Readability Analysis of Patient Education Material on Rotator Cuff Injuries From the Top 25 Ranking Orthopaedic Institutions.

INTRODUCTION: Rotator cuff injuries (RCIs) are incredibly common in the US adult population. Forty-three percent of adults have basic or below-basic literacy levels; nonetheless, patient educational materials (PEMs) are frequently composed at levels exceeding these reading capabilities. This study investigates the readability of PEMs on RCIs published by leading US orthopaedic institutions. METHODS: The top 25 orthopaedic institutions on the 2022 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals Specialty Ranking were selected. Readability scores of PEMs related to RCI were calculated using the www.readabilityformulas.com website. RESULTS: Among the 25 analyzed PEM texts, all exceeded the sixth-grade reading level. Only four of 168 scores (2.4%) were below the eighth-grade level. DISCUSSION: This study indicates that PEMs on rotator cuff injuries from top orthopedic institutions are too complex for many Americans, with readability levels ranging from 8.5 to 16th grade, well above the CDC-recommended eighth-grade level. The research highlights a widespread issue with high reading levels across healthcare information and underscores the need for healthcare providers to adopt patient-centered communication strategies to improve comprehension and accessibility. CONCLUSION: PEMs on rotator cuff injuries from leading orthopedic institutions often have a reading level beyond that of many Americans, exceeding guidelines from the NIH and CDC that recommend PEMs be written at an eighth-grade reading level. To increase accessibility, enhance healthcare literacy, and improve patient outcomes, institutions should simplify these materials to meet recommended readability standards.

Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning in Isolated Cuboid Dislocation Management: A Case Report.

Cuboid dislocations are a rare type of injury with few cases reported. A 41-year-old female came in for an assessment of her left foot, seeking evaluation 13 days post-injury. On inspection of the left lower extremity, we found swelling and ecchymosis throughout the midfoot. There was dimpling along the fourth/fifth tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint with palpable dorsal subluxation. A closed cuboid reduction with percutaneous pinning was performed 20 days after the initial injury. The cuboid was reduced with a combination of traction and direct pressure. One 1.6 mm Kirschner wire was passed from the fifth metatarsal across the TMT joint into the cuboid. At the 10-week follow-up appointment, she was ambulating with her boot and had successfully returned to work as a teacher. Radiographs demonstrated a maintained reduction of the dislocation and interval healing of the navicular and fourth metatarsal base fractures. Dislocations of the cuboid have only a handful of cases reported. They can occur in isolation or with other injuries of the midfoot. This patient was successfully treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. Further studies are required to obtain a consensus on optimal treatment for these types of injuries.