness (the change in outcome scales over time based on percent improvement in shoulder functionality using the minimal clinically important difference [MCID] and the subjective shoulder value) were calculated.

RESULTS

All outcomes measures had a Cronbach's alpha above 0.70 (range, 0.74-0.94) and therefore were considered reliable. Convergent validity was demonstrated as the upper extremity-specific measures (SPADI, ASES, and quickDASH) were more strongly correlated with each other (rho = 0.74-0.81; p < 0.001) than with any of the other measures. Discriminant validity was demonstrated because the Spearman's correlation coefficients were stronger for the relationships between upper extremity measures compared with the correlations between upper extremity measures and general health measures for 53 of the 54 correlations that were compared. Both internal and external responsiveness of the measures was supported. Patients who achieved the MCID and at least a 30% change on the subjective shoulder value had more positive change in scores over time compared with those who did not. Mixed model linear regressions revealed that all three upper extremity-specific measures had a group by time interaction for the MCID, indicating that patients who achieved the MCID had greater change over time compared with those who did not achieve the MCID. Results showed that the measure with the best discrimination between groups, or best internal responsiveness, was the ASES (beta = -8.26, 95% confidence interval [CI], -11.39 to -5.14; p < 0.001; η = 0.089) followed by the SPADI (beta = 6.88, 95% CI, 3.78-9.97; p < 0.001; η = 0.088) then the quickDASH (beta = 3.43, 95% CI, 0.86-6.01; p = 0.009, η = 0.027). Measures with the best external responsiveness followed the same pattern of results.

CONCLUSIONS

All the upper extremity-specific scales had acceptable psychometric properties. Correlations were high and thus only one upper extremity-specific instrument is needed for outcome assessment. Given the overall psychometric assessment, we recommend SPADI be the shoulder-specific instrument used to assess outcomes in patients with rotator cuff tears.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, diagnostic study.

Physical therapy versus natural history in outcomes of rotator cuff tears: the Rotator Cuff Outcomes Workgroup (ROW) cohort study

BACKGROUND

We compared the outcomes of patients who performed physical therapy versus those who did not in a longitudinal cohort of patients undergoing nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff tears. We also assessed whether there was a dose effect in which the pain and functional outcomes in patients performing physical therapy plateaued.

METHODS

From February 2011 to June 2015, a multicenter cohort of patients with rotator cuff tears undergoing nonoperative treatment completed a detailed health and demographic questionnaire and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Longitudinal mixed models were used to assess whether physical therapy in the first 3 months predicted SPADI scores and dose effect.

RESULTS

Among the 55 patients in our cohort, the performance of physical therapy within the first 3 months predicted better SPADI scores versus nonperformance of physical therapy at 3 months (P = .02). Scores were similar between groups at 6, 12, and 18 months. A threshold of 16 physical therapy sessions was observed for pain and functional improvement during follow-up, after which significant improvement was not seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who performed physical therapy within the first 3 months had statistically significant improvements in pain and function as measured by the SPADI score at 3 months compared with patients who did not report performing physical therapy. Depending on the minimal clinically important difference used for the SPADI score, our results could be interpreted as meeting the minimal clinically important difference threshold or not. Improvement in outcomes was observed up to 16 sessions of physical therapy, after which outcomes plateaued.

Sex Differences in Common Sports-Related Injuries

Sex plays a role in mediating different susceptibilities and outcomes of disease and injury. Sports injuries are included in this phenomenon, as recent research demonstrates that males and females show differences in incidences of varying injuries, presentations of injury, and treatment outcomes. Incidence of certain sports injuries like anterior cruciate ligament injury or patellofemoral pain syndrome may vary widely between male and female athletes, with female athletes being more susceptible to anterior cruciate ligament injury and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Treatment outcomes for males and females may also vary widely. For example, males have a higher risk of recurrent shoulder instability compared with females. These variances among incidence and outcome following certain injuries highlight the necessity of understanding these differences to provide quality care. It is especially important for the school nurse to be aware of these sex differences as they are well positioned to make youth athletes and their families aware of the varying injury susceptibilities among them.

Youth Sports Specialization: Does Practice Make Perfect?

In the United States, there has been a steady increase in sports participation across all age groups. An estimated 27 million youths between the ages of 6 and 18 years participate in team sports, and 60 million participate in some form of organized athletics. While there are great benefits from sports participation, early single sport specialization carries an increased risk of overuse injuries and burnout. Specialization has become increasingly popular among parents and coaches due to the common belief that it is the best way to develop an elite athlete. However, for most sports, there is no evidence that specialization before puberty is necessary to achieve elite status and in fact, there is evidence to the contrary. A recent American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) consensus statement has highlighted the negative side effects of early sports specialization; these include increased risk for overuse injury and burnout. School nurses are well-positioned to affect this issue through providing education and raising awareness of the potential detrimental consequences associated with youth sport specialization.

Predictors of Pain and Functional Outcomes After the Nonoperative Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears

Background:

Optimal patient selection is key to the success of nonoperative treatment for rotator cuff tears.

Purpose:

To assess the predictors of pain and functional outcomes in a longitudinal cohort of patients undergoing nonoperative treatment.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A multicenter cohort of patients with rotator cuff tears undergoing nonoperative treatment was recruited from March 2011 to February 2015. Patients completed a detailed health questionnaire, completed standardized shoulder questionnaires including the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and underwent magnetic resonance imaging. In addition to baseline assessments, patients received follow-up questionnaires at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Longitudinal mixed models were used to test predictors of the SPADI score, and interactions with time were assessed.

Results:

In our cohort of 70 patients, being married as compared with being single/divorced/widowed (P = .02), a shorter duration of symptoms (P = .02), daily shoulder use at work that included light or no manual labor versus moderate or heavy manual labor (P = .04), alcohol use of 1 to 2 times per week or more as compared with 2 to 3 times per month or less (P = .007), and absence of fatty infiltration (P = .0009) were significantly associated with decreased SPADI scores (improved shoulder pain and disability) over time. When interactions with time were assessed, having a college level of education or higher compared with less than a college education showed a differential effect over time, with those with a college level of education or more having lower SPADI scores (P = .004). Partial-thickness tear versus full-thickness tear also had an interaction with follow-up duration, such that those with a partial-thickness tear had lower SPADI scores (P = .0002).

Conclusion:

Longitudinal predictors of better outcomes of the nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff tears included being married, having at least a college education, shorter duration of symptoms, light or manual labor in daily work, alcohol use of 1 to 2 times per week or more, partial-thickness tear, and absence of fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff. Our results suggest that nonoperative treatment should be performed early for optimal outcomes. These data can be used to select optimal candidates for the nonoperative treatment of rotator cuff tears and to assist with patient education and expectations before treatment.

Predictors of pain and functional outcomes after operative treatment for rotator cuff tears

BACKGROUND

Optimal patient selection is key to success of operative treatment for cuff tears. We assessed predictors of pain and functional outcomes in a longitudinal cohort of patients undergoing operative treatment.

METHODS

From March 2011 to January 2015, a cohort of patients with rotator cuff tears undergoing rotator cuff surgery was recruited. Patients completed a detailed health and demographic questionnaire, standardized shoulder questionnaires, including the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Patients received follow-up questionnaires at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. We assessed longitudinal predictors of SPADI using longitudinal mixed models. Interactions with follow-up duration after surgery were also assessed.

RESULTS

In our analysis (n = 50), a lower Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire physical activity score (P = .001) predicted a lower SPADI score (better shoulder pain and function). Those consuming alcohol 1 to 2 times per week or more had lower SPADI scores than those consuming alcohol 2 to 3 times per month or less (P = .017). Both of these variables had a significant interaction with duration of follow-up. Variables that were not significant predictors of SPADI included sociodemographic characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging characteristics, such as tear size and muscle quality, shoulder strength, and variations in surgical techniques/performance of adjuvant surgical procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Those with higher fear avoidance behavior and alcohol use of 1 to 2 times per week had worse shoulder pain and function at 18 months of follow-up. These data can be used to select optimal candidates for operative treatment of rotator cuff tears and assist with patient education and expectations before treatment.

Editorial Commentary: In a World of Endless Options, Is There a Single Solution? Management Options for Failed Anterior Instability Surgery in Athletes

There are many options to manage anterior instability of the shoulder. The management of athletes who have failed previous operative stabilization can make choosing a treatment solution difficult. A modified Latarjet without capsulolabral repair has been demonstrated to be a good choice when treating failed stabilization in a high-risk population with sufficient return to play and outcomes.

Factors impacting arthroscopic rotator cuff repair operational throughput time at an ambulatory care center

Identifying patient factors influencing operational throughput time is becoming more imperative due to an increasing focus on value and cost savings in healthcare. The primary objective of this study was to determine patient factors influencing throughput time for primary rotator cuff repairs. Demographic information, medical history and operative reports of 318 patients from one ambulatory care center were retrospectively reviewed. Operating room set up, incision to closure and recovery room time were collected from anesthesia records. Univariate analysis was performed for both continuous and categorical variables. A stepwise, multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with operating room time (incision to closure) and recovery room time. Of the 318 patients, the mean age was 54.4±10.0 and 197 (61%) were male. Male patients had a significantly longer OR time than females (115.5 vs. 100.8 minutes; P<0.001) Furthermore, patients set up in the beach chair position had a significantly longer OR time than patients positioned lateral decubitus (115.8 vs. 89.6 mins, P<0.0001). Number of tendons involved, and inclusion of distal clavicle excision, biceps tenodesis and labral debridement also added significant OR time. Type and number of support staff present also significantly affected OR time. Recovery room time was significantly longer patients who had surgery in the beach chair position (+9.61 minutes) and for those who had a cardiac-related medical comorbidity (+11.7 minutes). Our study found that patients positioned in a beach chair spent significantly more time in the operating and recovery rooms. While ease of set up has been a stated advantage of beach chair position, we found the perceived ease of set up does not result in more efficient OR throughput.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome in female athletes: A review of diagnoses, etiology and treatment options

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most common causes of knee pain and is present in females disproportionately more relative to males. PFPS causes tend to be multifactorial in nature and are described in this review. From a review of the current literature, it is clear that there needs to be further research on PFPS in order to better understand the complex etiology of this disorder in both males and females. It is known that females with patellofemoral pain syndrome demonstrate a decrease in abduction, external rotation and extension strength of the affected side compared with healthy patients. Conservative management, including optimizing muscle balance between the vastus medialis and lateralis around the patella along with formal therapy should be the first line of treatment in patients presenting with PFPS. Surgery should be reserved for patients in which all conservative management options have failed. This review aims to guide physicians in accurate clinicaldecision making regarding conservative and surgical treatment options when specifically faced with PFPS in a female athlete. Furthermore, we will discuss the anatomic variants, incidence and prevalence, etiology, diagnosis and treatment of PFPS.

Short-term effects of teriparatide versus placebo on bone biomarkers, structure, and fracture healing in women with lower-extremity stress fractures: A pilot study

AIMS

In this pilot, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated whether brief administration of teriparatide (TPTD) in premenopausal women with lower-extremity stress fractures would increase markers of bone formation in advance of bone resorption, improve bone structure, and hasten fracture healing according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

Premenopausal women with acute lower-extremity stress fractures were randomized to injection of TPTD 20-µg subcutaneous (s.c.) (n = 6) or placebo s.c. (n = 7) for 8 weeks. Biomarkers for bone formation N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP) and osteocalcin (OC) and resorption collagen type-1 cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX) and collagen type 1 cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX) were measured at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. The area between the percent change of P1NP and CTX over study duration is defined as the anabolic window. To assess structural changes, peripheral quantitative computed topography (pQCT) was measured at baseline, 8 and 12 weeks at the unaffected tibia and distal radius. The MRI of the affected bone assessed stress fracture healing at baseline and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

After 8 weeks of treatment, bone biomarkers P1NP and OC increased more in the TPTD- versus placebo-treated group (both p ≤ 0.01), resulting in a marked anabolic window (p ≤ 0.05). Results from pQCT demonstrated that TPTD-treated women showed a larger cortical area and thickness compared to placebo at the weight bearing tibial site, while placebo-treated women had a greater total tibia and cortical density. No changes at the radial sites were observed between groups. According to MRI, 83.3% of the TPTD- and 57.1% of the placebo-treated group had improved or healed stress fractures (p = 0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized, pilot study, brief administration of TPTD showed anabolic effects that TPTD may help hasten fracture healing in premenopausal women with lower-extremity stress fractures. Larger prospective studies are warranted to determine the effects of TPTD treatment on stress fracture healing in premenopausal women.

Editorial Commentary: Does Fatigue Alter Pitching Mechanics in Adolescent Males?

Over the course of 90 pitches to simulate an adolescent male pitching in a baseball game, there is an increase in fatigue and pain, a decrease in velocity, and some changes indicative of lower extremity fatigue without any change in upper extremity kinematics.

Assessment of medical school musculoskeletal education

Most medical fields require a basic knowledge of musculoskeletal medicine. Although many nonorthopedic clinicians treat musculoskeletal problems, this area of medicine is often given little time in medical school curricula. In the study reported here, a validated musculoskeletal cognitive evaluation was given to medical students before and after a new musculoskeletal module to determine the impact of the module on their competency in musculoskeletal medicine. Four hundred five students at a single medical school took the examination, which was corrected according to a validated scoring system, and the data were subsequently analyzed. Mean cognitive examination score was 40%. The recommended mean passing score for the examination is 73.1%. Scores were significantly (P < .05) higher for the premodule group (42.1%) than the postmodule group (39.1%). Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Students' overall mean score was far below passing, which demonstrates the inadequacy of musculoskeletal education within the medical school curriculum. That the postmodule group scored lower than the premodule group suggests that increasing musculoskeletal lecture time may not improve medical students' musculoskeletal knowledge.

Prevalence of internet and social media usage in orthopedic surgery

Prior studies in other specialties have shown that social networking and Internet usage has become an increasingly important means of patient communication and referral. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of Internet or social media usage in new patients referred to a major academic orthopedics center and to identify new avenues to optimize patient recruitment and communication. New patients were surveyed (n=752) between December 2012 to January 2013 in a major academic orthopaedic center to complete a 15-item questionnaire including social media and Internet usage information. Data was collected for all orthopaedic sub-specialties and statistical analysis was performed. Fifty percent of patients use social networking sites, such as Facebook. Sports medicine patients tend to be higher social networking users (35.9%) relative to other services (9.8-17.9%) and was statistically higher when compared to the joints/tumor service (P<0.0001). Younger age was the biggest indicator predicting the use of social media. Patients that travelled between 120 to 180 miles from the hospital for their visits were significantly more likely to be social media users, as were patients that did research on their condition prior to their new patient appointment. We conclude that orthopedic patients who use social media/Internet are more likely to be younger, researched their condition prior to their appointment and undergo a longer average day’s travel (120-180 miles) to see a physician. In an increasingly competitive market, surgeons with younger patient populations will need to utilize social networking and the Internet to capture new patient referrals.

Get up, get out, get moving: an interactive tool for education at your local school

BACKGROUND

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in America. Orthopaedic surgeons have an opportunity to interact with communities to educate children about healthy eating and physical activity. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) Leadership Fellows Program [1] Class of 2012 created a presentation for AAOS members to bring to local schools. The goal was to teach the children about the potential complications of childhood obesity and the benefits of healthy living.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We describe a program in which orthopaedic surgeons gave presentations to elementary school students about healthy eating and activity and the effects that extra weight can have on their bones.

METHODS

Each of the five members of the Leadership Fellows Program [1] 2012 class (JW, EM, MP, MR, MF) presented to a school in his or her hometown. The program was presented to 210 fifth grade children throughout the country. Before and after the presentation, students took a six-question multiple-choice quiz and answers compared to assess improvement in knowledge.

RESULTS

The average number of answers correct before the presentation was 4.5 out of six, and the average after the presentation was six of six. The presentations were well received, and the students and their teachers invited each presenter back the next year.

CONCLUSIONS

The improvement in quiz scores demonstrated interest among the students in that they paid attention and understood the content. The children appeared enthusiastic to learn about this subject, and the schools were enthusiastic to include the curriculum.

Efficacy and safety of risedronate 150-mg once a month in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: 2-year data

This study showed that risedronate 150-mg once a month provides similar efficacy and safety at 2 years compared with risedronate 5-mg daily for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. This adds to the range of risedronate dosing options and provides an alternative for patients who prefer once-a-month dosing.

INTRODUCTION

Risedronate is effective in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in oral daily, weekly, or on two consecutive days per month doses. This 2-year randomized, double-blind, multicenter study assesses the efficacy and safety of a single risedronate 150-mg once-a-month oral dose compared with the 5-mg daily regimen.

METHODS

Women with postmenopausal osteoporosis were randomly assigned to receive risedronate 5-mg daily (n = 642) or 150-mg once a month (n = 650) for 2 years. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers, new vertebral fractures, and adverse events were evaluated. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean percent change from baseline in lumbar spine BMD after 1 year.

RESULTS

Four hundred ninety-eight subjects in the daily group (77.6 %) and 513 subjects in the once-a-month group (78.9 %) completed the study. After 24 months, the mean percent change in lumbar spine BMD was 3.9 % (95 % confidence interval [CI], 3.43 to 4.42 %) and 4.2 % (95 % CI, 3.68 to 4.65 %) in the daily and once-a-month groups, respectively. The once-a-month regimen was determined to be non-inferior to the daily regimen. The mean percent changes in BMD at the hip were similar in both dose groups, as were changes in biochemical markers of bone turnover. The incidence of adverse events, adverse events leading to withdrawal, and upper gastrointestinal tract adverse events were similar in the two treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

After 2 years, treatment with risedronate 150-mg once a month provided similar efficacy and tolerability to daily dosing and provides an alternative for patients who prefer once-a-month oral dosing.

National trends in primary total hip arthroplasty in extremely young patients: a focus on bearing surface usage

The purpose of this study was to present national trends in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and bearing surface usage for patients 30 years and younger. Using the Healthcare-Cost-and-Utilization-Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2006 to 2009, 8919 primary THA discharges (4454 coded by bearing surface) were identified in patients 30 years and younger. The most commonly used bearing surface was metal-on-metal (MoM), representing 37.6% of cases, followed by ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) (24.6%), metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) (22.1%) and ceramic-on-polyethylene (15.7%). From 2006 to 2009, the percentage of THAs that used hard-on-hard bearing surfaces decreased (MoM: 42.9%-29.4%; CoC: 34.0%-19.7%).This decrease in hard-on-hard bearing surface usage presents a challenge for surgeons treating young patients to find other acceptable durable bearings that do not have the potential problems associated with MoM or CoC.

Rate of adverse reactions to more than 1 series of viscosupplementation

Viscosupplementation, hyaluronic acid treatment, is an ancillary method for treating patients with symptomatic stage I or II osteoarthritis. Previous studies reported that local reactions occurred more frequently in patients receiving >1 course of treatment compared with patients receiving their first course of treatment. One (2%) of 42 first series patients and 4 (21%) of 19 of repeated series patients had adverse reactions severe enough to seek unscheduled care.This study was performed to determine whether patients receiving >1 series of viscosupplementation had an increased adverse reaction rate. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who received >1 series of viscosupplementation during the study. A local adverse reaction was defined as acute swelling and pain in the knee, with no injury or trauma within 72 hours after hyaluronic acid injection.Twenty-eight knees received >1 series of viscosupplementation. The adverse reaction rate to second series injections was 1.28% (3.57% of knees). The adverse reaction rate to ≥3 series was 0.9% (6.67% of knees). This adverse reaction rate was significantly less than the 21% reported in previous studies for multiple series injections (z=-1.90; P<.05) and is not significantly different than the 2% rate of adverse reactions reported for first series injections. No significant difference existed in the adverse reaction rates between 2 series and ≥3 series of viscosupplementation.The current study suggests that the rate of adverse reaction was low at 1.28% of second series viscosupplementation.

Muscle cells enhance resistance to pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced cartilage destruction

Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and TNFalpha play important roles in the manifestation of arthritis by disrupting the anabolic and catabolic activities of the chondrocytes. We observed a novel mechanism of cartilage regulation by which muscle cells diminish the response of chondrocytes to IL-1beta and TNFalpha. We found that chondrocytes cocultured with muscle cells or cultured in muscle cell-conditioned medium significantly enhanced the expression of cartilage matrix proteins (collagen II and collagen IX) and resisted IL-1beta and TNFalpha-induced cartilage damage. Our data suggest that this effect is achieved by inhibiting the expression of key components of the signaling pathways of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including NFkappaB, ESE-1, Cox-2, and GADD45beta), leading to attenuated expression of cartilage-degrading enzymes (MMPs and ADAMTS4). Therefore, our work unveils a potential role of muscle in regulating cartilage homeostasis and response to pro-inflammatory stimuli, and provides insights on designing treatment strategies for joint degenerative diseases such as arthritis.

Monthly dosing of 75 mg risedronate on 2 consecutive days a month: efficacy and safety results

Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis received 75 mg risedronate on two consecutive days each month or 5 mg daily for 12 months. Changes in bone mineral density and bone turnover markers were similar between treatments. Risedronate 75 mg twice monthly was effective and safe suggesting a new, convenient dosing schedule.

INTRODUCTION

Patients perceive less frequent dosing as being more convenient. This 2-year trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of a new monthly oral regimen of risedronate; 1 year results are presented here.

METHODS

Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (n = 1229) were randomly assigned to double-blind treatment with 75 mg risedronate on two consecutive days each month (2CDM), or 5 mg daily. The primary endpoint was the percent change from baseline in lumbar spine (LS) bone mineral density (BMD) at month 12. Secondary efficacy was evaluated by mean percent changes from baseline in BMD in LS, total hip, trochanter, and femoral neck, and bone turnover markers (BTMs).

RESULTS

Risedronate 75 mg 2CDM was non-inferior to 5 mg daily (treatment difference 0.21; 95% CI -0.19 to 0.62). Mean percent change in LS-BMD was 3.4% +/- 0.16 and 3.6% +/- 0.15 respectively. Mean percent changes in BMD and BTMs were significant and similar for both treatment groups. New vertebral fractures occurred in 1% of subjects with either treatment. Both treatments were generally well tolerated and safe.

CONCLUSIONS

Risedronate 75 mg 2CDM was non-inferior in efficacy and did not show a difference in safety vs. 5 mg daily after 12 months, leading to a similar benefit.

Adequacy of education in musculoskeletal medicine

BACKGROUND

Basic musculoskeletal knowledge is essential to the practice of medicine. A validated musculoskeletal cognitive examination was given to medical students, residents, and staff physicians in multiple disciplines of medicine to assess the adequacy of their musculoskeletal medicine training.

METHODS

The examination was given to 334 volunteers consisting of medical students, residents, and staff physicians. Analysis of the data collected and comparisons across disciplines were performed.

RESULTS

The average cognitive examination score was 57%. Sixty-nine participants (21%) obtained a score of >/=73.1%, the recommended mean passing score. Of the sixty-nine with a passing score, forty (58%) were orthopaedic residents and staff physicians with an overall average score of 94%. Differences in the average scores for the orthopaedic residents compared with all other specialties were significant (p < 0.001). The average score was 69% for the 124 participants who stated that they had taken a required or an elective course in orthopaedics during their training compared with an average score of 50% for the 210 who had not taken an orthopaedic course (p < 0.001). When the scores of those in orthopaedics were excluded, the average score for the participants who had taken an orthopaedic course was 59%; this difference remained significant (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Seventy-nine percent of the participants failed the basic musculoskeletal cognitive examination. This suggests that training in musculoskeletal medicine is inadequate in both medical school and nonorthopaedic residency training programs. Among the nonorthopaedists, scores were significantly better if they had taken a medical school course or residency rotation in orthopaedics, suggesting that a rotation in orthopaedics would improve the general level of musculoskeletal knowledge.

Scaphoid stress fracture in a 13-year-old gymnast: a case report

We present a 13-year-old gymnast with a stress fracture of the scaphoid. Treatment was successful with immobilization for 8 weeks in a long arm spica cast followed by 4 weeks in a short arm splint.