Gender Disparities in Endowed Professorships Within Orthopaedic Surgery.

Background Orthopaedic surgery has the lowest number of full-time faculty positions held by women, at 19%, with endowed chairs among the most coveted and advantageous. We examined the characteristics of endowed professors from the US top 100 orthopaedic academic centers and highest-funded musculoskeletal (MSK) researchers to determine if gender is associated with endowed professorship. Additionally, we sought to determine if gender is associated with increased NIH funding for top-performing musculoskeletal researchers.  Methods Our primary study group included the top 100 orthopaedic academic centers defined by US News World Report and Doximity's rankings. Our secondary study group examined the top MSK researchers, defined as principal investigators, who received >$400,000 in annual NIH funding from 2018 to 2021. Orthopaedic departments included MSK researchers and subspecialties within orthopaedics and medicine. Publicly available sources were used to compile institutional, gender, H-index, citation number, and subspecialty data on endowed professors; statistical comparisons were calculated. Results Within the top 100 orthopaedic academic departments, 4674 faculty were identified. Seven hundred and thirty-three (15.68%) were identified as women, 3941 as men (84.32%). One hundred and ninety-four held endowed professorships; 13 were awarded to women (6.7%), and 185 (95.3%) were awarded to men, with a significant odds ratio (OR) of 2.95, favoring men. For MSK researchers, the OR increases to 11.4. Arthroplasty and sports had the highest numbers of endowments. Significant differences in H-index, publications, and graduation year were identified between men and women for top MSK researchers and orthopaedic-trained surgeons; however, these differences disappeared when considering heterogenous orthopaedic departments that included medicine subspecialties, plastic surgery, hand surgery, and neurosurgery. Additional gender differences were observed in endowment names, with awards commemorating 51.5% men, 7.2% women, and 34% families or groups. Conclusion Gender inequities at the endowment level are substantial, and there are very few women in musculoskeletal medicine to achieve endowments. Differences in H-index, publications, and graduation year between men and women MSK researchers and orthopaedic-trained surgeons, but not combined orthopaedic, PM&R, and medical subspecialty departments, suggest unique challenges in orthopaedic surgery environments and histories that may contribute to endowment disparity. Gender was not found to be associated with funding bias for top-performing musculoskeletal researchers.

Factors Associated With Otolaryngologists Performing Tracheotomy.

Importance: Tracheotomies are frequently performed by nonotolaryngology services. The factors that determine which specialty performs the procedure are not defined in the literature but may be influenced by tracheotomy approach (open vs percutaneous) and other clinicodemographic factors. Objective: To evaluate demographic and clinical characteristics associated with tracheotomies performed by otolaryngologists compared with other specialists and to differentiate those factors from factors associated with use of open vs percutaneous tracheotomy. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included patients aged 18 years or older who underwent a tracheotomy for cardiopulmonary failure at 1 of 8 US academic institutions between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2016. Data were analyzed from September 2022 to July 2023. Exposure: Tracheotomy. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was factors associated with an otolaryngologist performing tracheotomy. The secondary outcome was factors associated with use of the open tracheotomy technique. Results: A total of 2929 patients (mean [SD] age, 57.2 [17.2] years; 1751 [59.8%] male) who received a tracheotomy for cardiopulmonary failure (652 [22.3%] performed by otolaryngologists and 2277 [77.7%] by another service) were analyzed. Although 1664 of all tracheotomies (56.8%) were performed by an open approach, only 602 open tracheotomies (36.2%) were performed by otolaryngologists. Most tracheotomies performed by otolaryngologists (602 of 652 [92.3%]) used the open technique. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that self-reported Black race (odds ratio [OR], 1.89; 95% CI, 1.52-2.35), history of neck surgery (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 2.06-3.57), antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.29-2.36), and morbid obesity (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.24-1.92) were associated with greater odds of an otolaryngologist performing tracheotomy. In contrast, history of neck surgery (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.96-1.92), antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation therapy (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.56-1.14), and morbid obesity (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.74-1.19) were not associated with undergoing open tracheotomy when performed by any service, and Black race (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.44-0.71) was associated with lesser odds of an open approach being used. Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index score greater than 4 was associated with greater odds of both an otolaryngologist performing tracheotomy (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03-1.53) and use of the open tracheotomy technique (OR, 1.48, 95% CI, 1.21-1.82). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, otolaryngologists were significantly more likely than other specialists to perform a tracheotomy for patients with history of neck surgery, morbid obesity, and ongoing anticoagulation therapy. These findings suggest that patients undergoing tracheotomy performed by an otolaryngologist are more likely to present with complex and challenging clinical characteristics.

Indications and Efficacy of Halo-Gravity Traction in Pediatric Spinal Deformity: A Critical Analysis Review.

¼: Halo-gravity traction (HGT) is a well-established technique for correcting severe spinal deformity in pediatric patients. ¼: HGT induces soft-tissue relaxation and gradually lengthens the spine, and it can be used preoperatively and intraoperatively. ¼: It is typically indicated for spinal deformity over 90° in any plane and medical optimization. ¼: There are several complications associated with the use of HGT, and it is critical to follow a protocol and perform serial examinations to minimize this risk.

Clinicodemographic Predictors of Tracheotomy Tube Size and Decannulation: A Multiinstitutional Retrospective Cohort Study on Tracheotomy.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to discern clinico-demographic predictors of large (≥8) tracheostomy tube size placement, and, secondarily, to assess the effect of large tracheostomy tube size and other parameters on odds of decannulation before hospital discharge. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Factors determining choice of tracheostomy tube size are not well-characterized in the current literature, despite evidence linking large tracheostomy tube size with posttracheotomy tracheal stenosis. The effect of tracheostomy tube size on timing of decannulation is also unknown, an important consideration given reported associations between endotracheal tube size and probability of failed extubation. METHODS: We collected information pertaining to patients who underwent tracheotomy at 1 of 10 U.S. health care institutions between 2010 and 2019. Tracheostomy tube size was dichotomized (≥8 and <8). Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to identify predictors of (1) large tracheostomy tube size, and (2) decannulation before hospital discharge. RESULTS: The study included 5307 patients, including 2797 (52.7%) in the large tracheostomy cohort. Patient height (odds ratio [OR] = 1.060 per inch; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.041-1.070) and obesity (1.37; 95% CI 1.1891.579) were associated with greater odds of large tracheostomy tube; otolaryngology performing the tracheotomy was associated with significantly lower odds of large tracheostomy tube (OR = 0.155; 95% CI 0.131-0.184). Large tracheostomy tube size (OR = 1.036; 95% CI 0.885-1.213) did not affect odds of decannulation. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was linked with increased likelihood of large tracheostomy tube size, independent of patient height. Probability of decannulation before hospital discharge is influenced by multiple patient-centric factors, but not by size of tracheostomy tube.

Posterior Shoulder Instability: Surgical Outcomes and Risk of Failure in Adolescence.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction has proven to be effective in treating posterior shoulder instability. Few studies have examined the risk factors that may contribute to poor outcomes in the adolescent population. PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for surgical failure by comparing anatomic and subjective variations in children who underwent surgical intervention for posterior shoulder instability. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: All patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery at one institution between 2011 and 2018 were reviewed. Patients >18 years old at presentation and those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome were excluded. Posterior instability was defined as unidirectional subluxation on posterior drawer testing while under anesthesia. Two-year minimum follow-up was required, but those whose treatment failed earlier were included for calculation purposes. Demographics and intraoperative findings were recorded, as were Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scoring, Pediatric and Adolescent Shoulder Survey (PASS), and the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) results. Major complication was defined as revision arthroscopy or redislocation, and minor complications included self-reporting a poor outcome score (eg, SANE score <65). RESULTS: A total of 48 children (23 girls and 25 boys) met criteria, with a mean age of 16.5 years (range, 12.4-17.9 years) and a mean follow-up of 3.75 years. Fifteen (31.3%) patients had a complication by our criteria, including 12.5% with surgical failures; regarding major complications, boys were treated successfully 96% of the time and girls 78% of the time (P = .049). Of the anatomic and subjective variables tested, only younger age (P≤ .001) and presentation type (P < .05) were correlated with complications. SANE scores differed significantly (P < .002) by presentation type, with mean scores of 52 (trauma), 94 (recurrent instability), and 81 (pain). QuickDASH scores demonstrated patients with a history of trauma (mean, 37), instability (mean, 9), and pain (mean, 11). CONCLUSION: Adolescents treated surgically for posterior shoulder instability are at risk of treatment failure (when including outcome scores), and it appears that patients of female sex, younger age, and traumatic presentation are at the highest risk to require revision surgery or experience continued limitations secondary to their shoulder.

Adolescent Posterior-Superior Glenoid Labral Pathology: Does Involvement of the Biceps Anchor Make a Difference?

BACKGROUND: Adolescent athletes are at risk of sustaining an injury to the posterior and superior labrum of the glenoid. Limited information is available regarding the outcomes of surgical intervention in this specific age cohort. PURPOSE: To compare those patients with pure posterior pathology and those with posterior labral tears that involve the biceps anchor (superior labrum anterior-posterior [SLAP] tears) to determine risks for failure in the surgical management. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on all patients under the age of 19 years over an 8-year period to identify those treated for superior and posterior labral pathology, followed by chart review, radiographic review, and arthroscopic findings. Patient characteristics and other variables were recorded, including cause (traumatic vs atraumatic), activity/sports (overhead vs nonoverhead), involvement of the biceps anchor-crossing the 12-o'clock position (posterior vs SLAP), associated pathologies, outcome scores (Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation [SANE] and Pediatric/Adolescent Shoulder Survey [PASS] scores), and complications. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients (30 boys, 18 girls) with a mean age at surgery of 16.5 years (range, 13.5-19 years) were identified who met criteria, with a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (range, 1.3-6.9 years). Nineteen patients had SLAP tears and 29 patients had posterior tears. All but 2 regularly participated in sports at the time of their injury; of the athletes, 26 (56.5%) played an overhead sport and 20 (43.5%) played a nonoverhead sport. The cause of the injury was traumatic in 25 cases (52.1%) and atraumatic in 23 cases (47.9%). Outcome scores were not significantly different between cause or type of sports played; SANE scores were not significantly different by tear type (mean SLAP score, 88.4 compared with mean posterior score, 80.9; P = .124); but the mean PASS score in the SLAP group was 88.7, compared with 76.2 in the posterior group (P = .005) at final assessment. Only 1 SLAP patient had failed management (5.3%) compared with 5 patients in the posterior-only cohort (17.2%). CONCLUSION: Posterior SLAP tears have better outcomes and lower failure rates than posterior-only tears in the adolescent population. Posterior-superior labral tears can occur in all sports types with multiple causes, but the only factor that appears to play a role in ultimate outcome is whether the tear crosses under the biceps anchor to the anterior side.