Orthopedic News and Research

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Orthopedic surgery or orthopedics (also spelled orthopaedics) is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic surgeons use both surgical and non-surgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors, and congenital conditions.

New study finds racial/ethnic variation in discharge destination after knee replacement surgery

A large study analyzing 107,000 knee replacement surgeries found that African Americans were significantly more likely than white patients to be discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility rather than home care after the procedure. Researchers also found that African American patients under 65 were more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 90 days of a knee replacement.

30 Oct 2019

State-mandated policy reduces opioid prescribing without impacting patient satisfaction, pain control

A state-mandated policy restricting opioid prescriptions along with increased public awareness and education about the opioid epidemic preceded drastic reductions in opioid prescribing and use for surgical patients at the University of Vermont Medical Center without impacting patient satisfaction with their postoperative pain management, according to findings presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2019.

30 Oct 2019

Poverty, race have no impact on total knee replacement revision or failure

Previous studies have established that black patients have a higher risk for knee replacement revision. Black patients also report significantly more pain and worse joint function two years after surgery compared to white patients.

29 Oct 2019

AAOMPT opposes use of 'degenerative disc disease' as diagnostic term for neck, back pain

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists has released a position statement opposing "degenerative disc disease" as a diagnostic term for the cause of neck and back pain.

25 Oct 2019

'Michigan Promise' aims to bring diversity to the surgical field

To best serve a diverse patient population, surgeons should look more like the people they treat. That's part of the thinking behind the Michigan Promise, a transformative long-term effort at the Michigan Medicine Department of Surgery.

22 Oct 2019

Study compares costs, outcomes of surgeries at teaching and non-teaching hospitals

Patients with a high risk of dying after surgery, including those with multiple chronic diseases, benefit from undergoing general or vascular procedures at a major teaching hospital as opposed to a non-teaching hospital, according to a study from researchers at Penn Medicine and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

17 Oct 2019

Osteoarthritis has no cure, but symptoms can be managed

Osteoarthritis can't be ignored. On a grand scale, it is the most common form of arthritis (which actually isn't a specific disease but rather a general term for inflammation in a joint), accounting for more cases than all the other forms combined. It affects an estimated 31 million Americans and is a leading cause of disability among adults.

10 Oct 2019

Researchers identify mechanism for cartilage repair

Contrary to popular belief, cartilage in human joints can repair itself through a process similar to that used by creatures such as salamanders and zebrafish to regenerate limbs, researchers at Duke Health found.

10 Oct 2019

Stratasys' new Digital Anatomy 3D Printer helps create a realistic training environment

3D printing leader Stratasys Ltd. is further extending its commitment to the medical industry with the new J750™ Digital Anatomy™ 3D Printer. Designed to replicate the feel, responsiveness, and biomechanics of human anatomy in medical models – the system improves surgical preparedness and training while helping bring new medical devices to market faster.

From Stratasys 7 Oct 2019

Review examines the role of biologic agents in management of shoulder and elbow problems

The utilization of stem cell therapies for augmentation of tissue healing has far outpaced the supporting scientific and clinical data, largely due to aggressive marketing that has led to widespread and often inappropriate use of cell therapy approaches in the United States.

1 Oct 2019

Study helps surgeons identify the best individual approach to treat broken hips

Robert Zura, MD, Professor and Robert D'Ambrosia Chair of Orthopaedics at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, was part of an international collaborative study group whose findings will help orthopaedic surgeons identify the best individual approach to treat broken hips in those over age 50.

27 Sep 2019

Pitt engineer applies structural monitoring technology to the human spine

Amir H. Alavi, PhD, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering, has spent much of his career developing sensors to monitor the health of large, complex structures like bridges and roads.

26 Sep 2019

Large-scale enhanced recovery program after bariatric surgery improves patient outcomes

A large-scale implementation of a protocol to improve recovery of patients after weight-loss operations was found to reduce rates of extended hospitalization by almost half at 36 participating accredited bariatric surgery centers nationwide, according to a study published online ahead of print in the current issue of the journal Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases.

24 Sep 2019

Sports specialization in youth associated with increased risk of injury

A new study finds that kids who specialize in a chosen sport tend to engage in higher levels of vigorous exercise than their peers and may be more likely to sustain injuries, such as stress fractures, tendinitis and ACL tears.

23 Sep 2019

How cruise ship passengers should prepare for sickness or injury at sea

Royal Caribbean's gargantuan Oasis of the Seas boasts four outdoor pools and an 82-foot zip line and made quite a splash shortly after its 2014 refurbishment when it added the first Tiffany & Co boutique at sea.

20 Sep 2019

More surgeries are scheduled when surgeon is well rested

Researchers at Linköping University have investigated how orthopedic surgeons make decisions regarding surgery, and how the decisions are related to how much of their work shift they have completed.

18 Sep 2019

NYU Langone performs first-ever foot and ankle arthroscopic procedure with new camera system

NYU Langone Health recently became the first ever health system to perform a foot and ankle arthroscopic procedure with a new camera system for minimally invasive surgery that requires only local anesthesia.

16 Sep 2019

Improving care for geriatric population

In her brief but prolific nursing career, Briana Hodson has witnessed a lack of understanding for the geriatric population, resulting in less-than-ideal outcomes for patients. To address this challenge, she believes gerontology nursing must be approached holistically.

12 Sep 2019

In search of age-friendly health care, finding room for improvement

A month ago, during a visit to her doctor's office in Sequim, Wash., Sue Christensen fell to her knees in the bathroom when her legs suddenly gave out.