Return to Sport After Surgical Treatment for Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

For athletes, a return to preinjury activity levels with minimal time away is a metric indicative of successful recovery. The knowledge of this metric would be helpful for the sports medicine specialist to advise patients on appropriate expectations after surgery.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the rate and amount of time needed for athletes to return to sport (RTS) after different surgical treatments for anterior shoulder instability.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for articles relevant to athletes' RTS after surgical anterior shoulder stabilization with variants of the Latarjet and Bankart procedures. Article selection was based on relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria. After the articles were reviewed, the data pertinent to rates of and time to RTS were extracted, compiled, and analyzed.

RESULTS

Sixteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Based on these articles, the rate of RTS was 97.5% after arthroscopic Bankart, 86.1% after open Bankart, 83.6% after open Latarjet, 94.0% after arthroscopic Latarjet, and 95.5% after arthroscopic Bankart with remplissage. Among the athletes who did RTS, arthroscopic Bankart had the highest rate of return to preinjury levels (91.5%), while arthroscopic Latarjet had the lowest rate (69.0%). The time to RTS was 5.9 months after arthroscopic Bankart, 8.2 months after open Bankart, 5.07 months after open Latarjet, 5.86 months after arthroscopic Latarjet, and 7 months after arthroscopic Bankart with remplissage.

CONCLUSION

Of the pooled data, patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart showed the highest rate of RTS, while patients who underwent open Latarjet showed the shortest time to RTS. Return to preinjury level was highest in the arthroscopic Bankart group and lowest in the arthroscopic Latarjet group. Physicians can utilize these data to set expectations for their patient-athletes regarding RTS after anterior shoulder stabilization procedures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

When treating an athlete, many factors must be taken into account to weigh treatment options. Two important factors to consider with the patient-athlete are the rate of return to the previous activity level and the timeline for this to occur. This study provides a guide for physicians and a time frame for athletes with respect to the mean percentage and time for return to sport after different surgical procedures for anterior shoulder instability.

Return to Sport After ACL Reconstruction With a BTB Versus Hamstring Tendon Autograft: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are debilitating injuries frequently suffered by athletes. ACL reconstruction is indicated to restore knee stability and allow patients to return to prior levels of athletic performance. While existing literature suggests that patient-reported outcomes are similar between bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts, there is less information comparing return-to-sport (RTS) rates between the 2 graft types.

Purpose

To compare RTS rates among athletes undergoing primary ACL reconstruction using a BTB versus HT autograft.

Study Design

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched, and studies that reported on RTS after primary ACL reconstruction using a BTB or HT autograft were included. Studies that utilized ACL repair techniques, quadriceps tendon autografts, graft augmentation, double-bundle autografts, allografts, or revision ACL reconstruction were excluded. RTS information was extracted and analyzed from all included studies.

Results

Included in the review were 20 articles investigating a total of 2348 athletes. The overall RTS rate in our cohort was 73.2%, with 48.9% returning to preinjury levels of performance and a rerupture rate of 2.4%. The overall RTS rate in patients after primary ACL reconstruction with a BTB autograft was 81.0%, with 50.0% of athletes returning to preinjury levels of performance and a rerupture rate of 2.2%. Patients after primary ACL reconstruction with an HT autograft had an overall RTS rate of 70.6%, with 48.5% of athletes returning to preinjury levels of performance and a rerupture rate of 2.5%.

Conclusion

ACL reconstruction using BTB autografts demonstrated higher overall RTS rates when compared with HT autografts. However, BTB and HT autografts had similar rates of return to preinjury levels of performance and rerupture rates. Less than half of the athletes were able to return to preinjury sport levels after ACL reconstruction with either an HT or BTB autograft.

Outcomes and complications of primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty with minimum of 2 years' follow-up: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is an effective treatment option for reducing pain and improving function for patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy, irreparable rotator cuff tears, glenoid deformity, and other challenging clinical scenarios, including fracture sequelae and revision shoulder arthroplasty. There has been a wide range of reported outcomes and postoperative complication rates reported in the literature. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an updated review of the clinical outcomes and complication rates following primary rTSA.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate outcomes and complications following primary rTSA according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Demographics, range of motion, patient-reported outcome measures (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form [ASES] and Constant scores), number of complications, and revisions were extracted, recorded, and analyzed from the included articles.

RESULTS

Of the 1415 studies screened, 52 studies met the inclusion criteria comprising a total of 5824 shoulders. The mean age at the time of surgery was 72 years (range: 34-93), and the mean follow-up was 3.9 years (range: 2-16). Patients demonstrated a mean improvement of 56° in active flexion, 50° in active abduction, and 14° in active external rotation. Regarding functional outcome scores, rTSA patients demonstrated a mean clinically significant improvement of 37 in Constant score (minimal clinically important difference [MCID] = 5.7) and ASES score (42.0; MCID = 13.6). The overall complication rate for rTSA was 9.4% and revision rate of 2.6%. Complications were further subdivided into major medical complications (0.07%), shoulder- or surgical-related complications (5.3%), and infections (1.2%). The most frequently reported shoulder- or surgical-related complications were scapular notching (14.4%), periprosthetic fracture (0.8%), glenoid loosening (0.7%), and prosthetic dislocation (0.7%).

DISCUSSION

Primary rTSA is a safe and reliable procedure with low complication, revision, infection, and scapular notching rates. Additionally, patients demonstrated clinically significant improvements in both range of motion and clinical outcome scores.

Medicaid Health Insurance Status Limits Patient Accessibility to Rehabilitation Services Following ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Background:

In the senior author’s (X.L.) orthopaedic sports medicine clinic in the United States (US), patients appear to have difficulty finding physical therapy (PT) practices that accept Medicaid insurance for postoperative rehabilitation.

Purpose:

To determine access to PT services for privately insured patients versus those with Medicaid who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the largest metropolitan area in the state of Massachusetts, which underwent Medicaid expansion as part of the Affordable Care Act.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Locations offering PT services were identified through Google, Yelp, and Yellow Pages internet searches. Each practice was contacted and queried about health insurance type accepted (Medicaid [public] vs Blue Cross Blue Shield [private]) for postoperative ACL reconstruction rehabilitation. Additional data collection points included time to first appointment, reason for not accepting insurance, and ability to refer to a location accepting insurance type. Median income and percentage of households living in poverty were also noted through US Census data for the town in which the practice was located.

Results:

Of the 157 PT locations identified, contact was made with 139 to achieve a response rate of 88.5%. Overall, 96.4% of practices took private insurance, while 51.8% accepted Medicaid. Among those locations that did not accept Medicaid, only 29% were able to refer to a clinic that would accept it. “No contract” was the most common reason why Medicaid was not accepted (39.4%). Average time to first appointment was 5.8 days for privately insured patients versus 8.4 days for Medicaid patients (P = .0001). There was no significant difference between clinic location (town median income or poverty level) and insurance type accepted.

Conclusion:

The study results reveal that 43% fewer PT clinics accept Medicaid as compared with private insurance for postoperative ACL reconstruction rehabilitation in a large metropolitan area. Furthermore, Medicaid patients must wait significantly longer for an initial appointment. Access to PT care is still limited despite the expansion of Medicaid insurance coverage to all patients in the state.

Socioeconomic Status Impacts Access to Orthopaedic Specialty Care

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Financial, personal, and structural barriers affect access to all aspects of orthopaedic specialty care.

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Disparities in access to care are present across all subspecialties of orthopaedic surgery in the United States.

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Improving timely access to care in orthopaedic surgery is crucial for both health equity and optimizing patient outcomes.

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Options for improving orthopaedic access include increasing Medicaid/Medicare payments to physicians, providing secondary resources to assist patients with limited finances, and reducing language barriers in both clinical care and patient education.

Structural Characteristics Are Not Associated With Pain and Function in Rotator Cuff Tears: The ROW Cohort Study

Background:

Structural characteristics of rotator cuff tears are used in surgical decision making. However, data on the association of tear size with patient-reported pain and function are sparse.

Purpose:

To assess the association of tear size, fatty infiltration, and muscle atrophy with shoulder pain/function in patients with cuff tears undergoing operative and nonoperative treatment.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 67 patients with rotator cuff tears were recruited for this longitudinal cohort study. Patients were determined to have a cuff tear using clinical assessment and blinded magnetic resonance imaging review. The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) was used as a measure of shoulder pain and function.

Results:

Tear size and thickness were not significantly associated with pain (SPADI pain score, 60.6 [95% CI, 49.8-71.5] for partial-thickness tear; 56.8 [95% CI, 42.8-70.7] for <2 cm full-thickness tear; 60.4 [95% CI, 51.7-69.0] for ≥2 cm full-thickness tear). Tear size and thickness were not associated with function (SPADI disability score, 42.7 [95% CI, 29.8-55.6] for partial-thickness tear; 37.6 [95% CI, 23.9-51.4] for <2 cm full-thickness tear; 45.1 [95% CI, 35.4-54.8] for ≥2 cm full-thickness tear). Fatty infiltration, muscle atrophy, and tendon retraction were also not significantly associated with SPADI pain and disability scores. A Mental Health Index score of <68 as well as age ≥60 years were significantly associated with a higher SPADI pain score. Female sex, increased number of comorbidities, Mental Health Index score of <68, and age <60 years were significantly associated with a higher SPADI disability score.

Conclusion:

In patients with rotator cuff tears undergoing operative and nonoperative treatment, pain and functional status were not associated with tear size and thickness, fatty infiltration, and muscle atrophy. Conversely, factors unrelated to cuff anatomy such as mental health, comorbidities, age, and sex were associated with pain/function. These findings have clinical implications during surgical decision making and suggest that pain and functional disability in patients with rotator cuff tears is multifactorial and should not solely be attributed to structural characteristics.

Return to Sport After the Surgical Treatment of Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior Tears: A Systematic Review

Background:

Controversy exists as to the optimal treatment of superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears in athletes. There are no systematic reviews evaluating return-to-sport (RTS) rates after arthroscopic SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis.

Purpose:

To compare the overall RTS rates in patients with primary type 2 SLAP tears who were managed with arthroscopic SLAP repair versus biceps tenodesis.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A review was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines by searching the MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), and Cochrane Library databases. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies that evaluated RTS rates after arthroscopic SLAP repair, arthroscopic SLAP repair with partial rotator cuff debridement, and biceps tenodesis. The studies were analyzed for quality and inclusion in the final analysis. Data relevant to RTS rates were then extracted and compiled, and outcomes were compared.

Results:

Of the 337 studies initially identified, 15 (501 patient-athletes) met inclusion criteria. These consisted of 195 patients who underwent isolated arthroscopic SLAP repair (mean age, 31 years; mean follow-up, 3.2 years), 222 patients who underwent arthroscopic SLAP repair with partial rotator cuff debridement (mean age, 22 years; mean follow-up, 5.1 years), and 84 patients who underwent biceps tenodesis (mean age, 42 years; mean follow-up, 3.3 years). The overall RTS rates were high for all 3 procedures (SLAP repair, 79.5%; SLAP repair with rotator cuff debridement, 76.6%; biceps tenodesis, 84.5%), with biceps tenodesis having the highest overall rate. Biceps tenodesis also had the highest RTS rate at the preinjury level (78.6%) compared with SLAP repair (63.6%) and SLAP repair with rotator cuff debridement (66.7%).

Conclusion:

Primary arthroscopic SLAP repair, arthroscopic SLAP repair with partial rotator cuff debridement, and biceps tenodesis all provide high RTS rates. Biceps tenodesis as an operative treatment of primary SLAP lesions may demonstrate an overall higher RTS rate when compared with traditional SLAP repair in older athletes. More, higher level studies are needed that control for age, level of activity, and type of sport (overhead vs nonoverhead) to determine the efficacy of biceps tenodesis as a primary alternative to arthroscopic SLAP repair in young athletes who present with type 2 SLAP tears.

Insurance Status Affects In-Hospital Complication Rates After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Insurance status has been shown to be a predictor of patient morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of patient insurance status on the in-hospital complication rates following total knee arthroplasty. Data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2004 through 2011). Patient demographics and comorbidities were analyzed and stratified by insurance type. Analysis was performed with a matched cohort comparing complication rates between patients with Medicare vs private insurance using the coarsened exact matching algorithm and multivariable logistic regression. A total of 1,352,505 patients (Medicare, 57.8%; private insurance, 35.6%; Medicaid/uninsured, 3.1%; other, 3.3%; unknown, 0.2%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The matched cohort analysis comparing Medicare with privately insured patients showed significantly higher risk of mortality (relative risk [RR], 1.34; P<.001), wound dehiscence (RR, 1.32; P<.001), central nervous system complications (RR, 1.16; P=.030), and gastrointestinal complications (RR, 1.13; P<.001) in Medicare patients, whereas privately insured patients had a higher risk of cardiac complications (RR, 0.93; P=.003). Independent of insurance status, older patients and patients with an increased comorbidity index were also associated with a higher complication rate and mortality following total knee arthroplasty. These data suggest that insurance status may be considered as an independent risk factor for increased complications when stratifying patients preoperatively for total knee replacement. Further research is needed to investigate the disparities in these findings to optimize patient outcomes following total knee arthroplasty. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(3):e340-e347.].

Insurance status affects access to physical therapy following rotator cuff repair surgery: A comparison of privately insured and Medicaid patients

Rotator cuff repair (RCR) is an effective procedure to relieve shoulder pain and dysfunction. Postoperative physical therapy (PT) plays an integral role in the overall success of RCR. Insurance status has been shown to be an important predictor of postoperative PT utilization. This study evaluated the effect of insurance status on access to PT services following RCR. One hundred thirty-eight PT clinics were contacted in the Greater Boston metropolitan area. Clinics were contacted on two separate occasions and presented with a fictitious acutely postoperative RCR patient in need of PT. Insurance status was reported as Medicaid or private insurance. Overall, 133 (96.4%) accepted private insurance, whereas only 71 (51.4%) accepted Medicaid (P=0.019). Medicaid patients were offered a first available appointment at a mean of 8.3 days (95% CI: 7.13-9.38, range: 0-31) versus a mean of 6.3 days (95% CI: 5.3-7.22, range: 0-19, P=0.001) for private patients. Clinic location was not associated with access to PT or time to first appointment. Insurance status affects access to PT services and time to first available appointment in patients following RCR surgery in a major metropolitan area.

Regional Variations of Medicare Physician Payments for Hand Surgery Procedures in the United States

BACKGROUND

Medicare reimbursement is known to exhibit geographic variation for inpatient orthopedic procedures. This study determined whether US geographic variations also exist for commonly performed hand surgeries.

METHODS

Using the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data (2012-2013) from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, we analyzed regional physician charges/payments for common outpatient hand surgeries.

RESULTS

The most commonly performed procedures in the United States were open carpal tunnel release (n = 21 944), trigger finger release (n = 15 345), endoscopic carpal tunnel release (n = 7106), and basal joint arthroplasty/ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (n = 2408). A range of average Medicare physician reimbursements existed based on geographic region for basal joint arthroplasty ($669-$571), endoscopic carpal tunnel release ($400-$317), open carpal tunnel release ($325-$261), and trigger finger release ($215-$167). The latter three exhibited statistically significant variation across geographic regions with regard to both charges and physician reimbursement. However, the overall percentage physician reimbursement (70%-79%) to charges was similar across all geographic regions.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, further research is warranted to determine why regional or geographic variations in physician payments exist in the United States for commonly performed hand surgeries.

Outcomes and Complications After Primary Arthroscopic Suprapectoral Versus Open Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis for Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior Tears or Biceps Abnormalities: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background:

Biceps tenodesis is a surgical treatment for both superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears and long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) abnormalities. Biceps tenodesis can be performed either above or below the pectoralis major tendon with arthroscopic or open techniques.

Purpose:

To analyze the outcomes and complications comparing primary arthroscopic suprapectoral versus open subpectoral biceps tenodesis for either SLAP tears or LHBT disorders.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A search strategy based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) protocol was used to include 18 articles (471 patients) from a total of 974 articles identified. Overall exclusion criteria included the following: non–English language, non–full text, biceps tenodesis with concomitant rotator cuff repair, review articles, meta-analyses, and case reports. Data were extracted and analyzed according to procedure type and tenodesis location: arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis (295 patients) versus open subpectoral bicepts tenodesis (176 patients).

Results:

For arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis, the weighted mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 90.0 (97 patients) and the weighted mean Constant score was 88.7 (108 patients); for open subpectoral biceps tenodesis, the mean ASES score was 91.1 (199 patients) and mean Constant score was 84.7 (65 patients). Among the 176 patients who underwent arthroscopic biceps tenodesis, there was an overall complication rate of 9.1%. Among the 295 patients who underwent open biceps tenodesis, there was an overall complication rate of 13.5%. Both residual pain (5.7% vs 4.7%, respectively) and Popeye deformity (1.7% vs 1.0%, respectively) rates were similar between the groups. Open subpectoral biceps tenodesis had higher reoperation (3.0% vs 0.0%, respectively), wound complication (1.0% vs 0.0%, respectively), and nerve injury (0.7% vs 0.0%, respectively) rates postoperatively. A meta-analysis of 3 studies demonstrated that both methods had similar ASES scores (P = .36) as well as all-cause complication rates (odds ratio, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.13-4.48]; P = .26).

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing arthroscopic suprapectoral biceps tenodesis for either SLAP tears or LHBT abnormalities had similar outcome scores and complication rates compared with those undergoing open subpectoral biceps tenodesis. Additionally, both residual pain and Popeye deformity rates were similar between the 2 groups.

Comparative Studies in the Shoulder Literature Lack Statistical Robustness: A Fragility Analysis

Purpose

Evidenced-based decision-making is rooted in comparative clinical studies; however, a small number of outcome event reversals have the potential to change study significance. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of applying fragility analysis to comparative studies in the published orthopaedic shoulder literature.

Methods

Comparative clinical shoulder research studies reporting 1:1 dichotomous categorical data were analyzed in 6 leading orthopaedic journals between 2006 and 2016. Statistical significance was defined as a P value of less than .05. The fragility index (FI) for each study outcome was determined by the number of event reversals required to change the P value to either greater or less than 0.05, thus changing the study conclusions. The associated fragility quotient (FQ) was determined by dividing the FI by the total population comprising a particular outcome.

Results

Of the 23,897 studies screened, 3,591 met search criteria, with 198 comparative studies ultimately included for analysis, 67 of which were randomized controlled trials. There were 357 total outcome events with 74 reported as significant and 283 as not significant. The FI was 4 (IQR 2-6) with an associated FQ of 0.066 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.038-0.102). There was no difference in statistical fragility between randomized and nonrandomized trials with both revealing a FI of 4 and FQ of 0.068 (IQR 0.044-0.107) and 0.065 (IQR 0.031-0.101), respectively.

Conclusions

This current analysis reveals that comparative shoulder studies published in six leading orthopaedic journals are at risk of statistical fragility. As such, contemporary clinical shoulder literature may not be as robust as traditionally perceived with the reversal of only a few outcome events required to change study significance. Therefore, we advocate the reporting of both FI and FQ in addition to the P value as statistical complements to all comparative investigations to provide a more comprehensive understanding of trial stability and significance in the published shoulder literature.

Clinical Relevance

Comparative study designs are commonly employed in shoulder research. Several studies in both the general medical and orthopaedic literature have identified a lack of statistical robustness through comprehensive fragility analysis. Our findings demonstrate the P value may be an inadequate independent statistical metric requiring the complement of a FI and FQ to aid in the interpretation and understanding of study significance for clinical decision-making.

A heads up on concussions: are there sex-related differences?

Head injuries are a major concern for physicians in athletes of all ages. Specifically, sports-related concussions are becoming an all-too-common injury among female athletes. The incidence of concussions among female athletes has likely increased over the past few decades because of an increase in sports participation afforded by Title IX. It would be useful for physicians to have general knowledge of concussions and their potential sex-related differences. This review article summarizes the current body of research concerning sex-related differences in concussion epidemiology and outcomes. A literature search was performed using PubMed and included all articles published from 1993 to present, with a predominant focus on research conducted over the past fifteen years. Additional articles were found using the bibliography from articles found through the PubMed search. Several articles have compared incidence, severity of neurological deficit, constellation of symptoms, and length of recovery post-concussion in males and females. However, the literature does not unanimously support a significant sex-related difference in concussions. Lack of consensus in the literature can be attributed to differences between patient populations, different tools used to study concussions, including subjective or objective measures, and differences in mechanisms of injury. We conclude that concussions are a serious injury in both male and female athletes, and physicians should have a very high index of suspicion regardless of sex, because there currently is not sufficient consensus in the literature to institute sex-related changes to concussion management. Current research may suggest a sex-related difference pertaining to sports-related concussions, but further evaluation is needed on this topic.

Orthopaedic Application of Cryotherapy: A Comprehensive Review of the History, Basic Science, Methods, and Clinical Effectiveness

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Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, includes the use of bagged ice, ice packs, compressive cryotherapy devices, or whole-body cryotherapy chambers. Cryotherapy is commonly used in postoperative care for both arthroscopic and open orthopaedic procedures.

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Cryotherapy is associated with an analgesic effect caused by microvasculature alterations that decrease the production of inflammatory mediators, decrease local edema, disrupt the overall inflammatory response, and reduce nerve conduction velocity.

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Postoperative cryotherapy using bagged ice, ice packs, or continuous cryotherapy devices reduced visual analog scale pain scores and analgesic consumption in approximately half of research studies in which these outcomes were compared with no cryotherapy (11 [44%] of 25 studies on pain and 11 [48%] of 23 studies on opioids). However, an effect was less frequently reported for increasing range of motion (3 [19%] of 16) or decreasing swelling (2 [22%] of 9).

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Continuous cryotherapy devices demonstrated the best outcome in orthopaedic patients after knee arthroscopy procedures, compared with all other procedures and body locations, in terms of showing a significant reduction in pain, swelling, and analgesic consumption and increase in range of motion, compared with bagged ice or ice packs.

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There is no consensus as to whether the use of continuous cryotherapy devices leads to superior outcomes when compared with treatment with bagged ice or ice packs. However, complications from cryotherapy, including skin irritation, frostbite, perniosis, and peripheral nerve injuries, can be avoided through patient education and reducing the duration of application.

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Future Level-I or II studies are needed to compare both the clinical and cost benefits of continuous cryotherapy devices to bagged ice or ice pack treatment before continuous cryotherapy devices can be recommended as a standard of care in orthopaedic surgery following injury or surgery.

National disparities in access to physical therapy after rotator cuff repair between patients with Medicaid vs. private health insurance

Background

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is an effective treatment for patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears. Ensuring timely and appropriate postoperative access to physical therapy (PT) is paramount to the achievement of optimal patient outcomes. Extended immobility due to a lack of formal rehabilitation can lead to decreased range of motion, continued pain, and potential reoperation for stiffness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate national disparities in access to PT services after rotator cuff repair between patients with private vs. Medicaid insurance. This study will further evaluate differences in access to PT services between states that have previously undergone Medicaid expansion as compared with those states which have not.

Methods

The American Physical Therapy Association Website was used to identify 10 physical therapy practices from the capital city in every state. Each physical therapy practice was contacted using a mock-patient script for a patient with Medicaid insurance or private (Blue Cross Blue Shield) insurance. To maintain anonymity, calls were made by two separate investigators. Univariate analysis included independent sample t-test for differences between the study groups for continuous variables. Chi square or Fisher's exact test assessed differences in discrete variables between the study groups.

Results

Contact was made with 465 of 510 (91.2%) physical therapy practices. Overall, 52.7% accepted Medicaid insurance, while 94.9% accepted private insurance (P < .001). Medicaid insurance was more likely to be accepted in a Medicaid expansion state than a nonexpansion state (56.1% vs. 46.3%, P = .05). Private insurance was also more likely to be accepted in a Medicaid expansion state than a nonexpansion state (96.7% vs. 91.3%, P = .01). The time to first appointment varied more in Medicaid expansion states (private range: 0-43 days, Medicaid range: 0-72 days) than in nonexpansion states (private range: 0-11 days, medicaid range: 0-10 days).

Conclusion

Significantly fewer PT practices accepted Medicaid insurance nationally compared with private insurance, which suggests that patients with Medicaid insurance have greater difficulty accessing PT after rotator cuff repair in the United States compared with patients with private insurance. While Medicaid insurance was more likely to be accepted in a Medicaid expansion state, this finding was only borderline significant, which indicates that patients in Medicaid expansion states are still having difficulty accessing PT, despite efforts to expand government insurance coverage to improve access to care. Orthopedic surgeons should counsel their patients with Medicaid insurance to seek out PT as early as possible in the postoperative period to avoid delays in rehabilitation.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty has higher perioperative implant complications and transfusion rates than total shoulder arthroplasty

Background

Indications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) have expanded. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate national trends in shoulder arthroplasty utilization and to compare national perioperative complication rates for hemiarthroplasty (HA), total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and RTSA in a matched cohort.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample was queried from 2011-2013 to identify patients who underwent HA, TSA, or RTSA. Age, sex, race, insurance type, Elixhauser comorbidity index, and perioperative complications were identified. A coarsened exact matching algorithm was used to match RTSA patients with TSA and HA patients to compare medical and implant-related perioperative in-hospital complications. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed on unmatched data to identify risk factors for development of perioperative complications.

Results

Overall, 42,832 shoulder arthroplasties were identified (44% TSAs, 34% RTSAs, 19% HAs). After matching, RTSAs had 6.2 times the odds of a perioperative implant-related complication (P < .001) and 2 times the odds of a red blood cell transfusion compared with TSAs (P < .001). The logistic regression model showed that prior shoulder arthroplasty (odds ratio [OR], 15.1; P < .001), younger age (OR, 0.98; P = .006), earlier year of index surgery (OR, 0.83; P = .002), history of illicit drug use (OR, 6.2; P = .008), and depression (OR, 2.3; P = .003) were risk factors for development of in-hospital implant-related complications after RTSA.

Conclusion

The perioperative implant-related complication rate and postoperative transfusion rate of RTSAs were significantly higher than those of TSAs. In addition, prior shoulder surgery, younger age, earlier year of index surgery, history of illicit drug use, and depression were risk factors for implant-related complications after RTSA. However, the perioperative RTSA implant-related complications did decline each year, suggesting a growing national proficiency with performing RTSA.

Arthroscopic Lysis of Adhesions and Anterior Interval Release With Manipulation Under Anesthesia for Severe Post-traumatic Knee Stiffness: A Simple and Reproducible Step-by-Step Guide

Post-traumatic knee stiffness can present after injuries around the knee and surgery. Management is guided by the type of initial injury, amount of range-of-motion loss, time since injury, and cartilage status. Cases refractory to conservative management may conventionally be treated with manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), arthroscopic lysis of adhesions, or open quadricepsplasty. We describe our arthroscopic technique of lysis of adhesions with anterior interval release and intraoperative MUA, which has been shown to provide sustainable range-of-motion improvement in a subset of patients with severe knee arthrofibrosis. Although technically demanding, this technique benefits from being minimally invasive, allows for direct visualization of intra-articular structures, and allows all-round arthroscopic release of adhesions to improve patellar mobility and decrease the risk of fracture prior to MUA. A rigorous postoperative formal physical therapy protocol and patient compliance are imperative to achieve good outcomes.

Intraspinal penetrating stab injury to the middle thoracic spinal cord with no neurologic deficit

The annual incidence of traumatic spinal cord injury worldwide is estimated to be 35 patients per million. Nonmissile penetrating spinal injuries most commonly occur in the thoracic region, and the majority has neurologic deficits on admission. The management of patients who lack neurologic deficits is controversial due to the risk of neurologic status alteration intraoperatively. However, failure to intervene increases the risk of infection, delayed onset of neurologic deficits, and worsening functional outcome.A 17-year-old boy presented with an intradural T7-T8 knife penetration injury to the spinal cord with no neurologic deficit. Rapid surgical intervention was critical because the knife was lodged between the 2 hemispheres of the spinal cord. The patient was intubated in the lateral position, transferred to the prone position on a Jackson table, and underwent surgical decompression with laminectomy 1 level above and below the injury site, removal of the knife blade in the original path of trajectory, and repair of the dural tear with a collagen matrix. The patient sustained no neurologic sequelae from the penetrating knife injury. He was able to ambulate at discharge and had no complications. To our knowledge, this is the only report of a patient with intradural spinal cord penetration by a foreign object (knife blade) presenting with a normal neurologic preoperative examination that persisted throughout the course of postoperative care.

Female Athlete Triad Awareness Among Multispecialty Physicians

Background

The female athlete triad (Triad) is a serious condition with lifelong consequences seen in physically active females. Prior studies assessing Triad knowledge among coaches/athletic trainers reported surprisingly low awareness results. Our aims were to (1) determine the percentage of physicians across multiple specialties who had heard of the phrase “female athlete triad” and (2) determine the percentage who can properly diagnose or have a high comfort level appropriately referring these patients.

Methods

Via electronic survey, we recruited medical staff, residents, and fellows at three large academic institutions across specialties to answer an eight-item test on Triad awareness and knowledge.

Results

A total of 931 physician participants were recorded. Of the total responders (40 % male and 60 % female), 23 % were residents, 12 % were fellows, and 65 % were attending physicians. Overall, 37 % had heard of the Triad. Of these respondents, an average of 2.1 ± 1.1 of the three components were properly identified with an overall average score on the Triad awareness test of 71 ± 18 % out of a possible 100 %. Fifty-one percent reported feeling either comfortable treating or referring a patient with the Triad.

When assessing awareness among specialties, the awareness rates were highest among orthopedic surgery (80 %), followed by obstetrics and gynecology (55 %) and physical medicine and rehabilitation/rheumatology (52 %). The three with the lowest awareness were anesthesia (9 %), radiology (10 %), and psychiatry (11 %).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that approximately one third of the physicians surveyed have heard of the Triad. Approximately one half of physicians were comfortable treating or referring a patient with the Triad. Increased awareness through education to properly identify and manage the Triad is essential for all physicians.

Factors Influencing Resident Satisfaction and Fellowship Selection in Orthopaedic Training Programs: An American Orthopaedic Association North American Traveling Fellowship Project

BACKGROUND

There is limited literature available about educational satisfaction and fellowship selection among orthopaedic surgery residents. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence resident subspecialty career choice, fellowship selection, and satisfaction with orthopaedic training programs.

METHODS

A self-report survey was electronically administered to orthopaedic surgery residents at 44 academic centers in the United States and Canada. Basic demographic information and level of satisfaction with a number of factors (surgical independence, mentorship opportunities, etc.) were evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "excellent" to "poor." Summary statistics and group differences for discrete variables were compared with use of a chi-square test.

RESULTS

Of the 283 respondents, 77% rated residency program satisfaction as "very good" or "excellent," and 93% said they would choose the same training program again. Decreased surgical independence (p < 0.01), poor faculty reputation (p < 0.01), reduced volume and variety of cases (p < 0.01), inadequate mentorship (p < 0.01), and reduced educational opportunities (p < 0.01) were associated with low satisfaction. Surgical variety and job opportunities were the top 2 factors contributing to subspecialty choice. Sports medicine and joints were the most popular career choices; case volume, surgical variety, and program reputation were the top factors contributing to fellowship program selection.

CONCLUSIONS

In order to achieve resident satisfaction, orthopaedic training programs should strive to improve resident surgical independence, surgical case variety, mentorship programs, faculty reputation, and educational opportunities. Important factors for fellowship program selection include case volume, surgical variety, and overall program reputation.

The Effect of Race on Early Perioperative Outcomes After Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

There is a paucity of data on how racial disparities may affect early outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in 30-day complications and readmission rates after shoulder arthroplasty based on race. White and black patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty, anatomic or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (Current Procedural Terminology codes 23470 and 23472) between 2006 and 2015 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Black patients were propensity score matched 1:4 based on preoperative demographics and comorbidities to white patients. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess postoperative complications based on race. Of the 12,663 patients with shoulder arthroplasty identified, 10,717 (84.6%) were white and 559 (4.4%) were black. Overall, 557 black patients were matched to 2228 white patients, for a total cohort of 2785 patients (mean age, 63.9±11.7 years; female, 61.0%). Surgical indications were similar between black and white patients. The 2 races had similar rates of overall complications, major complications, minor complications, readmissions, and discharge to facility. Mortality was significantly higher among black patients compared with white patients (0.6% vs 0.05%; P=.033). Black patients also experienced longer operative time (mean, 126.4 vs 112.5 minutes; P<.001) and length of stay (mean, 2.4 vs 2.1 days; P<.001). There was a significant disparity with underutilization of shoulder arthroplasty for black patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Black and white patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty experienced similar rates of 30-day complications, readmissions, and discharge to facility. However, black patients experienced greater operative time, total length of stay, and mortality compared with white patients. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(2):95-102.].

The Fragility of Significance in the Hip Arthroscopy Literature: A Systematic Review

The purpose of the present study was to perform the first examination of the utility of p values and the degree of statistical fragility in the hip arthroscopy literature by applying both the Fragility Index (FI) and the Fragility Quotient (FQ) to dichotomous comparative trials. We hypothesized that dichotomous comparative trials evaluating categorical outcomes in the hip arthroscopy literature are statistically fragile.

METHODS

The PubMed and MEDLINE databases were queried from 2008-2018 for comparative studies evaluating dichotomous data in the hip arthroscopy literature. The present analysis included both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs in which dichotomous data and associated p values were reported. Fragility analysis was performed with use of the Fisher exact test until an alteration of significance was determined.

RESULTS

Of the 5,836 studies screened, 4,156 met the search criteria, with 52 comparative studies included for analysis. One hundred and fifty total outcome events with 33 significant (p < 0.05) outcomes and 117 nonsignificant (p ≥ 0.05) outcomes were identified. The final FI incorporating all 150 outcome events from 52 comparative studies was only 3.5 (interquartile range, 2 to 6), with an associated FQ of 0.032 (interquartile range, 0.017 to 0.063). Twenty-two studies (42.3%) either failed to report loss to follow-up (LTF) data or reported LTF greater than the overall FI of 3.5.

CONCLUSIONS

The peer-reviewed hip arthroscopy literature may not be as stable as previously thought, as the sole reliance on a threshold p value has proven misleading. We therefore recommend reporting of the FI and FQ, in conjunction with p values, to aid in the evaluation and interpretation of statistical robustness and quantitative significance in future comparative hip arthroscopy studies.