Treatment outcomes in maxillofacial rehabilitation: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review is to assess the treatment outcomes following maxillofacial rehabilitation and to identify the tools used to evaluate those outcomes. INTRODUCTION: Maxillofacial defects caused due to tumor, trauma, or any pathology affects the patient physically, mentally, and psychologically. Various methodologies and strategies are used for jaw reconstruction and oral rehabilitation to help the patient regain the functions and quality of life that were lost due to the defect. The evaluation of these treatment outcomes is imperative to assess the success of rehabilitation. INCLUSION CRITERIA: The review will include patients with any maxillofacial defect caused by a developmental anomaly, trauma, or tumor. The patients must have undergone any type of reconstruction and/or rehabilitation and can be from any age group. All treatment outcomes of maxillofacial rehabilitation will be considered. Information from primary and secondary sources and from diverse geographical settings will be included. METHODS: This review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Databases to be searched will include PubMed (Ovid), Scopus, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CINAHL(EBSCO), Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and Google Scholar (first 10 pages of the search). Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts and extract data from selected studies. Data will be presented in tabular format, accompanied by a narrative summary. DETAILS OF THE REVIEW CAN BE FOUND IN OPEN SCIENCE FRAMEWORK: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/DP8WC.

Prefabricated Fibula Flap vs Bone-Driven and Delayed Implant Installation for Jaw Reconstruction.

Importance: Restoration of dental occlusion and oral rehabilitation is the ultimate goal of functional jaw reconstruction. Objective: To evaluate the prefabricated fibula flap (PFF) technique in occlusion-driven jaw reconstruction for benign or previously treated malignant disease. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study was conducted from January 2000 to December 2019 at the University of Alberta Hospital and Institute of Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, among patients who underwent PFF or bone-driven and delayed osseointegrated implant installation (BDD). Patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year after occlusal rehabilitation. Data were analyzed from July 2021 to June 2022. Exposures: Patients underwent BDD or PFF, which consists of osseointegrated dental implant installation and skin grafting of the fibular bone 3 to 6 months before jaw tumor resection or defect reconstruction. The implant osseointegration is completed at the time of jaw reconstruction, allowing for full reconstruction, loading, and restoration of the dental occlusion in the immediate postoperative period. Main outcomes and Measure: Safety, effectiveness, accuracy, timeliness of occlusal reconstruction, and aesthetic appeal were compared between PFF and BDD. Groups were compared for the following variables: postoperative complications, number of bony segments used, number of procedures needed, total operative time, time to occlusal rehabilitation, and number of implants installed, exposed, lost, and used (ie, exposed implants - lost implants). Aesthetic appeal was assessed using standardized full-face and profile digital photographs taken before and 6 to 12 months after the operation and analyzed by 3 naive raters. Results: Among 9 patients receiving PFF (mean [SD] age, 43.3 [13.0] years; 7 men [77.8%]) and 12 patients receiving BDD (mean [SD] age, 41.9 [18.0] years; 8 men [66.7%]), the overall complication rate was similar (4 patients [44.4%] vs 3 patients [25.0%], respectively; relative risk, 1.78 [95% CI, 0.52 to 6.04]). The number of patients with implant loss was similar between PFF and BDD groups (0 patients vs 3 patients [25.0%], respectively; difference, -25.0 percentage points [95% CI, -48.4 to 9.7 percentage points]). PFF had a clinically meaningful faster mean (SD) occlusal rehabilitation compared with BDD (12.1 [1.9] months vs 60.4 [23.1] months; difference, -48.3 months [95% CI, -64.5 to -32.0 months]). The mean (SD) difference in preoperative to postoperative aesthetic score was similar between PFF and BDD groups (-0.8 [1.5] vs -0.2 [0.8]; difference, -0.6 [95% CI, -1.6 to 0.4]). Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that PFF compared with BDD was a safe, effective, and aesthetic reconstructive option for patients with benign or previously treated jaw malignant tumors. This technique may provide rapid occlusal reconstruction and oral rehabilitation.

Alberta reconstructive technique (ART): An innovative approach using digital surgical design and simulation in advanced jaw reconstruction with occlusion-based prefabricated vascularized fibular flaps and primary osseointegrated implant installation.

The Alberta reconstructive technique (ART) is an innovative surgical procedure performed on patients undergoing primary jaw resection and reconstruction. The ART procedure was developed in collaboration with the Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine and the Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta.

Trends in Distal Radius Fixation Reimbursement, Charge, and Utilization in the Medicare Population.

Background Distal radius fractures (DRF) are the second most common fragility fracture experienced by the elderly, and surgical management constitutes an appreciable sum of Medicare expenditure for upper extremity surgery. Using Medicare data from 2012 to 2017, our primary aim was to describe temporal changes in surgical treatment, physician payment, and patient charges for DRF fixation. Methods We examined surgical volumes and retrospective patient charge (services billed by surgeon) and surgeon payment (professional fee) data from 2012 to 2017 for four DRF surgeries: closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP), open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of extra-articular fractures, ORIF of intra-articular (IA) (2-fragment) fractures, and ORIF of IA (> 3 fragments) fractures. The reimbursement ratio was defined and calculated as the ratio of charges to payment. Rates were adjusted for inflation using the annual consumer-price index. Results For these four surgeries from 2012 to 2017, total patient charges grew by 64% from $117 to 193 million, while surgeon payment grew by 42% from $30 to 42 million. CRPP cases fell by 47%, while ORIF increased by 17, 14, and 45% for extra-articular, IA (2-fragment), and IA (> 3 fragments) surgeries, respectively. After adjusting for inflation, payment to physicians increased by more than or equal to 16% for all procedures except for CRPP, which fell by 2%. Charges during this same period increased from 13 to 38%. Reimbursement ratios declined from -9.2% to -13% for each procedure. Conclusion From 2012 to 2017, while charges have outpaced surgeon payment, payment has outpaced inflation for all forms of distal radius ORIF, aside from CRPP. There has been a continued sharp decline of CRPP. Level of Evidence is III, economic.

Subscapularis management in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: This systematic review and network meta-analysis compare clinical outcomes of three different subscapularis management techniques in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty: lesser tuberosity osteotomy, subscapularis peel, and subscapularis tenotomy. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane's trial registry were searched in July 2021. Comparative studies and case series evaluating the outcomes of these three techniques were included. The network meta-analysis was performed only on comparative studies. Results: Twenty-three studies were included. Both lesser tuberosity osteotomy and subscapularis peel had significantly higher Western Ontario Osteoarthritis Scores compared to subscapularis tenotomy, but no difference in American Shoulder and Elbow Society Scores. Subscapularis peel had superior external rotation compared to lesser tuberosity osteotomy. However, no difference was found in external rotation between subscapularis peel and subscapularis tenotomy or between subscapularis tenotomy and lesser tuberosity osteotomy. The overall weighted average for lesser tuberosity osteotomy bony union was 93.6%, whereas the overall weighted average for subscapularis tendon healing was 79.4% and 87% for subscapularis tenotomy and subscapularis peel, respectively. Discussion: This network meta-analysis demonstrated that lesser tuberosity osteotomy and subscapularis peel were associated with the high union and subscapularis healing rates and may be associated with improved shoulder function and quality of life, compared to subscapularis tenotomy. Lesser tuberosity osteotomy and subscapularis peel demonstrate a trend of superior outcomes compared to subscapularis tenotomy during anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty.

Epidemiology of shoulder instability procedures: A comprehensive analysis of complications and costs.

Background: Recurrent shoulder instability is a debilitating condition that can lead to chronic pain, decreased function, and inability to return to activities or sport. This retrospective epidemiology study was performed to report 90-day postoperative complications and costs of Latarjet, anterior bone block reconstruction, arthroscopic, and open Bankart repair for shoulder instability. Methods: Patients 18 years and older who underwent four primary shoulder surgeries from 2010 to 2019 were identified using national claims data. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and 90-day postoperative complications were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Total and itemized 90-day reimbursements were determined for each procedure. Results: The 90-day medical and surgery-specific complication rates were highest for anterior bone block reconstruction, followed by Latarjet. Arthroscopic Bankart repair had the highest 90-day costs and primary procedure costs compared to other procedures. Conclusion: Anterior bone block reconstruction and Latarjet procedures were associated with the highest rates of 90-day medical and surgery-specific complications, while arthroscopic Bankart repair was associated with the highest costs.

Racial Disparities in Short-Stay and Outpatient Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: 13-year Trend in Utilization Rates and Perioperative Morbidity Using a National Database.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess racial and ethnic disparities in short-stay (< 2-midnight length of stay) and outpatient (same-day discharge) total joint arthroplasties (TJAs). We aimed to determine (1) whether there are differences in postoperative outcomes between short-stay Black, Hispanic, and White patients and (2) the trend in utilization rates of short-stay and outpatient TJA across these racial groups. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). Short-stay TJAs done between 2008 and 2020 were identified. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative outcomes were assessed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to assess differences between racial groups in minor and major complication rates, as well as readmission and revision surgery rates. RESULTS: Of a total of 191,315 patients, 88% were White, 8.3% were Black, and 3.9% were Hispanic. Minority patients were younger and had greater comorbidity burden when compared with Whites. Black patients had greater rates of transfusions and wound dehiscence when compared with White and Hispanic patients ( P < 0.001, P = 0.019, respectively). Black patients had lower adjusted odds of minor complications (odds ratio [OR], 0.87; confidence interval [CI], 0.78 to 0.98), and minorities had lower revision surgery rates in comparison with Whites (OR, 0.70; CI, 0.53 to 0.92, and OR, 0.84; CI, 0.71 to 0.99, respectively). The utilization rate for short-stay TJA was most pronounced for Whites. CONCLUSION: There continues to persist marked racial disparities in demographic characteristics and comorbidity burden in minority patients undergoing short-stay and outpatient TJA procedures. As outpatient-based TJA becomes more routine, opportunities to address these racial disparities will become increasingly more important to optimize social determinants of health. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study.

SLAP repair and bicep tenodesis: a comparison of utilization and revision rates for SLAP tears.

Hypothesis: The management of superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears typically consists of either repair or biceps tenodesis (BT). While repair is more frequently recommended in younger patients, patients older than 40 years are often treated with BT. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there has been a change in utilization of these procedures over the past decade with respect to patient age as well as compare reoperation rates between the two procedures. Methods: The Pearldiver database was queried to identify BT and SLAP repairs indicated for SLAP tears performed from 2010 to 2019. The primary outcome was utilization rate, stratified by age. A secondary outcome was 2-year shoulder reoperation rates. Trends were reported in terms of compounded annual growth rate. Outcome analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariable analysis. Results: From 2010 to 2019, SLAP repair was the most common procedure performed for SLAP tears. Regardless of age, BT performed for SLAP tear had a significantly increased utilization rate; whereas, SLAP repair had a significantly decreased utilization rate. SLAP repair was more commonly performed in younger patients compared to BT. Following multivariable analysis, patients who underwent SLAP repair had significantly higher odds (odds ratio (OR): 1.453; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26-1.68; P < .001) of requiring an arthroscopic reoperation within 2 years when compared to those who underwent BT with no significant difference with respect to 2-year open reoperation. Conclusion: Although SLAP repair is still more commonly used to treat SLAP tears than BT, especially for younger patients, the utilization of SLAP repair is decreasing while BT is increasing. The increased utilization of BT may be associated with lower rates of shoulder reoperation for problematic SLAP tears.

The 50 most impactful articles on the medial ulnar collateral ligament: An altmetric analysis of online media.

The purpose of this study was to use the Altmetric Attention Score to determine the 50 most impactful medial ulnar collateral ligament articles in online media and compare their characteristics to the most-cited medial ulnar collateral ligament articles in the scientific literature. The Altmetric database was queried to identify all published articles about the medial ulnar collateral ligament, and this list was stratified by the Altmetric Attention Score to identify the 50 highest scoring articles. Several data elements were extracted, including article topic, article type, journal name, and the number of online mentions on Facebook, Twitter, news, and other platforms. Each article's geographic origin was determined based on the institutional affiliation of the first author. Our index search yielded 1283 articles published between 1987 and 2020, from which the 50 articles with the highest Altmetric Attention Scores were included for analysis. Altmetric Attention Scores of the top 50 medial ulnar collateral ligament articles ranged from 20 to 482 (median: 32, interquartile range: 20-62). The most common article type was original research (72%), and the most common topic was epidemiology/risk factors (26%). A majority of studies were Level 3 (36%) or Level 4 evidence (36%). Of the top 50 medial ulnar collateral ligament articles, 94% originated from the United States. A few articles had a high Altmetric Attention Score, suggesting that medial ulnar collateral ligament research does not generate consistently high online attention. The lack of Level 1 studies suggests the need for high-level studies on the medial ulnar collateral ligament. Most studies originated in the United States and were published in the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine-affiliated journals. The medial ulnar collateral ligament articles included in this study differed substantially from a previous report of the most-cited medial ulnar collateral ligament articles in the literature, suggesting that alternative metrics add a unique dimension to understanding the overall impact of published research on the medial ulnar collateral ligament.

Hypoalbuminemia and the Higher Risk of Perioperative Sentinel Adverse Events in Patients Undergoing Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of hypoalbuminemia (HA) on sentinel adverse events after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Methods: Patients who underwent primary TSA from 2015-2018 were collected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Patients with HA (serum albumin < 3.5 g/dL) were compared to patients with normal serum albumin. A probit regression model was used to estimate a propensity score. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate the effect of HA on sentinel adverse events after surgery. Results: A total of 4,337 patients were included, 8.2% of patients had HA. Patients with HA had higher rates of sentinel adverse events (14.0% vs 5.5%, P<0.01) compared with patients who had normal serum albumin. Reoperation (4.5% vs 1.5%, P<0.01), readmission (11.2% vs 3.9%, P<0.01), urinary tract infection (0.8% vs 0.03%, p <0.01) and pulmonary embolism (1.1% vs 0.2%, P=0.01) were higher in patients with HA. The odds ratio for a sentinel event for patients with HA was 2.6 (95% CI: 1.54, 4.44, P<0.01) when compared to a propensity score-matched control group. Conclusion: Patients with HA are at increased risk of sentinel adverse events following TSA compared to patients with normal serum albumin levels.

The Accuracy of 3D Surgical Design and Simulation in Prefabricated Fibula Free Flaps for Jaw Reconstruction.

The ideal jaw reconstruction involves the restoration and maintenance of jaw continuity, jaw relations, joint alignment, and facial contour, and, most importantly, dental occlusal reconstruction. One of the essential requirements of achieving a consistent functional outcome is to place the bony reconstruction in the correct three-dimensional position as it relates to the other jaw segments and dentition. A protocol of occlusion-driven reconstruction of prefabricated fibular free flaps that are customized to the patient with surgical design and simulation (SDS)-planned osseointegrated implant installation was developed by our institution. This innovation introduced significant flexibility and efficiency to jaw reconstructions, but functional and cosmetic outcomes were dependent on the accuracy of the final reconstructions when compared to the SDS plan. The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of the SDS-planned fibular flap prefabrication in a cohort of patients undergoing jaw reconstruction. All patients that had undergone primary jaw reconstruction with prefabricated fibular free flaps were reviewed. The primary outcome of this study was the accuracy of the postoperative implant positions as compared to the SDS plan. A total of 23 implants were included in the analysis. All flaps survived, there was no implant loss postoperatively, and all the patients underwent all stages of the reconstruction. SDS planning of fibular flap prefabrication resulted in better than 2 mm accuracy of osteointegrated implant placement in a cohort of patients undergoing jaw reconstruction. This accuracy could potentially result in improved functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Malunion of Pediatric Forearm Shaft Fractures: Management Principles and Techniques.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Clinically significant malunion of forearm diaphyseal fractures is an uncommon but potentially disabling condition amongst children and adolescents. We present the preoperative evaluation, including imaging, and discuss surgical indications and contemporary approaches to manage such patients, including an illustrative case. RECENT FINDINGS: While advances in three-dimensional (3D) simulation, modeling, and patient-specific instrumentation have expanded the surgical armamentarium, their impact on long-term outcomes compared to traditional methods remains unknown. Successful outcome following surgical correction of malunion following a both-bone forearm fracture can be achieved with careful patient selection, appropriate indications, and a well-planned surgical execution.

Initial presentation for acute low back pain: is early physical therapy associated with healthcare utilization and spending? A retrospective review of a National Database.

BACKGROUND: Early initiation of physical therapy (PT) has been associated with lower healthcare costs and utilization; however, these studies have been limited to single institutions or healthcare systems. Our goal was to assess healthcare utilization and spending among patients who present for the first time with low back pain (LBP), according to whether they received early physical therapy (PT), using a large, nationwide sample; and geographic variation in rates of early PT and 30-day LBP-related spending. METHODS: Using the Truven MarketScan database, we identified nearly 980,000 US adults ages 18-64 years who initially presented with acute LBP from 2010 through 2014 and did not have nonmusculoskeletal causes of LBP. Approximately 110,000 patients (11%) received early PT (≤2 weeks after presentation). We compared healthcare utilization and spending at 30 days and 1 year after presentation between patients who received early PT and those who did not. Alpha = 0.05. RESULTS: At 30 days, early PT was associated with lower odds of chiropractor visits (odds ratio [OR] = 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.40-0.42), pain specialist visits (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.47-0.51), emergency department visits (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.49-0.54), advanced imaging (OR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.56-0.58), orthopaedist visits (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.66-0.69), and epidural steroid injections (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.65-0.70). At 1 year, early PT was associated with less healthcare utilization. At 30 days, patients with early PT had lower mean LBP-related spending ($1180 ± $1500) compared with those without early PT ($1250 ± $2560) (P < 0.001). At 1 year, LBP-related spending was significantly less among patients who did not receive early PT ($2510 ± $3826) versus those who did ($2588 ± $3704). Early PT rates (range, 4-25%; P < 0.001) and 30-day LBP-related spending differed by state (range, $421 to -$410; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Early PT for acute LBP was associated with less 30-day and 1-year healthcare utilization and less 30-day LBP-related spending. Early PT rates and 30-day spending differed by US state. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Antibiotic Allergies Increase Risk of Postoperative Complications.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic infections after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) are associated with devastating complications and prolonged treatment. Patients with identified antibiotic allergy (ABX) may be at increased risk for complications because of suboptimal preincisional prophylaxis. This study aims to quantify the risk of postoperative outcomes and complications for patients undergoing TSA with a history of ABX. METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis of patient data was conducted using the PearlDiver Patient Records Database. Patients who underwent TSA for osteoarthritis were identified using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases codes and were stratified based on self-reported (1) penicillin, (2) sulfonamide, or (3) other antibiotic allergies. We analyzed patient demographics, comorbidities, 90-day medical complications, and rate of revision at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years. RESULTS: In total, 85,606 patients who underwent TSA for osteoarthritis from 2010 to 2018 were identified, of whom 7,836 (9.15%) had a reported ABX. Univariate analysis found the ABX cohort was younger (67.5 versus 67.7 year; P = 0.042), more often female (67.57% versus 54.79%; P < 0.001), and more likely to have Elixhauser comorbidities than nonallergic control subjects. Multivariate analysis found patients who reported ABX had increased likelihood of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) within 30 days (odds ratio [OR]: 3.129), 1 year (OR: 2.016), and 2 years of surgery (OR: 2.221). Patients with reported ABX had increased likelihood of postoperative anemia (OR: 1.126), blood transfusion (OR: 1.238), and readmission (OR: 1.585) within 90 days of surgery. Patients with penicillin allergy had a greater incidence of revision due to PJI at 30 days (OR: 4.811), 90 days (OR: 2.91), 1 year (OR: 2.105), and 2 years (OR: 2.72). Rates of reported ABX increased from 2010 to 2018 (8.60% to 10.91%; P = 0.001) in patients undergoing TSA. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing TSA with a history of ABX had a higher risk of readmission, postoperative anemia, blood transfusions, and PJI. These findings support critical assessment and clarification of reported allergies before TSA and possibly the use of preoperative allergy testing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 therapeutic study.

What Do We Know About Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration? An Updated Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is postulated to be an immune-mediated inflammatory response to a vaccine antigen injected into or near the subacromial bursae or synovium, leading to shoulder pain and dysfunction. The number of studies on this topic is rapidly increasing. Recent comparative studies have reported conflicting conclusions, which suggests that a systematic review of the best-available evidence may be helpful. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In this systematic review, we asked: What are the (1) clinical characteristics, (2) diagnoses, and (3) management approaches and outcomes reported in association with SIRVA? METHODS: A search was performed on October 4, 2021, of the PubMed and Medline databases for studies related to SIRVA. Inclusion criteria were English-language comparative studies, case series, and case reports that involved shoulder pain occurring after vaccination. Studies of exclusively neurologic conditions after vaccination were excluded. Forty-two studies met the eligibility criteria, including three retrospective comparative studies (72 patients and 105 controls), five database case series (2273 patients), and 34 case reports (49 patients). Study quality was assessed for the database case series and retrospective comparative studies using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies tool. RESULTS: Among patients in the case reports, the median age was 51 years (range 15-90 years), and 73% (36 of 49) were women. BMI was reported for 24% of patients (12 of 49) in case reports, with a median of 23.5 kg/m2 (range 21-37.2 kg/m2). The most common symptoms were shoulder pain and reduced ROM. The most common diagnoses were shoulder bursitis, adhesive capsulitis, and rotator cuff tears. The most frequent management modalities included physical or occupational therapy, NSAIDs, and steroid injections, followed by surgery, which was generally used for patients whose symptoms persisted despite nonsurgical management. Full resolution of symptoms was reported in 2.9% to 56% of patients. CONCLUSION: The association between inflammatory conditions of the shoulder (such as bursitis) and vaccination appears to be exceedingly rare, occurring after approximately 1:130,000 vaccination events according to the best-available comparative study. Currently, there is no confirmatory experimental evidence supporting the theory of an immune-mediated inflammatory response to vaccine antigens. Although the clinical evidence is limited, similar to any bursitis, typical treatments appear effective, and surgery should rarely be performed. Additional research is needed to determine the best injection technique or evaluate alternate injection sites such as the anterolateral thigh that do not involve positioning a needle close to the shoulder.

The Modified Alberta Reconstructive Technique: A prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Jaw defect reconstructions have been transformed by the development of free tissue transfer using vascularized bone incorporating osseointegrated dental implants. We recently developed a modification our method this procedure and termed it the Modified Alberta Reconstruction Technique (MART). The objective of this study aimed to assess the soft tissue component and outcomes of the MART as compared to the Alberta Reconstructive Technique (ART) or conventional (BDD) reconstructions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent jaw reconstruction with dental implant rehabilitation between 2000 and 2019 in Edmonton, Alberta. Patients were aged-matched and placed into a cohort based on the type of reconstruction they received. Outcomes were compared between the groups. Expert and aesthetic analyses were performed. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine significance. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients (15 BDD, 15 ART and 16 MART) were included. Demographics were similar between groups. There was no difference in complications. The soft tissue component of the MART cohort was more favourable to work with as judged by the occlusal reconstructive experts. The MART was rated as more aesthetically appealing in comparison to the BDD and ART (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: The MART is a safe, effective, and aesthetically appealing procedure. It yields a good functional result and a clinically better soft tissue component for occlusal reconstructions. For a select group of patients requiring jaw reconstruction, the MART is an ideal reconstructive option as the modification provides good control of the soft tissue around the implants.

Are We Working Harder for Less Pay? A Survey of Medicare Reimbursement for Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Ongoing concern for declining Medicare payment to surgeons may incentivize surgeons to perform more cases to maintain productivity goals. The authors evaluated trends in physician payment, patient charges, and reimbursement ratios for the most common hand and upper extremity surgical procedures. METHODS: The authors examined Medicare surgeon payment, patient charges, and surgical volume from 2012 to 2017 for 83 common surgical procedures, incorporating the year-to-year Consumer Price Index to adjust for inflation. The reimbursement ratio was calculated by dividing payment by charge. Weighted (by surgery type and volume) averages were calculated. RESULTS: Total Medicare surgeon payment increased 5.6 percent to $272 million for the studied procedures. Patient charges were seven times greater than payment, growing 24 percent to $1.9 billion. Despite growth of total payment, the average overall weighted payment for a single surgery decreased 3.5 percent. The average weighted patient charge increased 8 percent, whereas the reimbursement ratio decreased 13 percent. A hand surgeon would need to perform three more cases per 100 in 2017 to maintain the same reimbursement received in 2012. After categorizing these 83 surgical procedures, distal radius fixation (>3 parts, 21 percent increase; >2-part intra-articular, extra-articular, and percutaneous pinning, 17 percent increase), bony trauma proximal to the distal radius (10 percent increase), and upper extremity flap (5 percent increase) were subject to the greatest increases in payment. Payment for forearm fasciotomy (39 percent decrease), endoscopic carpal tunnel release (30 percent decrease), and mass excisions proximal to the wrist (18 percent decrease) decreased the most. CONCLUSIONS: From 2012 to 2017, despite a disproportionate increase in procedure charges, Medicare surgeon payment has not decreased substantially; however, total reimbursement is multifactorial and involves multiple sources of revenue and cost.

Does Time to Imaging and Surgery for Distal Radius Fractures Vary based on Geographic Socioeconomic Disadvantage?

BACKGROUND: While disparities in aspects of distal radius fracture (DRF) management and orthopedics at large have been studied, disparities in time to DRF evaluation and treatment are unknown. We sought to determine if geographic socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with time to imaging in the emergency department (ED) and time to surgery for DRFs. METHODS: We performed a time-to-event analysis of 105 patients undergoing DRF surgery after ED triage within our hospital system between January 1, 2015, and January 1, 2020. Area Deprivation Index (ADI) national percentile was used as the metric of geographic socioeconomic disadvantage for each patient's ZIP code of residence. We performed Cox regression analysis to determine hazard ratios to undergo DRF imaging and surgery for patients in each ADI group, adjusting for potential confounders, α = 0.05. RESULTS: There was no association between geographic socioeconomic disadvantage and time to DRF imaging, after adjusting for confounders. However, compared to patients from the least disadvantaged areas, patients from the most disadvantaged areas (ADI Quartiles 3 and 4) had an adjusted hazard ratio for surgery of 0.55 [0.32, 0.94] (P = .03), and were thus 45% [6%, 68%] less likely to undergo surgery for DRF at any time following ED triage. CONCLUSIONS: Operative patients from more socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods see disparities in time to surgery for DRF. Equitable access to timely surgical care is needed and may be improved with increased access to orthopedic surgeons, patient education, support in navigating the health system, and improved continuity of fracture care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Trends in utilization and patient demographics for shoulder instability procedures from 2010 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Improved techniques and increased surgeon experience have optimized surgical care in patients with recurrent shoulder instability. Several techniques are used for surgical repair of shoulder instability, yet there are limited data on how utilization has changed over the past decade. The aim of this study was to assess trends in the utilization rate and patient demographic characteristics (age and sex) from 2010 to 2019 for 4 shoulder instability procedures: coracoid transfer/Latarjet procedure (LP), anterior bone block (ABB), open Bankart repair (OBR), and arthroscopic Bankart repair (ABR). METHODS: We identified >87,000 patients using an all-payer claims database. The utilization rate was defined as the number of cases of a procedure divided by the total number of surgical cases for shoulder instability for any given year. Age was divided into 3 groups: <25 years, 25-35 years, and >35 years. Trends were reported in terms of the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR). RESULTS: Although ABR was the most common shoulder instability procedure overall (91% utilization rate), the LP had the greatest increase in utilization from 2010 to 2019 (2.0% to 4.5%; CAGR, +9.8%). In comparison, the utilization of ABB procedures increased by 4.3% annually whereas that of OBR declined by 6.9% annually. The utilization of ABR showed minimal change. Notably, the LP was performed more frequently in younger patients over time. The percentage of patients aged < 25 years who underwent the LP increased from 30% to 41% from 2010 to 2019 (CAGR, +3.4%). There was a trend toward the performance of more LPs in men than in women (+1.2% vs. -3.5%, P < .05), although most cases (68%) were still performed in men. CONCLUSION: ABR continues to account for most shoulder instability procedures. The LP had the greatest increase in the utilization rate from 2010 to 2019 and has now surpassed OBR in the utilization rate. ABB procedures are also being more frequently performed but only represent a minority of stabilization cases. During the course of the study period, a greater percentage of patients undergoing shoulder instability procedures were male individuals and were aged < 25 years.

Effectiveness of digital data acquisition technologies in the fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses - A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The systematic review was designed to review and analyze the outcomes of various digital data acquisition technologies used for treatment planning in the prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillofacial defects. METHODS: The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO data with registration number: CRD42020188415. The PICOS inclusion criteria was employed in the systematic review. An electronic search (PubMed, databases) yielded twenty-eight eligible case reports. The qualitative methodological assessment was done according to an article that provided criteria for special considerations in evaluating case reports. It consisted of four questions, each carrying grading of 0, 1, and 2. During the full-text screening, the reviewers shortlisted six outcomes (time, aesthetics, cost, dimensional accuracy, patient satisfaction, and fabrication process) and graded (0, 1, 3) according to the outcomes they met. RESULTS: The majority of the included case reports used LASER scanners. Auricular and orbital defects were the highest reported cases. In nasal and orbital defects, the mean outcome of the shorter time required for the fabrication was the highest. In auricular prostheses, the mean outcome of dimensional accuracy was highest. In facial prostheses, aesthetics, dimensional accuracy, and patient satisfaction had the highest mean outcome whereas, in obturators, the shorter time required, dimensional accuracy, and patient satisfaction had the highest mean outcome. A total of 18 studies were graded as highly significant studies according to the methodological qualitative assessment. CONCLUSION: LASER scanning systems in nasal prostheses, LASER scanners and combination of CT scan and digital photography in auricular prostheses, digital photography and stereophotogrammetry in case of large facial defects and combination of MRI and CT scan for obturators appeared to be a superior method of digital data acquisition.