Prevalence and pattern of lateral impingements in the progressive collapsing foot deformity.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of lateral bony impingements [i.e., Sinus Tarsi (STI), Talo-Fibular (TFI) and Calcaneo-Fibular (CFI)] and their association with Peritalar Subluxation (PTS) have not been clearly established for progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD).This study aims to assess the prevalence of STI, TFI and CFI in PCFD, in addition to their association with PTS. We hypothesized that STI and TFI would be more prevalent than CFI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two continuous symptomatic PCFD cases were retrospectively reviewed. Weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) was used to assess lateral impingements and classified as STI, TFI and CFI. PTS was assessed by the percent of uncovered and the incongruence angle of the middle facet, and the overall foot deformity was determined by the foot and ankle offset (FAO). Data were collected by two fellowship-trained independent observers. RESULTS: Intra-observer and inter-observer reliabilities for impingement assessment ranged from substantial to almost perfect. STI was present in 84.7%, TFI in 65.2% and CFI in 19.4%. PCFD with STI showed increased middle facet uncoverage (p = 0.0001) and FAO (p = 0.0008) compared to PCFD without STI. There were no differences in FAO and middle facet uncoverage in PCFD with TFI and without TFI. PCFD with CFI was associated with STI in 100% of cases. PCFD with CFI showed decreased middle facet incongruence (p = 0.04) and higher FAO (p = 0.006) compared to PCFD without CFI. CONCLUSIONS: STI and TFI were more prevalent than CFI in PCFD. However, only STI was associated with PTS. Conversely, CFI was associated with less PTS, suggesting a different pathological mechanism which could be a compensatory subtalar behavior caused by deep layer failure of the deltoid ligament and talar tilt.

Preoperative Opioid Prescription Filling Is a Risk Factor for Prolonged Opioid Use After Elbow Arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: To (1) report the frequency of postoperative opioid prescriptions after elbow arthroscopy, (2) evaluate whether filling opioid prescriptions preoperatively placed patients at increased risk of requiring more opioid prescriptions after surgery, and (3) determine patient factors associated with postoperative opioid prescription needs. METHODS: A national claims-based database was queried for patients undergoing primary elbow arthroscopy. Patients with prior total elbow arthroplasty or septic arthritis of the elbow were excluded. Patients who filled at least 1 opioid prescription between 1 and 4 months prior to surgery were defined as the preoperative opioid-use group. Monthly relative risk ratios for filling an opioid prescription were calculated for the first year after surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with opioid use at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after elbow arthroscopy, with P < .05 defined as significant. RESULTS: We identified 1,138 patients who underwent primary elbow arthroscopy. The preoperative opioid-use group consisted of 245 patients (21.5%), 61 of whom (24.9%) were still filling opioid prescriptions 12 months after surgery. The multivariate analysis determined that the preoperative opioid-use group was at increased risk of postoperative opioid prescription filling at 3 months (odds ratio [OR], 9.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.98-13.76), 6 months (OR, 8.74; 95% CI, 5.57-13.92), 9 months (OR, 7.17; 95% CI, 4.57-11.39), and 12 months (OR, 6.27; 95% CI, 3.94-10.07) after elbow arthroscopy. Patients younger than 40 years exhibited a decreased risk of postoperative opioid prescription filling at 3 months (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25-0.91), 6 months (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06-0.50), 9 months (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.22-0.97), and 12 months (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.19-0.94) after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative opioid filling, fibromyalgia, and psychiatric illness are associated with an increased risk of prolonged postoperative opioid after elbow arthroscopy. Patient age younger than 40 years and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are associated with a decreased risk of postoperative opioid prescription filling within the first postoperative year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Electively Scheduled Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Patients in the United States.

BACKGROUND: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals in the United States were recommended to stop performing elective procedures. This stoppage has led to the cancellation of a large number of hip and knee arthroplasties. The effect of this on patients' physical mental and economic health is unknown. METHODS: A survey was developed by the AAHKS Research Committee to assess pain, anxiety, physical function, and economic ability of patients to undergo a delayed operation. Six institutions conducted the survey to 360 patients who had to have elective hip and knee arthroplasty cancelled between March and July of 2020. RESULTS: Patients were most anxious about the uncertainty of when their operation could be rescheduled. Although 85% of patients understood and agreed with the public health measures to curb infections, almost 90% of patients plan to reschedule as soon as possible. Age and geographic region of the patients affected their anxiety. Younger patients were more likely to have financial concerns and concerns about job security. Patients in the Northeast were more concerned about catching COVID-19 during a future hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Patients suffering from the pain of hip and knee arthritis continue to struggle with pain from their end-stage disease. They have anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic. Few patients feel they will be limited financially and 90% want to have surgery as soon as possible. Age and physical location of the patients affect their causes for anxiety around their future surgery.

Opioid Prescription Refills After Osteochondral Procedures of the Knee.

PURPOSE: (1) To assess the incidence of postoperative opioid prescription refills in patients undergoing osteochondral autograft transplant (OAT) and osteochondral allograft transplant (OCA) procedures of the knee; (2) to evaluate the effect of filling preoperative opioid prescriptions on the incidence of postoperative filling; and (3) to assess the impact of age, sex, and diagnosis of low-back pain on postoperative opioid prescription filling. METHODS: The Humana administrative claims database was queried for patients undergoing knee OAT and OCA procedures between 2007 and 2017 by use of Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients were stratified by age, diagnosis of low-back pain, preoperative opioid use, autograft and allograft procedures, and open and arthroscopic procedures. Preoperative opioid users were defined as those having filled an opioid prescription within 3 months before surgery. The relative risk (risk ratio) for opioid prescription refills was calculated monthly for 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine odds ratios (ORs) at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: We identified 300 patients: 133 (44%) underwent OAT and 167 (56%) underwent OCA procedures. Of the patients, 236 (79%) were aged 49 years or younger, and 31% of patients filled opioid prescriptions preoperatively. Of those who filled preoperative opioid prescriptions, 28% were still filling prescriptions 12 months after surgery. Multivariate analysis showed an increased risk of opioid prescription filling at 3 months (OR, 7.46 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.26-17.38]), 6 months (OR, 15.41 [95% CI, 5.52-41.99]), and 12 months (OR, 13.45 [95% CI, 5.41-33.75]) postoperatively in preoperative opioid users. CONCLUSIONS: Filling opioid prescriptions preoperatively increased the risk of postoperative filling of opioid prescriptions after cartilage restoration procedures of the knee. Over 30% of patients were found to have filled an opioid prescription preoperatively. Univariate analysis showed that age of 50 years or older and low-back pain increased the risk of postoperative prescription refilling, but only age of 50 years or older provided a significantly increased risk at 3 months postoperatively using a multivariate analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective case-control study.

Deformities Influencing Different Classes in Progressive Collapsing Foot.

Background: The current classification system of progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is comprised of 5 possible classes. PCFD is understood to be a complex, three-dimensional deformity occurring in many regions along the foot and ankle. The question remains whether a deformity in one area impacts other areas. The objective of this study is to assess how each one of the classes is influenced by other classes by evaluating each associated angular measurement. We hypothesized that positive and linear correlations would occur for each class with at least one other class and that this influence would be high. Methods: We retrospectively assessed weight bearing CT (WBCT) measurements of 32 feet with PCFD diagnosis. The classes and their associated radiographic measurements were defined as follows: class A (hindfoot valgus) measured by the hindfoot moment arm (HMA), class B (midfoot abduction) measured by the talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA), class C (medial column instability) measured by Meary's angle, class D (peritalar sub-luxation) measured by the medial facet uncoverage (MFU), and class E (ankle valgus) measured using the talar tilt angle (TTA). Multivariate analyses were completed comparing each class measurement to the other classes. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Class A showed substantial positive correlation with class C (ρ=0.71; R2=0.576; p=0.001). Class B was substantially correlated with class D (ρ=0.74; R2=0.613; p=0.001). Class C showed a substantial positive correlation with class A (ρ=0.71; R2=0.576; p=0.001) and class D (ρ=0.75; R2=0.559; p=0.001). Class D showed substantial positive correlation with class B and class C (ρ=0.74; R2=0.613; p=0.001), (ρ=0.75; R2=0.559; p=0.001) respectively. Class E did not show correlation with class B, C or D (ρ=0.24; R2=0.074; p=0.059), (ρ=0.17; R2=0.071; p=0.179), and (ρ=0.22; R2=0.022; p=0.082) respectively. Conclusion: This study was able to find relations between components of PCFD deformity with exception of ankle valgus (Class E). Measurements associated with each class were influenced by others, and in some instances with pronounced strength. The presented data may support the notion that PCFD is a three-dimensional complex deformity and suggests a possible relation among its ostensibly independent features. Level of Evidence: III.

Perioperative Opioid Counseling Reduces Opioid Use Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Background: Preoperative counseling may reduce postoperative opioid requirements; however, there is a paucity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating efficacy. The purpose of this study was to perform an interventional, telehealth-based RCT evaluating the effect of peri-operative counseling on quantity and duration of opioid consumption following primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods: Participants were randomized into three groups: 1. Control group, no perioperative counseling; 2. Intervention group, preoperative educational video; 3. Intervention group, preoperative educational video and postoperative acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Opioid consumption was evaluated daily for 14 days and at 6 weeks postoperatively. Best-case and worse-case intention to treat analyses were performed to account for non-responses. Bonferroni corrections were applied. Results: 183 participants were analyzed (63 in Group 1, 55 in Group 2, and 65 in Group 3). At 2 weeks postoperatively, there was no difference in opioid consumption between Groups 1, 2, and 3 (p>0.05 for all). At 6 weeks postoperatively, Groups 2 and 3 had consumed significantly less opioids than Group 1 (p=0.04, p<0.001) (Table 1). Group 3 participants were less likely to obtain an opioid refill relative to Group 1 participants (p=0.04). Participants in groups 2 and 3 ceased opioid consumption a median of 6 days and 2 days sooner than Group 1, respectively (p<0.001, p=0.03) (Table 2). Conclusion: Perioperative opioid counseling significantly decreases the quantity and duration of opioid consumption at 6 weeks following primary TJA. Level of Evidence: I.

Weightbearing Computed Tomography for Assessment of Foot and Ankle Deformities: The Iowa Experience.

BACKGROUND: Weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) is a reliable and precise modality for the measurement and analysis of bone position in the foot and ankle, as well as associated deformities. WBCT to assess three dimensional relationships among bones allowed the development of new measurements, as the Foot and Ankle Offset (FAO), which has high inter and intra-rater reliability. This study reports the University of Iowa's experience utilizing WBCT for the care of foot and ankle patients by describing its utility across different orthopedic diseases in improving diagnostic assessment, aiding surgical planning, and expanding the use for objective clinical follow-up. METHODS: The medical records of consecutive patients with various foot and ankle disorders that underwent WBCT examination as part of the standard of care at a single institution between November 2014 and August 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient factors, including body mass index (BMI), sex, and patient comorbidities were collected. 3D coordinates for calculation of FAO were harvested using the Multiplanar Reconstruction (MPR) views were calculated from the obtained exams. Descriptive statistics were performed with Shapiro-Wilk test and the Anderson-Darling tests. RESULTS: 1175 feet and ankles (820 patients) had a WBCT performed over the studied 68 months. 53% of the subjects were male and 47% female. 588 of the acquisitions were from the right side (50.04%) and 587 from the left side (49.96%). Diabetes was present in 15.47% of, Rheumatic diagnoses in 4.52% and smoking habits in 44.10% of patients. Mean BMI of the sample was found to be 32.47 (32.03-32.90, 95% CI). The mean Foot and Ankle Offset (FAO) encountered in the study's population was 2.43 (2.05-2.82, 95% CI; min -30.8, max 37.65; median 2.39). CONCLUSION: This study contains the largest cohort of WBCTs with accompanied FAO measurements to date, which can aid with establishing a new baseline FAO measurement for multiple pathological conditions. Acquiring WBCTs resulted in a variety of more specific diagnoses for patient with foot and ankle complaints. The ability to utilize WBCT for presurgical planning, the capability to provide a 3D reconstruction of patient anatomy, and its use for assessment of advanced relational foot and ankle measurements, such as FAO, demonstrate how WBCT may serve as a remarkable utility in clinical practice and has become a standard of care in our practice at the University of Iowa.Level of Evidence: IV.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients' Perceptions of Safety and Need for Elective Foot and Ankle Surgery in the United States.

BACKGROUND: With the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, elective foot and ankle surgeries were delayed throughout the United States to divert health care resources and limit exposure. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on patient's willingness to proceed with elective procedures once restrictions are lifted and factors contributing to such decision. METHODS: Patients across 6 US orthopedic institutions who had their elective foot and ankle surgeries cancelled secondary to the pandemic were given a questionnaire. Specifically, patients were asked about their willingness to move forward with surgery once restrictions were lifted and if not why. Pain-level and pain medication use were also assessed. Univariate analysis was used to identify factors that contribute to patient's decisions. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients participated in this study. Twenty-one (14%) opted not to proceed with surgery once restrictions were lifted. Forty-three percent (n = 9) listed concern for COVID infection as the reason; however, 14% of them would proceed if procedures were performed in surgery center. Twenty-nine (19% of the total cohort) patients had increased pain and 11% of patients were taking more pain meds because of the delay to their procedure. Patients who decided not to proceed with surgery reported pain reduction (3% vs 14%) and lower increase in pain medication used (5% vs 12%). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has made a significant impact on the health care system. Delay of elective foot and ankle procedures impact patient quality of life and outcomes. Access to surgery centers may provide a partial solution during the pandemic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Patients in the United States: A Multicenter Update to the Previous Survey.

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, elective total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) were suspended across the United States in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We had previously published the results of a survey to the affected patients from 6 institutions. We now present the results of a larger distribution of this survey, through May and June 2020, to electively scheduled patients representing different regions of the United States. METHODS: Fifteen centers identified through the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Research Committee participated in a survey study of THA and TKA patients. Patients scheduled for primary elective THA or TKA but canceled due to the COVID-19 elective surgery stoppage (3/2020-5/2020) were included in the study. Descriptive statistics along with subgroup analysis with Wilcoxon rank were performed. RESULTS: In total, surveys were distributed to 2135 patients and completed by 848 patients (40%) from 15 institutions. Most patients (728/848, 86%) had their surgery postponed or canceled by the surgeon or hospital. Unknown length of surgical delay remained the highest source of anxiety among survey participants. Male patients were more likely to be willing to proceed with surgery in spite of COVID-19. There were minimal regional differences in responses. Only 61 patients (7%) stated they will continue to delay surgery for fear of contracting COVID-19 while in the hospital. CONCLUSION: Similar to the previous study, the most anxiety-provoking thought was the uncertainty, over if and when the canceled joint replacement surgery could be rescheduled. Patients suffering from the daily pain of hip and knee arthritis who have been scheduled for elective arthroplasty remain eager to have their operation as soon as elective surgery is allowed to resume.

Obtaining Imaging Cost and Quality Information in Femoroacetabular Impingement: The Patient Experience.

Background: Recent changes in healthcare have placed increased emphasis on price transparency, quality measures, and improving the patient experience. However, limited information is available for patient cost of obtaining a hip MRI and factors associated with cost variability. For a patient with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), this study sought to report (1) the availability of pricing and quality information for a hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the state of Iowa, (2) the time investment required to obtain pricing and quality information, and (3) factors that influence hip MRI cost, quality and the time investment required for patients to obtain cost and quality information. Methods: Within the state of Iowa, 126 unique hospital institutions and 30 active, private orthopaedic practices were identified. All 156 providers were contacted via telephone using a standardized script of a hypothetical 25-year-old adult male patient with FAI requesting a quote for a hip MRI. Cost of the MRI and its components, availability of payment discounts, and MRI magnet tesla (T) were requested. A final bundled cost (FBC) was calculated for each MRI provider with all available services and discounts applied. The total amount of time needed to obtain a quote from each location was recorded. Results: One hundred and thirty-six of the 156 institutions contacted provided hip MRI services (87%). Median call duration was 9.1 minutes (Range 2.3-25.6). Median FBC was $2,114.00 (Range $484.75-4,463.00) across all providers. Hospital median FBC was $2,261.70 (Range $909.62-4,463.00) versus $1,225.13 (Range $484.75-2,218.40) for independent imaging centers (P<0.0001). No difference in median cost was observed between nine available 3.0 T machines and eighty-nine 1.5 T machines (P=0.2655). Conclusions: MRI cost varies widely across the state of Iowa and within individual metropolitan areas. Hip MRIs cost less at independent imaging centers compared to hospital locations. The amount of time required to obtain quality and cost data for a hip MRI presents a substantial time burden for patients with FAI. Surgeons, healthcare systems, and policy makers should be cognizant of the large price differences for a hip MRI and the time burden placed on patients with FAI to obtain this information.Level of Evidence: IV.

Diabetic Foot Surveillance Using Mobile Phones and Automated Software Messaging, a Randomized Observational Trial.

Background: Early detection of diabetic foot ulcers can improve outcomes. However, patients do not always monitor their feet or seek medical attention when ulcers worsen. New approaches for diabetic-foot surveillance are needed. The goal of this study was to determine if patients would be willing and able to regularly photograph their feet; evaluate different foot-imaging approaches; and determine clinical adequacy of the resulting pictures. Methods: We recruited adults with diabetes and assigned them to Self Photo (SP), Assistive Device (AD), or Other Party (OP) groups. The SP group photographed their own feet, while the AD group used a selfie stick; the OP group required another adult to photograph the patient's foot. For 8 weeks, we texted all patients requesting that they text us a photo of each foot. The collected images were evaluated for clinical adequacy. Numbers of (i) submitted and (ii) clinically useful images were compared among groups using generalized linear models and generalized linear mixed models. Results: A total of 96 patients consented and 88 participated. There were 30 patients in SP, 29 in AD, and 29 in OP. The completion rate was 77%, with no significant differences among groups. However, 74.1% of photographs in SC, 83.7% in AD, 92.6% in OP were determined to be clinically adequate, and these differed statistically significantly. Conclusions: Patients with diabetes are willing and able to take photographs of their feet, but using selfie sticks or having another adult take the photographs increases the clinical adequacy of the photographs.Level of Evidence: II.

Detailing postoperative pain and opioid utilization after periacetabular osteotomy with automated mobile messaging.

In the setting of periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), this investigation sought to (i) describe patient-reported pain scores and opioid utilization in the first 6 weeks following surgery and (ii) evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative communication using a robotic mobile messaging platform. Subjects indicated for PAO were enrolled from a young adult hip clinic. For the first 2 weeks after surgery, subjects received daily mobile messages inquiring about pain level on a 0-10 scale and the number of opioid pain medication tablets they consumed in the previous 24 h. Messaging frequency decreased to 3 per week in Weeks 3-6. Pain scores, opioid utilization and response rates with our mobile messaging platform were quantified for the 6-week postoperative period. Twenty-nine subjects underwent PAO. Twenty-one had concurrent hip arthroscopy. Average daily pain scores decreased over the first four postoperative days. Average pain scores reported were 5.9 ± 1.9, 4.1 ± 3.3 and 3.0 ± 3.5 on Day 1, Day 14 and Week 6, respectively. Reported opioid tablet utilization was 5.0 ± 3.2, 2.2 ± 2.0 and 0.0 ± 0.0 on Days 1 and 14 and at 6 weeks. Response rate for participants completing the 6-week messaging protocol was 84.1%. Patient-reported pain scores decreased over the first two postoperative weeks following PAO before plateauing in weeks 3-6. Opioid pain medication utilization increased in the first postoperative week before gradually declining to no tabs consumed at 6 weeks after PAO. Automated mobile messaging is an effective method of perioperative communication for the collection of pain scores and opioid utilization in patients undergoing PAO.

Automated Mobile Phone Messaging Utilizing a Cognitive Behavioral Intervention: A Pilot Investigation.

Background: In the setting of outpatient orthopaedic surgery, this pilot study utilized automated mobile messaging to assess (1) the feasibility of and interaction rates with a software delivered cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) intervention for postoperative opioid utilization, (2) the reliability of patient reported opioid utilization through our platform, (3) daily patient reported pain and opioid utilization within the first two postoperative weeks, and (4) the effect of software delivered CBT intervention on patient reported opioid utilization. Methods: Musculoskeletal tumor patients scheduled for outpatient surgery were randomized into two study groups. Control patients received standard postoperative communication limited to a two-week postoperative follow-up visit. The intervention group received automated daily text-messages regarding pain, opioid utilization, and a daily CBT intervention. Interventional group patients also completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire at their two-week follow-up. Completion rates of all software delivered questions were determined in the interventional group. Median values of opioid utilization and interquartile range (IQR) were determined to compare utilization between groups. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to determine reliability of patient reported opioid utilization in the interventional group. Results: Fourteen patients completed the pilot study (seven controls, seven intervention). Patients in the intervention arm completed 90% of pain and opioid questions. Intervention group patients utilized less of their daily prescribed opioid medication (20%, IQR:10%-27%) compared to controls (50%, IQR:4%-68%). Correlation between in-office pill counts and patient reported opioid medication utilization via our software messaging system was high (r=0.90, p=0.037). Conclusion: Automated mobile phone messaging in outpatient tumor surgery yielded high interaction rates. Patient reported opioid utilization obtained through our platform demonstrated a high correlation with in-office pill counts. CBT delivered via automated mobile phone messaging demonstrated decreased opioid utilization in this pilot investigation.Level of evidence: II.

Performance of the PROMIS in Patients Undergoing 3 Common Elbow Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, distal biceps tendon repair, and elbow arthroscopic surgery are common elbow procedures performed in active patients. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized (1) good to excellent correlation between Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) instruments and traditional orthopaedic upper extremity patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures; (2) that PROMIS instruments would demonstrate ceiling effects; and (3) that the PROMIS physical function computer adaptive test (PF CAT) would demonstrate a low question burden compared with other PRO instruments. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A total of 76 patients undergoing UCL repair/reconstruction, distal biceps tendon repair, or elbow arthroscopic surgery filled out the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) Physical Function subscale, EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, PROMIS PF CAT, and PROMIS upper extremity item bank (UE). Excellent correlation between PROs was defined as ≥.70. RESULTS: The PROMIS PF CAT had excellent correlation with the SF-36 (r = 0.74; P < .0001), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) survey (r = -0.76; P < .0001), and PROMIS UE (r = 0.73; P < .0001). The PROMIS UE demonstrated excellent correlation with the SF-36 (r = 0.73; P < .0001) and DASH survey (r = -0.81; P < .0001). The PROMIS UE had ceiling effects in 33% of patients. The SF-36 showed ceiling effects in 20% of patients. On average, patients answered 5.1 ± 2.2 questions on the PROMIS PF CAT. CONCLUSION: The PROMIS PF CAT and PROMIS UE are valid in patients undergoing distal biceps tendon repair, elbow arthroscopic surgery, and UCL repair. The PROMIS UE demonstrated high ceiling effects in younger, higher functioning patients and should be used with caution in this group. A further evaluation and modification of the PROMIS UE in younger, high-functioning patients are warranted. Finally, the PROMIS PF CAT exhibited a low question burden relative to traditional PRO instruments without the loss of reliability.

Intraoperative Point of View Video Capture and Surgical Segmentation in Carpal Tunnel Release: A Feasibility Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to (1) examine the feasibility of intraoperative point of view video while performing open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release (CTR), (2) define surgical segments of CTR, and (3) describe the duration of various surgical steps of open versus endoscopic CTR in a teaching setting. DESIGN: Fellowship trained hand surgeons reached consensus on surgical segments for CTR. Adult patients 18 and older previously indicated for CTR in clinic were eligible. Head-mounted point-of-view cameras were worn during endoscopic and open CTR by resident surgeons. Video was reviewed to determine segment duration. Independent sample t tests were used for comparison of duration by technique with statistical significance set as p < 0.05. SETTING: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242; Tertiary Academic Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: Orthopedic Surgery Residents and Orthopedic Surgery Faculty. RESULTS: Surgical segments were defined as incision, dissection of superficial soft tissue structures, transection of the carpal ligament, and surgical incision closure. Twelve of 14 video capture events yielded data. In the teaching setting, the average duration of endoscopic CTR was 609.5 seconds (±111.07) versus 547.75 seconds (±82.06) for open with p value = 0.406. No surgical segments were significantly different. Transition time from dissection to ligament transection differed significantly (p = 0.004) between endoscopic (46.88 seconds ± 19.19) and open (9.0 seconds ± 7.90) CTR. Transition time between ligament transection and closure was significantly different (p = 0.029) among endoscopic (50.5 seconds ± 15.0) and open (26.25 seconds ± 2.99) CTR. CONCLUSIONS: Point-of-view video capture is feasible for the capture of video during a common hand surgery procedure. A method for managing device battery power is necessary for future applications. CTR can be defined as, and described in, individual procedure segments potentially useful for surgical education as well as efficiency improvements. Identification of surgical segments may aid the development of better objective tools for the assessment of surgeon skill and competency for common orthopedic procedures.