Trends in the Management of Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures.

PURPOSE: To describe management trends of fifth metacarpal neck (5MCN) fractures within a large health care system. We aimed to define patient and surgeon factors associated with nonsurgical versus surgical treatment, as well as to identify factors associated with receiving care only in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: We identified all 5MCN fractures within our system for the years 2012-2020 and recorded baseline demographics for cases. Injury, treatment, and fracture characteristics were all recorded. For fractures treated nonsurgically, we determined the type of immobilization used (if any) and recorded whether patients were seen only in the ED or received subsequent outpatient follow-up. Demographic comparisons were made between groups, and adjusted logistic regression models were generated to predict the odds of having a surgical 5MCN fracture or being seen in the ED only. RESULTS: There were 611 5MCN fractures over an 8-year period, of which 10% were treated surgically. During the first half of the study period, 8% of isolated cases were treated surgically compared with 7% of cases in the second half. Soft dressings were increasingly used. There were no nonsurgically managed cases that underwent subsequent surgical procedures for symptomatic nonunion or malunion. Twenty-one percent of patients were seen only in the ED. Fracture angulation, associated injuries, insurance status, and treatment by a hand surgeon were all significantly associated with an increased likelihood of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Of the 611 5MCN fractures identified, 90% were treated nonsurgically. Patient and surgeon factors were associated with increased odds of surgery. Of patients who sought care for 5MCN injuries, >20% received no follow-up care outside of the ED. These data can be used to assess future changes in management trends and suggest that nonunion and symptomatic malunions are uncommon occurrences. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Chronic disease and socioeconomic factors among uninsured patients: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Uninsured patients represent an understudied population. The current study aimed to estimate the burden of 10 common chronic conditions and to investigate the associated factors among patients who use free clinics for their health care needs. METHODS: Patient charts from four free clinics were reviewed from January to December of 2015. Proportion of prevalence, adjusted odds ratios (AOR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between participant characteristics and chronic conditions are reported. RESULTS: Prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia significantly differed by clinic, age, gender, race, and marital status. Compared to age 15-44 years, older patients (45-64 years, and ≥65) were 5-10 times more likely to suffer from hypertension. Compared to women, men; compared to White, African-Americans; and compared to single, married patients had higher prevalences of hypertension. Older patients were 5-8 times more likely to suffer from hyperlipidemia. Asians, and married patients were also more likely to experience hyperlipidemia. Prevalence of diabetes, depression and arthritis significantly differed by age and race. Prevalence of coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increased 6-13 folds among older patients. DISCUSSION: Patients of free clinics suffer from high burden of chronic conditions. Patients who frequent free clinics are primarily older, unemployed, women, minorities, and are of low income.

Burden of Chronic Conditions among Patients from Free Clinics: A Retrospective Chart Review of 2015.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited research about the poor and uninsured patients who visit free clinics. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of uninsured adult patients in four free clinics seen between January and December 2015. Prevalence of chronic conditions and their association with socioeconomic factors were investigated. RESULTS: In 2015, 3,196 adult patients with chronic conditions were managed in four free clinics. Many of these patients were women (60.8%) and Hispanic (44.7%); the group had a mean age of 47.9 years (SD=14.1) and a median income of $14,400. The top five prevalent conditions were hypertension (33.6%), hyperlipidemia (20.7%), diabetes (14%), major depression (11.7%), and arthritis (8.7%). In the multivariable analysis, clinic site, age, marital status, employment status, and household size were significantly associated with the Disease Burden Index. DISCUSSION: Public health prevention programs should focus on uninsured patients of free clinics who are mainly low-income, sicker, and unemployed, and often women and Hispanics.