The Evolving Role of the Orthopaedic Surgeon in Combat Zones and Austere Deployed Locations Since the 2012 Troop Drawdown.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operative experience of orthopaedic surgeons in the various deployment locations since 2012. We also evaluated the implications of humanitarian surgical care and the impact of deployment on an orthopaedic practice. An emailed survey was sent to orthopaedic surgeons deployed after 2012. The survey was 48 questions. Most cases in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria were emergent traumas. In other locations, however, most cases were elective/non-emergent cases. Of surgeons surveyed, 44% performed less than 10 cases during their deployment, and 50% considered humanitarian surgery part of their mission. Six weeks was needed to prepare for deployment, and 4.4 weeks to re-build a practice. Disparity exists in surgical case volume and types of cases performed by orthopaedic surgeons that is dependent on deployed location. This dichotomy in operative experience places surgeons deployed to such locations at risk of losing surgical skills. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 29(3):182-186, 2020).

Patellar clunk syndrome after total knee arthroplasty; risk factors and functional outcomes of arthroscopic treatment.

This study reports the incidence, risk factors, and functional outcomes of the largest reported series of patients treated arthroscopically for patella clunk syndrome (PCS). All patients treated arthroscopically for PCS were identified. Patients were matched with controls by sex and date of surgery. Follow-up was conducted using SF-12 and WOMAC questionnaires. Operative notes and preoperative and postoperative radiographs were reviewed. Seventy-five knees in 68 patients were treated arthroscopically for PCS. Average follow-up was 4.2 years. Functional scores demonstrated no statistical difference. PCS patients had a significantly more valgus preoperative alignment, greater change in posterior femoral offset and smaller patellar component size. PCS is a relatively common complication following TKA. Arthroscopy yields functional results comparable to controls. Radiographic and technical factors are associated with PCS.

Popliteal Cyst Compressive Tibial Neuropathy and Venous Insufficiency: A Case Report.

Popliteal cysts are a collection of synovial fluid found in the popliteal fossa that typically form in adults in association with traumatic injuries, degenerative conditions, or inflammatory arthritis of the knee. While often asymptomatic, popliteal cysts may become problematic as enlarging and ruptured cysts may compress surrounding neurovascular structures, resulting in lower extremity edema or peripheral neuropathy. We report a unique case of a symptomatic popliteal cyst in a patient with both compressive neuropathy and venous congestion in the setting of a non-ruptured popliteal cyst after a surgically repaired intraarticular injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a synovial cyst abutting the posterior neurovascular bundle and evidence of avascular necrosis. An open posterior cyst decompression was done, and the patient was able to report significant symptomatic improvement over the course of two weeks postoperatively. The previously noted varicose veins also demonstrated noticeable resolution. While relatively common, popliteal cysts may require prompt surgical decompression in order to provide effective symptomatic relief.

Liposomal bupivacaine in total hip arthroplasty: Do the results justify the cost?

INTRODUCTION: Liposomal bupivacaine has a paucity of data regarding narcotic requirements and hospital length of stay in comparison to other peri-articular injections, specifically in the total hip arthroplasty (THA) population. METHODS: 69 patients who underwent THA by a single surgeon were divided into two cohorts over a 3 year period in this retrospective study comparing narcotic requirements, hospital length of stay and cost. The study group (n = 29) received liposomal bupivacaine whereas a matched control group (n = 40) received a pharmacy-mixed cocktail in peri-articular structures. Statistical and clinical differences were reported in this unfunded study. RESULTS: No difference was found in hospital length of stay [2.9 days in the study group (range 1-14) versus 3.1 days (range 1-11) in the control group, p = 0.101], however, the study group required less narcotics per day [22.6 mg (range 5-53.3) versus 29 mg (range 6.7-80.8) in the control group, p = 0.045]. The clinical difference between cohorts averaged less than one pill per day of hospitalization. The cost per patient of the local injection was more than 11 times greater in the liposomal bupivacaine group. CONCLUSION: Liposomal bupivacaine demonstrated a statistical improvement in narcotic requirements but not in hospital length of stay in comparison to a control group. The effects of liposomal bupivacaine on narcotic requirements and hospital length of stay may not justify its use in total hip arthroplasty patients given the substantial cost of these injections and the minimal clinical difference in outcomes compared to a more cost-effective injection.