Publications by authors named "Austin G Cross"

Background: Given the variability of the questions asked, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) upper extremity (UE) computer adaptive test (CAT) Version 2.0 item bank aids in the evaluation of rotator cuff repair (RCR) rehabilitation by determining when recovery milestones are possible based on the quality of patient responses at certain time points.

Purpose: To assess the time point at which patients with RCR were able to achieve specific functional milestones, determined as positive responses to the 5 most frequently asked items on the PROMIS UE CAT Version 2.

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Background: Patients undergoing a total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) through a deltopectoral approach will require repair of the subscapularis tendon. There are no universal postoperative guidelines for rehabilitation of the subscapularis specifically. We hypothesize that the addition of a subscapularis-specific regimen will result in improved subscapularis strength and function.

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Rupture of the Achilles tendon is a common injury seen in patients of varying ages and activity levels. There are many considerations for treatment of these injuries, with both operative and nonoperative management providing satisfactory outcomes in the literature. The decision to proceed with surgical intervention should be individualized for each patient, including the patient's age, future athletic goals, and comorbidities.

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Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are metrics that assess physical health, mental health, pain, and satisfaction. However, PROM collection in orthopaedic clinics presents numerous logistical and financial challenges. These challenges are reduced when PROMs are completed before clinic encounters, relieving the workflow constraints of in-office PROM collection.

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Article Synopsis
  • Injury to the flexor pronator mass is common among overhead throwing athletes, leading to significant research into understanding these injuries.
  • Factors contributing to these injuries often include chronic overuse and insufficient rest periods between performances.
  • This review specifically addresses medial elbow injuries in young athletes, emphasizing the flexor pronator mass.
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Introduction: Weighted baseball use in throwing programs is widespread; however, their use remains controversial. Prior research shows that weighted baseball programs can increase ball velocity but potentially increase throwing arm injuries. This study aims to ascertain perceptions of weighted baseballs among elite baseball players.

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Purpose: To review patient outcomes in the literature following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) in order to identify when patients report reaching subjective maximal improvement postoperatively.

Methods: A systematic review of the literature from January 2004 to August 2019 was conducted using PRISMA guidelines to identify articles evaluating patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) up to a minimum of 6 months after APM in patients >18 years old. Studies were excluded if additional interventions were performed such as repairs, ligamentous reconstruction or repair, cartilaginous manipulation, or revision surgery.

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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the cost of the episode of care for primary rotator cuff repair (RCR) from day of surgery to 90 days postoperatively using the time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) method. The secondary purpose of this study was to identify the main drivers of cost for both phases of care.

Methods: This retrospective case series study used the TDABC method to determine the bundled cost of care for an RCR.

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Purpose: We wanted to evaluate opioid prescribing patterns among orthopaedic surgeons and to identify demographics that may be associated with more extensive opioid prescribing habits that could be candidates for targeted education policies.

Methods: Medicare Part D prescriber and prescription information for the most recent available year, 2017, was accessed via a publicly available database offered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Number of total prescriptions, number of opioid prescriptions, and the total days' supply of opioids prescribed were analyzed for each of 19,219 orthopaedic surgeons.

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Purpose: To examine trends in Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores among orthopedic sports medicine patients undergoing surgery who completed PROMIS forms both in the ambulatory (preoperative) setting at the time of surgical scheduling, as well as on the day of surgery (perioperative) prior to their procedure.

Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing various sports medicine-related surgeries were recruited. Patients were included if they were scheduled for surgery and completed preoperative PROMIS on the day of surgical scheduling and on the day of surgery.

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Purpose: To determine the impact of clinical depression on outcomes after rotator cuff repair (RCR), as measured by Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) health domains.

Methods: RCR patients were given PROMIS CAT assessments for physical function (PROMIS UE), pain interference (PROMIS PI), and depression (PROMIS D) during preoperative and postoperative clinic visits. PROMIS D scores ≥55 correlate with mild clinical depression; thus patients with PROMIS D scores ≥ 55 were placed in the clinical depression (CD) group, whereas patients with scores <55 were placed in the "no clinical depression" (NCD) group.

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Background: The current literature suggests a link between psychosocial factors and poor surgical outcomes in patients with musculoskeletal complaints. However, there remains a limited body of literature examining the effect of depression on outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to compare postoperative function patient-reported outcome scores between patients with and patients without preoperative depression symptoms undergoing ACLR.

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Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesions can lead to persistent shoulder instability. While rare, HAGL lesions may present as a concomitant injury following shoulder dislocation events. Traditionally, an open approach has been used to repair the inferior glenohumeral ligament and restore shoulder stability.

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Background: Postoperative rehabilitation protocols after ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction typically involve a structured interval throwing program. In an effort to minimize torque placed on the UCL, athletes are often instructed to throw with a crow hop, even at short throwing distances. However, the effect of the crow hop on medial elbow stress is unknown.

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Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization offers a safe and effective means for restoring glenohumeral mechanics in the setting of shoulder instability. Modern arthroscopic techniques have allowed improved access and efficiency when treating patients with shoulder instability. However, access to certain areas of the labrum and the creation of safe accessory portals can still prove difficult for the arthroscopic surgeon.

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Distal biceps tendon ruptures are uncommon injuries that can cause impairment in range of motion and function. While distal bicep tendon repair to the radial tuberosity has been demonstrated to restore function and strength, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal technique. The purpose of this Technical Note and video is to provide our preferred method of repair using an open, onlay-tissue fixation with all-suture anchors (FiberTak; Arthrex) and anatomic positioning of the biceps tendon on the radial tuberosity.

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Recent advancements in wearable technology have made kinetic and kinematic analysis of the throwing motion more accessible to recreational and professional baseball pitchers. Utilization of wearable technology to monitor the pitching motion has several potential applications for injury prevention and postinjury rehabilitation. However, the device must be properly applied to collect meaningful data.

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Background: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) has become increasingly popular among orthopedic surgeons treating shoulder pathology. Despite this, there have been few studies that have described and compared preoperative reference scores for specific shoulder surgical procedures. The primary purpose of this study was to establish and compare baseline preoperative PROMIS scores for 3 common types of shoulder surgery: rotator cuff repair (RCR), total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and labral repair (LR).

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Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury is commonly seen in overhead throwing athletes resulting from the repetitive valgus stress placed on the medial elbow. UCL injuries (attenuation, insufficiency, or rupture) can result in medial elbow pain, a loss of pitch velocity and accuracy, and increased fatigue. Diagnosis can be made by performing a thorough physical examination along with imaging if indicated, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study was a crossover trial involving 11 participants that investigated the effects of β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate free acid (HMB-FA) supplementation on muscle protein breakdown, hormonal responses, and energy expenditure during a 24-hour fast following a plant-based diet.
  • Results showed that HMB-FA reduced cortisol levels after awakening compared to a placebo, while also increasing the testosterone to cortisol ratio in males during fasting, indicating potential benefits for hormonal balance under stress.
  • Overall, HMB-FA did not significantly impact muscle protein breakdown, as measured by the 3-methylhistidine:creatinine ratio, but suggested changes in cortisol responses during fasting.
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Background: Pre-workout supplements purportedly enhance feelings of energy, reduce fatigue and improve exercise performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the performance effects of caffeinated and non-caffeinated multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements.

Methods: In a counterbalanced, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, eccentric and concentric force production during lower body resistance exercise on a mechanized squat device were assessed after supplement ingestion.

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