Short-Term Outcomes Following Endoscopic Proximal Hamstring Repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of endoscopic proximal hamstring repair (ePHR), specifically: (1) functional and subjective outcomes, (2) effectiveness of treatment (preoperative-to-postoperative change), (3) complications, (4) acute versus chronic tears, and (5) partial versus complete tears. METHODS: A retrospective case series of a single-surgeon database for all patients who underwent ePHR between November 2014 and January 2019 with a minimum 1-year follow-up (range, 12 to 48 months) was performed. Charts were analyzed for preoperative and postoperative passive range of motion (PROM), strength, VAS pain, UCLA activity, and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). Manual muscle strength testing based on standard grading scale of 0 to 5 was performed. Complications including re-tear of the repair site, infection, iatrogenic nerve injury, inability to return to work/sport at the same level as preinjury, persistent hamstring weakness, pain with sitting, and subsequent surgery were recorded. RESULTS: We identified 20 ePHR (6 males, 14 females) with a mean age of 46 years (range, 18 to 63 years). At most recent follow-up, mean VAS pain was 1.85 (SD 2), UCLA activity was 8 (SD 2), mHHS was 90.6 (SD 10.5), and PROM hip flexion of 121.7° (SD 14.5°). Effectiveness of treatment demonstrated significant improvement in objective hamstring strength, hip flexion PROM by 17.3°, UCLA activity by 3, and VAS pain by 3 points. Subjective hamstring weakness was reported in 8 (42.1%) and persistent pain with sitting in 3 (15.8%). Return to work and sport were 100% and 95%, respectively. mHHS was significantly higher postoperatively in patients with complete versus partial tears (95.5 versus 85.7). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic proximal hamstring repair is an effective approach that provides patients significant improvement in pain and function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case Series.

Value comparison of humeral component press-fit and cemented techniques in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Press-fit humeral fixation for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has been shown to have loosening rates and outcomes similar to a cemented technique; however, increased value has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the press-fit technique could improve the value of RSA using the procedure value index (PVI). METHODS: Primary RSA patients with complete hospitalization cost data, preoperative and minimum 2-year postoperative Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores, and postoperative satisfaction were included. The PVI was calculated as improvement in the SST score (in units of minimal clinically important difference) divided by total cost and normalized. Itemized cost data were obtained from hospital financial records and categorized. Radiographic complications, infections, and revisions were noted. Comparisons were made between the press-fit and cemented RSA cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 176 primary RSA patients (83 cemented and 93 press fit) met the inclusion criteria (mean follow-up period, 44.6 months). Surgical indications (except failed rotator cuff repair), baseline SST scores, and demographic characteristics were similar. The calculated minimal clinically important difference for the SST score was 3.98. The average PVI was significantly greater in the press-fit cohort (1.51 vs 1.03, P < .001), representing a 47% difference. SST score improvement was not significantly different (P = .23). However, total hospitalization costs were significantly lower for the press-fit cohort ($10,048.89 vs $13,601.14; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Use of a press-fit technique led to a 47% increase in value over a cemented technique. This appeared to be a function of decreased total costs rather than increased outcome scores.

The procedure value index: a new method for quantifying value in shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to introduce the procedure value index (PVI) and apply this value instrument to shoulder arthroplasty. The PVI uses the value equation in units of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) to provide an objective system of quantifying value-driven care. Secondarily, we describe the PVI for both primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) to highlight value differences between these patient populations. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty with minimum 2-year follow-up were identified retrospectively. MCIDs were determined for the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score. Cost data were reported as total hospitalization costs, total charges, and total reimbursements. The PVI was calculated as the ratio of outcome improvement in units of MCID over the cost of care. Mean PVIs for TSA and RSA were compared. RESULTS: Five hundred thirty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. MCIDs for the SST, ASES, VAS pain, and SANE scores were 3.61, 29.49, 3.28, and 37.05, respectively. With the exception of the ASES score, improvements in units of MCID were not different between TSA and RSA. However, total hospitalization costs and charges were significantly higher for RSA (P < .001). PVIs based on total hospitalization costs and total charges for the SST, ASES, and VAS pain scores were significantly greater for TSA (P < .05). No other PVI was significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The PVI was greater for TSA when total hospitalization costs and total charges were considered. The PVI helps highlight value differences in shoulder arthroplasty.

History of Breast Cancer Increases 90-Day Pulmonary Embolism Rates and Reimbursements After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A National Matched-Pair Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rates of total hip arthroplasty (THA) are projected to increase in the coming decades. Multiple studies have focused on identifying risk factors for adverse events after joint arthroplasty, and recent attention has been directed toward cancer. Very limited data have been published examining the effects of history of malignancy on outcomes after THA. With a concomitant increase in breast cancer diagnosis and treatments in recent years, it is expected that orthopedic surgeons will likely see more breast cancer survivors in clinic. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a personal history of breast cancer on 90-day outcomes after THA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of the entire Medicare records. The endpoints of this study included length of stay, medical complications, surgical complications, and costs (examined here as reimbursements). Patients were matched by age and gender in order to decrease confounding. A 1:1 matching was performed. RESULTS: After age and demographics matching, our findings demonstrated that patients with a history of breast cancer have increased rates of pulmonary embolism (0.59% vs 0.45%, P = .003), increased use of chest computed tomography (1.72% vs 1.18%, P < .001), and higher mean 90-day reimbursements (mean $15,432 vs mean $14,701, P = .011) in the 90 days following surgery. Other medical and surgical complications were equally distributed in both cohorts. CONCLUSION: Surgeons should be aware of the increased rate of pulmonary embolism and have a more aggressive thromboprophylaxis protocol in these patients.

Impact of Perioperative HbA1c on Reimbursements in Diabetes Mellitus Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Nationwide Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients who have diabetes mellitus (DM) are at an increased risk of postoperative complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA). Therefore, much interest has been paid to perioperative glycemic control. However, no prior studies have evaluated the patient variation of HbA1c levels on costs. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of obtaining preoperative HbA1c levels on (1) day of surgery (DOS) cost; (2) subsequent 89-day costs; and (3) global 90-day cost. METHODS: A retrospective query of the Humana insurance claims database was performed from 2007 to 2015 for all DM patients undergoing THA. Only patients with HbA1c (%) levels within 3 months before or after the THA were included. Patients were stratified into 6 groups based on HbA1c starting at 5.5% and increasing by 1% increments to 11.5%; one additional group (11.5%-20%) for extreme cases was analyzed. Correlations between HbA1c level and reimbursements for DOS, subsequent 89-day, and global 90-day period were performed. RESULTS: HbA1c level demonstrated a significant correlation to DOS (correlation coefficient = 0.664), subsequent 89-day (correlation coefficient = 0.789), and global 90-day period (correlation coefficient = 0.747) costs. DOS, 89-day, and global 90-day costs significantly increased with increasing HbA1c levels (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Higher perioperative HbA1c levels increase the DOS, subsequent 89-day, and global 90-day costs of THA. This was expected as these patients require multidisciplinary care, have longer LOS, and develop more complications. Further investigation into postoperative complications based on glycemic control is warranted.

Loss of Functional Internal Rotation Following Various Combinations of Bilateral Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Limited internal rotation (IR) remains a concern for activities of daily living (ADLs) following bilateral shoulder arthroplasty (BSA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the loss of the ability to perform functional IR tasks following BSA using various combinations of anatomic (TSA) and reverse (RSA) shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: A retrospective review of an institutional shoulder-surgery database was conducted for patients who underwent BSA with any combination of TSA or RSA with at least a 2-year follow-up. IR range of motion (ROM) and individual American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) questions specific to IR were used to assess a patient's ability to perform IR tasks with at least one of their shoulders. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients met the inclusion criteria (47 TSA/TSA, 17 RSA/RSA, and 9 TSA/RSA). Average age at surgery was 72.1 years. Average follow-up was 51.4 months. Loss of ability to wash one's back was observed in 30.4% TSA/TSA, 33.3% TSA/RSA, and 52.9% RSA/RSA. Loss of ability to tuck in a shirt was observed in 10.6% TSA/TSA, 11.1% TSA/RSA, and 29.4% RSA/RSA. Loss of ability to manage toileting was observed in no TSA/TSA or TSA/RSA, but in 11.8% RSA/RSA. For each of the tasks, there were no significant differences in the ability to perform the task among the groups (p>0.05). Post-operative IR ROM for TSA/TSA was superior to those for TSA/RSA and RSA/RSA (p<0.01). IR ROM efficacies for both RSA/RSA and TSA/RSA were inferior to that for TSA/TSA (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Bilateral RSA patients can perform most IR tasks, and their ability to complete these tasks does not differ significantly from those in patients with other BSA.

Influence of Level 1 Evidence on Management of Clavicle and Distal Humerus Fractures: A Nationwide Comparative Study of Records From 2005 to 2014.

The purpose of this study was to examine alterations in national trends managing midshaft clavicle fractures (MCF) and intra-articular distal humerus fractures (DHF) surrounding recent level 1 publications. A retrospective review of the PearlDiver supercomputer for DHF and MCF was performed. Using age limits defined in the original level 1 studies, total use and annual use rates were examined. Nonoperative management and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were reviewed for MCF. ORIF and total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) were reviewed for DHF. A query yielded 4929 MCF and 106,535 DHF patients. A significant increase in ORIF use for MCF following the publication of the level 1 study (p = .002) and a strong, positive correlation (p = .007) were evident. Annual TEA (p = .515) use for DHF was not observed. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 27(3):219-225, 2018).

Speed of recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to delineate the time taken to achieve maximum improvement (plateau of recovery) and the degree of recovery observed at various time points (speed of recovery) for pain and function after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: An institutional shoulder surgery registry query identified 627 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between 2006 and 2015. Measured range of motion, patient satisfaction, and patient-reported outcome measures were analyzed for preoperative, 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year intervals. Subgroup analysis was performed on the basis of tear size by retraction grade and number of anchors used. RESULTS: As an entire group, the plateau of maximum recovery for pain, function, and motion occurred at 1 year. Satisfaction with surgery was >96% at all time points. At 3 months, 74% of improvement in pain and 45% to 58% of functional improvement were realized. However, only 22% of elevation improvement was achieved (P < .001). At 6 months, 89% of improvement in pain, 81% to 88% of functional improvement, and 78% of elevation improvement were achieved (P < .001). Larger tears had a slower speed of recovery for Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores, forward elevation, and external rotation. Smaller tears had higher motion and functional scores across all time points. Tear size did not influence pain levels. CONCLUSION: The plateau of maximum recovery after rotator cuff repair occurred at 1 year with high satisfaction rates at all time points. At 3 months, approximately 75% of pain relief and 50% of functional recovery can be expected. Larger tears have a slower speed of recovery.

Effect of Hypoglycemia on the Incidence of Revision in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: It is well established that diabetic patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are more susceptible to infection, problematic wound healing, and overall higher complication rates. However, a paucity in current literature exists. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hypoglycemia on TKA revision (rTKA) incidence by analyzing a national private payer database for procedures performed between 2007 and 2015 Q1 Q2. METHODS: A retrospective review of a national private payer database within the PearlDiver Supercomputer application for patients undergoing TKA with blood glucose levels from 20 to 219 mg/mL, in 10-mg/mL increments, was conducted. Patients who underwent TKA were identified by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes. Glucose ranges were identified by filtering for Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes within the PearlDiver database. Patients with diagnosed diabetes mellitus type I or II were excluded by using ICD-9 codes 250.00-250.03, 250.10-250.13, and 250.20-250.21. rTKA causes including mechanical loosening, failure/break, periprosthetic fracture, osteolysis, infection, pain, arthrofibrosis, instability, and trauma were identified with CPT and ICD-9 codes. Statistical analysis was primarily descriptive. RESULTS: Our query returned 264,824 TKAs, of which 12,852 (4.9%) were revised. Most TKAs were performed with a glucose of 70-99 mg/mL (26.1%), followed by 100-109 mg/mL (18.5%). Patients with TKAs performed with glucose 20-29 mg/mL had the highest rate of revision (17.2%; P < .001). Infection was the most common cause of revision among all glucose ranges (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Infection remains one of the most common causes of rTKA irrespective of glucose level. Our results suggest that hypoglycemia may increase revision rates among TKA patients. Tight glycemic control before and during surgery may be warranted.

National Age and Gender-Specific Costs in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction by A Single Nationwide Private Payer.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament tears are an unfortunate, but common, event in the United States, with an estimated 100-300,000 reconstructions performed annually. Limited literature has been published analyzing the reimbursement patterns for the reconstruction of this ligament and, thus, cost-effectiveness studies have relied mainly on data from a limited number of subjects and hospitals. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to perform an epidemiological cost analysis of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions and to analyze and describe the reimbursement patterns for this procedure that can be used as reference for future cost-analysis studies. We conducted a retrospective review of a large private payers insurance company records to identify patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) between 2007 and 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was achieved through a structured query of the database with the use of current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Inclusion criteria for this study were patients housed in the insurer database between the ages of 10 and 59. Reimbursements were calculated at the day of surgery and the 90-day global period. Statistical analysis was based on growth and cohort comparison according to demographic. The consumer price index (CPI) of the Bureau of Labor Statistics was used to calculate inflation. RESULTS: The adjusted mean same-day costs were $11,462 (standard deviations [SD] of $869) for female patients and $12,071 (SD of 561) for males (p=0.07), with no significant difference among same-day costs in either females (p=0.023 for ages 10 to 34 and p=0.037 for ages 35 to 59) or males (p=0.46 for ages 10 to 34 and p=0.26 for ages 35 to 59). The adjusted mean 90-day costs were $14,569 (SD of $835) for females and $14,916 (SD of $780) for males, with no significant difference among 90-day costs in either females (p=0.229 for ages 10 to 34 and p= 0.386 for ages 35 to 39) or males (p=0.425 for ages 10 to 34 and p=0.637 for ages 35 to 39). A matched-age cost analysis demonstrated that gender did not play a significant role in costs (p<0.01 for all groups). CONCLUSION: In the setting of arthroscopic ACLR, both same-day and 90-day costs do not significantly differ between age-matched males and females.

A Partial Posterior Bundle Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear in a 10-year old Boy.

Medial-sided elbow pain is becoming more common among pediatric overhead sport athletes. One potential cause of this is a partial or complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Because the growth plate remains open in many of these athletes, the most common injury experienced is an avulsion at the medial epicondyle. However, although rare, there is a potential to tear the UCL, with the most common tears occurring at the anterior bundle. However, tears to the posterior bundle are quite rare in pediatric patients. We aim to describe the case of a 10-year old boy who was diagnosed with a partial posterior bundle UCL tear and was successfully treated by cessation of throwing activities and physical therapy. He was able to return to baseball 10 months after his diagnosis.

Quadriceps and Hamstring Muscle Strength Improves After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: The ability to reach functional capacity following knee arthroplasty depends on the strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Following total knee arthroplasty, weakness of these muscles can persist for up to one year postoperatively; however, this phenomenon is not well-studied in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) patients. Therefore, we assessed: 1) quadriceps muscle strength; 2) hamstring muscle strength; and 3) correlation to functional outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of all patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis treated with UKA at a minimum of one-year follow-up was performed. This yielded 26 patients (32 knees), comprising of eight females and 18 males who had a mean age of 67 years (range, 47 to 83 years). Muscle strength was assessed pre-and postoperatively via dynamometer. Functional outcomes were assessed using Knee Society Scores (KSS). Comparisons of groups were performed by paired t-tests. RESULTS: At a minimum one-year postoperatively, quadriceps muscle strength was 27 Nm (range, 13 to 71Nm) and hamstring muscle strength was 19.5Nm (range, 7 to 81Nm). Quadriceps muscle strength increased by 40% (p=0.002) and hamstring muscle strength by 26% (p=0.057). The mean KSS pain was 97 points (range, 85 to 100 points) and mean KSS function was 90 points (range, 45 to 100 points) at the final follow-up. Range of motion was 125° (range, 110° to 135° ) at the final follow-up. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient for postoperative extension strength and postoperative flexion strength to postoperative KSS functional scores were 0.268 and 0.220 respectively. CONCLUSION: Within one-year following UKA, patients can expect restoration of quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength with a corresponding functional improvement. Although long-term follow-up is warranted to determine sustainability, the short-term results demonstrate excellent restoration of function.

Outcomes and radiographic findings of anatomic press-fit radial head arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is a popular method of treatment for complex fractures of the radial head. The purpose of this study was to investigate patient outcomes and radiographic findings associated with a single anatomic monopolar press-fit radial head system commonly used for the treatment of radial head fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed for a consecutive series of patients treated with a press-fit anatomically designed RHA between November 2007 and April 2014. The most recent radiographs were evaluated for loosening, stress shielding, and instability. Postoperative motion and outcomes were reported at most recent follow-up. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 30 months, 6 of the 15 patients (40%) demonstrated radiographic loosening. Six of the 9 patients (67%) without loosening demonstrated stress shielding (average, 6 mm). Functional outcome scores included a mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score of 70, Mayo Elbow Performance Score of 85, visual analog scale score for pain of 2, visual analog scale score for function of 7, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score of 75. Average flexion-extension arc was 14° to 138°, and average pronation-supination was 75° to 74°. All 6 of the patients with radiographic loosening had undergone RHA with an associated ligamentous injury repair. Satisfaction among patients was high as no patient reported an unsatisfactory outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an anatomic, press-fit monopolar RHA in the management of acute complex radial head fractures has yielded excellent clinical outcomes despite high rates of radiographic loosening and stress shielding. Press-fit RHA in the setting of ligamentous injury warrants further investigation because of a high rate of implant loosening observed.

Reverse shoulder prosthesis in the treatment of locked anterior shoulders: a comparison with classic reverse shoulder indications.

BACKGROUND: Locked anterior shoulder (LAS) with static instability and anterior glenoid bone loss is challenging in the elderly population. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has been employed in treating these patients. No study has compared RSA for LAS with classically indicated RSA. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of patients treated with RSA for LAS with glenoid bone loss and static instability was performed using matched controls treated with primary RSA for classic indications. Twenty-four cases and 48 controls were evaluated. Average follow-up was 25.5 months, and median age was 76 years. Motion, outcome assessments, and postoperative radiographs were compared. RESULTS: Preoperatively, LAS had significantly less rotation and lower baseline outcome scores. Glenoid bone grafting was more common (P = .05) in the control group (26%) than in the LAS group (6.3%). Larger glenospheres were used more often (P = .001) in the LAS group (75%) than in the control group (29%). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain, function, and outcome scores. Postoperatively, the control group had significantly better elevation and functional outcome scores. With the exception of flexion and Simple Shoulder Test score, effectiveness of treatment was similar between groups. Postoperative acromion stress fractures were seen in 21% of LAS patients and 9% of controls (P = .023) with a predominance of type 3 fractures in LAS. Two LAS patients remained dislocated. CONCLUSION: Patients with LAS treated with RSA can anticipate improvements in pain and function by use of larger glenospheres, often without the need for glenoid bone grafting. Worse postoperative motion and function and a higher incidence of acromion stress fracture may be expected.

Trends in total elbow arthroplasty in the Medicare population: a nationwide study of records from 2005 to 2012.

BACKGROUND: Utilization of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has reportedly increased in recent years. Since the introduction of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, there has been a reported decline in its use among rheumatoid patients; yet, the shift in indications for TEA remains unclear. This study evaluated trends in TEA utilization from 2005 to 2012 by analyzing the most common indications within the population of Medicare patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of a comprehensive Medicare patient population database using the PearlDiver supercomputer (Warsaw, IN, USA) for TEA utilization in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), distal humerus fracture (DHF), post-traumatic arthritis (PTA), and distal humerus nonunion (DHNU). Total reported incidence of office visits and TEA utilization for each indication was reviewed. RESULTS: Utilization of TEA remained unchanged (P = .9530) despite a growing Medicare population (P = .0201). There was a significant decline in annual TEA utilization for RA (P = .002) and DHNU (P = .003). No significant change was found in TEA use for DHF, OA, and PTA. A significant increase was noted in total visits coded for OA, RA, and DHNU (P < .001). A significant, strong negative correlation was found for office visit coding and TEA use in RA (r = -0.850; P = .008) and DHNU (r = -0.902; P = .002). CONCLUSION: From 2005 to 2012, utilization rates of TEA in the Medicare population remained constant. Despite increases in office visits, TEA use for RA and DHNU has declined, likely secondary to improved medical management with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and the surgeon's comfort with improved fracture fixation options.

Trends in surgical management of proximal humeral fractures in the Medicare population: a nationwide study of records from 2009 to 2012.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of proximal humeral fractures has reportedly increased in recent years. Much of this growth relates to a growing elderly population, together with the introduction of modern implants, such as locking plates and, recently, introduction of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). This study evaluated trends in surgical management of proximal humeral fractures from 2009 to 2012 by analyzing the use of hemiarthroplasty (HA), RSA, and osteosynthesis (open reduction with internal fixation [ORIF]) within the Medicare patient population. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a comprehensive Medicare patient population database within the PearlDiver supercomputer (Warsaw, IN, USA) for proximal humeral fractures treated with HA, RSA, or ORIF. Total use, annual utilization rates, age, and gender were investigated. RESULTS: Within the study period, 32,150 proximal humeral fractures were treated operatively, with no significant change in annual volume (P = .119). The percentage of fractures treated surgically decreased significantly from 16.2% to 13.9% (P < .001). The utilization rate decreased significantly for HA from 52% to 39% (P < .001), increased significantly for RSA from 11% to 28% (P < .001), and did not change significantly for ORIF (P = .164). The utilization rate of RSA nearly tripled for patients older than 65 years (11% to 29%) and doubled for patients younger than 65 (6% to 12%). CONCLUSION: From 2009 to 2012, utilization rates of ORIF remained fairly constant. HA remains the most commonly used surgical treatment for proximal humeral fractures in the Medicare population, but its use has declined significantly. This decline has been offset by a corresponding increase in RSA.

The Impact of Patient Characteristics on Outcomes of Surgically Managed Vertebral Osteomyelitis in the United States: Insights from a National Database Study.

This study was conducted to assess the patient characteristics, types of treatment, and outcomes of patients who are surgically treated for vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) in the United States. VO can be treated with or without surgical intervention. Surgically treated cases of VO are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and incur major healthcare costs. There are few studies assessing the characteristics and outcomes of patients with VO who are treated surgically, as well as the overall impact of surgically managed VO on the healthcare system of the United States. Utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, 44,401 patients were identified who underwent surgical treatment for VO over a fifteen year period. Severity of comorbidity burden was calculated using the Deyo Index (DI). Surgical approach and comorbidities were analyzed in regard to their impact on complications, mortality rate, LOS, and hospitalization charges. The incidence of surgical intervention for patients who had VO increased from 0.6 to 1.1 per U.S. persons over the study period. Surgically treated patients had a mean age of 56 years, were 75.8% white, were 54.5% male, 37.9% carried Medicare insurance, and they had a mean DI of 0.88. Anterior/posterior approach (OR: 3.53), thoracolumbar fusion (OR: 2.69), thoracolumbar fusion (OR: 19.94), and anterior/posterior approach (OR: 64.73) were the surgical factors that most significantly predicted any complication, mortality, increased LOS, and increased hospital charges, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean inflation-adjusted total hospital cost increased from $20,355 to $39,991 per patient over the study period. VO has been steadily increasing in the United States. Incidence and inflation-adjusted costs nearly doubled. Anterior/posterior approach and thoracolumbar fusion most significantly predicted negative outcomes. VO is associated with lengthy and expensive hospital stays resulting in a significant burden to patients and the healthcare system.

Tommy John: Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Allograft Reconstruction With Internal Brace.

Injuries of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) of the elbow have previously been career ending for overhead athletes, with gymnasts and baseball pitchers being highly affected. The majority of UCL injuries in this population are chronic, overuse injuries and may be amenable to surgical intervention. The original reconstruction technique, pioneered by Dr. Frank Jobe in 1974, has undergone many modifications over the years. Most notable is the modified Jobe technique developed by Dr. James R. Andrews, which has resulted high rates of return to play and increased career longevity. However, the lengthy recovery time is still problematic. As a way to address the lengthy recovery time, a UCL repair with an internal brace technique improved the time to return to play but has limited applicability to the young patient with an avulsion injury and good tissue quality. Furthermore, there is considerable variety in other published techniques including surgical approach, repair, reconstruction, and fixation. We present here a technique for a muscle splitting, ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with allograft to provide collagen for longevity and internal brace for immediate stability, early rehabilitation, and return to play.

Risk Factors for Requiring a Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Case-Control Study.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is considered as a successful orthopaedic procedure that attempts to help patients return to their preinjury level of activity. However, some patients may need to undergo revision surgery, and this potentially may be associated with certain surgery-specific or patient risk factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the potential role of (1) demographics, (2) family history, (3) graft choice, (4) sport, and (5) mechanism of injury (contact vs. noncontact) in the risk for needing a revision ACL for improved clinical outcomes. All patients who had undergone a primary ACL reconstruction between 2012 and 2016 were identified from at a single institution. About 312 patients who had a mean age of 24 years (range, 9-62 years) and a mean follow-up of 4 years (range, 1-10). Patients were further evaluated to identify those who had a revision. There were 19 patients (6.1%) with a mean age of 22 years (range, 13-38 years) and a mean follow-up of 5 years (range, 1-10) that required a revision reconstruction. Gender ratios (p = 0.56) and mean age (p = 0.44) were similar among the cohorts. Family history of ACL reconstruction had no association with revision risk (p = 0.57). Those with tibialis anterior allografts (37 vs. 4%; p = 0.0001) and hamstring allografts (16 vs. 1%; p = 0.0001) were far more likely to undergo a revision. Bone-tendon-bone (BTB) patella autografts were less likely (26 vs. 73%; p = 0.0001). Sport did not play a role in revision with those injured playing basketball (p = 0.61), football (p = 0.52), lacrosse (p = 0.52), soccer (p = 0.83), and volleyball (p = 0.61). There were a greater percentage of contact injuries that required revision (95 vs. 77%; p = 0.07). Graft selection played a significant role in requiring revision surgery with allografts portending to higher revision rates and BTB patella autografts conferring a lower risk.

Factors Complicating Discharge to Home following Total Knee Arthroplasty-A Single Institution Initiative.

Recently, with the Medicare bundled payments initiative for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), there has been a move by many institutions to further streamline costs associated with the entire operative and perioperative process. One of these cost-saving strategies has been to favor discharging patients to home with outpatient services as opposed to discharging to the relatively more expensive rehabilitation facilities. Our aim was to determine the success of a teaching institute's initiative in discharging patients to home instead of a rehabilitation facility. Specifically, we evaluated if there were differences in discharge disposition based off of (1) surgeon/patient preference, (2) length of stay, (3) demographics, and (4) postoperative complications. A retrospective review of all patients who had a TKA from 2015 to 2017 at a single teaching institution was performed and assessed discharge to home or to a rehabilitation facility. If they were not discharged to home, we evaluated why that did not happen, stratified the reason they were discharged to a rehabilitation facility into four groups based on (1) physician and occupational health team assessment, (2) patient preference, (3) physician preference, and (4) family or caretaker preference. A total of 229 patients were enrolled in this initiative, with 107 patients (47%) discharged to home with outpatient physical therapy services and 122 (53%) discharged to a rehabilitation facility. Of these, 35 patients (29%) went to these facilities because of physician and occupational health team assessment. However, 31 (25%) patients were due to patient preference, 32 (26%) were because of surgeon's preference, and 24 (20%) were not discharged to home because of family or caretaker preference. There were no differences in length of stay, gender, or complication rates between cohorts. Many patients can be safely discharged to home following TKA at a community teaching institution; however, there continues to be a strong prejudice by patients, physicians, and caretakers to be discharged to a rehabilitation facility despite the home discharge initiative.