Injury. 2025 Jan 9;56(2):112152. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112152. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Concentration of trauma care in trauma network has resulted in different trauma populations across designated levels of trauma care.

OBJECTIVE: Describing psychological health status, by means of the impact event scale (IES) and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), of major trauma patients one and two years post-trauma across different levels of trauma care in trauma networks.

METHODS: A multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted.

INCLUSION CRITERIA: aged ≥ 18 and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15, surviving their injuries one year after trauma. Psychological health status was self-reported with HADS and IES. Subgroup analysis, univariate, and multivariable analysis were done on level of trauma care and trauma region for HADS and IES as outcome measures.

RESULTS: Psychological health issues were frequently reported (likely depressed n = 31, 14.7 %); likely anxious n = 32, 15.2 %; indication of a post-traumatic stress disorder n = 46, 18.0 %). Respondents admitted to a level I trauma centre reported more symptoms of anxiety (3, P25-P75 1-6 vs. 5, P25-P75 2-9, p = 0.002), depression (2, P25-P75 1-5 vs. 5, P25-P75 2-9, p < 0.001), and post-traumatic stress (6, P25-P75 0-15 vs. 13, P25-P75 3-33, p = 0.001), than patients admitted to a non-level I trauma centre. Differences across trauma regions were reported for depression (3, P25-P75 1-6 vs. 4, P25-P75 2-10, p = 0.030) and post-traumatic stress (7, P25-P75 0-18 vs. 15, P25-P75 4-34, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Major trauma patients admitted to a level I trauma centre have more depressive, anxious, and post-traumatic stress symptoms than when admitted to a non-level I trauma centre. These symptoms differed across trauma regions, indicating populations differences. Level of trauma care and trauma region are important when analysing psychological health status.

PMID:39827530 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112152

Injury. 2025 Jan 12;56(2):112160. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112160. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Femoral neck fractures, particularly Pauwels type II and III, pose significant challenges due to their vertical instability and susceptibility to complications such as non-union and avascular necrosis (AVN). Medial buttress plates (MBPs) have emerged as a promising adjunct in fixation, offering biomechanical advantages by neutralizing shearing forces and enhancing stability. However, the clinical efficacy of MBPs across different fixation techniques, plate configurations, and positioning remains unclear.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to (1) analyse outcomes of femoral neck fracture fixations augmented with MBPs, focusing on Pauwels type 2 and 3 fractures, and (2) analyse the impact of plate size, positioning, and the use of MBPs in different fixation techniques.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS: Two independent reviewers performed a literature search based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Studies published from 2010 onwards, focusing on MBPs in Pauwels type II and III femoral neck fractures, were included. Clinical outcomes and plate details were recorded.

RESULTS: Data from 21 studies, including 11 derived from meta-analyses, encompassing 642 patients were analysed. MBP-augmented fixations demonstrated a non-union rate of 6 %, an AVN rate of 4 %, and an overall failure rate of 17.3 %. The mean time to union was 3.9 ± 1.2 months, and the average HHS was 89.5 ± 5.5 at the final follow-up. Multiple cannulated screws (MCS) combined with a MBP showed a lower failure rate (14.6 %) compared to dynamic hip screw combined with a MBP (26.8 %), though not statistically significant (p = 0.164). Medial or anteromedial plate positioning yielded better outcomes, while anterior placement was associated with high failure rates. No studies examined the outcomes of femoral neck system fixation combined with a MBP.

CONCLUSION: MBPs are a valuable adjunct in managing Pauwels type II and III femoral neck fractures, providing favourable outcomes with low rates of failure and complications. The combination of MBPs with various fixation techniques has shown promising results, highlighting the potential for improved stability and outcomes. Further research is needed to optimize plate size, screw type, positioning, and the role of MBPs in augmenting fixation techniques for these challenging fractures.

PMID:39827529 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112160

Injury. 2025 Jan 12;56(2):112158. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112158. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The repair of critical-sized bone defects represents significant clinical challenge. An alternative approach is the use of 3D composite scaffolds to support bone regeneration. Hydroxyapatite (HA) and tri-calcium phosphate (β-TCP), combined with polycaprolactone (PCL), offer promising mechanical resistance and biocompatibility. Bioelectrical stimulation (ES) at physiological levels is proposed to reestablishes tissue bioeletrocity and modulates cell signaling communication, such as the BMP/TGF-β and the RANK/RANK-L/OPG pathways. This study aimed to evaluate the use HA/TCP scaffolds and ES therapy for bone regeneration and their impact on the TGF-β/BMP pathway, alongside their relationship with the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway in critical bone defects. The scaffolds were implanted at the bone defect in animal model (calvarial bone) and the area was subjected to ES application twice a week at 10 µA intensity of current for 5 min each session. Samples were collected for histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry, and molecular analysis. The TGF-β/BMP pathway study showed the HA/TCP+ES group increased BMP-7 gene expression at 30 and 60 days, and also greater endothelial vascular formation. Moreover, the HA/TCP and HA/TCP+ES groups exhibited a bone remodeling profile, indicated by RANKL/OPG ratio. HA/TCP scaffolds with ES enhanced vascular formation and mineralization initially, while modulation of the BMP/TGF pathway maintained bone homeostasis, controlling resorption via ES with HA/TCP.

PMID:39826405 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112158

Int Orthop. 2025 Jan 18. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06406-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown that subtrochanteric femoral fractures treated with intramedullary nails might lead to varus-procurvatum malalignment. Similar results have been reported when using antegrade intramedullary lengthening nails (ILNs). The purpose of our study is to examine if antegrade telescoping intramedullary lengthening nails lead to varus-procurvatum malalignment of the proximal femur and what are possible predictors of that shift.

METHODS: In this retrospective, single centre study, five surgeons performed 537 femoral ILN. 347 antegrade PRECICE nails were selected after applying exclusion criteria. The following exclusion criteria were applied, intentional angular deformity correction, retrograde femoral lengthening and concomitant tibial lengthening. After further exclusion criteria were applied, we retrospectively inspected 201 PRECICE nails inserted in 158 paediatric and adult patients (average age 19.9 years) that underwent IM nail limb lengthening. Follow-up was at least one year by which time all osteotomies were healed.

RESULTS: Mean lengthening was 4.7 cm per lengthening surgery with some patients needing multiple lengthening for large discrepancies. Of the 201 nails, trochanteric entry was used in 127 procedures and piriformis entry was used in 74 of them. With pre-op Osteotomy Level Coefficient (OLC) of 0.3. The preoperative neck shaft angle (NSA) was significantly reduced from 130.6 to 127.4 degrees at the end of lengthening (P < 0.05). There was no discernible correlation between the OLC and change in NSA. The trochanteric entry point was associated with a greater tendency to reduce the NSA (Mdif = -4.1, SD = 6.5) as compared to the piriformis entry point (Mdif = -3, SD 6.4) (P < 0.05). No significant change in anatomic medial proximal femoral angle (aMPFA) was noted between pre- and postoperative time points, nor between trochanteric and piriformis entry groups.

CONCLUSION: Our study investigated the risk of iatrogenic varus deformity of the proximal femur following intramedullary limb lengthening procedures. We identified the osteotomy site as the most significant risk factor for developing iatrogenic varus, while the nail insertion point did not significantly predict this complication, showing comparable results for both trochanteric and piriformis entry points. Additionally, our study is the first to identify a correlation between the level of osteotomy and coxa-valga correction. We hypothesize that a higher osteotomy level might be beneficial for patients undergoing limb lengthening who also present with coxa-valga deformity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID:39825909 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06406-6

Injury. 2025 Jan 13;56(2):112154. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112154. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Boxing is a sport well-known for the risk of injury. However, the epidemiology of boxing-associated fractures has not been well studied. This study aims to report the characteristics of boxing fractures that lead to presentation to the emergency room and evaluate the demographics and practices of the patients to prevent these injuries.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed boxing-associated fractures over a decade (2013-2022) using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database. Patients presenting to U.S. emergency departments with boxing-related injuries were categorized by age, gender, and injury location. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ANOVA were employed to assess temporal trends and associations between injury occurrence and demographic variables.

RESULTS: Analysis of 959 boxing-associated fractures (BAFs) showed that hand fractures were most common (53.64%), followed by phalanx (12.73%) and facial fractures (10.91%). Significant differences were observed across body parts (χ2 = 9.74, P < .001). Associated soft tissue injuries included lacerations, contusions, sprains, strains, and hematomas, with no significant differences among these categories (χ2 = 1.47, P = 0.832). Males experienced more BAFs than females overall, but females had a significant increase over time (F(1,9) = 4.308, p = 0.032). Most fractures occurred in recreational or sports settings (34.5%), followed by home (19.1%) and school (13.24%). The highest BAF incidence was in individuals aged 21-30 (32.18%), while the lowest was in those aged 41-50 (5.47%). From 2020 to 2022, BAFs decreased in recreational settings and increased at home during 2020-2022.

CONCLUSION: Hand fractures were the most common type of BAF. Males had significantly more BAFs, although the incidence of BAFs in females increased significantly since 2013. Fractures mainly occurred in recreational places, but from 2020-2022, most occurred at home. This shift coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting increased home sparring. These findings emphasize the need for further research into protective measures and injury prevention in boxing.

PMID:39823921 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112154

Injury. 2025 Jan 11;56(2):112156. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112156. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Determining trauma as an act of Self-directed violence (SDV) or from high risk or unclear behaviours is challenging for trauma clinicians and may be affected by patient sex and mechanism of injury. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in characteristics and outcomes between those who have intentionally directed violence towards themselves with those of unclear intent, within a regional trauma system.

METHODS: Data was collected between January 2018 and December 2021 in patients who had been identified as a result of either self-directed violence (SDV) defined as any intentional act that can cause injury to one's self, including death or participated in high-risk behaviours, where the intent was unclear (UI). Differences between female and male patients presenting with SDV and unclear intent were explored.

RESULTS: Overall, 2760 patients were identified, with a median age of 39 years (IQR 28-54) and just over a quarter of females (28 %). Falls from height were the most common mechanism of injury in all groups. SDV was recorded in 45 % of patients, and previous mental health diagnoses were almost three times as prevalent in this group compared to those of unclear intent (SDV: 42 % vs UI: 13 %). In the sex-based analysis females were more likely than males to have a history of depression (49 % vs 31 %, p < 0.0001). There were few sex differences in the SDV group but women of unclear intent were older, with a quarter being aged 65 years or over (Females: 26 % vs. Males: 11 %, p < 0.0001). Females of unclear intent were also more likely to have sustained a high level fall (Females: 29 % vs. Males:11 %, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Previous mental health co-morbidity was associated with self-directed violence in our cohort. Yet the determinants of intent for over half of the patients were unclear. Trauma clinicians should actively enquire regarding intent of injury and escalate to clinical psychology or psychiatry teams as indicated. Those with mental health comorbidities, previous depression and older women may all have an increased risk where intent is unclear and warrants further investigation. Understanding the predictors and characteristics of unclear intent and high-risk behaviours are key to implementation of public health strategies around prevention of self-directed violence and suicide.

PMID:39823920 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112156

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jan 17. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00486. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Reoperation is a major adverse event following surgical treatment but has yet to be used as a primary outcome measure in population studies to assess current treatments for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The purpose of the present study was to explore the risk factors associated with reoperations following procedures under anesthesia ("operations") for DDH in patients between the ages of 1 and 3.00 years, with the goal of deriving treatment recommendations.

METHODS: This retrospective birth cohort study included children who had undergone closed reduction, open reduction, or osteotomy for the treatment of unilateral DDH between the ages of 1 and 3.00 years, identified using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The children were followed until 10 years of age for reoperations, excluding implant removal and sequential closed reduction within 3 months postoperatively. A comparison between patients with and without reoperations was conducted, and binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with reoperation. Patients were further stratified by age and procedure for developing treatment recommendations.

RESULTS: Among 2,261,455 live births from 2000 to 2009, 701 patients underwent operations for unilateral DDH between 1 and 3.00 years of age (an incidence of 31.0 per 1,000 live births). The initial operations included closed reduction (n = 86; mean age, 1.34 years), open reduction (n = 73; mean age, 1.53 years), pelvic osteotomy (n = 405; mean age, 1.59 years), femoral osteotomy (n = 93; mean age, 1.76 years), and pelvic osteotomy plus femoral osteotomy (n = 44; mean age, 1.84 years). Reoperations were performed in 91 patients (13%) at a mean age of 3.80 years. Comparison between patients with and without reoperations revealed the operative procedure as a significant factor. Logistic regression revealed that closed reduction was associated with a 1.8 to 9.0 times higher reoperation risk than open reduction, depending on age, whereas pelvic osteotomy was associated with 0.34 times the risk of reoperation than open reduction in patients 1.5 to 2.0 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS: Reoperations may not be directly linked to radiographic and functional outcomes but are important from the patient's perspective and in terms of cost-effectiveness. To reduce the risk of reoperation, the findings of the present study support open reduction to properly reduce the hip joint at walking age and additional pelvic osteotomy for patients beyond 1.5 years of age.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:39823351 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00486

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jan 17. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00911. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The relative advantages and disadvantages of 2-stage versus 1-stage management of infection following total hip arthroplasty (THA) are the current subject of intense debate. To understand the merits of each approach, detailed information on the short and, importantly, longer-term outcomes of each must be known. The purpose of the present study was to assess the long-term results of 2-stage exchange arthroplasty following THA in one of the largest series to date.

METHODS: We identified 331 periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) that had been treated with a 2-stage exchange arthroplasty between 1993 and 2021 at a single institution. Patients were excluded if they had had prior treatment for infection. The mean age at the time of reimplantation was 66 years, 38% of the patients were female, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 30 kg/m2. The diagnosis of PJI was based on the 2011 Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. A competing-risk model accounting for death was utilized. The mean duration of follow-up was 8 years.

RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of reinfection was 7% at 1 year and 11% at 5 and 10 years. Factors predictive of reinfection included BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (hazard ratio [HR] = 2; p = 0.049) and the need for a spacer exchange (HR = 3.2; p = 0.006). The cumulative incidence of any revision was 13% at 5 and 10 years. The cumulative incidence of aseptic revision was 3% at 1 year, 7% at 5 years, and 8% at 10 years. Dislocation occurred in 33 hips (11% at 10 years); 15 (45%) required revision. Factors predictive of dislocation were female sex (HR = 2; p = 0.047) and BMI <30 kg/m2 (HR = 3; p = 0.02). The mean Harris hip score (HHS) improved from 54 to 75 at 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS: In this series of 331 two-stage exchange arthroplasties that were performed for the treatment of infection, we found a low rate of aseptic revision (8%) and a low rate of reinfection (11%) at 10 years. These long-term mechanical and infection data must be kept in mind when considering a paradigm shift to 1-stage exchanges.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:39823350 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00911

Injury. 2025 Jan 9;56(2):112148. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112148. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ballistic fractures of the femoral neck, rare injuries that overwhelmingly affect younger adults, pose significant challenges to the treating surgeon. However, there is limited literature that the treating surgeon can leverage to guide their treatment decisions. The goal of this study is to describe the demographics, associated injuries, outcomes, and complications associated with ballistic femoral neck fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective case series, performed at a single, academic, urban, level-one trauma center, evaluated patients with a ballistic fracture of the femoral neck (AO/OTA 31B) between 2003 and 2022. International Classification of Disease codes were utilized to identify patients in the electronic medical record. Chart review was performed to assess patient demographics, associated injuries, success rate of operative and nonoperative intervention, and post-operative complication rate and types.

RESULTS: Seventeen patients were included (94 % male; median age 22.5 years). Median follow up was 12.2 months (range 1-84 months). Five patients (29 %) sustained a concomitant vascular injury. Eight patients (47 %) sustained an additional osseous injury. The median injury severity score was 9 (interquartile range 4-17). Thirteen patients were treated with operative reduction and fixation, 3 patients with incomplete fractures were treated nonoperatively, and one was treated with acute total hip arthroplasty (THA). Overall, 12 of 17 patients (71 %) healed their fracture or had an uncomplicated recovery after acute THA. Of the 13 patients treated with operative reduction and fixation, 8 (62 %) healed their fracture and 5 (38 %) developed one or more post-operative complications.

CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 1 in 3 patients with ballistic femoral neck fractures sustain concomitant vascular injury and almost half sustain another osseous injury. In this series, only 62 % of patients who underwent operative reduction and fixation healed their fractures, and nearly 40 % of patients treated with operative reduction and fixation developed a post-operative complication. Given the poor outcomes and high complication rates associated with these injuries, surgeons should counsel patients with ballistic femoral neck fractures accordingly. Further research into the optimal treatment of ballistic femoral neck fractures is needed.

PMID:39813950 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112148

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jan 15. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00749. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

➢ Jehovah's Witnesses refuse allogeneic blood products based on religious beliefs that create clinical, ethical, and legal challenges in orthopaedic surgery, requiring detailed perioperative planning and specific graft selection.➢ Detailed perioperative planning is particularly important for procedures with high intraoperative blood loss.➢ Graft selection must align with Jehovah's Witnesses patients' religious beliefs, with options including autografts, allografts, and synthetic materials; this requires shared decision-making between the patient and surgeon.➢ A multidisciplinary approach, integrating medical, ethical, and religious considerations, ensures optimal care, with innovative techniques and open dialogue being key to successful outcomes.

PMID:39813667 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00749

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024 Nov 20. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00386. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An accurate knowledge of a patient's risk of cord-level intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) data loss is important for an informed decision-making process prior to deformity correction, but no prediction tool currently exists.

METHODS: A total of 1,106 patients with spinal deformity and 205 perioperative variables were included. A stepwise machine-learning (ML) approach using random forest (RF) analysis and multivariable logistic regression was performed. Patients were randomly allocated to training (75% of patients) and testing (25% of patients) groups. Feature score weights were derived by rounding up the regression coefficients from the multivariable logistic regression model. Variables in the final scoring calculator were automatically selected through the ML process to optimize predictive performance.

RESULTS: Eight features were included in the scoring system: sagittal deformity angular ratio (sDAR) of ≥15 (score = 2), type-3 spinal cord shape (score = 2), conus level below L2 (score = 2), cervical upper instrumented vertebra (score = 2), preoperative upright largest thoracic Cobb angle of ≥75° (score = 2), preoperative lower-extremity motor deficit (score = 2), preoperative upright largest thoracic kyphosis of ≥80° (score = 1), and total deformity angular ratio (tDAR) of ≥25 (score = 1). Higher cumulative scores were associated with increased rates of cord-level IONM data loss: patients with a cumulative score of ≤2 had a cord-level IONM data loss rate of 0.9%, whereas those with a score of ≥7 had a loss rate of 86%. When evaluated in the testing group, the scoring system achieved an accuracy of 93%, a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 94%, and an AUC (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) of 0.898.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to provide an ML-derived preoperative scoring system that predicts cord-level IONM data loss during pediatric and adult spinal deformity surgery with >90% accuracy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:39813599 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00386

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024 Nov 19. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00706. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine are increasingly common. Although it is known that such fractures may elevate the risk of near-term morbidity, the natural history of patients who sustain such injuries remains poorly described. We sought to characterize the natural history of patients treated for thoracolumbar fractures and to understand clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with survival.

METHODS: Patients treated for acute thoracic or lumbar spine fractures within a large academic health-care network between 2015 and 2021 were identified. Clinical, radiographic, and mortality data were obtained from medical records and administrative charts. Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with survival, while adjusting for confounders. Results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS: The study included 717 patients (median age, 66 years; 59.8% male; 69% non-Hispanic White). The mortality rate was 7.0% (n = 50), 16.2% (n = 116), and 20.4% (n = 146) at 3, 12, and 24 months following injury, respectively. In adjusted analysis, patients who died within the first year following injury were more likely to be older (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.05) and male (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.05 to 2.69). A higher Injury Severity Score, lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index at presentation were also influential factors. The final model explained 81% (95% CI = 81% to 83%) of the variation in survival.

CONCLUSIONS: We identified a previously underappreciated fact: thoracolumbar fractures are associated with a mortality risk comparable with that of hip fractures. The risk of mortality is greatest in elderly patients and those with multiple comorbidities. The results of our model can be used in patient and family counseling, informed decision-making, and resource allocation to mitigate the potential risk of near-term mortality in high-risk individuals.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:39813477 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00706

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024 Nov 20. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00347. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Published in 2003 by the Institute of Medicine, Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care placed an unprecedented spotlight on disparities in the U.S. health-care system. In the 2 decades since the publication of that landmark report, disparities continue to be prevalent and remain an important significant national concern. This article synthesizes the evolution, current state, and future of racial and ethnic disparities in the use of elective total joint replacement surgeries. We contextualize our impressions with respect to the recommendations of the Unequal Treatment Report.

PMID:39813469 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00347

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024 Nov 20. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.23.01351. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff repair (RCR) is a frequently performed outpatient orthopaedic surgery, with substantial financial implications for health-care systems. Time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) is a method for nuanced cost analysis and is a valuable tool for strategic health-care decision-making. The aim of this study was to apply the TDABC methodology to RCR procedures to identify specific avenues to optimize cost-efficiency within the health-care system in 2 critical areas: (1) the reduction of variability in the episode duration, and (2) the standardization of suture anchor acquisition costs.

METHODS: Using a multicenter, retrospective design, this study incorporates data from all patients who underwent an RCR surgical procedure at 1 of 4 academic tertiary health systems across the United States. Data were extracted from Avant-Garde Health's Care Measurement platform and were analyzed utilizing TDABC methodology. Cost analysis was performed using 2 primary metrics: the opportunity costs arising from a possible reduction in episode duration variability, and the potential monetary savings achievable through the standardization of suture anchor costs.

RESULTS: In this study, 921 RCR cases performed at 4 institutions had a mean episode duration cost of $4,094 ± $1,850. There was a significant threefold cost variability between the 10th percentile ($2,282) and the 90th percentile ($6,833) (p < 0.01). The mean episode duration was registered at 7.1 hours. The largest variability in the episode duration was time spent in the post-acute care unit and the ward after the surgical procedure. By reducing the episode duration variability, it was estimated that up to 640 care-hours could be saved annually at a single hospital. Likewise, standardizing suture anchor acquisition costs could generate direct savings totaling $217,440 across the hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter study offers valuable insights into RCR cost as a function of care pathways and suture anchor cost. It outlines avenues for achieving cost-savings and operational efficiency. These findings can serve as a foundational basis for developing health-economics models.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic and Decision Analysis Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:39813412 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.23.01351

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024 Nov 20. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.23.01480. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) results in less tissue damage than in other surgeries, but immediate postoperative pain occurs. Notably, facet joint widening occurs in the vertebral body after OLIF. We hypothesized that the application of a facet joint block to the area of widening would relieve facet joint pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effects of such injections on postoperative pain.

METHODS: This double-blinded, placebo-controlled study randomized patients into 2 groups. Patients assigned to the active group received an intra-articular injection of a compound mixture of bupivacaine and triamcinolone, whereas patients in the placebo group received an equivalent volume of normal saline solution injection. Back and dominant leg pain were evaluated with use of a visual analog scale (VAS) at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively with use of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and VAS for back and dominant leg pain.

RESULTS: Of the 61 patients who were included, 31 were randomized to the placebo group and 30 were randomized to the active group. Postoperative fentanyl consumption from patient-controlled analgesia was higher in the placebo group than in the active group at up to 36 hours postoperatively (p < 0.001) and decreased gradually in both groups. VAS back pain scores were significantly higher in the placebo group than in the active group at up to 48 hours postoperatively. On average, patients in the active group had a higher satisfaction score (p = 0.038) and were discharged 1.3 days earlier than those in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of an intraoperative facet joint block decreased pain perception during OLIF, thereby reducing opioid consumption and the severity of postoperative pain. This effect was also associated with a reduction in the length of the stay.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:39813409 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.23.01480

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2024 Nov 21. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00012. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for gluteal tears include age-related deterioration, female sex, and increased body mass index. As the literature that supports the sagittal relationship between the lumbar spine and the hip is increasing, there may be a parallel relationship between the perturbations in spinopelvic alignment caused by lumbar spine disease and gluteal muscle tears. Because no prior studies other than single-institution series have reported on this phenomenon, we investigated spine-abductor syndrome at the population level.

METHODS: This study utilized TriNetX, a federated research network that continuously aggregates deidentified electronic health record data from >92 million patients across the United States. The relative risks of gluteal tear encounter diagnoses and procedures were calculated for patients with and without the following characteristics: age ≥45 years, female sex, obesity, lumbar spine diagnoses, lumbar spine injections, and lumbar spine surgery. Utilizing the Cox proportional hazard model, we also analyzed gluteal tear-free survival over a period of ≥10 years in subgroups of patients who had been diagnosed with lumbar pathology, had been administered a lumbar injection, or had received lumbar surgery.

RESULTS: Of the 8,475,800 patients who had received lumbar spine diagnoses, undergone lumbar injections, and/or undergone lumbar surgeries, 458,311 patients (5.4%) had gluteal tears, representing a relative risk of 13.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]:13.6 to 13.6). After controlling for age, sex, and obesity, survival analysis showed markedly increased hazard ratios (HRs) for patients having a gluteal tear encounter diagnosis in the intervening 13 years (2010 to 2023) if they had had a previous lumbar spine pathology encounter diagnosis (HR: 4.8, 95% CI: 4.5 to 5.1), had undergone lumbar spine injections (HR: 7.7, 95% CI: 6.2 to 9.5), or had undergone lumbar spine surgery (HR: 6.6, 95% CI: 5.3 to 8.1) in 2010.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a strong association between lumbar spine pathology and abductor tears. Further biomechanical and neuroanatomic studies may elucidate the effects of lumbar spine disease in relation to gluteal tears. Additionally, there may be a need to optimize diagnostic protocols for lateral hip pain in patients with a history of lumbar spine disease.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:39813406 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00012

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jan 15;107(2):e6. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01077. Epub 2025 Jan 15.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39812729 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01077

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jan 15;107(2):e5. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01004. Epub 2025 Jan 15.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39812728 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01004

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jan 15;107(2):209-216. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00357. Epub 2024 Nov 21.

ABSTRACT

➢ Advanced care planning most commonly refers to the act of planning and preparing for decisions with regard to end-of-life care and/or serious illness based on a patient's personal values, life goals, and preferences.➢ Over time, advanced care planning and its formalization through advanced directives have demonstrated substantial benefits to patients, their families and caregivers, and the larger health-care system.➢ Despite these benefits, advanced care planning and advanced directives remain underutilized.➢ Orthopaedic surgeons interact with patients during sentinel events, such as fragility hip fractures, that indicate a decline in the overall health trajectory.➢ Orthopaedic surgeons must familiarize themselves with the concepts and medicolegal aspects of advanced care planning so that care can be optimized for patients during sentinel health events.

PMID:39812727 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00357

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Jan 15;107(2):196-207. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.23.01289. Epub 2024 Nov 21.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: No studies have evaluated the impact of the cement distribution as classified on the basis of the fracture bone marrow edema area (FBMEA) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the efficacy of percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) for acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

METHODS: The clinical data of patients with acute, painful, single-level thoracolumbar osteoporotic fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The bone cement distribution on the postoperative radiograph was divided into 4 types according to the distribution of the FBMEA on the preoperative MRI. The primary outcomes were the postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. Cement leakage, adjacent vertebral fractures (an important concern in complications after vertebroplasty and a subset of new fractures), and recollapse of the treated vertebra were also evaluated.

RESULTS: A total of 128 patients, 80.5% of whom were female, were included and had follow-up for 24 months. The mean patient age (and standard deviation) was 74.2 ± 8.6 years. The cement distribution was classified as Type I in 18 patients, Type II in 26, Type III in 46, and Type IV in 38. At the primary time point (6 months), there was a significant difference in the ODI score favoring the Type-III and Type-IV groups compared with the Type-I and Type-II groups (adjusted 95% confidence interval [CI]: Type I versus Type II, -2.40 to 4.50; Type I versus Type III, 1.35 to 7.63; Type I versus Type IV, 1.27 to 7.92; Type II versus Type III, 0.67 to 6.21; Type II versus Type IV, 0.63 to 6.46; adjusted p < 0.0083), whereas no significant differences were found between the 4 groups in the VAS pain score. The Type-II and Type-IV groups had a higher incidence of cement leakage, and the Type-III and Type-IV groups had a lower incidence of vertebral recollapse.

CONCLUSIONS: An adequate distribution of bone cement is advantageous for functional improvement, short-term pain relief, and a lower rate of vertebral recollapse. The FBMEA appears to be a feasible reference marker for evaluating the performance of the PVA procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:39812726 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.23.01289