Comparison of Clinical Guidelines for Authorization of MRI in the Evaluation of Neck Pain and Cervical Radiculopathy in the United States.

The American College of Radiology has published appropriateness criteria to help guide when to use MRI. Many health insurance carriers use proprietary clinical guidelines for prior authorization of imaging studies. The purpose of this study was to compare the specific criteria in those guidelines, for neck pain both with and without radicular symptoms.

Early Medical Complications and Delayed Discharge after Spinopelvic Fusion: A Comparative Analysis of 887 NSQIP Cases from 2006 to 2016.

Introduction: The effect of pelvic fixation on postoperative medical complications, blood transfusion, length of hospital stay, and discharge disposition is poorly understood. Determining factors that predispose patients to increased complications after spinopelvic fusion will help surgeons to plan these complex procedures and optimize patients preoperatively.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the ACS-NSQIP database between 2006 and 2016 of patients who underwent lumbar fusion with and without spinopelvic fixation.

Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Review of Presentation, Management, and Medicolegal Implications.

Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in diagnostic medicine, early recognition of SEAs remains elusive. The vague presentation of the disease, coupled with its numerous risk factors, the diagnostic requirement for obtaining advanced imaging, and the necessity of specialized care constitute extraordinary challenges to both diagnosis and treatment of SEA.

The critical shoulder angle (CSA) in glenohumeral osteoarthritis: Does observer experience affect measurement reliability on plain radiographs?

Background: The critical shoulder angle (CSA) has been associated with full-thickness rotator cuff tears both in the presence and absence of glenohumeral arthritis. It is unclear whether the CSA can be reliably measured from plain radiographs of concentric glenohumeral osteoarthritis amongst examiners at differing levels of training.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the radiographs of consecutive patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis.

Patient Preferences for Plain Radiographs in the Setting of Atraumatic Shoulder Pain: Which Factors Influence Their Decision?

Introduction: Plain radiographs of the shoulder are routinely obtained for patients presenting with atraumatic shoulder pain, although the diagnostic utility of this imaging modality is unclear. Despite this, patients often prefer to obtain radiographs and may associate them with a more satisfactory visit.

Methods: New patients presenting with atraumatic shoulder pain were provided with information regarding the potential advantages and disadvantages of plain radiographs as part of their visit.

Comparing the Predictive Power of Preoperative Risk Assessment Tools to Best Predict Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Kidney Transplant Patients.

Background: Patients undergoing kidney transplantation have increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events due to histories of hypertension, end-stage renal disease, and dialysis. As such, they are especially in need of accurate preoperative risk assessment.

Methods: We compared three different risk assessment models for their ability to predict major adverse cardiac events at 30 days and 1 year after transplant.

A Retrospective Cohort Study on Rehospitalization following Expanded Criteria Donor Kidney Transplantation.

Background: Expanded criteria donor (ECD) kidneys are commonly used but are associated with increased graft failure. Graft failure is in turn related to rehospitalization within thirty days post transplant. Our goal was to determine whether ECD kidneys independently lead to rehospitalization within 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years after transplant.

Reducing Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Palsy in Obese Patients in the Beach Chair Position: Effect of a Standardized Positioning and Padding Protocol.

Introduction: To report on the effectiveness of a standardized patient positioning and padding protocol in reducing lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) palsy in obese patients who have undergone shoulder surgery in the beach chair position.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 400 consecutive patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m who underwent either open or arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the beach chair position by a single surgeon. Before June 2013, all patients were placed in standard beach chair positioning with no extra padding.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Palsy in the Beach Chair Position.

Purpose: To report on the prevalence of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) palsy in patients who had undergone shoulder surgery in the beach chair position and to identify patient and surgical risk factors for its development.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 397 consecutive patients who underwent either open or arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the beach chair position by a single surgeon. Patient demographic and surgical data including age, gender, weight, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, procedure duration, and anesthesia type (general, regional, regional/general) were recorded.