Publicly Disclosed Pricing for Common Upper-Extremity Procedures: An Analysis of Hospital Chargemasters.

BACKGROUND: American hospitals are required to provide price transparency data (known as a chargemaster) for medical services, which is intended to allow consumers to accurately estimate the cost of medical services. Our purpose was to identify hospital compliance in publishing chargemaster documents and to assess the price information published for common upper-extremity services and procedures. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of publicly available chargemaster data from 122 hospitals, which included the top-20-ranked Honor Roll hospitals from US News and World Report and 2 top-ranked hospitals from each state. Chargemaster files were accessed for each hospital, and price information was recorded for 10 common upper-extremity procedures including radiographs, injections, and surgeries. Mean procedural prices were compared between academic and nonacademic hospitals. RESULTS: Chargemaster files were able to be accessed for 107 (88%) of 122 institutions. Price estimates for imaging studies were more frequently reported (73%) than those of procedures (23%-41%). With 50 hospitals reporting a price estimate, carpal tunnel injection was the most frequently reported procedure, whereas trigger finger release was the least frequently reported (41% and 23%, respectively). Wide price ranges were noted, with mean charges for a total shoulder arthroplasty listed as US $51 723 (range, US $247-US $364 024). Mean prices between academic and nonacademic hospital systems were similar. CONCLUSIONS: While most (88%) of the included hospitals have been compliant with publishing their price transparency files, price estimates for common upper-extremity procedures and imaging studies are inconsistently reported and, when present, demonstrate high levels of price variability between and within hospital systems.

Analysis of Gender Diversity Within Hand Surgery Fellowship Programs.

PURPOSE: To define and compare gender diversity among faculty and trainees within hand surgery fellowship programs. METHODS: We determined the gender of each program director for all orthopedic residency and fellowship programs. Specific to hand fellowship programs, we determined the gender of the fellowship director and all faculty members for all plastic surgery and orthopedic hand fellowship programs. Lists of prior hand surgery fellows from 2014 to 2019 were obtained from official program websites or program coordinators. The gender distribution of the hand fellowship program directors and faculty was compared to the prior fellows. RESULTS: Hand surgery fellowship programs had the second highest percentage of female fellowship directors (13%) behind orthopedic oncology (27%). Within hand surgery, 614 total faculty positions were identified, and 15% were female. Of the 89 hand surgery programs evaluated, 36 (60%) had at least 1 female faculty member. For the 849 prior fellows identified, 213 (25%) were female, and 79% of programs had at least 1 female fellow. Hand programs led by a female director did not have a higher percentage of prior female fellows compared to programs led by a male director (26% vs 25%). Programs with a female fellowship director were as likely to have had at least 1 prior female fellow compared to programs with a male fellowship director. CONCLUSIONS: For orthopedic subspecialties, hand surgery fellowship programs had the second highest percentage of female fellowship directors (13%). While mentorship plays an important role in surgical education, hand fellowship programs with female faculty did not appear to attract more female fellows or faculty. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hand fellowship programs should recognize that the presence of female faculty may not be a primary factor in fellowship selection for female applicants, and further study into recruiting qualified female candidates should be encouraged.

The Handshake Test: A Nonverbal Assessment of Coping Strategies and Functional Status in Patients with Atraumatic Upper-Extremity Conditions.

Background: Maladaptive coping strategies can lead to less functional improvement after upper-extremity surgery. It remains uncertain how well surgeons can recognize signs of less effective coping strategies in patients in the absence of formalized questionnaires. Our purpose is to determine if the "Handshake Test" can be used to identify patients with less effective coping strategies. We hypothesize that a simple physical examination finding (a refusal or inability to shake hands) is associated with higher pain level, maladaptive coping strategies and decreased functional status. Methods: We prospectively analyzed 246 consecutive new patients presenting to one of three surgeons with atraumatic upper-extremity conditions. Patients completed a pain scale (NPRS) and PROMIS instruments including Self-Efficacy (SE) for Managing Symptoms, Pain Interference (PI) and Upper Extremity (UE). Each surgeon recorded a refusal to shake hands as part of a normal greeting, referred to as a "positive Handshake Test". Results: 200 patients (81%) patients completed all outcome measures and were included in our analysis. 8% demonstrated a positive Handshake Test. Patients with a positive Handshake Test were more likely to use tobacco; otherwise baseline demographics were similar between the two groups. Patients with a positive Handshake Test demonstrated higher pain scores (NPRS and PROMIS PI), lower levels of self-efficacy and worse self-reported functional status on the PROMIS UE. Conclusions: For patients with atraumatic upper-extremity conditions, those with a positive Handshake Test report higher pain levels, lower self-efficacy, and decreased self-reported functional status than patients who can perform a handshake. This simple test can aid in identifying patients with less effective coping strategies, allowing surgeons to guide patients towards interventions to improve both illness behavior and functional outcomes.Level of Evidence: II.

Incidence and Reason for Readmission and Unscheduled Health Care Contact After Distal Radius Fracture.

Background: Understanding risk factors for readmission may help decrease the rate of these costly events. The purpose of this study is to define the incidence of 30-day readmission and unscheduled health care contact (UHC) after distal radius fracture (DRF). In addition, we aim to define risk factors for readmission and UHC. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who sustained a DRF at our trauma center was performed. We recorded baseline demographics, fracture characteristics, and treatment. Any UHC or readmission (including emergency department [ED] visits) was documented. Reasons for readmission and UHC were stratified by cause. We utilized a case-control design comparing patients readmitted within 30 days after DRF versus those who were not, as well as patients with and without UHC. Results: About 353 patients were identified. The 30-day incidence of readmission after DRF was 7% with 2% of patients readmitted for reasons related to their fracture. Twenty percent of patients had UHC within 30 days, most frequently due to pain. Patients with anxiety or depression and those with open fractures were more likely to be readmitted. Patients with UHC were younger, more likely to have depression or anxiety, and more likely to have undergone operative treatment. Conclusions: For patients sustaining DRF, we report a 30-day readmission rate of 7% with 20% of patients having UHC. Patients with depression or anxiety were more likely to be both readmitted and have UHC. Identifying risk factors for readmission during initial presentation may help reduce readmissions. Improving pain relief strategies early may aid in decreasing the burden of UHC.

Comparison of Radiographic and Intraoperative Visual Assessment of Scaphotrapezoid Joint Arthritis in Patients With End-Stage Carpometacarpal Arthritis of the Thumb Base.

Background: The purpose of this investigation is to compare the radiographic and intraoperative assessment of scaphotrapezoid (ST) joint arthritis in patients with end-stage carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis of the thumb base. We aim to define the incidence of ST arthritis in this population and determine whether radiographic features such as lunate morphology, dorsal intercalated segment instability (DISI), and scapholunate (SL) diastasis are associated with the incidence of ST arthritis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with end-stage CMC arthritis of the thumb treated operatively with trapeziectomy. Preoperative wrist radiographs were reviewed, and the presence of ST arthritis was determined using the Sodha classification. Lunate morphology, DISI, and SL diastasis were noted. Intraoperative grading of ST arthritis was assessed using a modified Brown classification. The specificity and sensitivity of radiographic assessment was compared with the gold standard of intraoperative direct visualization. Results: In total, 302 thumbs met inclusion criteria. End-stage ST joint arthritis determined by intraoperative visual inspection was noted in 31% of cases. No radiographic or demographic variables were found to be risk factors for ST arthritis. Plain radiographs were 47% sensitive and 94% specific in their ability to detect end-stage ST joint arthritis. Conclusions: We report a 31% incidence of end-stage ST joint arthritis in surgically treated patients with CMC arthritis based on visual inspection which is lower than previous literature. Wrist radiographs demonstrate a 47% sensitivity and 94% specificity in predicting end-stage ST joint arthritis. It is imperative to directly visualize the ST joint after trapeziectomy, as radiographs demonstrate poor sensitivity.

Upper Extremity Trauma Resulting From Agricultural Accidents: Mechanism and Severity for Patients With and Without Upper Extremity Injury.

BACKGROUND: Farming remains the most dangerous occupation in the United States and upper extremity (UE) injuries occur frequently in agricultural accidents. The purpose of this study is to describe the injury mechanisms, severity, and health care costs of UE injuries resulting from agricultural accidents and to compare patients with and without injuries to the UE. METHODS: We performed a 6-year retrospective review of our level I trauma center registry from January 2006 to May 2013, identifying all patients injured in an agricultural accident. Data collection included baseline demographics, injury type and mechanism, costs and treatment. Patients with UE injuries were compared with those without UE injuries. RESULTS: Ninety-six of 273 patients (35%) sustained an UE injury with fractures of the phalanx and radius/ulna occurring most frequently. Patients with UE injuries were more likely to be injured from table saws ( P = .0003) and farm machinery ( P < .0001). Twenty-one percent with UE injuries sustained a mangled extremity. Patients with UE injuries were more likely to require surgery (68% vs 36%, P < .0001) and were more likely to be readmitted (17% vs 5%, P = .0007) with risk factors for readmission including age >18 years, falls from height, and surgery. Mean hospital charges were $95 147. CONCLUSIONS: Patients sustaining agricultural UE injuries have longer lengths of stay and more frequently require surgery despite similar hospital charges compared with non-UE injured patients. Hospital readmissions occur frequently for patients with UE injuries. Understanding injury mechanisms and the epidemiology of these potentially devastating and costly injuries may help guide agricultural injury prevention programs.

Anatomic Assessment of K-Wire Trajectory for Transverse Percutaneous Fixation of Small Finger Metacarpal Fractures: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this cadaveric study is to evaluate the trajectory of percutaneous transverse Kirschner wire (K-wire) placement for fifth metacarpal fractures relative to the sagittal profile of the fifth metacarpal in order to develop a targeting strategy for the treatment of fifth metacarpal fractures. METHODS: Using 12 unmatched fresh human upper limbs, we evaluated the trajectory of percutaneous transverse K-wire placement relative to the sagittal profile of the fifth metacarpal in order to develop a targeting strategy for treatment of fifth metacarpal fractures. The midpoint of the small and ring finger metacarpals in the sagittal plane was identified at 3 points. At each point, a K-wire was inserted from the small finger metacarpal into the midpoint of the ring finger metacarpal ("center-center" position). RESULTS: The angle of the transverse K-wire relative to the table needed to achieve a center-center position averaged 20.8°, 18.9°, and 16.7° for the proximal diaphysis, middiaphysis, and the collateral recess, respectively. Approximately 80% of transversely placed K-wires obtained purchase in the long finger metacarpal. CONCLUSIONS: These results can serve as a guide to help surgeons in the accurate placement of percutaneous K-wires for small finger metacarpal fractures and may aid in surgeon training.

Orthopaedic trauma in the Anabaptist community: epidemiology and hospital charges.

This study aims to define the epidemiology of orthopaedic trauma in the rural Anabaptist community and analyze the hospital charges associated with their treatment. The authors performed a retrospective review of 79 Amish and 40 Mennonite patients who had been seen in their rural level I trauma center emergency department for an orthopaedic injury from January 2006 to May 2013. Data collection included baseline demographics, injury mechanism and severity, injury complex, operative interventions, outcomes, and hospital charges. Amish and Mennonite groups were similar except for a higher percentage of males in the Mennonite group. For Amish patients, occupational injuries (52%) and buggy accidents (16%) accounted for the highest percentage of admissions. Eighty-seven percent sustained at least one fracture, most commonly of the hand (11%). Amish patients were statistically more likely to sustain fractures of the spine, and Mennonite patients were more likely to sustain fractures of the foot and femur. Over half of patients required surgery (58%). Total hospital charges did not differ based between the groups. Amish patients completed outpatient follow-up less frequently than Mennonite patients. Anabaptist patients are at risk for a variety of orthopaedic injuries related to their unique lifestyle and vocations. Socioreligious beliefs must be taken into consideration when educating these patients regarding postinjury care, as attendance at outpatient follow-up is low. Understanding the types of injuries that these patients sustain can help create strategies to prevent costly transportation and agricultural accidents within the Anabaptist community.