Transforming Orthopedic Joint Surgeries: The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics.

The landscape of orthopedic joint surgeries, specifically total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), is rapidly changing, and artificial intelligence (AI) along with robotics is at the helm of this transformation. These technologies, working synergistically, have introduced unprecedented levels of precision and personalization to surgical procedures, thereby significantly enhancing patient outcomes. In this editorial, we explore the changing perspectives of orthopedic surgeons toward AI and robotics and dissect the incorporation of these technologies in surgeries, their associated advantages, their inherent limitations, and potential future prospects. We draw from a host of recent studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these transformative technologies can augment surgical performance and patient care.

The Utility of Postoperative Bracing on Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes Following Cervical Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review. OBJECTIVES: To determine the radiographic and clinical utility of postoperative orthoses following cervical spine surgery. METHODS: We performed a search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline Ovid, and SCOPUS databases from inception until November 2021. Eligible studies included outcomes of postoperative bracing vs no bracing following cervical spine surgery. The primary outcome of interest was fusion rates after cervical surgery in braced vs unbraced patients. Secondary outcomes included patient reported outcomes and complication rates. RESULTS: A total of 3232 titles were initially screened. After inclusion criteria were applied, 7 studies (550 patients) were included, which compared results of braced vs unbraced patients after cervical spine surgery. These studies showed acceptable reliability for inclusion based on the Methodical Index for Non-Randomized studies and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme assessment tools. There were no significant differences in fusion rates or complications between braced vs unbraced patients identified in any study. Patient reported pain and quality of life measures between braced and unbraced groups varied amongst studies, without any clear overall advantages favoring either method. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review found that external bracing, though widely used following cervical spine surgery, may not offer any advantages in patient-reported outcomes, as compared to not bracing. In regard to the effect of bracing on fusion rates, no strong consensus can be made as the methods of fusion assessment in the included studies were heterogenous and suboptimal. Future high-quality studies using recommended methods of fusion assessment are needed to adequately address this important question.

Featuring Trends in the Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Following the Publication of the National Cancer Strategy in Qatar.

OBJECTIVES: Qatar has witnessed significant reforms in its health care system, including the care of cancer patients. In 2011, the National Cancer Strategy was released with the aim to deliver a high standard of care to cancer patients across the country. We sought to investigate the featuring trends in the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of lung cancer in Qatar following the publication of the National Cancer Strategy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study documenting the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of primary lung cancer cases in Qatar diagnosed from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2018. RESULTS: The overall age-standardized incidence rate was 8.7 per 100 000 persons (11.6 per 100 000 and 5.4 per 100 000 persons for males and females, respectively). The one, three, and five-year overall survival rates were 67.0%, 48.0%, and 28.0%, respectively. The three-year overall survival rates for stages I, II, III, and IV were 97.0%, 78.0%, 52.0%, and 31.0%, respectively. The three-year survival rates for males and females were 43.0% and 64.0%, respectively (p = 0.029), for Qatari and non-Qatari nationals were 42.0% and 49.0%, respectively (p = 0.252), and for smokers and non-smokers were 39.0% and 69.0%, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). The overall age-standardized mortality rate was 5.5 per 100 000 persons. Adenocarcinoma was the most common histologic type. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the low overall lung cancer incidence rate in Qatar, there is a rise in the incidence among females when compared to previous studies. Qatar has favorable five-year lung cancer survival rates compared to many developed and neighboring countries. Policymakers in the country should consider the changing patterns in lung cancer incidence when planning future preventive strategies.