Porous Polyetheretherketone Interbody Cages for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion at 3 or More Levels: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes.

Background: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at 3 or more levels remains challenging, with reported high pseudarthrosis rates and implant-related complications. Porous surface polyetheretherketone (PEEK) interbody cages are newer implants for ACDF with limited data available for their use in ACDF procedures at 3 or more levels. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of porous PEEK devices for ACDF at 3 or more levels.

Do Preoperative Epidural Steroid Injections Increase the Risk of Infection After Lumbar Spine Surgery?

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Objective: To elucidate an association between preoperative lumbar epidural corticosteroid injections (ESI) and infection after lumbar spine surgery.

Summary Of Background Data: ESI may provide diagnostic and therapeutic benefit; however, concern exists regarding whether preoperative ESI may increase risk of postoperative infection.

Comparison of Short-term Outcomes After Lumbar Fusion Between an Orthopedic Specialty Hospital and Tertiary Referral Center.

Study Design: A retrospective review of all elective single-level lumbar fusions performed at a single orthopedic specialty hospital (OSH) and tertiary referral center (TRC).

Objective: This study compared the perioperative outcomes for lumbar fusion procedures performed at an OSH and TRC.

Summary Of Background Data: The role of an OSH for lumbar fusion procedures has not been defined.

Sagittal Spinopelvic Parameters in Children With Achondroplasia.

Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional, longitudinal radiographic analysis.

Objective: To report the natural history of spinopelvic parameters in achondroplasia.

Summary Of Background Data: Sagittal spinal deformity is common in children with achondroplasia.

Clinical Outcomes After Four-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) demonstrates reliable improvement in neurologic symptoms associated with anterior compression of the cervical spine. There is a paucity of data on outcomes following 4-level ACDFs.

Short-term Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty Performed at an Orthopedic Specialty Hospital.

This study compared perioperative outcomes for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at an orthopedic specialty hospital and a tertiary referral center. The authors identified all primary TKA procedures performed in 2014 at the 2 facilities. Each patient at the orthopedic specialty hospital was manually matched to a patient at the tertiary referral center according to demographic and clinical variables.

The Influence of Wait Time on Patient Satisfaction in the Orthopedic Clinic.

Introduction: Patient satisfaction is of increasing importance in the delivery of quality healthcare and may influence provider reimbursement. The purpose of this study is to examine how patient wait time relates to their level of satisfaction and likelihood to recommend an orthopedic clinic to others.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on standardized new patient survey data collected at a single orthopedic clinic from June 2011 through October 2014.

Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes After Total Hip Arthroplasty Between an Orthopedic Specialty Hospital and General Hospital.

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare perioperative outcomes for total hip arthroplasty (THA) at an orthopedic specialty hospital (OSH) and a general hospital (GH).

Methods: A retrospective study of all primary THAs was performed at an OSH and GH in 2014. A cohort of GH patients was manually matched to the OSH by clinical and demographic variables blinded to outcome.

A Current Procedural Terminology Code for "Knee Conversion" Is Needed to Account for the Additional Surgical Time Required Compared to Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Previous knee injury requiring surgical intervention increases the rate of future arthroplasty. Coding modifiers for removal of previous hardware or increased complexity offer inconsistent results. A Current Procedural Terminology code for knee conversion does not currently exist as it does for conversion hip arthroplasty.

The Valgus Stress Radiograph Does Not Determine the Full Extent of Correction of Deformity Prior to Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty.

Routine preoperative stress radiographs have been advocated, in part, to determine "full correctability" of deformities before proceeding with unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) despite limited data supporting their utility. Fifty consecutive patients undergoing medial UKA with robotic navigation were studied. In 20° of flexion, significantly greater correctability was achieved after removal of osteophytes by an additional 1.