Patient-clinician digital health interventions for the hip fracture population: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Older adults with hip fracture often require extensive post-surgery care across multiple sectors, making follow-up care even more important to ensure an ideal recovery. With the increased adoption of technology, patient-clinician digital health interventions can potentially improve post-surgery outcomes of hip fracture patients by helping them and their caregivers better understand the various aspects of their care, post-hip fracture surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine the available literature on the impact of hip fracture-specific, patient-clinician digital health interventions on patient outcomes and health care delivery processes. We also aimed to identify the barriers and enablers to the uptake and implementation of these technologies and to provide strategies for improved use of these digital health interventions. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review following the six stages of Arksey and O'Malley's framework and following the PRISMA-ScR reporting format. Searches were conducted in five databases. In addition to hand searching for relevant studies from the references of all included studies, we also conducted a grey literature search to identify relevant primary studies. Screening of titles and abstracts as well as full texts were performed independently by two reviewers. Two reviewers also performed the data extraction of the included studies. RESULTS: After screening 3,638 records, 20 articles met the criteria and 1 article was identified through hand searching. Various patient-clinician digital health interventions were described including telehealth /telerehabilitation programs (n = 6), care transition /follow-up interventions (n = 5), online resources (n = 2), and wearable devices /sensor monitoring (n = 1). Outcomes were varied and included functional status, gait/mobility, quality of life, psychological factors, satisfaction, survival/complications, caregiver outcomes, compliance, technology-user interactions, and feedback on the use of the digital health interventions. For clinicians, a key barrier to the use of the digital health interventions was the acceptability of the technology. However, the usefulness of the digital health intervention by clinicians was seen as both a barrier and an enabler. For patients and caregivers, all the themes were seen as both a barrier and an enabler depending on the study. These themes included: 1) availability and access, 2) usability, 3) knowledge and skills, 4) acceptability, and 5) usefulness of the digital health intervention. CONCLUSION: Many behavioural factors affect the use of patient-clinician digital health interventions. However, a specific attention should be focused on the acceptability of the technology by the clinicians to encourage uptake of the digital health interventions. The results of this scoping review can help to better understand the factors that may be targeted to increase the use of these technologies by clinicians, patients, and caregivers.

Platform-Based Patient-Clinician Digital Health Interventions for Care Transitions: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: With the increased adoption of technology, the use of digital health interventions in health care settings has increased. Patient-clinician digital health interventions have the potential to improve patient care, especially during important transitions between hospital and home. Digital health interventions can provide support to patients during these transitions, thereby leading to better patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to explore the available literature, specifically (1) to examine the impact of platform-based digital health interventions focused on care transitions on patient outcomes, and (2) to identify the barriers to and enablers for the uptake and implementation of these digital health interventions. METHODS: This protocol was developed based on Arksey and O'Malley's, Levac and colleagues', and JBI scoping review methodologies, and it has been reported according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement for the Scoping Reviews) format. The search strategies were developed for 4 databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials by using key words such as "hospital to home transition" and "platform-based digital health." Studies involving patients 16 years or older that used a platform-based digital health intervention during their hospital to home transition will be included in this review. Two reviewers will independently screen articles for eligibility by using a 2-stage process (ie, title and abstract screening and full-text screening). We expect to refine the eligibility criteria during the title and abstract screening process as we anticipate retrieving a significant number of articles. In addition, we will also perform a targeted search of the grey literature, as well as data extraction. Data analysis will consist of a narrative and descriptive synthesis. RESULTS: The review is expected to identify research gaps that will inform the development of future patient-clinician digital health interventions. We have identified a total of 8333 articles. Screening began in September 2022, and data extraction is expected to commence in February 2023 and end by April 2023. Data analyses and final results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal in August 2023. CONCLUSIONS: We expect to find a wide variety of postcare interventions, some gaps in the quality of research evidence, as well as a lack of detailed information on digital health interventions. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/42056.

Intraoperative Channeling in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, the retear rate remains high. New methods to optimize healing rates must be sought. Bone channeling may create a quicker and more vigorous healing response by attracting autologous mesenchymal stem cells, cytokines, and growth factors to the repair site. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with bone channeling would result in a higher healing rate compared with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without adjuvant channeling. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Our primary objective was to compare healing rates in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for degenerative tears, with and without bone channeling. Secondary objectives included comparisons of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score, Constant strength subscore, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score between groups. Patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were recruited at 3 sites and were randomized to receive either bone channeling augmentation or standard repair. Healing was determined via ultrasound at 24 months postoperatively. WORC, ASES, and Constant scores were compared between groups at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 168 patients were enrolled between 2013 and 2018. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed no statistical differences in healing rates between the 2 interventions at 24 months postoperatively. Statistically significant improvements occurred in both groups from preoperatively to all time points for the WORC, the ASES score, the Constant score or Constant strength subscore, and the VAS for pain (P < .0001). No differences were observed between the bone channeling and control groups in WORC, ASES, Constant, and VAS pain scores at any time point. CONCLUSION: This trial did not demonstrate the superiority of intraoperative bone channeling in rotator cuff repair over standard rotator cuff repair at 24 months postoperatively. Healing rates, patient-reported function, and quality-of-life outcomes were similar between groups. REGISTRATION: NCT01877772 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Postsurgery paths and outcomes for hip fracture patients (POST-OP HIP PATHS): a population-based retrospective cohort study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture patients receive varying levels of support posthip fracture surgery and often experience significant disability and increased risk of mortality. Best practice guidelines recommend that all hip fracture patients receive active rehabilitation following their acute care stay, with rehabilitation beginning no later than 6 days following surgery. Nevertheless, patients frequently experience gaps in care including delays and variation in rehabilitation services they receive. We aim to understand the factors that drive these practice variations for older adults following hip fracture surgery, and their impact on patient outcomes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a retrospective population-based cohort study using routinely collected health administrative data housed at ICES. The study population will include all individuals with a unilateral hip fracture aged 50 and older who underwent surgical repair in Ontario, Canada between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2018. We will use unadjusted and multilevel, multivariable adjusted regression models to identify predictors of rehabilitation setting, time to rehabilitation and length of rehabilitation, with predictors prespecified including patient sociodemographics, baseline health and characteristics of the acute (surgical) episode. We will examine outcomes after rehabilitation, including place of care/residence at 6 and 12 months postrehabilitation, as well as other short-term and long-term outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The use of the data in this project is authorised under section 45 of Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act and does not require review by a Research Ethics Board. Results will be disseminated through conference presentations and in peer-reviewed journals.

Comparing Intramedullary Nails Versus Dynamic Hip Screws in the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures on Post-operative Rehabilitation Outcomes:A Systematic Review Protocol.

Background: Intertrochanteric hip fractures are treated by fixation with either an intramedullary (IM) Nail or Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS). It is unknown whether one surgery type has better post-operative rehabilitative outcomes for the hip fracture population. This systematic review aims to compare post-operative rehabilitation outcomes of intertrochanteric hip fractures treated via IM Nails versus DHS. Methods: We will conduct a systematic review following the Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) format. A search strategy will be developed, and the following databases will be searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Two reviewers will perform a two-step screening process and data extraction of included studies. Any disagreement will be resolved with a discussion or a third reviewer. Risk of bias and the quality of the studies will also be assessed. A narrative synthesis will be used for the data analysis. Conclusion: This systematic review will provide evidence for orthopaedic surgeons and rehabilitation clinicians to further improve patient rehabilitation outcomes post-hip fracture surgery.

Protocol for a scoping review of patient-clinician digital health interventions for the population with hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Patient-clinician digital health interventions can potentially improve the care of patients with hip fracture transitioning from hospital to rehabilitation to home. Assisting older patients with a hip fracture and their caregivers in managing their postsurgery care is crucial for ensuring the best rehabilitation outcomes. With the increased availability and wide uptake of mobile devices, the use of digital health to better assist patients in their care has become more common. Among the older adult population, hip fractures are a common occurrence and integrated postsurgery care is key for optimal recovery. The overall aims are to examine the available literature on the impact of hip fracture-specific patient-clinician digital health interventions on patient outcomes and healthcare delivery processes; to identify the barriers and enablers to the uptake and implementation of these digital health interventions; and to provide strategies for improved use of digital health technologies. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's methodology framework and following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement for the Scoping Reviews reporting format. A search strategy will be developed, and key databases will be searched until approximately May 2022. A two-step screening process and data extraction of included studies will be performed by two reviewers. Any disagreement will be resolved by consensus or by a third reviewer. For the included studies, a narrative data synthesis will be conducted. Barriers and enablers identified will be mapped to the domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework and related strategies will be provided to guide the uptake of future patient-clinician digital health interventions. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review does not require ethics approval. The results will be presented at a scientific conference and published in a peer-reviewed journal. We will also involve relevant stakeholders to determine appropriate approaches for dissemination.

Barriers and Enablers to the Use of Web-Based Applications for Older Adults and Their Caregivers Post-Hip Fracture Surgery: A Descriptive Qualitative Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the barriers and enablers to the use of web-based applications designed to help manage the personalized needs of older adults and their caregivers post-hip fracture surgery while transitioning from hospital to geriatric rehabilitation to home. Methods: This was a descriptive qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. The study took place between March 2021 and April 2022 on an orthopaedic unit in a large academic health sciences centre and in a geriatric rehabilitation service in Ontario, Canada. The transcripts were analyzed using a systematic 6-step approach. Results: Interviews were conducted with older adults (n = 10) and with caregivers (n = 8) post-hip fracture surgery. A total of 21 barriers and 24 enablers were identified. The top two barriers were a need for basic computer skills (n = 11, 61.1%) and a preference for direct verbal communication (n = 10, 55.6%). The top two enablers were having no concerns with using web-based applications (n = 12, 66.7%) and having ease of access to information (n = 10, 55.6%). Conclusion: We described the key barriers and enablers to the use of web-based applications from the perspectives of older adults and their caregivers. These factors will inform further developments of web-based applications aimed at improving the care transition from hospital to geriatric rehabilitation to home post-hip fracture surgery.

Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of PATH FOR timely transfer of geriatric HIP fracture patients from hospital to rehabilitation to home (PATH4HIP): a protocol for a mixed method study.

BACKGROUND: Hip fractures in older adults are significant contributors to severe functional decline and disability as well as hospitalization and increased health care costs. Research shows that timely referral to geriatric rehabilitation leads to better patient outcomes. Currently, a wide variability in the timing, the frequency, and the choice of appropriate setting for rehabilitation of hip fracture patients exists. AIM: Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of PATH4HIP, a pathway intervention for timely transfer of post-operative geriatric hip fracture patients from hospital to rehabilitation to home. METHODS: This is a single-arm, pragmatic feasibility study to measure reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of PATH4HIP, a pathway for post-operative hip fracture patients from a large academic health science center to a geriatric rehabilitation service in Ottawa, Canada. During a 6-month period, all hip fracture patients, 65 years of age or older who have undergone surgery and have met the eligibility criteria (n = 96), will be transferred to the geriatric rehabilitation service no later than post-operative day 6. Patients (n = 10-12) and clinicians who are working on the orthopedic team (n = 10-12) and on the geriatric rehabilitation service (n = 10-12) will be invited to participate in an interview to share their feedback on the intervention's feasibility and acceptability and to provide suggestions to improve PATH4HIP. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize results of the quantitative data and content analysis will be used to analyze the qualitative data. The study will be open for recruitment from January to July 2022. DISCUSSION: If feasible, PATH4HIP will result in the reduction of the post-operative acute care length of stay to less than or equal to 6 days, while having no detrimental effect on rehabilitation outcomes such as functional gains, or discharge destination.

Open reduction internal fixation vs non-operative management in proximal humerus fractures: a prospective, randomized controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fractures are the third most common fracture in the elderly population and are expected to increase due to the aging population. Surgical fixation with locking plate technology has increased over the last decade despite a lack of proven superiority in the literature. Three previous randomized controlled trials have not shown a difference in patient-centered outcomes when comparing non-operative treatment with open reduction and internal fixation. Low patient enrollment and other methodological concerns however limit the generalizability of these conclusions and as a result, management of these fractures remains a controversy. By comparing the functional outcomes of locked plate surgical fixation versus non-operative treatment of displaced three and four-part proximal humerus fractures in the elderly population with a large scale, prospective, multi-centered randomized controlled trial, the optimal management strategy for this common injury may be determined. METHODS: We will conduct a prospective, single blind randomized controlled parallel arm trial to compare non-operative management of proximal humerus fractures with open reduction and internal fixation using locked plating technology. One-hundred and sixty patients > age 60 with acute 3- or 4- part proximal humerus fractures will be randomized to either open reduction and internal fixation with locked plating technology or non-operative management treatment arms. The primary outcome measure is the Constant Score at 24 months post-operative. Secondary outcome measures include the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon's Score (ASES), EuroQol EQ-5D-5 L Health Questionnaire Score, short form PROMIS upper extremity score and IPAQ for the elderly score. Further outcome measures include assessment of the initial classification, displacement and angulation and the quality of surgical reduction via a standard computed tomography (CT) scan; rates of non-union, malunion, arthrosis, osteopenia or other complications including infection, nerve injury, intra-articular screw penetration, reoperation rates and hospital re-admission rates. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial will provide Level 1 evidence to guide decision-making in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures in the elderly population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02362100 . Registered 5 Feb 2015.

A randomized, double-blind sham-controlled trial on the efficacy of arthroscopic tennis elbow release for the management of chronic lateral epicondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Tennis elbow is a common elbow pathology typically affecting middle-aged individuals that can lead to significant disability. Most cases resolve within 2 years of symptom onset, but a subset of patients will develop persistent symptoms despite appropriate conservative management. There are several surgical approaches used to treat chronic tennis elbow, with arthroscopic surgery becoming an increasingly popular approach to address this pathology in North America. This procedure involves the arthroscopic release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon (ECRB) origin at the elbow. The potential benefit of arthroscopic treatment of this condition is improved patient outcomes and shorter recovery time following surgery. The results of this technique have been reported only in the context of case series, which have shown positive results. However, in order to justify its widespread use and growing popularity, a high level of evidence study is required. The purpose of this prospective, randomized sham-controlled trial is to determine whether arthroscopic tennis elbow release is effective at treating chronic lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: We will conduct a prospective single center, double-blind, randomized sham-controlled parallel arm trial evaluating the efficacy of arthroscopic tennis elbow release in adult patients with symptoms for at least 6 months. Patients will undergo intraoperative randomization after diagnostic arthroscopy of the elbow to receive either ECRB release (through the creation of a lateral portal) or a sham lateral portal and no ECRB release. The primary outcome will be the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) at 1 year follow-up. Secondary outcomes will be the abbreviated Disability of the Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons elbow (ASES-e) score and grip strength at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months as well as return-to-work time, ability to return to full duty and adverse outcomes. DISCUSSION: Results of this study will provide empirical high quality evidence to guide clinical decision-making in patients with chronic tennis elbow. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02236689 (September 8, 2014).

Physical Examination and Imaging Studies in Posterolateral Corner Injuries.

Posterolateral corner (PLC) knee injuries are relatively rare, but can lead to significant instability, dysfunction, and chronic knee pathologies. Early identification and timely management of PLC injuries is important to ensure that the best clinical outcomes are obtained. Appropriate use of physical examination tests and imaging studies is a crucial part of the initial assessment, allowing identification of all associated injuries and accurate preoperative planning. In this article, we will present an evidence-based approach for the initial assessment of PLC injuries by focusing on the physical examination and relevant imaging studies.

Arthroscopic repair of massive, contracted, immobile tears using interval slides: clinical and MRI structural follow-up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine clinical and structural outcomes of arthroscopic repair of massive, contracted, immobile rotator cuff tears using interval slides. METHODS: Eleven patients who had rotator cuff tears that were irreparable using standard mobilization techniques, but were repaired using interval slides were reviewed. Patients were evaluated at mean 25.2 months (±10.3) post-operatively utilizing a standardized clinical examination and by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores improved significantly (ASES p = 0.0001; SST p = 0.0001) from pre- to post-operative. Range of motion in forward elevation and external rotation increased from pre- to post-operative, though not significantly. Strength via manual muscle testing improved on forward elevation (p = 0.001) and external rotation (p = 0.007) from pre- to post-operative. Post-operative MRI demonstrated massive re-tearing to the original size in 6 patients (55 %) and intact rotator cuffs with tissue spanning the defects in 5 (45 %) patients. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with massive, contracted, immobile tears, an interval slide technique may be utilized as a salvage procedure. Arthroscopic repair of massive, contracted, immobile rotator cuff tears using interval slide techniques can lead to good clinical and satisfactory structural outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Lateral Elbow Exposures: The Extensor Digitorum Communis Split Compared with the Kocher Approach.

INTRODUCTION: In comparison with the frequently used modified Kocher approach, the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) splitting approach allows improved access to the anterior half of the radial head, which is most commonly fractured, while reducing the risk of iatrogenic injury to the lateral collateral ligament. STEP 1 MAKE THE INCISION MODIFIED KOCHER APPROACH: Make an oblique 7-cm lateral incision beginning at the proximal edge of the lateral epicondyle and extending distally over the center of the radial head toward the posterior ulnar border of the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle belly. STEP 2 DEVELOP THE INTERVAL BETWEEN THE ANCONEUS AND THE EXTENSOR CARPI ULNARIS: Identify and develop the intermuscular interval between the anconeus and the extensor carpi ulnaris. STEP 3 PERFORM THE LATERAL ELBOW CAPSULOTOMY: Longitudinally incise the lateral elbow capsule and annular ligament anterior to the lateral ulnar collateral ligament. STEP 4 THE EXTENDED MODIFIED KOCHER APPROACH: Extend the exposure by elevating the common extensor origin (extensor carpi radialis brevis, EDC, and extensor carpi ulnaris) proximally off the lateral epicondyle and reflect it anteriorly. STEP 5 MAKE THE INCISION EDC SPLITTING APPROACH: Make a longitudinal oblique 5 to 6-cm lateral incision beginning at the proximal edge of the lateral epicondyle and extending distally over the radial head toward the Lister tubercle. STEP 6 IDENTIFY AND SPLIT THE EDC: The EDC tendon is identified and bisected longitudinally starting proximally at its origin on the lateral epicondyle and extending 20 mm distally from the radiocapitellar joint. STEP 7 PERFORM THE LATERAL ELBOW CAPSULOTOMY: The annular ligament and joint capsule are then incised collinear with the EDC split anterior to the equator of the capitellum. STEP 8 EXTENDED EDC SPLITTING APPROACH: Extend the exposure by detaching the anterior half of the EDC tendon and the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon from the lateral epicondyle. STEP 9 LAYERED CLOSURE: Perform an interrupted layered closure. RESULTS: In our recent cadaveric study, we quantitatively compared the modified Kocher and EDC splitting approaches in order to determine which provided the greatest exposure of the anterior aspect of the radial head, which is most commonly fractured.IndicationsContraindicationsPitfalls & Challenges.

Transtendon rotator-cuff repair of partial-thickness articular surface tears can lead to medial rotator-cuff failure.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and anatomic outcomes of patients following transtendon rotator-cuff repair of partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients in the senior author's practice who had isolated PASTA lesions treated by transtendon rotator-cuff repair were included (n=8) and retrospectively reviewed. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and at a mean of 21.2 months (±9.7 months) postoperatively using standardized clinical evaluation (physical exam, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and Simple Shoulder Test). All patients underwent postoperative imaging with a magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (42.7±17.5 to 86.9±25.2) and Simple Shoulder Test (4.6±3.2 to 10.1±3.8) scores from pre- to postoperative, respectively. Postoperative imaging demonstrated full-thickness medial cuff tearing in seven patients, and one patient with a persistent partial articular surface defect. CONCLUSION: Transtendon repair of PASTA lesions may lead to improvements in clinical outcome. However, postoperative imaging demonstrated a high incidence of full-thickness rotator-cuff defects following repair.