The Effect of Total Knee Arthroplasty on Physical Activity and Body Mass Index: An Analysis of the Osteoarthritis Initiative Cohort.

Introduction: Preliminary analysis of accelerometry measurements has shown physical activity may not increase significantly after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study evaluates the effect of TKA on physical activity accelerometry measurements and body mass index (BMI).

Methods: Using the multicenter Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) database, a cohort of patients with physical activity level accelerometry measurements and BMI before and after TKA was identified.

Skilled Nursing Facility Partnerships May Decrease 90-Day Costs in a Total Joint Arthroplasty Episode Under the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement Initiative.

Background: The Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative was developed to reduce costs associated with total joint arthroplasty through a single payment for all patient care from index admission through a 90-day post-discharge period, including care at skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The aim of this study is to investigate whether forming partnerships between hospitals and SNFs could lower the post-discharge costs. We hypothesize that institutionally aligned SNFs have lower post-discharge costs than non-aligned SNFs.

Pre-operative functional status as a predictor of morbidity and mortality after elective cervical spine surgery.

Aims: Patients seeking cervical spine surgery are thought to be increasing in age, comorbidities and functional debilitation. The changing demographics of this population may significantly impact the outcomes of their care, specifically with regards to complications. In this study, our goals were to determine the rates of functionally dependent patients undergoing elective cervical spine procedures and to assess the effect of functional dependence on 30-day morbidity and mortality using a large, validated national cohort.

Type IV hypersensitivity reactions following Dermabond adhesive utilization in knee surgery: A Report of Three Cases.

​We retrospectively reviewed the records of 3 patients (3 knees) with a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction following Dermabond exposure after an orthopaedic knee procedure. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions are mediated by CD4+ helper T cells. The use of skin adhesives in place of traditional sutures is increasing in popularity given Dermabond's potential benefits of decreased wound infection rate and better wound approximation.

Efficacy of Percutaneous Adhesiolysis in the Treatment of Lumbar Post Surgery Syndrome.

Context: Lumbar post-surgery syndrome is common and often results in chronic, persistent pain and disability, which can lead to multiple interventions. After failure of conservative treatment, either surgical treatment or a nonsurgical modality of treatment such as epidural injections, percutaneous adhesiolysis is often contemplated in managing lumbar post surgery syndrome. Recent guidelines and systematic reviews have reached different conclusions about the level of evidence for the efficacy of epidural injections and percutaneous adhesiolysis in managing lumbar post surgery syndrome.

A Founder Mutation in VPS11 Causes an Autosomal Recessive Leukoencephalopathy Linked to Autophagic Defects.

Genetic leukoencephalopathies (gLEs) are a group of heterogeneous disorders with white matter abnormalities affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The causative mutation in ~50% of gLEs is unknown. Using whole exome sequencing (WES), we identified homozygosity for a missense variant, VPS11: c.

Does Anteromedial Portal Drilling Improve Footprint Placement in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?

Background: Considerable debate remains over which anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction technique can best restore knee stability. Traditionally, femoral tunnel drilling has been done through a previously drilled tibial tunnel; however, potential nonanatomic tunnel placement can produce a vertical graft, which although it would restore sagittal stability, it would not control rotational stability. To address this, some suggest that the femoral tunnel be created independently of the tibial tunnel through the use of an anteromedial (AM) portal, but whether this results in a more anatomic footprint or in stability comparable to that of the intact contralateral knee still remains controversial.

The effect of rilonacept versus placebo on health-related quality of life in patients with poorly controlled familial Mediterranean fever.

Objective: To examine the effect of rilonacept on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with poorly controlled familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

Methods: As part of a randomized, double-blinded trial comparing rilonacept and placebo for the treatment of FMF, patients/parents completed the modified Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) at baseline, and at the start and end of each of 4 treatment courses, 2 each with rilonacept and placebo.

Results: Fourteen subjects were randomized; mean age was 24.

Rheumatoid arthritis educational series: a nurse-led project.

Nurses in the rheumatology clinic at New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases realized a need to provide patients with rheumatoid arthritis with more healthcare information than was routinely given during clinic visits. This project goal was to support patient involvement in decision making and encourage participation in treatment planning. To address these concerns, a team of staff registered nurses developed an educational program based on various arthritis-related topics.

Surgical site infection prevention initiative - patient attitude and compliance.

Background: Although the effect of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) decolonization on surgical site infection (SSI) rates has been studied, patient tolerance and acceptance of these regimens has not been assessed. Surgical patients at our hospital's Pre-Admission Testing Clinic (PAT) receive SA reduction protocols instructing the preoperative use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) soap and intranasal mupirocin ointment (MO). Certain insurers do not cover MO costs resulting in out of pocket (OOP) expenses for some patients.

Interlaminar versus transforaminal epidural steroids for the treatment of subacute lumbar radicular pain: a randomized, blinded, prospective outcome study.

Background: There is uncertainty in the literature over the relative effectiveness of lumbar epidural interlaminar (IL) steroid injection versus transforaminal (TF) steroid injection for lumbar radiculopathy. Most studies to date have been retrospective, or technically focused.

Objective: To complete a randomized, blinded, prospective outcome study of the short-term benefit for IL versus TF epidural steroids for the treatment of subacute lumbar radicular pain.