Similar Medium-Term Revision Rates Following Acute Total Hip Arthroplasty Versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Acetabular Fractures in the Elderly.

BACKGROUND: The management of elderly acetabular fractures is complex, with high rates of conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), but potentially higher rates of complications after acute THA. METHODS: The California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database was queried between 2010 and 2017 for all patients aged 60 years or older who sustained a closed, isolated acetabular fracture and underwent ORIF, THA, or a combination. Chi-square tests and Student t tests were used to identify demographic differences between groups. Multivariate regression was used to evaluate predictors of 30-day readmission and 90-day complications. Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to estimate the revision surgery-free survival (revision-free survival [RFS]), with revision surgery defined as conversion THA, revision ORIF, or revision THA. RESULTS: A total of 2,184 surgically managed acetabular fractures in elderly patients were identified, with 1,637 (75.0%) undergoing ORIF and 547 (25.0%) undergoing THA with or without ORIF. Median follow-up was 295 days (interquartile range, 13 to 1720 days). 99.4% of revisions following ORIF were for conversion arthroplasty. Unadjusted KM analysis showed no difference in RFS between ORIF and THA (log-rank test P = 0.27). RFS for ORIF patients was 95.1%, 85.8%, 78.3%, and 71.4% at 6, 12, 24 and 60 months, respectively. RFS for THA patients was 91.6%, 88.9%, 87.2%, and 78.8% at 6, 12, 24 and 60 months, respectively. Roughly 50% of revisions occurred within the first year postoperatively (49% for ORIF, 52% for THA). In propensity score-matched analysis, there was no difference between RFS on KM analysis ( P = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: No difference was observed in medium-term RFS between acute THA and ORIF for elderly acetabular fractures in California. Revision surgeries for either conversion or revision THA were relatively common in both groups, with roughly half of all revisions occurring within the first year postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Patient-Reported Outcomes After Surgically Treated Anterior Horn Tears in the Pediatric Discoid Meniscus.

Background: As a subset of symptomatic discoid lateral meniscal (DLM) tears, anterior horn (AH) meniscal tears are not well studied in the pediatric population. There are even fewer studies reporting patient-reported outcomes after surgical treatment of AH tears in DLM. Purpose: To compare reported outcomes after surgical treatment of DLM tears involving the AH versus other locations in pediatric patients. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected patient data between 2013 and 2020 was conducted. Patients aged <18 years who underwent arthroscopic treatment of a symptomatic DLM were included. Pathology was classified as tears of the AH or tears not involving the anterior horn (NAH). Demographic data along with patient-reported outcome scores (Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee [Pedi-IKDC] and Patient Assessment Questionnaire [PAQ]) were collected preoperatively through 24 months of follow-up. Results: A total of 41 patients were included (median age, 12.9 years; range, 7-17 years; 32% female, 68% male). The mean follow-up time for was 25 months (range, 8-58 months). There were 17 (41%) patients in the AH group and 24 (59%) patients in the NAH group. Of the AH group, 16 (94%) were treated with meniscal repair (vs menisectomy), while 19 (79%) of the NAH group were treated with meniscal repair. All patients achieved significant pre- to postoperative improvement on both the Pedi-IKDC and the PAQ. At 24-month follow-up, there were no differences between the AH and NAH groups on the Pedi-IKDC (92.51 vs 89.72; P = .18) or the PAQ (2.57 vs 2.61; P = .06). Conclusion: Patients who underwent meniscal repair for AH DLM reported positive postoperative outcomes.

Postoperative Care and Outcomes in Solid-Organ Transplant Patients Undergoing Lower Extremity Fracture Treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the postoperative outcomes in solid-organ transplant (SOT) patients undergoing operative treatment of lower extremity fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. SETTING: Academic Level 1 trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients who underwent SOT and operative treatment of lower extremity fracture from 2013 to 2021 were identified, excluding pathologic fractures. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Postoperative complications, length of stay, time to death, 90-day and 1-year readmission rates, readmission causes, discharge location, and immunosuppressive regiments. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with an average age of 67 years (range 29-88) were included. The mortality rate was 37.7%. The average follow-up was 15.2 months (range of 2 weeks-10 years). The majority of patients (32.8%) had received a liver transplant, and femoral neck fractures constituted the largest fracture group. The average length of stay was 10 days, with the shortest being 1 day and the longest being 126 days (SD 18). The majority of patients (57.3%) were not discharged home. Only 2 suffered from a postoperative complication requiring another procedure: hardware removal and liner exchange for periprosthetic joint infection, respectively. There was a 27.9% 90-day readmission rate with 2 deaths within that period with the most common being altered mental status (29.4%), genitourinary infections (17.6%), repeat falls (11.8%), and low hemoglobin requiring transfusion (11.8%). The longest average time to death analyzed by transplant type was found among lung transplant patients (1076 days, 62.5% mortality), followed by liver transplant patients (949 days, 35.0% mortality), and then kidney transplant patients (834 days, 38.9% mortality). The shortest time to death was 71 days from index procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Family members of SOT patients undergoing operative treatment of lower extremity fractures should be made aware of the high risk for 90-day readmission postoperatively (27.9%) and overall mortality (12.5%). Providers should be aware of the need for multidisciplinary involvement for inpatient care, monitoring postoperative complications, and facilitating discharge planning. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

End-stage renal disease patients have comparable results to renal transplant patients after shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) and renal transplant (RT) patients are known to have more perioperative and postoperative complications after arthroplasty surgeries when compared to patients without. We hypothesize that RT patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty (SA) have fewer systemic and surgical complications when compared to ESRD patients undergoing SA. Methods: This was a retrospective review from the PearlDiver Patient Record Database. International Classification of Diseases and Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify patients who had undergone primary total and reverse shoulder arthroplasty, respectively, and subsequent surgical revisions. Unadjusted univariate analysis of patient demographics, Charlson Cormorbidty Index, and surgical complications at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years after was performed using chi-squared testing. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were subsequently performed for systemic complications and prosthesis outcomes at all time points. Results: Of 1191 patients with ESRD or previous RT and who underwent either total shoulder arthroplasty or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, 1042 (87.5%) had ESRD and 149 (12.5%) had a previous RT. ESRD SA patients were more likely to have hypertension, liver disease, coronary artery disease, and hypothyroidism. Interestingly no statistical significance was found in multivariate analysis for systemic complications at 90 days, nor for surgical complications at the 90-day, 1-year, or 2-year mark between ESRD and RT cohorts. Conclusion: SAs have comparable outcomes in ESRD and RT patients. The differing conclusions among studies might be partially accounted for by the demographic differences and comorbidities between these 2 patient populations. Providers should continue to provide appropriate counseling concerning risks, benefits, and timing of SA for these patients.

Osteoporosis: Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics.

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern affecting millions of people worldwide and resulting in significant economic costs. The condition is characterized by changes in bone homeostasis, which lead to reduced bone mass, impaired bone quality, and an increased risk of fractures. The pathophysiology of osteoporosis is complex and multifactorial, involving imbalances in hormones, cytokines, and growth factors. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying osteoporosis is essential for appropriate diagnosis and management of the condition. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the normal cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone homeostasis, followed by an in-depth discussion of the proposed pathophysiology of osteoporosis through the osteoimmunological, gut microbiome, and cellular senescence models. Furthermore, the diagnostic tools used to assess osteoporosis, including bone mineral density measurements, biochemical markers of bone turnover, and diagnostic imaging modalities, are also discussed. Finally, both the current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment algorithms and management options for osteoporosis, including an exploration of the management of osteoporotic fragility fractures, are highlighted. This review reveals the need for further research to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the condition and to develop more effective therapeutic strategies.

Cementless Compared to Cemented Total Knee Arthroplasty is Associated With More Revisions Within 1 Year of Index Surgery.

Background: Cementless total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) have gained renewed interest due to improved implant designs and lower rates of revision than its cemented counterparts. The purpose of this study was to compare revision rates between cemented vs cementless TKAs within 1 year of primary arthroplasty. Methods: This was a retrospective review from the PearlDiver Patient Record Database. International Classification of Diseases and Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify patients who had undergone cemented and cementless TKAs and subsequent surgical revisions. An unadjusted univariate analysis of patient demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and surgical revisions at 90 days and 1 year after TKA was performed using chi-squared testing. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were subsequently performed for 1-year surgical complications requiring revision. Results: Of 324,508 patients, 312,988 (96.45%) underwent cemented TKAs, and 11,520 (3.55%) underwent cementless TKAs. Patients undergoing cementless TKA tended to be younger than patients undergoing cemented TKA (63.67 ± 9.15 cementless vs 66.22 ± 8.85 cemented, P < .001). Univariate chi-squared testing showed that cementless patients were more likely to require 1-component femoral or tibial revision at 90 days and 1 year, irrigation and debridement at 90 days and 1 year, and arthroscopy with lysis of adhesions at 1 year only. Similar findings were observed for these 3 revision procedures at 1 year after correcting for age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score using multivariate logistic regression analysis as cementless TKA patients had higher odds ratios for each of the revisions. Conclusions: Small but significant differences were found in surgical revisions among cementless TKAs when compared to cemented TKAs within 1 year of the index procedure.

Spondylolisthesis and mismatch deformity affect outcomes after total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Little published data currently exist regarding the potential relationships between spondylolisthesis, mismatch deformity, and clinical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesize that preexisting spondylolisthesis will result in decreased functional outcomes after TKA. METHODS: This retrospective cohort comparison of 933 TKAs was performed between January 2017 and 2020. TKAs were excluded if they were not performed for primary osteoarthritis (OA) or if preoperative lumbar radiographs were unavailable/inadequate to measure the degree of spondylolisthesis. Ninety-five TKAs were subsequently available for inclusion and divided into two groups: those with spondylolisthesis and those without. Within the spondylolisthesis cohort, pelvic incidence (PI) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were calculated on lateral radiographs to determine the difference (PI-LL). Radiographs with PI-LL > 10° were then categorized as having mismatch deformity (MD). The following clinical outcomes were compared between the groups: need for manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), total postoperative arc of motion (AOM) both pre-MUA or post-MUA/revision, incidence of flexion contracture, and a need for later revision. RESULTS: Forty-nine TKAs met the spondylolisthesis criteria, while 44 did not have spondylolisthesis. There were no significant differences in gender, body mass index, preoperative knee range of motion (ROM), preoperative AOM, or opiate use between the groups. TKAs with spondylolisthesis and concomitant MD were more likely to have MUA (p = 0.016), ROM < 0-120 (p < 0.014), and a decreased AOM (p < 0.02) without interventions. CONCLUSION: Preexisting spondylolisthesis by itself may not have adverse effect clinical results following TKA. However, spondylolisthesis increases the likelihood of developing MD. In those with both spondylolisthesis and concomitant mismatch deformities, patients had statistically and clinically significantly decreased in postoperative ROM/AOM and increased need for MUA. Surgeons should consider clinical/radiographic assessments of patients with chronic back pain who present for total joint arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Cemented Versus Noncemented Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Aseptic loosening remains one of the most common indications for revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Given the demographic shift to a younger and more active TKA patient population, some surgeons have revisited noncemented fixation given its potential for lower rates of long-term aseptic loosening. The purpose of this study was to compare the demographics and complications between patients undergoing noncemented and cemented TKA. METHODS: Using the MKnee subset of the PearlDiver database, diagnosis and procedure codes were used to identify patients who had undergone cemented or noncemented TKA for osteoarthritis with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Propensity score matching was done to compare risk-adjusted medical and surgical complication profiles at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years. RESULTS: Of 203,574 patients identified, 3.2% underwent noncemented TKA and 96.8% underwent cemented TKA. Using propensity-matched analysis, there was no difference in 90-day medical complications. Noncemented TKA was associated with a greater risk of periprosthetic joint infection throughout the study (90-day odds ratio [OR] 1.34, 1-year OR 1.27, 2-year OR 1.27, P < 0.05). Noncemented TKA was associated with a greater risk of periprosthetic fracture at 1 year and 2 years (1 year OR 2.19, 2 years OR 1.89, P < 0.05). No notable difference was observed in risk of aseptic loosening between the two groups. DISCUSSION: Noncemented TKA is associated with a higher rate of periprosthetic joint infection and periprosthetic fracture. Additional studies are needed to compare long-term rates of aseptic loosening between noncemented and cemented TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes for Femoral Neck Fractures in Transplant Patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term complications between transplant and nontransplant patients who undergo hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures (FNFs). Additionally, we sought to further compare the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus hemiarthroplasty (HA) within the transplant group. METHODS: This was a retrospective review utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Transplant patients were identified and stratified based on transplant type: kidney, liver, or other (heart, lung, bone marrow, and pancreas). Outcomes of interest included index hospitalization mortality, perioperative complications, length of stay, costs, hospital readmission, and surgical complications within 90 days of discharge. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2018, a total of 881,061 patients underwent THA or HA for FNFs, of which 2163 (0.2%) were transplant patients. When compared with nontransplant patients, all transplant patients had an increased risk of requiring blood transfusion (odds ratio [OR] = 1.51, P = .001), acute kidney injury (OR = 2.02, P < .001), and discharge to facility (OR = 1.67, P = .001) while having increased index hospitalization length of stay and costs. Liver and other transplant patients had an increased risk of readmission within 90 days (OR = 1.82, P < .001 and OR = 1.60, P = .014 respectively). Subgroup analysis for transplant patients comparing HA with THA demonstrated no differences in perioperative complication rates and decreased hospitalization length of stay and cost associated with THA. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective cohort study, transplant patients had an increased risk of requiring blood transfusions and acute kidney injury after hip arthroplasty for FNFs. There were no differences in short-term complications between transplant patients treated with HA versus THA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 (Retrospective cohort study).

Bröstrom Repair Review.

Since its introduction in 1966, the Bröstrom repair has been the workhorse for the treatment of chronic ankle instability. The procedure has expanded with the advent of arthroscopy, ultrasound, and other techniques. Because chronic ankle sprains/instability pose a barrier to athletes who perform high-level activities for a living, discussions concerning postoperative recovery and return to play criteria are important. Here we present an update on the Bröstrom-Gould procedure from preoperative management to return to play.Level of Evidence: Level V.

Biomechanics Following Anatomic Lateral Ligament Repair of Chronic Ankle Instability: A Systematic Review.

One of the most common orthopedic injuries in the general population, particularly among athletes, is ankle sprain. We investigated the literature to evaluate the known pre- and postoperative biomechanical changes of the ankle after anatomic lateral ligament repair in patients suffering from chronic ankle instability. In this systematic review, studies published till January 2020 were identified by using synonyms for "kinetic outcomes," "kinematic outcomes," "Broström procedure," and "lateral ligament repair." Included studies reported on pre- and postoperative kinematic and/or kinetic data. Twelve articles, including 496 patients treated with anatomic lateral ligament repair, were selected for critical appraisal. Following surgery, both preoperative talar tilt and anterior talar translation were reduced similarly to the values found in the uninjured contralateral side. However, 16 of 152 (10.5%) patients showed a decrease in ankle range of motion after the surgery. Despite the use of these various techniques, there were no identifiable differences in biomechanical postoperative outcomes. Anatomic lateral ligament repair for chronic ankle instability can restore ankle biomechanics similar to that of healthy uninjured individuals. There is currently no biomechanical evidence to support or refute a biomechanical advantage of any of the currently used surgical ligament repair techniques mentioned among included studies.

Intravenous Propofol Versus Volatile Anesthetics For Stroke Endovascular Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: The choice of anesthetic technique for ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy is controversial. Intravenous propofol and volatile inhalational general anesthetic agents have differing effects on cerebral hemodynamics, which may affect ischemic brain tissue and clinical outcome. We compared outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy with general anesthesia who were treated with propofol or volatile agents. METHODS: Consecutive endovascular thrombectomy patients treated using general anesthesia were identified from our prospective database. Baseline patient characteristics, anesthetic agent, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Functional independence at 3 months was defined as a modified Rankin Scale of 0 to 2. RESULTS: There were 313 patients (182 [58.1%] men; mean±SD age, 64.7±15.9 y; 257 [82%] anterior circulation), of whom 254 (81%) received volatile inhalational (desflurane or sevoflurane), and 59 (19%) received intravenous propofol general anesthesia. Patients with propofol anesthesia had more ischemic heart disease, higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, more basilar artery occlusion, and were less likely to be treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that propofol anesthesia was associated with improved functional independence at 3 months (odds ratio=2.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-6.22; P=0.03) and a nonsignificant trend toward reduced 3-month mortality (odds ratio=0.37; 95% CI, 0.12-1.10; P=0.07). CONCLUSION: In stroke patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy treated using general anesthesia, there may be a differential effect between intravenous propofol and volatile inhalational agents. These results should be considered hypothesis-generating and be tested in future randomized controlled trials.

Healthcare-Experience Survey Assessment in the Rhode Island Cambodian Community.

The Cambodian community is the largest Southeast Asian cultural identity in Rhode Island (RI) with high poverty rates and limited healthcare access. Investigators conducted a cross-sectional observational survey study from 2016 to 2017 on eligible Cambodians to better understand their healthcare experiences. Questions were reviewed by the RI Cambodian Society for cultural sensitivity. 123 surveys were collected; 98 respondents had medical providers. Respondents with providers reported difficulty understanding of their providers (59%) and limited access to medical interpreters (50%). The non-provider group were less likely to have medical insurance (54.2% vs. 88.8%, p = .0001) and more likely to visit the emergency department (47.1% vs. 15.3%; p < .0001). Language barrier and lack of medical interpreters and healthcare insurance were the major barriers to healthcare for surveyed Cambodians. Future studies are needed to assess whether native-language specific community healthcare resources can positively affect their access to care.

Patient comprehension of hip arthroscopy: an investigation of health literacy.

Several studies have demonstrated that patients have significant impairments in understanding their injury and appropriate course of management in orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this investigation is to determine if patients are able to obtain a fundamental understanding of the requisite care associated with hip arthroscopy. Any patient who elected to have hip arthroscopy was prospectively recruited to participate in the study. All patients were told they would be asked to complete a questionnaire about their surgery and post-operative instructions. The answers to each question of the questionnaire they would receive at the first post-operative visit were verbally given to each patient during the pre-operative visit. They were also given a post-operative instruction sheet on the day of surgery that contained answers to the questionnaire. At the first post-operative visit, all patients were then asked to complete a multiple-choice questionnaire prior to seeing the surgeon. A total of 56 patients (14 males, 42 females) were enrolled. All patients reported they had read the post-operative instruction sheet. The average number of correct answers was 6.5 ± 0.6 (95% CI 6 - 7) out of 11 questions (59% correct response rate ±18% [95% CI 52 - 66%]). Although we made significant pre-operative oral and written efforts to help patients achieve an elementary level of health literacy regarding their forthcoming hip arthroscopy, many patients did not achieve satisfactory comprehension. Even with instruction and information given verbally and physically (via post-operative instruction sheet) patients did not obtain satisfactory comprehension of their surgical procedure. New ways (through video, simplified cartoons or verbal explanations) must be considered in educating patients concerning surgical procedures to increase comprehension and health literacy.

Investigation of the Injury Rate of Female Fitness Competitors.

BACKGROUND: Female fitness competitions are increasing in popularity. Athletes are participating in weight-cutting protocols to help reduce body fat percentage to improve muscle definition and physique. METHODS: The goal of the study was to investigate weight-cutting practices and determine if these practices were associated with increased injury rates. A survey was distributed at a New England fitness competition. RESULTS: Thirty-five female fitness competitors participated in the survey at a single competition. The calculated injury rate for female fitness competitors is 0.18 injuries per 1000 hours of training. Age over 35 (p=0.014) and a history of or current eating disorder (p=0.005) were significant risk factors for sustaining an injury. Menstrual cycle abnormalities were present in 11 of 35 individuals (31.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Female fitness competitor injury rates are low; however, injuries were more common in athletes over age 35 and those with either a history of or a current eating disorder.

Turf Toe Review.

Turf toe is a term used to describe myriad injuries to the metatarsophalangeal complex of the great toe, which have been associated with the introduction of artificial turf surfaces in sport. If not diagnosed early and treated properly, these injuries can result in chronic pain and loss of mobility. Accurate injury grading through physical exam and advanced imaging is essential to guide treatment, thereby minimizing long-term complications and maximizing an athlete's recovery and return to play. Levels of Evidence: Level V.

The Cost and Utility of Postreduction Radiographs After Closed Reduction of Pediatric Wrist and Forearm Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Formal radiographs are frequently obtained after reduction of closed pediatric wrist and forearm fracture performed under mini C-arm fluoroscopy. However, their utility has not been clearly demonstrated to justify the increased time, cost, and radiation exposure. We hypothesized that formal postreduction radiographs do not affect the rereduction rate of pediatric wrist and forearm fractures. We further sought to determine the time, monetary, and opportunity costs associated with obtaining these radiographs. METHODS: A total of 119 patients presented to our urban, level I pediatric trauma center from April 2015 to September 2015 with isolated, closed wrist and forearm fractures who underwent sedation and reduction using mini C-arm fluoroscopy. Demographic and injury variables were collected, along with incidence of rereduction and need for future surgery. Time intervals for sedation, awaiting x-ray, and total encounter periods were noted, and total direct and variable indirect costs for each encounter were obtained from our institution's cost accounting and billing databases. Marginal time and monetary costs were noted and further calculated as a percentage of the total encounter. Opportunity costs were calculated for the time spent obtaining the postreduction radiographs. RESULTS: Of 119 patients with isolated, closed wrist or forearm fractures, none required rereduction after initial reduction using sedation and mini C-arm fluoroscopy. Postreduction radiographs required an average of 26.2 minutes beyond the end of sedation, or 7.3% of the encounter time and cost. The direct cost of the x-ray was 2.6% of the encounter cost. With our institution's annual volume, this time could have been used to see an additional 656 patients per year. CONCLUSIONS: Postreduction formal radiographs did not result in changes in management. There are significant direct and opportunity costs for each patient who undergoes additional formal radiographs. Pediatric patients with isolated, closed wrist or forearm fractures do not routinely need formal radiographs after reduction under mini C-arm fluoroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-Therapeutic.

Patient Comprehension of Carpal Tunnel Surgery: An Investigation of Health Literacy.

Background: Health literacy is the ability of a patient to understand their medical condition. The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether patients are able to obtain an elementary understanding of the fundamental principles of carpal tunnel release and the postoperative instructions after going through the process of informed consent and being provided an additional standardized postoperative instruction document. Our hypothesis is that patients will lack an understanding of these principles and, therefore, will be at risk for being noncompliant in their postoperative care. Methods: Fifty patients with a diagnosis of carpal tunnel surgery who elected to undergo carpal tunnel release alone were enrolled. A standardized education process was performed. Patients completed the questionnaire at their postoperative visit. Results: The average percentage of correct answers was 75.8% (8.34 out of 11 correct). Fisher exact test analysis demonstrated that patients with a lower education level were less likely to know how long it takes for their preoperative symptoms to resolve (P = .0071), and they were less likely to correctly choose all of the important elements of postoperative care during the first week after surgery (P = .022). Conclusions: Although we made efforts to help patients achieve health literacy in carpal tunnel surgery, we found that patients continued to lack comprehension of pertinent components of carpal tunnel surgery, particularly understanding the involved anatomy.