Arthroscopic Vastus Elevation (AVE) for Arthrofibrosis of the Knee: Surgical Technique and Literature Review.

Arthrofibrosis of the knee continues to challenge Orthopaedic surgeons. With a wide etiology, lack of knee motion can be debilitating. Its surgical management has several complications. The purpose of this study is to describe a modification of previously described techniques to aid in the management of knee arthrofibrosis. Arthroscopic vastus elevation in conjunction with adjuvant hemostatic agents allows for a controlled quadriceps elevation in the setting of arthrofibrosis. In addition to a thorough intra-articular lysis of adhesions, this appears to improve motion, while minimizing postoperative complications. Minimized postoperative complications include extensor lag, skin necrosis, and bleeding complications. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 29(2):117-120, 2020).

The Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on Spinal Research - Asking Different Questions.

In recent years, the field of spine surgery has seen significant advancements in surgical techniques alongside a growing emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This review explores the significant impact of DEI on spine surgery, recognizing its potential to drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and address healthcare disparities. Shifting paradigms in research through diverse perspectives is crucial, as they broaden the scope of inquiry and challenge existing standards. Efforts to promote diversity in medicine, including targeted outreach and mentorship initiatives, are essential in cultivating a more inclusive workforce. Despite progress, ongoing challenges such as unconscious biases and systemic barriers persist, underscoring the need for continued commitment to DEI principles. Embracing diverse perspectives and asking unconventional questions pave the way for a comprehensive understanding of spinal health and equitable healthcare delivery.

Trends in Race and Sex Representation Among Entering Orthopaedic Surgery Residents: A Continued Call for Active Diversification Efforts.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple studies have analyzed the diversity of surgical subspecialties, in which orthopaedic surgery consistently lags behind in female and minority representation. This study aims to examine contemporary data on trends in sex and racial representation among entering orthopaedic surgery residents. METHODS: The American Association of Medical Colleges' Graduate Medical Education Track data set was queried for all individuals entering surgical residencies in the United States from 2001 to 2020. Deidentified data on self-reported sex and race (American Indian or Alaska Native [AIAN]; Asian; Black or African American, Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish Origin; Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander [NHOPI]; White; and Other) for individuals across all surgical subspecialties were collected. Sex and race proportions for newly matriculating surgical residents were analyzed and aggregated across the study period. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2020, there was a 9.2% increase in the proportion of new female orthopaedic surgery residents, with approximately one in five identifying as such in 2020. By contrast, surgical specialties in aggregate saw a 16.3% increase. A 11.7% decrease was observed in entering orthopaedic residents who identified as White with a corresponding increase in representation by multiracial (9.2%) individuals and those identifying as "Other" (1.9%). The proportion of Asian (range: 10.4 to 15.4%), Black (2.5 to 6.2%), Hispanic (0.3 to 4.4%), AIAN (0.0 to 1.2%), and NHOPI (0.0 to 0.5%) new trainees has largely remained unchanged throughout the study period. A similar trend was observed among surgical specialties in aggregate. Of the identities most represented by the multiracial cohort, the most common were Asian (range: 7.0 to 50.0%), Hispanic (0.0 to 53.5%), and White (30.2 to 50.0%). CONCLUSION: Although orthopaedic surgery has improved in sex diversity in its entering class of residents, measures to increase racial diversity have been less successful. Efforts at improving the recruitment of a diverse class of trainees are necessary and will require acknowledging the importance of both racial and sex representation diversity metrics.

The Intersection of Race and Sex: A New Perspective Into Diversity Trends in Orthopaedic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Studies on diversity in orthopaedic surgery have exclusively examined challenges from a race or sex perspective. This study examines trends in the diversity of entering orthopaedic surgery residents from the intersection of race and sex. METHODS: The American Association of Medical Colleges was queried for individuals entering orthopaedic surgery residencies in the United States from 2001 to 2020. Deidentified data on self-reported sex and race were collected. Proportions by the intersection of sex and race were calculated for 5-year intervals. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2020, most of the new female residents identified as White (mean, 71.0%). The average proportion of White female residents was lower in 2016 to 2020 than in 2001 to 2005 (71.0% vs. 73.2%) but higher than that in 2011 to 2015 (66.8%). The 2016 to 2020 average was lower than that of 2001 to 2005 for those who identified as Asian (11.7% vs. 14.9%), Black (4.1% vs. 4.8%), Hispanic (3.0% vs. 4.4%), and American Indian/Alaska Native (0.0% vs. 1.5%). Most of the new male orthopaedic surgery residents from 2001 to 2020 identified as White (mean, 74.1%), but the average decreased across every 5-year interval from 2001 to 2005 (76.1%) to 2016 to 2020 (71.1%). The 2016 to 2020 average was lower than that of 2001 to 2005 for those who identified as Asian (12.2% vs. 13.6%), Black (3.5% vs. 4.2%), Hispanic (3.0% vs. 3.4%), American Indian/Alaska Native (0.0% vs. 0.6%), and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (0.1% vs. 0.3%). In 2020, White male residents made up to 54.2% of new residents. White female residents were the second highest group represented (12.1%). CONCLUSION: Increases in representation were observed for some subgroups of new orthopaedic surgery residents from 2001 to 2020. Although the proportion of both White female and male residents decreased by 11.5% during the 20-year study period, these individuals still made up most of the trainees in 2020. These results underscore the need for conversations and recruitment practices to take into consideration the intersectionality of identities.

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection of the Upper Extremity as a Manifestation of Hansen's Disease.

Hansen's disease is a well-described, largely historic infection that is caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Lucio's phenomenon is an aggressive, rare form of untreated lepromatous leprosy characterized by diffuse cutaneous lesions and systemic symptoms. To date, cases of necrotizing soft tissue infection in the setting of leprosy have rarely been reported in the literature. We present the case of a 51-year-old man with no known past medical history who presented for the evaluation of acute-on-chronic left upper extremity ulceration, soft tissue swelling, and pain. The patient was diagnosed with necrotizing soft tissue infection of the left upper extremity and underlying multibacillary lepromatous leprosy with Lucio's phenomenon. He underwent dermatofasciectomy of the affected extremity, followed by staged soft tissue coverage, including dermal allograft placement. Proper antibiotic management was also undertaken. In this article, we describe a case of previously undiagnosed leprosy with Lucio's phenomenon manifesting as necrotizing fasciitis of the upper extremity.

Safety and Efficacy of Cultured/Noncultured Mesenchymal Stromal Cells without Concurrent Surgery for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The quantity of studies investigating mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for knee osteoarthritis (OA) treatment is not restricted, unlike the amount of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that can be found in the literature. MSCs demonstrate a promising potential for safe pain relief of OA, yet indeterminate conclusions prevail due to heterogeneous reporting and study design. By evaluating PubMed and ScienceDirect for RCTs that describe patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and adverse events (AEs), we investigate safety and efficacy of MSCs for knee OA unaccompanied by adjuvant surgical intervention. This systematic review is performed in alignment with preferred reported items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. In addition to PROMs and AEs, we review included studies for stromal cell variants, follow-up, and imaging modalities, reporting our results in tables and text. Twelve studies that ranged from 1 wk to 4 yr and examined 428 patients and 856 knees met inclusion criteria. Six studies (50%) evaluated bone marrow MSCs, five (42%) evaluated adipose-derived MSCs, and one (8%) evaluated umbilical cord MSCs. All studies reported significant PROM improvement. Mean improvements in the visual analog scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, ranging from 0 to 40 and 10 to 32 points, respectively, were observed. Of 343 total patients, 135 (39%) experienced AEs. Whereas most AEs involved self-limiting knee swelling and pain, only three (0.8%) were severe enough to require overnight hospitalization. MSCs without adjuvant surgery offer a safe and efficacious conservative treatment option in knee OA patients by alleviating and decreasing pain for up to 12 mo. However, study limitations and contradictory findings require more evidence regarding cartilage repair.

Bacterial Septic Arthritis of the Adult Native Knee Joint: A Review.

¼ Acute bacterial septic arthritis of the knee is an orthopaedic emergency and, if left untreated, can result in substantial joint degradation. ¼ Important risk factors for development of septic arthritis include age of >60 years, recent bacteremia, diabetes, cancer, cirrhosis, renal disease, drug or alcohol abuse, a history of corticosteroid injection, a recent injury or surgical procedure, a prosthetic joint, and a history of rheumatoid arthritis. ¼ The diagnosis is primarily based on history and clinical presentation of a red, warm, swollen, and painful joint with limited range of motion. Laboratory values and inflammatory markers from serum and joint fluid may serve as adjuncts when there is clinical suspicion of septic arthritis. ¼ The initial and general antibiotic regimen should cover methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. The antibiotic regimen should be specified following the culture results of the infected joint. ¼ Operative management involves either arthrotomy or arthroscopy of the knee with thorough irrigation and debridement of all infected tissue. The Gächter classification is useful in establishing a prognosis or in determining the need for an extensive debridement.