MRI for Scaphoid Nonunion: Utilization Rates, Factors Associated with Utilization, and Subsequent Vascularized Bone Graft Use.

Purpose: The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for evaluation of scaphoid nonunion may be an example of low-value imaging for the treatment of scaphoid nonunion. The purpose of this study was to investigate variation in MRI use for scaphoid nonunion, the association of MRI with a vascularized bone graft (VBG) and to develop consensus on MRI use for scaphoid nonunion.

Methods: We identified patients >18 years of age who underwent scaphoid nonunion surgery between 2010 and 2019 using a claims database.

Does Discussing Patient-reported Outcome Measures Increase Pain Self-efficacy at an Orthopaedic Visit? A Prospective, Sequential, Comparative Series.

Background: Pain self-efficacy, or the ability to carry out desired activities in the presence of pain, can affect a patient's ability to function before and after orthopaedic surgery. Previous studies suggest that shared decision-making practices such as discussing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) can activate patients and improve their pain self-efficacy. However, the ability of PROMs to influence pain self-efficacy in patients who have undergone orthopaedic surgery has yet to be investigated.

Claims Database Research in Hand Surgery: From Data to Bedside.

The widespread availability of administrative claims data has unlocked opportunities to answer challenging clinical questions in hand surgery, overcoming the limitations of traditional data sets. Researchers are taking advantage of claims data sets to obtain samples from broader segments of the population and achieve statistical power that was previously unattainable. Therefore, a basic understanding of claims database research is quickly becoming an invaluable tool in the surgeon's toolkit, enabling the performance of ground-breaking research and the critical evaluation of data-driven results to inform clinical practice.

Surgeon Alignment With Clinical Practice Guidelines: A Qualitative Analysis of Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures.

Background: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are developed to guide physicians in providing consistent high-quality care. Despite availability of evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of distal radius fractures, prior work suggests many patients receive treatment that is misaligned with the CPG. We sought to explore barriers and facilitators of guideline-aligned care for distal radius fractures.

A Biomechanical Analysis of Oblique Metacarpal Metadiaphyseal Fracture Fixation in a Cadaver Model.

Purpose: Although metacarpal fractures are typically managed nonoperatively, when surgical management is indicated, metacarpal fractures are commonly treated with crossed Kirschner wires (K-wires), which may limit early range of motion. Intramedullary implants are increasing in use with the potential advantage of early range of motion; however, stability in oblique metacarpal neck fractures remains a theoretical concern. The purpose of this study was to determine the biomechanical stability of noncompressive intramedullary fixation for oblique metacarpal neck fractures compared with crossed K-wire fixation.

Health Numeracy Is Associated With a Patient's Ability to Interpret Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Data.

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were originally developed as research tools; however, there is increasing interest in using PROMs to inform clinical care. Prior work has shown the benefits of implementing PROMs at the point of care, but a patient's health numeracy (their ability to understand and work with numbers) may affect their ability to interpret PROM results.

Materials And Methods: We recruited patients presenting to an outpatient orthopedic clinic.

Are Orthopaedic Clinical Trials Linguistically and Culturally Diverse? A Systematic Review.

Purpose: Underrepresentation and misrepresentation of historically underrepresented populations in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) may have implications for the validity of research results and their application for diverse populations. To evaluate the representation of historically linguistically, racially, and ethnically underrepresented participants in orthopaedic randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and to assess the use of translated and culturally adapted patient reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Methods: Separate and comprehensive literature searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases were performed to identify RCTs utilizing PROMs between the years 2012 - 2022 among the top five highest 5-year impact factor orthopaedic journals according to the 2021 Journal Citation Reports database.

Opioid Use After Robotic-Assisted Versus Conventional Total Hip Arthroplasty: A National Database Analysis.

Background: In this study, we tested the null hypothesis that robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty (THA) vs conventional THA was not associated with (1) the amount of postoperative opioid use and (2) the incidence of new, persistent opioid use.

Materials And Methods: We used a large, national administrative database to identify patients 50 years and older undergoing primary robotic or conventional THA. Patients with hip fractures or a history of malignancy, hip infection, or opioid use disorder were excluded.

Performing region-specific tasks does not improve lower extremity patient-reported outcome scores.

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures quantify outcomes from patients' perspective with validated instruments. QuickDASH (Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand, an upper extremity PROM) scores improve after completing instrument tasks, suggesting patient-reported outcome results can be modified. We hypothesized that performing lower extremity tasks on the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction (KOOS-JR) and hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint reconstruction (HOOS-JR) instruments would similarly improve the scores.

The Association Between Social Determinants of Health and Distal Radius Fracture Outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if adverse social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with differential complication rates following surgical fixation of distal radius fractures and assess which SDOH domain (economic, educational, social, health care, or environmental) is most associated with postoperative complications.

Methods: Using a national administrative claims database, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing open treatment for an isolated distal radius fracture between 2010 and 2020. Patients were stratified based on the presence/absence of at least one SDOH code and propensity score matched to create two cohorts balanced by age, sex (male or female), insurance type, and comorbidities.

Pain Self-Efficacy Can Improve During a Visit With an Orthopedic Surgeon.

Background: Greater pain self-efficacy (PSE) is associated with reduced pain, fewer limitations, and increased quality of life after treatment for orthopedic conditions. The aims of this study were to (1) assess if PSE improves during a visit with an orthopedic surgeon and (2) identify modifiable visit factors that are associated with an increase in PSE.

Materials And Methods: We performed a prospective observational study of orthopedic clinic visits at a multispecialty clinic from February to May 2022.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Early versus Late Debridement of Superficial Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears.

Background: While initial nonoperative management is the conventional approach for superficial triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears, a substantial portion of these cases go on to require surgery, and the optimal duration of nonoperative treatment is unknown. In this study, we evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early versus late arthroscopic debridement for the treatment of superficial TFCC tears without distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability.

Methods: We created a decision tree to compare the following strategies from a healthcare payer perspective: immediate arthroscopic debridement versus immobilization for 4 or 6 weeks with late debridement as needed.

Clinical Practice Guidelines to Support Capacity Building in Orthopaedic Surgical Outreach: An International Consensus Building Approach.

Background: Surgical outreach to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by organizations from high- income countries is on the rise to help address the growing burden of conditions warranting surgery. However, concerns remain about the impact and sustainability of such outreach. Leading organizations (e.

Are Clinical Practice Guidelines Representative of Patients With Distal Radius Fractures? A Review of Patient Demographics and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Used to Inform Guidelines.

Purpose: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are recommendations developed for broad application to optimize high-quality care and decision-making. The composition of patients and outcome measures used in studies informing CPGs; however, has not been rigorously evaluated. With growing evidence that outcomes in musculoskeletal surgery vary by sociocultural factors, we aimed to: (1) review the linguistic, racial, and ethnic representation of the patients in the studies informing CPGs for distal radius fractures and (2) assess their use of linguistically and culturally adapted patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Implementation of an electronic health record system during global surgical outreach: A prospective evaluation of success and sustainability.

Background: The burden of musculoskeletal conditions continues to grow in low- and middle-income countries. Among thousands of surgical outreach trips each year, few organizations electronically track patient data to inform real-time care decisions and assess trip impact. We report the implementation of an electronic health record (EHR) system utilized at point of care during an orthopedic surgical outreach trip.

Site of Service Disparities Exist for Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Background: The rate of outpatient total joint arthroplasty procedures, including those performed at ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) and hospital outpatient departments, is increasing. The purpose of this study was to analyze if type of insurance is associated with site of service (in-patient vs outpatient) for total joint arthroplasty and adverse outcomes.

Materials And Methods: We identified patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), or total hip arthroplasty (THA) using codes in a national administrative claims database.

Orthopedic surgery in Palau-Current capacity, needs, and future directions.

Background: Palau, an island nation in Micronesia, is a medically underserved area with a shortage of specialty care services. Orthopedic diagnoses in Palau remain among the three most common reasons for costly off-island medical referral. The purpose of this study was to assess Palau's current orthopedic surgery capacity and needs to inform interventions to build capacity to improve care access and quality.

Does Time to Surgery for Distal Radius Fractures Impact Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes? A Systematic Literature Review.

Distal radius fractures are one of the most common upper extremity fractures across all age groups. Although the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery (AAOS) Clinical Practice Guidelines have defined recommendations for the treatment of distal radius fractures, the optimal time to surgery was not included. There remains relatively little guidance or consensus regarding the optimal timing of surgical intervention for distal radius fractures and the impact of time to surgery on outcomes.

Equitable Integration of Patient-Reported Outcomes Into Clinical Practice-Opportunities, Challenges, and a Roadmap for Implementation.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) provide a standardized assessment from the patient about their own health status. Although originally developed as research tools, PROMs can be used in clinical care to complement objective functional measures (eg, range of motion) and are increasingly integrated to guide treatment decisions and predict outcomes. In some situations, when PROMs are used during clinical care they can improve patient mortality, outcomes, engagement, well-being, and patient-physician communication.