3D-ink-extruded titanium scaffolds with porous struts and bioactive supramolecular polymers for orthopedic implants.

Porous titanium addresses the longstanding orthopedic challenges of aseptic loosening and stress shielding. This work expands on the evolution of porous Ti with the manufacturing of hierarchically porous, low stiffness, ductile Ti scaffolds via direct-ink write (DIW) extrusion and sintering of inks containing Ti and NaCl particles. Scaffold macrochannels were filled with a subtherapeutic dose of recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) alone or co-delivered within a bioactive supramolecular polymer slurry (SPS) composed of peptide amphiphile nanofibrils and collagen, creating four treatment conditions (Ti struts: microporous vs.

The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Orthopedic Surgery-a Narrative Review.

Purpose Of Review: The importance of the gut microbiome has received increasing attention in recent years. New literature has revealed significant associations between gut health and various orthopedic disorders, as well as the potential for interventions targeting the gut microbiome to prevent disease and improve musculoskeletal outcomes. We provide a broad overview of available literature discussing the links between the gut microbiome and pathogenesis and management of orthopedic disorders.

Does Fibular Displacement Predict Tibial Malrotation in Simulated Tibia-Fibula Fractures.

Introduction: Tibial malrotation can occur with medullary nailing of diaphyseal tibial fractures. Fibular alignment has been proposed as a surrogate for axial plane reduction intraoperatively. The purpose of this study was to determine whether fibular alignment is a reliable marker of accurate tibial rotation.

Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Algorithms to Predict Postoperative Outcomes Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Study Design: A retrospective cohort study from a multisite academic medical center.

Objective: To construct, evaluate, and interpret a series of machine learning models to predict outcomes related to inpatient health care resource utilization for patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Summary Of Background Data: Reducing postoperative health care utilization is an important goal for improving the delivery of surgical care and serves as a metric for quality assessment.

The Effect of Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome on Spine Surgery Outcomes.

Purpose Of Review: Diabetes and metabolic syndrome are highly prevalent in patients undergoing spine surgery. This review aims to capture both the findings of recently published literature investigating the effects of diabetes and metabolic syndrome on spine surgery outcomes and the current best practices in patient management.

Recent Findings: Diabetes and metabolic syndrome both contribute to worse outcomes in patients undergoing spine surgery.

The Role of Preoperative Vitamin D in Spine Surgery.

Purpose Of Review: Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient for human bone health and maintenance. Patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery with hypovitaminosis D may be at greater risk for worsened clinical outcomes. This narrative review aims to compile the current literature studying the effects of low preoperative vitamin D on spine surgery outcomes, creating a resource that clinicians can use to inform their practice.

Impact of Social Determinants of Health in Spine Surgery.

Purpose Of Review: Social determinants of health (SDH) are factors that affect patient health outcomes outside the hospital. SDH are "conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks." Current literature has shown SDH affecting patient reported outcomes in various specialties; however, there is a dearth in research relating spine surgery with SDH.

Hypothyroidism and Spine Surgery: a Review of Current Findings.

Purpose Of Review: Hypothyroidism is a common medical comorbidity and has been linked to adverse surgical outcomes. However, its effect on spine surgery outcomes is less clear. The aim of this review is to compile current literature to serve as a guide for spine surgeons when treating patients with hypothyroidism.

A New Normal: Trends of Upper Extremity Orthopaedic Injuries Nationwide During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background The widespread societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic connote public health and epidemiological changes for orthopedic injuries. The epidemiology of upper extremity injuries and the effects of the pandemic on these nationwide trends is poorly defined. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive epidemiological study compares epidemiological trends among upper extremity (UE) orthopedic injuries presenting to emergency departments (EDs) prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sex-Based Difference in Bone Healing: A Review of Recent Pre-clinical Literature.

Purpose Of Review: Recent literature has sought to understand differences in fusion failure, specifically considering how patient sex may play a role. Overall, there exists inconclusive data regarding any sex-based differences in bone healing.

Recent Findings: In vitro studies examining the roles of sex hormones, 5-LO, IGF-1, VEGF, osteoclasts, and OPCs seem to show sexually dimorphic actions.

Incisional hernia incidence following laparotomy for combat trauma: Investigating 15 years of US war surgery.

Background: While the incidence of incisional hernia (IH) following elective laparotomy has been well described, incidence following emergent laparotomy for combat trauma has been much less studied. This retrospective cohort investigates the latter to better describe the burden IH represents for the injured warfighter.

Methods: Data were obtained from the Expeditionary Medical Encounter Database for service members who survived a combat-related injury between January 2002 and December 2016 and underwent abdominal surgery in the first 30 days after injury.