Hip Arthroscopy Simulator Training With Immersive Virtual Reality Has Similar Effectiveness to Nonimmersive Virtual Reality.

PURPOSE: To (1) compare the efficacy of immersive virtual reality (iVR) to nonimmersive virtual reality (non-iVR) training in hip arthroscopy on procedural and knowledge-based skills acquisition and (2) evaluate the relative cost of each platform. METHODS: Fourteen orthopaedic surgery residents were randomized to simulation training utilizing an iVR Hip Arthroscopy Simulator (n = 7; PrecisionOS) or non-iVR simulator (n = 7; ArthroS Hip VR; VirtaMed). After training, performance was assessed on a cadaver by 4 expert hip arthroscopists through arthroscopic video review of a diagnostic hip arthroscopy. Performance was assessed using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) and Arthroscopic Surgery Skill Evaluation Tool (ASSET) scores. A cost analysis was performed using the transfer effectiveness ratio (TER) and a direct cost comparison of iVR to non-iVR. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics did not differ between treatment arms or by training level, hip arthroscopy experience, or prior simulator use. No significant differences were observed in OSATS and ASSET scores between iVR and non-iVR cohorts (OSATS: iVR 19.6 ± 4.4, non-iVR 21.0 ± 4.1, P = .55; ASSET: iVR 23.7 ± 4.5, non-iVR 25.8 ± 4.8, P = .43). The absolute TER was 0.06 and there was a 132-fold cost difference of iVR to non-iVR. CONCLUSIONS: Hip arthroscopy simulator training with iVR had similar performance results to non-iVR for technical skill and procedural knowledge acquisition after expert arthroscopic video assessment. The iVR platform had similar effectiveness in transfer of skill compared to non-iVR with a 132 times cost differential. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Due to the accessibility, effectiveness, and relative affordability, iVR training may be beneficial in the future of safe arthroscopic hip training.

Current Concepts in the Business of Orthopaedics.

Practice management within orthopaedic surgery demands a multifaceted skillset including clinical expertise, technical proficiency, and business acumen, yet the latter is rarely taught during orthopaedic training. As the healthcare system evolves in the United States, surgeons continue to face challenges such as decreasing reimbursements, increased regulatory burdens, and potential for practice acquisition. To remain competitive and provide exceptional care for patients, orthopaedic surgeons must cultivate a business-minded approach. This article highlights the growing significance of the business of orthopaedics and offers guidance on ambulatory surgical center ownership models, effective management of ancillary services, the effect of private equity in orthopaedic practice, real estate investment opportunities in medical office buildings, and the importance of brand recognition. By understanding these concepts, orthopaedic surgeons can exercise greater control over their practice's finances while providing quality care for their patients.

Midcarpal Instability.

Midcarpal instability (MCI) of the wrist represents multiple distinct clinical entities that all have in common abnormal force transmission across the midcarpal joint. This can be asymptomatic but can also result in painful wrist motion, a characteristic catch-up clunk, and symptoms of instability. The carpus is stabilized by numerous extrinsic and intrinsic ligaments. Dynamic joint reactive forces between the proximal and distal carpal rows help create reciprocal motion, which results in smooth, physiologic wrist mechanics. Diagnosis of MCI requires a thorough history, physical examination, and adequate imaging. MCI can be managed nonsurgically with activity modification, physical therapy, specialized orthotics, medications, and corticosteroid injections. A variety of surgical treatment options exists to treat symptomatic MCI. These include arthroscopic thermal capsulorrhaphy, ligament repair or reconstruction, radial osteotomies, and limited radiocarpal or intercarpal fusions. Capsulorrhaphy or ligament repair is favored for mild to moderate cases; osteotomies can be used for the correction of bony deformities contributing to instability, whereas partial wrist arthrodesis is indicated for severe or recurrent instability and fixed deformities.

Primary Resection of the Ulnar Slip of Flexor Digitorum Superficialis in the Persistently Triggering Patient After A1 Pulley Release.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of patients undergoing primary trigger finger release (TFR) that underwent ulnar superficialis slip resection (USSR) for decompression and to determine which digit was most commonly affected. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all cases of open TFR performed by a single surgeon. The following data were obtained: age, sex, laterality, affected digit, and consideration for USSR. All patients failed nonoperative treatment of at least 1 steroid injection. The occurrence of patients who underwent TFR and USSR and which digit(s) most commonly underwent USSR were determined. The average patient age that underwent USSR, frequency by sex, and relative occurrence of USSR in each digit were computed. Statistical calculations were conducted using χ2 analysis (P < .05). RESULTS: A total of 911 primary open TFRs were performed in 631 patients over a 16-year period. A total of 20 TFRs in 20 patients underwent USSR (2.2%). The long finger was the most commonly affected digit (40%) that required simple decompression. Within all USSR cases, the long finger was the most commonly affected digit. The index finger was the second most affected (30%), and there were no cases in the small finger. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined the occurrence of primary TFR cases that underwent USSR, with the long finger being the most commonly affected digit. Surgeons may consider this additional procedure to perform a larger decompression than simple A1 pulley release alone.

Elbow Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation and Lateral Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair with Internal Brace: A Case Report.

CASE: A 23-year-old woman with an Osborne-Cotterill lesion and posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI) of the elbow was treated with osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) and lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) repair with internal brace. Two years after surgery, she reported resolution of pain and returned to all recreational activities. She reported no mechanical symptoms and no episodes of postoperative instability. CONCLUSION: PLRI can present with an Osborne-Cotterill lesion in addition to LUCL injury. The purpose of this case report was to describe the use of OCA to manage bony defects in the capitellum in addition to LUCL repair for patients with PLRI.

Opioid overprescription in adolescents and young adults undergoing hip arthroscopy.

Few studies have examined factors related to the increased consumption of opioids after hip arthroscopy in adolescents and young adults. This study sought to determine prescription patterns following hip arthroscopy in this population, and to determine clinical or surgical factors associated with increased post-operative opioid use. Daily post-operative opioid intake was obtained from pain-control logbooks of adolescents and young adults who underwent hip arthroscopy between January 2017 and 2020. Study outcomes were defined as the median total number of opioid tablets consumed, total days opioids were consumed, mean daily opioid consumption and the ratio of opioids prescribed post-operatively to consumed. Clinical and surgical factors were analyzed to determine any association with opioid consumption. Fifty-eight (20%) patients returned completed logbooks. Most patients (73%) were prescribed 30 oxycodone tablets. The median number of tablets consumed was 7 (range 0-41) over a median duration of 7 days (range 1-22). The median ratio of tablets consumed to prescribed was 20%. Increasing patient age at surgery was associated with increased total number of tablets consumed (r = 0.28, P = 0.04) and to the ratio of tablets consumed to prescribed (r = 0.30, P = 0.03). Patients who were prescribed more than 30 tablets consumed on average 7.8 more tablets than patients prescribed fewer (P = 0.003). Patients who underwent regional anesthesia consumed tablets for longer compared with those who did not (median, 10 versus 4 days; P = 0.03). After undergoing hip arthroscopy, adolescents and young adult patients are commonly overprescribed opioids, consuming on average only one-fifth of the tablets prescribed.

Trends in Adolescent Hip Arthroscopy From the PHIS Database 2008-2018.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that hip arthroscopy has been performed with increasing frequency. Few studies have examined this trend in the adolescent population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the trend in the frequency of hip arthroscopy in adolescents standardized by total orthopaedic surgeries in adolescents at pediatric hospitals in the United States. METHODS: The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was queried for patients aged 10 to 19 years who underwent orthopaedic surgery at any of the PHIS-participating hospitals from 2008 to 2018. The subgroup of patients in this age cohort who underwent hip arthroscopy was identified using Current Procedural Terminology procedure codes. The yearly rate was expressed as the number of hip arthroscopies per 1000 orthopaedic surgeries. A linear model was used to fit the data and illustrate the relative trend. RESULTS: A total of 432,309 orthopaedic surgeries including 9491 hip arthroscopies were performed for patients 10 to 19 years of age. Hip arthroscopies were performed at a yearly rate of 22 per 1000 orthopaedic surgeries. Over the 10-year period, the number of hip arthroscopies increased 6.2-fold, whereas the number of orthopaedic procedures increased 1.6-fold. There was a 3.9-fold increase in hip arthroscopies relative to total orthopaedic surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: The number of hip arthroscopic procedures in adolescent patients has increased by 3.9-fold times relative to total orthopaedic surgeries in adolescents over a 10-year span, on the basis of data from PHIS-participating institutions. This finding mirrors the trends in the adult population over similar time periods. This may be because of increasing participation in sports in the adolescent population, and a better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement and other sports-related hip pathologies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthopedic Practices in New York.

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) crisis has strained hospitals and health systems across the world. In the United States, New York City has faced a surge of cases as the epicenter of the North American outbreak. Northwell Health, as the largest regional health system in New York City, has implemented various practices and policies to adapt to the evolving situation and prepare for future global events. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(4):245-249.].

Google Glass in the Operating Room: The Plastic Surgeon's Perspective.

New technologies and innovations are common in the delivery of modern health care. Google Glass is one such device gaining increased attention in medical specialties. The authors surveyed residents and attending physicians in the Department of Plastic Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, on their experience using Google Glass in the operating room. Ease of use, quality of images, gaze disruption, and distraction during surgery were measured. Overall, subjects found the device to be comfortable and satisfying to wear and use during surgery to capture images of good quality. Despite some identified weaknesses, Google Glass is a unique technology with a promising plastic surgical application in the operating room.