LOX-1 and MMP-9 Inhibition Attenuates the Detrimental Effects of Delayed rt-PA Therapy and Improves Outcomes After Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke triggers endothelial activation that disrupts vascular integrity and increases hemorrhagic transformation leading to worsened stroke outcomes. rt-PA (recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator) is an effective treatment; however, its use is limited due to a restricted time window and hemorrhagic transformation risk, which in part may involve activation of MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) mediated through LOX-1 (lectin-like oxLDL [oxidized low-density lipoprotein] receptor 1). This study's overall aim was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of novel MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase 9) ± LOX-1 inhibitors in combination with rt-PA to improve stroke outcomes. METHODS: A rat thromboembolic stroke model was utilized to investigate the impact of rt-PA delivered 4 hours poststroke onset as well as selective MMP-9 (JNJ0966) ±LOX-1 (BI-0115) inhibitors given before rt-PA administration. Infarct size, perfusion, and hemorrhagic transformation were evaluated by 9.4-T magnetic resonance imaging, vascular and parenchymal MMP-9 activity via zymography, and neurological function was assessed using sensorimotor function testing. Human brain microvascular endothelial cells were exposed to hypoxia plus glucose deprivation/reperfusion (hypoxia plus glucose deprivation 3 hours/R 24 hours) and treated with ±tPA and ±MMP-9 ±LOX-1 inhibitors. Barrier function was assessed via transendothelial electrical resistance, MMP-9 activity was determined with zymography, and LOX-1 and barrier gene expression/levels were measured using qRT-PCR (quantitative reverse transcription PCR) and Western blot. RESULTS: Stroke and subsequent rt-PA treatment increased edema, hemorrhage, MMP-9 activity, LOX-1 expression, and worsened neurological outcomes. LOX-1 inhibition improved neurological function, reduced edema, and improved endothelial barrier integrity. Elevated MMP-9 activity correlated with increased edema, infarct volume, and decreased neurological function. MMP-9 inhibition reduced MMP-9 activity and LOX-1 expression. In human brain microvascular endothelial cells, LOX-1/MMP-9 inhibition differentially attenuated MMP-9 levels, inflammation, and activation following hypoxia plus glucose deprivation/R. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that LOX-1 inhibition and ± MMP-9 inhibition attenuate negative aspects of ischemic stroke with rt-PA therapy, thus resulting in improved neurological function. While no synergistic effect was observed with simultaneous LOX-1 and MMP-9 inhibition, a distinct interaction is evident.

Repositioning the Early Pathology of Type 1 Diabetes to the Extraislet Vasculature.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a prototypic T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. Because the islets of Langerhans are insulated from blood vessels by a double basement membrane and lack detectable lymphatic drainage, interactions between endocrine and circulating T cells are not permitted. Thus, we hypothesized that initiation and progression of anti-islet immunity required islet neolymphangiogenesis to allow T cell access to the islet. Combining microscopy and single cell approaches, the timing of this phenomenon in mice was situated between 5 and 8 wk of age when activated anti-insulin CD4 T cells became detectable in peripheral blood while peri-islet pathology developed. This "peri-insulitis," dominated by CD4 T cells, respected the islet basement membrane and was limited on the outside by lymphatic endothelial cells that gave it the attributes of a tertiary lymphoid structure. As in most tissues, lymphangiogenesis seemed to be secondary to local segmental endothelial inflammation at the collecting postcapillary venule. In addition to classic markers of inflammation such as CD29, V-CAM, and NOS, MHC class II molecules were expressed by nonhematopoietic cells in the same location both in mouse and human islets. This CD45- MHC class II+ cell population was capable of spontaneously presenting islet Ags to CD4 T cells. Altogether, these observations favor an alternative model for the initiation of T1D, outside of the islet, in which a vascular-associated cell appears to be an important MHC class II-expressing and -presenting cell.

A Changing Landscape in the Surgical Management of Wrist Arthritis: An Analysis of National Trends From 2009 to 2019.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the trends in the annual volume and incidence of proximal row carpectomy (PRC), four-corner fusion (4CF), total wrist arthrodesis (TWF), and total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) from 2009 to 2019 in the United States. METHODS: The IBM Watson Health MarketScan databases were queried to identify annual case volumes for PRC, 4CF, TWF, and TWA from 2009 to 2019. The annual incidence of these procedures was then calculated based on the population estimates from the US Census Bureau. Trends in annual volume and incidence over the study period were evaluated using regression line analysis. Further subgroup analysis was conducted based on age and region. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2019, the total case volumes for the four procedures increased by 3.4%, but the incidence decreased by 2.8%. However, PRC case volume and incidence trends significantly increased (38.2% and 29.7%, respectively), whereas 4CF remained constant. Conversely, the case volume and incidence of TWA significantly decreased (-52.2% and -54.5%, respectively), whereas TWF remained constant. When stratified by age, all four procedures decreased in the <45-year-old cohort (combined -35.1%) significantly for 4CF, TWF, and TWA. TWA decreased significantly in the <45-year-old and 45- to 65-year-old cohorts (53.6% and 63.2%, respectively). For age >65 years, the total case incidence increased by 98.9%, including a significant positive trend in TWF (175%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of wrist arthritis remains a controversial issue. However, PRC has gained recent support in the literature, and our results reflect this shift, even for the <45-year-old cohort. Furthermore, TWA declined, despite reports of positive early outcomes for fourth-generation implants. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Tramadol use before total shoulder arthroplasty: patients have lower risk of complications and resource utilization than those using traditional opioids.

BACKGROUND: Evidence continues to mount for the deleterious effects of preoperative opioid use in the setting of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Tramadol, a synthetic opioid with concomitant neurotransmitter effects, has become a popular alternative to traditional opioids, but it has not been well studied in the preoperative setting of TSA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate postsurgical outcomes in TSA for patients with preoperative tramadol use compared with patients using traditional opioids and those who were opioid naïve. METHODS: Using the IBM Watson Health MarketScan databases, a retrospective cohort study was performed for patients who underwent TSA from 2009 to 2018. Filled pain prescriptions were collected, and prescribing trends were analyzed. Outcomes were compared between 4 patient cohorts defined by preoperative analgesia use-opioid naïve, tramadol, traditional opioids, and combination (opioids and tramadol). Multivariate analysis was used to account for small variations in cohort demographics and comorbidities. Analysis focused on resource utilization and complications. Revision rates at 1 and 3 years postoperatively were also compared. RESULTS: A total of 29,454 TSA patients were studied, with 8959 available for 3-year postoperative follow-up. Of these, 10,462 (35.5%) were prescribed traditional opioids and 2214 (7.5%) tramadol only. From 2009 to 2018, prescribing trends in the United States demonstrated a significant decrease in the number of patients prescribed preoperative narcotics, whereas the number of patients prescribed preoperative tramadol and those who were opioid naïve significantly increased. Compared with opioid-naïve patients, the traditional opioid cohort had significantly increased odds of resource utilization and complications, whereas the tramadol cohort did not. Specifically, the traditional opioid cohort had an increased risk of prosthetic joint infection compared with both opioid-naïve and tramadol cohorts. The traditional opioid cohort had higher revision rates than opioid-naïve patients at 1 and 3 years, whereas the tramadol cohort did not. CONCLUSION: Despite a decrease in opioid prescriptions over the study period, many patients in the United States remain on opioids. Although tramadol is not without its own risks, our results suggest that patients taking preoperative tramadol as an alternative to traditional opioids for glenohumeral arthritic pain had a lesser postoperative risk profile, comparable with opioid-naïve patients.

Mixed-reality improves execution of templated glenoid component positioning in shoulder arthroplasty: a CT imaging analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Glenoid placement is critical for successful outcomes in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Preoperative templating with three-dimensional imaging has improved implant positioning, but deviations from the planned inclination and version still occur. Mixed-Reality (MR) is a novel technology that allows surgeons intra-operative access to three-dimensional imaging and templates, capable of overlaying the surgical field to help guide component positioning. The purpose of this study was to compare the execution of preoperative templates using MR vs.standard instruments (SIs). METHODS: Retrospective review of 97 total shoulder arthroplasties (18 anatomic, 79 reverse) from a single high-volume shoulder surgeon between January 2021 and February 2023, including only primary diagnoses of osteoarthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, or a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. To be included, patients needed a templated preoperative plan and then a postoperative computed tomography scan. Allocation to MR vs. SI was based on availability of the MR headset, industry technical personnel, and the templated preoperative plan loaded into the software, but preoperative or intraoperative patient factors did not contribute to the allocation decision. Postoperative inclination and version were measured by two independent, blinded physicians and compared to the preoperative template. From these measurements, we calculated the mean difference, standard deviation (SD), and variance to compare MR and SI. RESULTS: Comparing 25 MR to 72 SI cases, MR significantly improved both inclination (P < .001) and version (P < .001). Specifically, MR improved the mean difference from preoperative templates (by 1.9° inclination, 2.4° version), narrowed the SD (by 1.7° inclination, 1.8° version), and decreased the variance (11.7-3.0 inclination, 14.9-4.3 version). A scatterplot of the data demonstrates a concentration of MR cases within 5° of plan relative to SI cases typically within 10° of plan. There was no difference in operative time. CONCLUSION: MR improved the accuracy and precision of glenoid positioning. Although it is unlikely that 2° makes a detectable clinical difference, our results demonstrate the potential ability for technology like MR to narrow the bell curve and decrease the outliers in glenoid placement. This will be particularly relevant as MR and other similar technologies continue to evolve into more effective methods in guiding surgical execution.

Methylprednisolone taper is an effective addition to multimodal pain regimens after total shoulder arthroplasty: results of a randomized controlled trial: 2022 Neer Award winner.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative corticosteroids have shown potential as nonopioid analgesic adjuncts for various orthopedic pathologies, but there is a lack of research on their use in the postoperative setting after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a methylprednisolone taper on a multimodal pain regimen after TSA. METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03661645) of opioid-naive patients undergoing TSA. Patients were randomly assigned to receive intraoperative dexamethasone only (control group) or intraoperative dexamethasone followed by a 6-day oral methylprednisolone (Medrol) taper course (treatment group). All patients received the same standardized perioperative pain management protocol. Standardized pain journal entries were used to record visual analog pain scores (VAS-pain), VAS-nausea scores, and quantity of opioid tablet consumption during the first 7 postoperative days (POD). Patients were followed for at least one year postoperatively for clinical evaluation, collection of patient-reported outcomes, and observation of complications. RESULTS: A total of 67 patients were enrolled in the study; 32 in the control group and 35 in the treatment group. The groups had similar demographics and comorbidities. The treatment group demonstrated a reduction in mean VAS pain scores over the first 7 POD. Between POD 1 and POD 7, patients in the control group consumed an average of 17.6 oxycodone tablets while those in the treatment group consumed an average of 5.5 tablets. This equated to oral morphine equivalents of 132.1 and 41.1 for the control and treatment groups, respectively. There were fewer opioid-related side effects during the first postoperative week in the treatment group. The treatment group reported improved VAS pain scores at 2-week, 6-week, and 12-week postoperatively. There were no differences in Europe Quality of Life, shoulder subjective value (SSV), at any time point between groups, although American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons questionnaire scores showed a slight improvement at 6-weeks in the treatment group. At mean follow-up, (control group: 23.4 months; treatment group:19.4 months), there was 1 infection in the control group and 1 postoperative cubital tunnel syndrome in the treatment group. No other complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: A methylprednisolone taper course shows promise in reducing acute pain and opioid consumption as part of a multimodal regimen following TSA. As a result of this study, we have included this 6-day methylprednisolone taper course in our multimodal regimen for all primary shoulder arthroplasties. We hope this trial serves as a foundation for future studies on the use of low-dose oral corticosteroids and other nonnarcotic modalities to control pain after shoulder surgeries.

Trends and outcomes of outpatient total shoulder arthroplasty after its removal from CMS's inpatient-only list.

BACKGROUND: In January 2021, the US Medicare program approved reimbursement of outpatient total shoulder arthroplasties (TSA), including anatomic and reverse TSAs. It remains unclear whether shifting TSAs from the inpatient to outpatient setting has affected clinical outcomes. Herein, we describe the rate of outpatient TSA growth and compare inpatient and outpatient TSA complications, readmissions, and mortality. METHODS: Medicare fee-for-service claims for 2019-2022Q1 were analyzed to identify the trends in outpatient TSAs and to compare 90-day postoperative complications, all-cause hospital readmissions, and mortality between outpatients and inpatients. Outpatient cases were defined as those discharged on the same day of the surgery. To reduce the COVID-19 pandemic's impact and selection bias, we excluded 2020Q2-Q4 data and used propensity scores to match 2021-2022Q1 outpatients with inpatients from the same period (the primary analysis) and from 2019-2020Q1 (the secondary analysis), respectively. We performed both propensity score-matched and -weighted multivariate analyses to compare outcomes between the two groups. Covariates included sociodemographics, preoperative diagnosis, comorbid conditions, the Hierarchical Condition Category risk score, prior year hospital/skilled nursing home admissions, annual surgeon volume, and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Nationally, the proportion of outpatient TSAs increased from 3% (619) in 2019Q1 to 22% (3456) in 2021Q1 and 38% (6778) in 2022Q1. A total of 55,166 cases were identified for the primary analysis (14,540 outpatients and 40,576 inpatients). Overall, glenohumeral osteoarthritis was the most common indication for surgery (70.8%), followed by rotator cuff pathology (14.6%). The unadjusted rates of complications (1.3 vs 2.4%, P < .001), readmissions (3.7 vs 6.1%, P < .001), and mortality (0.2 vs 0.4%, P = .024) were significantly lower among outpatient TSAs than inpatient TSAs. Using 1:1 nearest matching, 12,703 patient pairs were identified. Propensity score-matched multivariate analyses showed similar rates of postoperative complications, hospital readmissions, and mortality between outpatients and inpatients. Propensity score-weighted multivariate analyses resulted in similar conclusions. The secondary analysis showed a lower hospital readmission rate in outpatients (odds ratio: 0.8, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: There has been accelerated growth in outpatient TSAs since 2019. Outpatient and inpatient TSAs have similar rates of postoperative complication, hospital readmission, and mortality.

Racial and Gender Disparities in Utilization of Outpatient Total Shoulder Arthroplasties.

BACKGROUND: Utilization in outpatient total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs) has increased significantly in recent years. It remains largely unknown whether utilization of outpatient TSA differs across gender and racial groups. This study aimed to quantify racial and gender disparities both nationally and by geographic regions. METHODS: 168,504 TSAs were identified using Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) inpatient and outpatient claims data and beneficiary enrollment data from 2020 to 2022Q4. The percentage of outpatient cases, defined as cases discharged on the same day of surgery, was evaluated by racial and gender groups and by different census divisions. A multivariate logistics regression model controlling for patient socio-demographic information (white vs. non-white race, age, gender, and dual eligibility for both Medicare and Medicaid), hierarchical condition category (HCC) score, hospital characteristics, year fixed effects, and patient residency state fixed effects was performed. RESULTS: The TSA volume per 1000 beneficiaries was 2.3 for the White population compared to 0.8, 0.6 and 0.3 for the Black, Hispanic, and Asian population, respectively. A higher percentage of outpatient TSAs were in White patients (25.6%) compared to Black patients (20.4%) (p < 0.001). The Black TSA patients were also younger, more likely to be female, more likely to be dually eligible for Medicaid, and had higher HCC risk scores. After controlling for patient socio-demographic characteristics and hospital characteristics, the odds of receiving outpatient TSAs were 30% less for Black than the White group (OR 0.70). Variations were observed across different census divisions with South Atlantic (0.67, p < 0.01), East North Central (0.56, p < 0.001), and Middle Atlantic (0.36, p < 0.01) being the four regions observed with significant racial disparities. Statistically significant gender disparities were also found nationally and across regions, with an overall odds ratio of 0.75 (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Statistically significant racial and gender disparities were found nationally in outpatient TSAs, with Black patients having 30% (p < 0.001) fewer odds of receiving outpatient TSAs than white patients, and female patients with 25% (p < 0.001) fewer odds than male patients. Racial and gender disparities continue to be an issue for shoulder arthroplasties after the adoption of outpatient TSAs.

A Preoperative Risk Assessment Tool for Predicting Adverse Outcomes among Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Patients.

BACKGROUND: With the increased utilization of Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) in the outpatient setting, understanding the risk factors associated with complications and hospital readmissions becomes a more significant consideration. Prior developed assessment metrics in the literature either consisted of hard-to-implement tools or relied on postoperative data to guide decision-making. This study aimed to develop a preoperative risk assessment tool to help predict the risk of hospital readmission and other postoperative adverse outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the 2019-2022(Q2) Medicare fee-for-service inpatient and outpatient claims data to identify primary anatomic or reserve TSAs and to predict postoperative adverse outcomes within 90 days post-discharge, including all-cause hospital readmissions, postoperative complications, emergency room visits, and mortality. We screened 108 candidate predictors, including demographics, social determinants of health, TSA indications, prior 12-month hospital and skilled nursing home admissions, comorbidities measured by hierarchical conditional categories, and prior orthopedic device-related complications. We used two approaches to reduce the number of predictors based on 80% of the data: 1) the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) logistic regression and 2) the machine-learning-based cross-validation approach, with the resulting predictor sets being assessed in the remaining 20% of the data. A scoring system was created based on the final regression models' coefficients, and score cutoff points were determined for low, medium, and high-risk patients. RESULTS: A total of 208,634 TSA cases were included. There was a 6.8% hospital readmission rate with 11.2% of cases having at least one postoperative adverse outcome. Fifteen covariates were identified for predicting hospital readmission with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.70, and 16 were selected to predict any adverse postoperative outcome (AUC=0.75). The LASSO and machine learning approaches had similar performance. Advanced age and a history of fracture due to orthopedic devices are among the top predictors of hospital readmissions and other adverse outcomes. The score range for hospital readmission and an adverse postoperative outcome was 0 to 48 and 0 to 79, respectively. The cutoff points for the low, medium, and high-risk categories are 0-9, 10-14, ≥15 for hospital readmissions, and 0-11, 12-16, ≥17 for the composite outcome. CONCLUSION: Based on Medicare fee-for-service claims data, this study presents a preoperative risk stratification tool to assess hospital readmission or adverse surgical outcomes following TSA. Further investigation is warranted to validate these tools in a variety of diverse demographic settings and improve their predictive performance.

Higher Surgeon Volume is Associated With a Lower Rate of Subsequent Revision Procedures After Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A National Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Studies assessing the relationship between surgeon volume and outcomes have shown mixed results, depending on the specific procedure analyzed. This volume relationship has not been well studied in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), but it should be, because this procedure is common, expensive, and potentially morbid. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We performed this study to assess the association between increasing surgeon volume and decreasing rate of revision at 2 years for (1) anatomic TSA (aTSA) and (2) reverse TSA (rTSA) in the United States. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we used Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) fee-for-service inpatient and outpatient data from 2015 to 2021 to study the association between annual surgeon aTSA and rTSA volume and 2-year revision shoulder procedures after the initial surgery. The CMS database was chosen for this study because it is a national sample and can be used to follow patients over time. We included patients with Diagnosis-related Group code 483 and Current Procedural Terminology code 23472 for TSA (these codes include both aTSA and rTSA). We used International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, procedural codes. Patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty for fracture (10% [17,524 of 173,242]) were excluded. We studied the variables associated with the subsequent procedure rate through a generalized linear model, controlling for confounders such as patient age, comorbidity risk score, surgeon and hospital volume, surgeon graduation year, hospital size and teaching status, assuming a binomial distribution with the dependent variable being whether an episode had at least one subsequent procedure within 2 years. The regression was fitted with standard errors clustered at the hospital level, combining all TSAs and within the aTSA and rTSA groups, respectively. Hospital and surgeon yearly volumes were calculated by including all TSAs, primary procedure and subsequent, during the study period. Other hospital-level and surgeon-level characteristics were obtained through public files from the CMS. The CMS Hierarchical Condition Category risk score was controlled because it is a measure reflecting the expected future health costs for each patient based on the patient's demographics and chronic illnesses. We then converted regression coefficients to the percentage change in the odds of having a subsequent procedure. RESULTS: After controlling for confounding variables including patient age, comorbidity risk score, surgeon and hospital volume, surgeon graduation year, and hospital size and teaching status, we found that an annual surgeon volume of ≥ 10 aTSAs was associated with a 27% decreased odds of revision within 2 years (95% confidence interval 13% to 39%; p < 0.001), while surgeon volume of ≥ 29 aTSAs was associated with a 33% decreased odds of revision within 2 years (95% CI 18% to 45%; p < 0.001) compared with a volume of fewer than four aTSAs per year. Annual surgeon volume of ≥ 29 rTSAs was associated with a 26% decreased odds of revision within 2 years (95% CI 9% to 39%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Surgeons should consider modalities such as virtual planning software, templating, or enhanced surgeon training to aid lower-volume surgeons who perform aTSA and rTSA. More research is needed to assess the value of these modalities and their relationship with the rates of subsequent revision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Dupuytren Disease: Surgical Tips, Optimizing Outcomes, and Cost Considerations.

Dupuytren disease is associated with benign fibroproliferative changes to the palmar fascia of the hand sometimes resulting in progressive contractures of the fingers. The earliest descriptions of these contractures date back to the 18th century. Much has been learned about the condition since the clawing condition was first described; however, optimal treatment still poses significant challenges to modern-day surgeons. It is important to examine the treatment options for Dupuytren disease and highlight the current evidence, techniques, and cost considerations of open fasciectomy, needle aponeurotomy, and recently described minimally invasive treatment.

Intramedullary Metacarpal Fracture Fixation: A Biomechanical Study of Screw Diameter and Comparison With Intramedullary Wire Stabilization.

PURPOSE: Interest in intramedullary metacarpal fracture fixation (IMFF) with screws is increasing. However, the optimal screw diameter for fracture fixation is not yet established. In theory, larger screws should be more stable, but there is concern about long-term sequelae of larger metacarpal head defects and extensor mechanism injury created during insertion as well as implant cost. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare different diameter screws for IMFF to a popular and more cost-effective alternative of intramedullary wiring. METHODS: Thirty-two cadaveric metacarpals were used in a transverse metacarpal shaft fracture model. Treatment groups consisted of IMFF with 3.0 × 60 mm, 3.5 x 60 mm, and 4.5 x 60 mm screws as well as 4 1.1-mm intramedullary wires. Cyclic cantilever bending was performed with the metacarpals mounted at 45° to simulate physiologic loading. Cyclical loading at 10, 20, and 30 N was performed to determine fracture displacement, stiffness, and ultimate force. RESULTS: At 10, 20, and 30 N of cyclical loading, all screw diameters tested provided similar stability as measured by fracture displacement and were superior to the wire group. However, ultimate force under load to failure testing was similar between the 3.5- and 4.5-mm screws and superior to 3.0-mm screws and wires. CONCLUSIONS: For IMFF, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.5-mm diameter screws provide adequate stability for early active motion and are superior to wires. When comparing the different screw diameters, 3.5- and 4.5-mm diameter screws offer similar construct stability and strength superior to the 3.0-mm diameter screw. Therefore, to minimize metacarpal head morbidity, smaller screw diameters may be preferable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study suggests that IMFF with screws is biomechanically superior to wires in cantilever bending strength in the transverse fracture model. However, smaller screws may be sufficient to permit early active motion while minimizing metacarpal head morbidity.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Does a Consensus Exist for Diagnosis?

PURPOSE: Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) is the second most common compressive neuropathy of the upper extremity. We aimed to determine a consensus among experts using the Delphi method for clinical criteria that could be validated further for the diagnosis of CuTS. METHODS: The Delphi method was used for establishing a consensus among a group of expert panelists, comprising 12 hand and upper-extremity surgeons, who ranked the diagnostic clinical importance of 55 items related to CuTS on a scale from 1 (least important) to 10 (most important). The average and SDs of each item were calculated, and Cronbach α was used to assess homogeneity among the panelist-ranked items. RESULTS: All panelists answered the 55-item questionnaire. A Cronbach α value of 0.963 was obtained on the first iteration. The top criteria that were considered most clinically relevant to the diagnosis of CuTS among the group were determined based on the most highly ranked and correlated items among the expert panelist group. The criteria based on which there was agreement were as follows: (1) paresthesias in ulnar nerve distribution, (2) symptoms precipitated by increased elbow flexion/positive elbow flexion tests, (3) positive Tinel sign at the medial elbow, (4) atrophy/weakness/ late findings (eg, claw hand of the ring/small finger and Wartenberg or Froment sign) of ulnar nerve-innervated muscles of the hand, (5) loss of two-point discrimination in ulnar nerve distribution, and (6) similar symptoms on the involved side after successful treatment on the contralateral side. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated a consensus among an expert panelist group of hand and upper-extremity surgeons on potential diagnostic criteria for CuTS. This consensus on diagnostic criteria may help clinicians readily diagnose CuTS in a standardized form; however, further weighting and validation are necessary prior to the development of a formal diagnostic scale. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study is the first step in producing a consensus on how to diagnose CuTS.

Trends and projections in surgical stabilization of glenohumeral instability in the United States from 2009 to 2030: rise of the Latarjet procedure and fall of open Bankart repair.

BACKGROUND: Advances in surgical techniques have improved the ability to address recurrent glenohumeral instability via arthroscopic capsulolabral repair and bone-restoring procedures such as the Latarjet procedure. Given the paucity of studies analyzing temporal trends in the surgical management of glenohumeral instability, the purpose of this study was to assess trends in the treatment of anterior, posterior, and multidirectional instability over a 10-year period and model projections to 2030. METHODS: Using the IBM Watson MarketScan national database, we identified all patients who underwent glenohumeral instability procedures from 2009 to 2018. Procedures were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes for open Bankart, Latarjet, anterior bone block, posterior bone block, multidirectional capsular shift, and arthroscopic Bankart procedures. Sample weights provided by the database were used to calculate national estimates. US Census Bureau annual population data were used to calculate incidence. Future projections to 2030 were modeled using Poisson and linear regression. RESULTS: There were an estimated 446,072 glenohumeral instability cases from 2009 to 2018. The per capita incidence (per 100,000) remained constant, from 14.8 in 2009 to 14.5 in 2018. Arthroscopic Bankart procedures comprised the highest number of procedures throughout the study period, accounting for 89% of all procedures in 2009 and 93% in 2018. The number of open Bankart procedures decreased by 65% from 2009 to 2018, whereas the number of Latarjet procedures showed a 250% increase over the same period. Patient demographics did not change over the study period, and male patients aged 18-25 years comprised the largest demographic group undergoing anterior instability procedures. Multidirectional instability procedures exhibited the least pronounced sex differences. Future modeling from 2018 to 2030 projected a continued steady rise in arthroscopic Bankart procedures (from 40,000 to 49,000 cases/yr), rapid growth in Latarjet procedures (from 1370 to 4300 cases/yr), and continued decline in open Bankart procedures (from 1000 to 250 cases/yr). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic Bankart repair continues to be the most common glenohumeral instability procedure in the United States. From 2009 to 2018, the incidence of open Bankart procedures declined whereas the incidence of Latarjet procedures markedly increased. Future projections to 2030 mirrored these findings. These data may provide an enhanced understanding of the evolution of surgical treatment of glenohumeral instability within the United States, laying the foundation for continued prospective studies into the appropriate indications and advancements in surgical techniques.

Variation in scapulohumeral rhythm on dynamic radiography in pathologic shoulders: a novel diagnostic tool.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to analyze the SHR of patients diagnosed with small (SRCTs) and massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs), adhesive capsulitis (AC), and glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GH-OA) and compare their measurements to those of patient controls with healthy shoulders using DDR. We hypothesize that various diagnoses will vary with regards to SHR. METHODS: The sequences of pulsed radiographs collated in DDR to create a moving image were prospectively analyzed during humeral abduction in normal controls and in 4 distinct shoulder pathology groups: SRCT, MRCT, AC, and GH-OA. GH and ST joint angles were measured at 0°-30°, 30°-60°, 60°-90°, and maximal coronal plane humeral abduction. SHR was defined as the ratio of the change in humeral abduction over the change in scapula upward rotation during humeral abduction and was calculated within the above angle intervals. RESULTS: A total of 121 shoulders were analyzed. Forty normal controls were compared to 13 SRCTs, 29 MRCTs, 16 AC, and 23 GH-OA. SHR during humeral abduction differed significantly in patients with MRCT (1.91 ± 0.72), AC (1.55 ± 0.37), and GH-OA (2.31 ± 1.01) compared to controls (3.39 ± 0.79). When analyzed across 30° intervals of abduction, there was a significantly lower SHR found at 0°-30°, 30°-60°, and 60°-90° in MRCT, AC, and GH-OA across each motion range compared to controls. Control patients had an arc of abduction of 103° ± 32°, which was significantly larger than all other pathologies (MRCT: 76° ± 23°, SRCT: 81° ± 21°, AC: 65° ± 27°, GH-OA: 71° ± 35°) and an average scapular abduction of 33° ± 14°, which was significantly less than patients with an MRCT (46° ± 10°) and AC (65° ± 27°). CONCLUSION: SHR remained significantly lower throughout shoulder abduction in MRCT (43.65%), AC (-54.29%), and GH-OA (32.01%) compared to controls. When isolating for humeral and scapular motion, all 4 pathologies had decreased GH abduction, whereas AC and MRCT had an increased scapular compensatory motion compared to controls. Quantifying kinematic patterns like SHR using DDR can be implemented as a novel, safe, and cost-effective method to diagnose shoulder pathology and to monitor response to treatment.

Medicaid payer status is associated with increased 90-day morbidity and resource utilization following primary shoulder arthroplasty: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Medicaid payer status has been shown to affect risk-adjusted patient outcomes and health care utilization across multiple medical specialties and orthopedic procedures. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the impact of Medicaid payer status on 90-day morbidity and resource utilization following primary shoulder arthroplasty (reverse total shoulder arthroplasty [rTSA], anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty [aTSA], and hemiarthroplasty [HA]). The purpose of this study was to examine 90-day readmission and reoperation rates, hospital length of stay (LOS), and direct cost following primary shoulder arthroplasty in the Medicaid population. METHODS: The National Readmission Database was queried for all patients undergoing primary aTSA, rTSA, and HA from 2011 to 2016. Medicaid or non-Medicaid payer status was determined. Patient demographic characteristics and comorbidities, along with 90-day readmission, 90-day reoperation, LOS, and inflation-adjusted cost, were queried. Propensity score matching was used to control for baseline differences in cohorts that could be acting as confounders in the exposure-outcome relationship. This was achieved with 1-to-1 propensity score matching between Medicaid and non-Medicaid patients. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 90-day readmission and reoperation rates were calculated, and a comparison of LOS and cost was performed between the propensity score-matched cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 4667 Medicaid and 161,147 non-Medicaid patients were identified from the 2011-2016 National Readmission Databases. Propensity score analysis was performed, and 4637 Medicaid patients were matched to 4637 non-Medicaid patients; each group comprised 1504 rTSAs (32.4%), 1934 aTSAs (41.7%), and 1199 HAs (25.9%). Patients with Medicaid payer status yielded significant increases in the 90-day all-cause readmission rate of 11.6% vs. 9.3% (P < .001; OR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.12-1.46]), 90-day shoulder-related readmission rate of 3.3% vs. 2.3% (P = .004; OR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.12-1.85]), and 90-day reoperation rate of 2.0% vs. 1.3% (P = .008; OR, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.12-1.94]). Furthermore, there was an increased risk of an extended LOS (ie, LOS > 2 days) (28.4% vs. 25.7%; P = .004; OR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.04-1.25]) along with increased direct cost (median, $17,612 vs. $16,775; P < .001). DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that Medicaid payer status is independently associated with increased 90-day readmission and reoperation rates, LOS, and direct cost following primary shoulder arthroplasty. Providers may have a disincentive to treat patient populations who require increased resource utilization following surgery. Risk adjustment models accounting for Medicaid payer status will be necessary to ensure good access to care for this patient population by avoiding penalties for physicians and hospital systems.

Winter sport musculoskeletal injuries: epidemiology and factors predicting hospital admission.

INTRODUCTION: Participation in winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling is associated with risk of musculoskeletal injury. The purpose of our study was to describe and quantify emergency department encounters associated with these sports. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for skiing-, snowboarding- and snowmobiling-related injuries from 2009 to 2018. Patient demographics and disposition data were collected from emergency department encounters. Descriptive statistics were utilized to describe the trends in injuries from each sport and factors associated with the sports-specific injuries. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2018, there were an estimated 156,353 injuries related to snowboarding, skiing, or snowmobiling. Estimated injury incidence per 100,000 people decreased over time for skiing (3.24-1.23), snowboarding (3.98-1.22,) and snowmobiling (0.71-0.22,). The most common injury location by sport was shoulder for skiing (29.6%), wrist for snowboarding (32.5%) and shoulder for snowmobiling (21.9%), with fractures being the most common diagnosis. Only 4.5% required admission to the hospital. Fracture or dislocation was associated with highest likelihood of hospital admission (OR 42.34; 95% CI 22.59-79.37). Snowmobiling injuries (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.20-2.22) and white race (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.17-1.72) were also both associated with increased risk of hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: Upper extremity injuries, particularly those involving fractures, were more common than lower extremity injuries for all three sports, with the shoulder being the most common location of injury for skiing and snowmobiling. This study can serve as the foundation for future research in sports safety and health policy to continue the declining trend of musculoskeletal injuries in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Upper extremity firearm injuries: epidemiology and factors predicting hospital admission.

INTRODUCTION: Civilian gun violence is a public health crisis in the USA that will be an economic burden reported to be as high as $17.7 billion with over half coming from US taxpayers dollars through Medicaid-related costs. The purpose of this study is to review the epidemiology of upper extremity firearm injuries in the USA and the associated injury burden. METHODS: The Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research's Firearm Injury Surveillance Study database, collected from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, was queried from 1993 to 2015. The following variables were reviewed: patient demographics, date of injury, diagnosis, injury location, firearm type (if provided), incident classification, and a descriptive narrative of the incident. We performed chi-square testing and complex descriptive statistics, and binomial logistic regression model to predict factors associated with hospital admission. RESULTS: From 1993 to 2015, an estimated 314,369 (95% CI: 291,528-337,750; 16,883 unweighted) nonfatal firearm upper extremity injuries with an average incidence rate of 4.76 per 100,000 persons (SD: 0.9; 03.77-7.49) occurred. The demographics most afflicted with nonfatal gunshot wound injuries were black adolescent and young adult males (ages 15-24 years). Young adults aged 25-34 were the second largest estimate of injuries by age group. Hands were the most commonly injured upper extremity, (55,014; 95% CI: 75,973-89,667) followed by the shoulder, forearm, and upper arm. Patients who underwent amputation (OR: 28.65; 95% CI: 24.85-33.03) or with fractures (OR: 26.20; 95% CI: 23.27-29.50) experienced an increased likelihood for hospitalization. Patients with a shoulder injury were 5.5× more likely to be hospitalized than those with a finger injury (OR:5.57; 95% CI:5.35-5.80). The incidence of upper extremity firearm injuries has remained steady over the last decade ranging between 4 and 5 injuries per 100,000 persons. Patients with proximal injuries or injuries involving the bone were more likely to require hospital admission. This study should bring new information to the forefront for policy makers regarding gun violence.

The Preoperative Cost of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition, with well-defined diagnostic and treatment guidelines. Despite these guidelines, continued variation in care exists, with providers variably using diagnostic tests and nonsurgical treatment modalities prior to surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variation and cost associated with the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of patients prior to undergoing carpal tunnel release. METHODS: We queried the Truven MarketScan database to identify patients who underwent carpal tunnel release from 2010 to 2017. Patients were identified using common current procedural terminology codes and included if they were enrolled in the database for a minimum of 12 months prior to surgery to allow all preoperative data to be captured. All associated current procedural terminology codes during the 1-year preoperative period were refined to codes related to median neuropathy and categorized as office visits, diagnostic imaging (x-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging), electrodiagnostic testing, injections, occupational or physical therapy, durable medical equipment, and preoperative laboratory tests. RESULTS: In total, 378,381 patients were included in the study. A per-patient average cost of $858.74 was spent on preoperative workup and nonsurgical treatment. Electrodiagnostic testing represented 44.6% of the cost, and office visits represented 31.9%. Regarding nonsurgical treatment, 16.1% of the patients received an injection during the 1-year preoperative period, 26.8% received a medical brace, and 6.6% used physical therapy. When analyzed based on age group, the per-patient average cost for patients aged 70 years or older was significantly less than those younger than 70 years ($723.92 vs $878.76). CONCLUSIONS: Despite robust clinical practice guidelines and high volumes, significant variation in presurgical care exists. These data are useful to begin to critically analyze the causes of variation in the diagnosis and treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and move toward a more effective, efficient, and informed treatment strategy. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic/decision analysis II.

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Methylprednisolone for Postoperative Pain Management of Surgically Treated Distal Radius Fractures.

PURPOSE: Perioperative glucocorticoids have been effectively used as a pain management regimen for reducing pain after hand surgery. We hypothesize that a methylprednisolone taper (MPT) course following surgery will reduce pain and opioid consumption in the early postoperative period. METHODS: This study was a randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing surgical fixation for distal radius fracture. Before surgery, patients were randomly assigned to receive preoperative dexamethasone only or preoperative dexamethasone followed by a 6-day oral MPT. Patient pain and opioid consumption data were collected for 7 days after surgery using a patient-reported pain journal. RESULTS: Our study consisted of 56 patients enrolled from November 2018 to March 2020. Twenty-eight patients each were assigned to the control and treatment groups. Demographic characteristics such as age, body mass index, the dominant side affected, smoking status, diabetes status, and current narcotic use were similar between the control and treatment groups. With a noticeable, significant reduction starting on postoperative day 2, patients who received an MPT course consumed substantially less opioids during the first 7 days (7.8 ± 7.2 pills compared with 15.5 ± 11.5 pills, a 50% reduction). These patients also consumed significantly fewer oral morphine equivalents than the control group (81.2 vs 41.2). A significant difference in the pain visual analog scale scores between the 2 groups was noted starting on postoperative day 2, with 48% of the treatment group reporting no pain by postoperative day 6. No adverse events, including infection or complications of wound or bone healing, were seen in either group. CONCLUSIONS: There was an early improvement in pain and reduction in early opioid consumption with a 6-day MPT following surgical fixation for distal radius fracture. With no increased risk of adverse events in our sample, MPT may be a safe and effective way to reduce postoperative pain. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.