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Background: Medial meniscal ramp lesions are disruptions at the meniscocapsular junction and/or meniscotibial attachment of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, and occur in up to 42% of all acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears1,3-5. Ramp lesions are frequently missed because of the limited diagnostic sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), physical examination, and standard anterior compartment arthroscopic exploration4,6,7. Arthroscopic evaluation of ramp lesions often requires a modified Gillquist maneuver and/or a posteromedial accessory portal for adequate assessment of the posteromedial "blind spot."4,8-10 Clinically, ramp lesions are associated with increased preoperative anterior knee instability, which may increase the risk of ACL graft failure if left untreated6,13. Although long-term comparative data on ramp-repair techniques are limited, proper arthroscopic assessment and treatment is recommended for all patients with ramp lesions at the time of ACL reconstruction (ACLR)1-5. In the present video article, we demonstrate a systematic approach for the identification and assessment of ramp lesions and describe a mini-open inside-out arthroscopically assisted repair technique for unstable ramp lesions at the time of ACLR. Description: (1) The patient is placed in the supine position, and a contralateral leg holder is utilized to create more working room on the medial side. (2) Standard diagnostic arthroscopy is performed through anteromedial and anterolateral portals. (3) Next, with the arthroscope in the anterolateral portal, the scope is advanced through the intercondylar notch with the knee in 30° of flexion in order to inspect the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. Probing is directed both over the superior aspect of the posterior horn to assess for tears, separation, and/or displacement of the meniscocapsular junction, and under the inferior aspect of the posterior horn to assess the integrity of the meniscotibial attachment. (4) After confirmation of a ramp tear, an open dissection is carried out through the sartorial fascia, with blunt dissection performed anterior to the medial gastrocnemius and above the semimembranosus to create the posteromedial surgical site. (5) A suture-shuttling device is utilized, and the corresponding cannula is placed into the anterolateral portal and directed toward the tear under arthroscopic visualization from the anteromedial portal. (6) Next, the first needle is passed through the meniscus, and the second is delivered through the adjacent capsule to create a vertical or oblique suture pattern. The needles are retrieved from the posteromedial surgical site and promptly cut, and the sutures are tied. (7) Multiple sutures, both above (femoral) and below (tibial) the meniscus, are placed 3 to 5 mm apart in a similar fashion. (8) On completion of the repair, the meniscocapsular junction is probed in order to confirm adequate stability with minimal translation of the medial meniscus. Alternatives: In the setting of an ACL tear, surgical options for concomitant repair of an unstable ramp lesion include all-inside, inside-out, or hybrid techniques (i.e., outside-in, inside-in, and/or all-inside). Rationale: Repair of ramp lesions using an inside-out technique restores preoperative excessive knee instability, which may decrease the risk of ACL graft failure. In addition, an inside-out ramp repair has a reported low secondary meniscectomy rate (2%), offers flexibility regarding the number and placement of the sutures, and creates a potentially stronger repair; however, this procedure is more technically challenging compared with other repair techniques6,10. All-inside ramp repairs have been reported to have higher secondary meniscectomy rates, ranging from 11% to 31%, because of the inability to repair the meniscotibial ligament from the anterior portals13,14. Suture hook repair using a posteromedial portal is becoming more popular and reportedly has a significantly lower secondary meniscectomy rate compared with all-inside techniques (19% compared with 30.6%)15. Expected Outcomes: At a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, DePhillipo et al. reported similar clinical outcomes and return to sports for patients who underwent combined ACLR plus inside-out repair of ramp lesions (n = 50) compared with a matched cohort who underwent isolated ACLR (n = 50). Although the ACLR plus ramp lesion repair group had had significantly greater preoperative knee instability compared with the isolated ACLR group, there was no difference in postoperative instability between groups at an average of 2.8 years (range, 2 to 8 years) of follow-up6. Important Tips: The exterior posteromedial incision should be facilitated by inside-out transillumination of the medial compartment and by palpation using an intra-articular probe at the medial aspect of the joint in order to avoid saphenous vein injury10. Two-thirds of the posteromedial incision should be distal to the joint line, with one-third proximal, because the suture needles often angle downwards as they exit the capsule10. The pes anserinus tendons should be retracted during the posteromedial dissection in order to avoid injury to the saphenous nerve (which lies posteromedial to the tendons)10. 70° to 90° of flexion relaxes the hamstring and gastrocnemius, which improves visualization and aids in retrieval of the suture needles as they exit the posterior capsule10. Entering the anterolateral portal with the suture-delivery device decreases the risk of neurovascular damage and optimizes the direction of the needle10. After placement of the first needle, keep slight tension on the first suture to avoid inadvertent suture damage during advancement of the second needle10. Recent reports have suggested that ramp lesions can occur in isolation without ACL injury or accompanying isolated or combined posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears. Do not forget to assess for ramp lesions in these scenarios16. Acronyms: ACL = anterior cruciate ligament PCL = posterior cruciate ligament MMBH = medial meniscus bucket-handle MRI = magnetic resonance imaging MFC = medial femoral condyle MTP = medial tibial plateau PMC = posteromedial capsule MM = medial meniscus AT = adductor tubercle sMCL = superficial medial collateral ligament SM = semimembranosus MGT = medial head of gastrocnemius tendon ACLR = anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction PROMs = patient-reported outcome measures MTL = meniscotibial ligament [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design. Retrospective cohort study. Objective. Characterize physical therapy (PT) utilization following single-level posterior lumbar fusion (PLF). Summary of Background Data. PLF is a common procedure that is increasing in frequency. After such surgeries, PT may be considered to facilitate mobilization and return to activities. However, the usage of such therapy has not been well-characterized in the literature. Materials and Methods. Patients undergoing single-level PLF were identified from the 2010 to 2021 PearlDiver administrative database. These patients were stratified based on usage of therapy, home versus outpatient therapy, and timing of therapy within the year after surgery. To determine predictors of therapy, patient characteristics were determined and multivariable regressions were performed. Results. A total of 213,240 patients undergoing single-level PLF were identified, of which therapy was done in the year after surgery for 63,231 (29.0%, of which home therapy accounted for 16.5% of therapy visits). Of those who utilized PT, the average number of visits was 10.6±10.6. Home therapy peaked within the first month after surgery and outpatient therapy peaked at month two. Factors associated with any PT following PLF in decreasing odds ratio (OR) were having commercial insurance (OR: 1.68), being from the Northeast (OR: 1.41), age (OR: 1.13 for 70+ of age) female sex (OR: 1.09), and ECI (OR: 1.04 per point) (P< 0.001 for all). Of those who received therapy, factors associated with home PT utilization were being from the Northeast (OR: 2.55), age (OR: 1.91 for 70+ of age), Medicaid insurance (OR: 1.48), female sex (OR: 1.39), and interbody fusion (OR:1.07) (P<0.001 for all). Conclusions. After single-level PLF, the minority of patients received home or outpatient PT. Of those who did, there was significant variation in the number of visits, with nonmedical factors such as insurance plan and geographic region being strongly associated suggesting room for more consistent practice patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In adults with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, bone bruises on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans provide insight into the underlying mechanism of injury. There is a paucity of literature that has investigated these relationships in children with ACL tears. Purpose: To examine and compare the number and location of bone bruises between contact and noncontact ACL tears in pediatric patients. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Boys ≤14 years and girls ≤12 years of age who underwent primary ACL reconstruction surgery between 2018 and 2022 were identified at 3 separate institutions. Eligibility criteria required detailed documentation of the mechanism of injury and MRI performed within 30 days of the initial ACL tear. Patients with congenital lower extremity abnormalities, concomitant fractures, injuries to the posterolateral corner and/or posterior cruciate ligament, previous ipsilateral knee injuries or surgeries, or closed physes evident on MRI scans were excluded. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on a contact or noncontact mechanism of injury. Preoperative MRI scans were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of bone bruises in the coronal and sagittal planes using fat-suppressed T2-weighted images and a grid-based mapping technique of the tibiofemoral joint. Results: A total of 109 patients were included, with 76 (69.7%) patients sustaining noncontact injuries and 33 (30.3%) patients sustaining contact injuries. There were no significant differences between the contact and noncontact groups in terms of age (11.8 ± 2.0 vs 12.4 ± 1.3 years; P =.12), male sex (90.9% vs 88.2%; P >.99), time from initial injury to MRI (10.3 ± 8.1 vs 10.4 ± 8.9 days; P =.84), the presence of a concomitant medial meniscus tear (18.2% vs 14.5%; P =.62) or lateral meniscus tear (69.7% vs 52.6%; P =.097), and sport-related injuries (82.9% vs 81.8%; P =.89). No significant differences were observed in the frequency of combined lateral tibiofemoral (lateral femoral condyle + lateral tibial plateau) bone bruises (87.9% contact vs 78.9% noncontact; P =.41) or combined medial tibiofemoral (medial femoral condyle [MFC] + medial tibial plateau) bone bruises (54.5% contact vs 35.5% noncontact; P =.064). Patients with contact ACL tears were significantly more likely to have centrally located MFC bruising (odds ratio, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.6-11; P =.0038) and less likely to have bruising on the anterior aspect of the lateral tibial plateau (odds ratio, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.097-0.76; P =.013). Conclusion: Children with contact ACL tears were 4 times more likely to present with centrally located MFC bone bruises on preoperative MRI scans compared with children who sustained noncontact ACL tears. Future studies should investigate the relationship between these bone bruise patterns and the potential risk of articular cartilage damage in pediatric patients with contact ACL tears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation Answering and solving complex problems using a large language model (LLM) given a certain domain such as biomedicine is a challenging task that requires both factual consistency and logic, and LLMs often suffer from some major limitations, such as hallucinating false or irrelevant information, or being influenced by noisy data. These issues can compromise the trustworthiness, accuracy, and compliance of LLM-generated text and insights. Results Knowledge Retrieval Augmented Generation ENgine (KRAGEN) is a new tool that combines knowledge graphs, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), and advanced prompting techniques to solve complex problems with natural language. KRAGEN converts knowledge graphs into a vector database and uses RAG to retrieve relevant facts from it. KRAGEN uses advanced prompting techniques: namely graph-of-thoughts (GoT), to dynamically break down a complex problem into smaller subproblems, and proceeds to solve each subproblem by using the relevant knowledge through the RAG framework, which limits the hallucinations, and finally, consolidates the subproblems and provides a solution. KRAGEN's graph visualization allows the user to interact with and evaluate the quality of the solution's GoT structure and logic. Availability and implementation KRAGEN is deployed by running its custom Docker containers. KRAGEN is available as open-source from GitHub at: https://github.com/EpistasisLab/KRAGEN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Excessive shoulder anterior force has been implicated in pathology of the rotator cuff in little league and professional baseball pitchers; in particular, anterior laxity, posterior stiffness, and glenohumeral joint impingement. Distinctly characterized motions associated with excessive shoulder anterior force remain poorly understood. Methods: High school and professional pitchers were instructed to throw fastballs while being evaluated with 3D motion capture (480 Hz). A supplementary random forest model was designed and implemented to identify the most important features for regressing to shoulder anterior force, with subsequent standardized regression coefficients to quantify directionality. Results: 130 high school pitchers (16.3 ± 1.2 yrs; 179.9 ± 7.7 cm; 74.5 ± 12.0 kg) and 322 professionals (21.9 ± 2.1 yrs; 189.7 ± 5.7 cm; 94.8 ± 9.5 kg) were included. Random forest models determined nearly all the variance for professional pitchers (R2 = 0.96), and less than half for high school pitchers (R2 = 0.41). Important predictors of shoulder anterior force in high school pitchers included: trunk flexion at maximum shoulder external rotation (MER) (X.IncMSE = 2.4, β = −0.23, p < 0.001), shoulder external rotation at ball release (BR)(X.IncMSE = 1.7, β = −0.34, p < 0.001), and shoulder abduction at BR (X.IncMSE = 3.1, β = 0.17, p < 0.001). In professional pitchers, shoulder horizontal adduction at foot contact (FC) was the highest predictor (X.IncMSE = 13.9, β = 0.50, p < 0.001), followed by shoulder external rotation at FC (X.IncMSE = 3.6, β = 0.26, p < 0.001), and maximum elbow extension velocity (X.IncMSE = 8.5, β = 0.19, p < 0.001). Conclusion: A random forest model successfully selected a subset of features that accounted for the majority of variance in shoulder anterior force for professional pitchers; however, less than half of the variance was accounted for in high school pitchers. Temporal and kinematic movements at the shoulder were prominent predictors of shoulder anterior force for both groups. Clinical relevance: : Our statistical model successfully identified a combination of features with the ability to adequately explain the majority of variance in anterior shoulder force among high school and professional pitchers. To minimize shoulder anterior force, high school pitchers should emphasize decreased shoulder abduction at BR, while professionals can decrease shoulder horizontal adduction at FC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Subacromial balloon spacers have been introduced as a potential treatment option for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. However, it is important to comprehensively assess the clinical efficacy of this procedure in the context of an increasing amount of contemporary literature. Purpose: To perform a systematic review of the contemporary literature to understand the propensity for clinically meaningful improvements after subacromial balloon spacer implantation for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The PubMed, Ovid/MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases were queried in July 2022 for data pertaining to studies reporting clinically significant outcomes after subacromial balloon spacer implantation. Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation was used to quantify the pooled rate of clinically meaningful improvements in outcomes as evaluated using the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB). Qualitative analysis was performed when data were variably presented to avoid misleading reporting. Results: There were 10 studies included, all of which reported MCID achievement. The overall pooled rate of MCID achievement for the Constant-Murley score was 83% (95% CI, 71%-93%; range, 40%-98%), with 6 of 8 studies reporting rates equal to or exceeding 85%. One study reported a 98% rate of PASS achievement for the Constant-Murley score at 3-year follow-up. The rate of MCID achievement for the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score ranged between 83% and 87.5%. The rate of PASS achievement for the ASES score was 56% at 2-year follow-up, while the rate of SCB achievement for the ASES score was 83% and 82% at 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively. At 1-year follow-up, 74% and 78% of patients achieved the MCID for the Numeric Rating Scale and Oxford Shoulder Score, respectively. At 3 years, 69% of patients achieved the MCID for the Numeric Rating Scale and 87% achieved it for the Oxford Shoulder Score. Conclusion: Patients who underwent isolated subacromial balloon spacer implantation for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears demonstrated a high rate of clinically significant improvement in outcomes at short- to mid-term follow-up. A paucity of literature exists to appropriately define and evaluate the rates of achieving the PASS and SCB after subacromial balloon spacer implantation, necessitating further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purposes of this study were (a) to analyze the changes in total and regional body composition measurements in a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I female field hockey team throughout a 17-game competitive season using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); (b) to examine improvements, if any, in athletic performance measures after a season; and (c) to report on the relationship between these body composition changes and changes in athletic performance. Preseason and postseason dual-energy DXA and performance data from the 2019-2020 season were retrospectively identified for 20 field players (forwards, midfielders, and defenders). Body composition data included total and regional fat mass, lean mass, and body fat percentage, whereas athletic performance measures included the vertical jump, 10-yard dash, and pro-agility (5-10-5) shuttle run. All variables were quantitative and analyzed using paired t-tests or its nonparametric equivalent and an alpha level of p, 0.05 was used to determine significance. After a competitive season, athletes had significant decreases in fat mass and increases in lean mass in their arms, legs, trunks, gynoids, and total body measurements. Android fat mass and body fat percentage also decreased. Athletes performed significantly better on the pro-agility shuttle run at the end of the season, but no significant differences were observed in other performance metrics. Moderate correlations were observed between changes in body composition (total fat mass and total lean mass) and changes in athletic performance. Our study provides a novel, longitudinal assessment of body composition and athletic performance for elite female field hockey athletes that will help trainers and coaches better understand how these variables change throughout a season and allow them to better prepare their players for competitive success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the potential impact of preoperative semaglutide use (active agent in Ozempic® and Wegovy®) on ninety-day postoperative outcomes and two-year rotator cuff retear following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) for type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients., Methods: T2DM patients undergoing primary ARCR were identified from the PearlDiver database using administrative billing codes. Exclusion criteria included: patients <18 years old, prior RCR, concurrent non-rotator cuff related arthroscopic shoulder procedures, any traumatic, neoplastic, or infectious diagnoses within 90-days before surgery, and <90-days follow-up. T2DM patients using semaglutide within one-year of ARCR ([+]semaglutide) were matched 1:4 with T2DM patients who did not ([-]semaglutide) by age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), diabetes complications, obesity, tobacco, insulin, and metformin use. Occurrence of any, severe, and minor adverse events (AAE, SAEs, MAEs, respectively) within 90-days were compared by multivariable logistic regression. Two-year retear was assessed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and compared by log-rank test., Results: There were 1,094 ARCR (+)semaglutide and 4,110 ARCR (-)semaglutide patients meeting inclusion criteria after matching. The incidence of AAE for the ARCR (-)semaglutide vs. ARCR (+)semaglutide patients was 27.4% vs. 11.0%, SAE was 10.5% vs. 3.5%, and MAE was 22.0% vs. 8.5%, respectively (p<0.001 for all). ARCR (-)semaglutide patients had a higher odds ratio (OR) of AAE (3.65, p<0.001) and SAEs (3.62, p<0.001), including surgical-site infection (2.22, p=0.049), venous thromboembolism (3.10, p<0.001), sepsis (3.87, p<0.001), and cardiac events (3.96, p<0.001). Also, greater odds of MAEs (3.59, p<0.001), including urinary tract infection (3.27), pneumonia (3.88), acute kidney injury (3.91), and ED visits (2.51) (p<0.001 for all). Additionally, (-)semaglutide patients revealed higher 2-year retear vs (+)semaglutide patients (18.3% vs 12.5%, respectively) (p<0.001)., Conclusion: Preoperative semaglutide use for T2DM patients undergoing ARCR was associated with decreased odds of minor and serious 90-day adverse events, and lower 2-year rotator cuff retear., Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is commonly done for degenerative conditions. Patients may need additional contralateral TSA or ipsilateral revision TSA. As a marker of patient satisfaction and practice integrity, factors associated with return to the same or different surgeon are of interest., Methods: Patients undergoing TSA were abstracted from the PearlDiver data set. Subsequent TSA within 2 years was identified. Factors analyzed included age, sex, comorbidity burden, prior depression diagnosis, insurance type, reverse versus anatomic TSA, ipsilateral versus contralateral surgery, and postoperative adverse events. Patients returning to the same surgeon versus different surgeon were compared with multivariable analysis., Results: 98,048 TSA patients were identified, with 8483 patients (8.7%) undergoing subsequent TSA within 2 years. Of those, 1,237 (14.6%) chose a different surgeon. Factors associated with changing surgeons were revision surgery on the ipsilateral shoulder (OR:2.47), Medicaid insurance (OR:1.46), female sex (OR:1.36), any adverse events (OR:1.23), and higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (OR:1.07 per point), while prior depression diagnosis was associated with decreased odds (OR:0.74) of changing surgeon (P < 0.05 for all)., Discussion: When pursuing a subsequent TSA, only a minority of patients changed to a different surgeon. Factors identified associated with changing to a different surgeon may help guide measures to improve patient satisfaction and practice integrity., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.)

Context: While healthcare disparities related to race and ethnicity are well reported for non-emergent conditions, the literature on disparities in outcomes of emergent spinal conditions such as cauda equina syndrome (CES) remains sparse., Objective: To evaluate racial disparities in complication, mortality, and readmission rates following surgical intervention for CES., Methods: This retrospective analysis of The Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database demonstrates that among patients surgically treated for CES in New York between 2015 and 2020. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the association of race and outcome variables after controlling for age, sex, comorbidities, length of stay, insurance, and hospital characteristics., Results: Overall, 2,114 patients who underwent lumbar surgery for CES were identified. The study population was comprised of Black patients (177, 8%), White patients (79%, 1680), and Asian patients (257, 12%). Options for surgery included lumbar decompression (821, 38.8%), fusion (746, 35.3%), or both (547, 25.9%). On multivariate analysis, the odds of 30-day mortality were 2.98-fold greater in Black patients than in other patients (P = 0.029). By 180 and 360 days, the odds of mortality were 4.27 and 3.05-fold greater in Black patients than in other patients, respectively (P < 0.001 each). Thirty-day readmissions were 1.87-fold greater in Black patients than others (P = 0.004). No difference in overall complication rate was found between Black patients and all other race groups (P = 0.306)., Conclusions: Black patients surgically treated for CES face significantly higher rates of mortality and readmission than their non-Black counterparts.

Background: Patients with hemophilia A can develop joint hemarthroses, degenerative changes, and eventually undergo total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Few data exist concerning complications and prosthesis survival after TSA in this population., Questions/purposes: (1) Is hemophilia A associated with more bleeding and thromboembolic adverse events after TSA relative to matched controls? (2) Is 5-year TSA prosthesis survival reduced in patients with hemophilia A compared with matched controls?, Methods: The 2010 to 2022 PearlDiver M161 database was used to identify patients who underwent primary anatomic or reverse TSA. Given that the X-linked recessive condition hemophilia A presents nearly exclusively in males, male patients with hemophilia A who underwent TSA were matched 1:10 with male patients without hemophilia who underwent TSA based on age and Elixhauser comorbidity index (ECI). This yielded 73 patients with hemophilia A who underwent TSA who were matched 1:10 with 729 patients without hemophilia. Ninety-day adverse events were compared with multivariable analysis. Revision within 5 years was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis., Results: Compared with the control cohort, patients with hemophilia had greater odds of bleeding issues (hematoma, OR 6.8 [95% CI 3.0 to 15.3]; p < 0.001; anemia, OR 2.5 [95% CI 1.5 to 4.2]; p < 0.001, transfusion, OR 5.0 [95% CI 2.4 to 10.3]; p < 0.001), venous thromboembolic events (VTE) (OR 1.9 [95% CI 1.1 to 3.1]; p = 0.01), and prosthetic loosening (OR 3.5 [95% CI 1.4 to 8.0]; p = 0.004). Based on available data, 5-year implant survival was not different in patients with hemophilia (97.3% [95% CI 93.6% to 100.0%]) relative to matched controls (95.2% [95% CI 93.4% to 97.2%]; p = 0.60)., Conclusion: The elevated risks of both 90-day bleeding complications (hematoma, anemia, and transfusion) and VTE (DVT and PE) in patients with hemophilia emphasize the special challenges of carefully balancing factor replacement and VTE prophylaxis pre-, intra-, and postoperatively on an individual patient basis with careful hematologist coordination. Further study on Factor VIII levels and targets as well as tranexamic acid and VTE prophylaxis in this population is necessary to provide further guidance. Furthermore, 5-year implant survival was not different between patients with hemophilia and matched controls (patients without hemophilia) based on available data, suggesting that TSA survivorship remains durable and may be offered to patients in this population as indicated., Level of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic study., Competing Interests: Each author certifies that there are no funding or commercial associations (consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article related to the author or any immediate family members. All ICMJE Conflict of Interest Forms for authors and Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® editors and board members are on file with the publication and can be viewed on request., (Copyright © 2024 by the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons.)

Background Context: Odontoid fractures are relatively common. However, the literature is unclear how these fractures are best managed in many scenarios. As such, care is varied and poorly characterized., Purpose: To investigate the trends and predictive factors of surgical versus nonsurgical treatment and anterior versus posterior stabilization of odontoid fractures., Study Design/setting: Retrospective database cohort study., Patient Sample: Adult patients with odontoid fractures between 2010 and 2021., Outcome Measures: Yearly trends and predictors of odontoid fracture management., Methods: Adult patients with odontoid fractures were abstracted from the large, national, administrative M161Ortho Pearldiver dataset. For operative versus nonoperative care of odontoid fractures, yearly rates were determined (since 2016 based on coding limitations). For anterior versus posterior stabilization, yearly rates were determined (2010-2021). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed for both sets of comparisons., Results: For assessment of nonsurgical versus surgical management from 2016 to 2021, a total of 42,754 patients with odontoid fracture were identified, of which surgical intervention was done for 7.9%. Predictive factors of surgical intervention included being managed by a neurosurgeon (OR:1.29), being from Midwest United States (OR:1.35 relative to West), male sex (OR:1.20), and decreasing age (OR: 0.82 per decade) (p < .001 for each). Of those undergoing surgical intervention, 33.6% had anterior surgery while 66.4% had posterior surgery (anterior surgery decreased from 36.4% in 2010 to 27.2% in 2021, p < .001). Predictive factors of undergoing anterior versus posterior approach include having a neurosurgeon surgeon (OR:1.98), being from the Southern (OR:1.61 relative to Northeast), and having Medicare insurance (OR: 1.31) (p < .001 for each)., Conclusions: The overall rate of surgery for odontoid fractures has remained similar over the past years. Of those undergoing surgery, less are being done from anterior. While these decisions were predicted by some clinical factors, both also correlated with nonclinical factors suggesting room for more consistent algorithms., Competing Interests: Michael Gouzoulis received James G Hirsch Medical Student Fellow ship from Yale University School of Medicine. Jonathan N Grauer is Editor-in-Chief of North American Spine Society Journal and a member of the North American Spine Society Board of Directors., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery typically involves posterior spinal fusion (PSF) using rods contoured by the surgeon, which may be time-consuming and may not reliably restore optimal sagittal alignment. However, pre-contoured patient-specific rods may more optimally restore sagittal spinal alignment. This study evaluates the radiographic outcomes of AIS patients who underwent PSF utilizing surgeon contoured vs. pre-contoured rods., Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of AIS patients who underwent PSF with either surgeon contoured or pre-contoured rods. Demographics, Lenke classification, fused levels, osteotomies, estimated blood loss (EBL), and surgical time were also obtained via chart review. Coronal curve magnitude, T5-T12 thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), PI-LL mismatch, and T1 pelvic angle (TPA) were obtained pre-operatively, postoperatively and at last follow up. Outcome measures included rate of achievement of postoperative radiographic alignment goals (TK between 20 and 40 degrees, PI-LL mismatch within 10 degrees, and TPA <14 degrees). Predicted post-operative sagittal alignment was also compared with observed measurements. Student's and paired t -tests were performed to determine significant mean differences for continuous variables, and chi-square for categorical variables., Results: No differences were found in demographics, Lenke classification, preop radiographic measurements, fused levels, osteotomies, EBL, and surgical time in the surgeon contoured cohort (n=36; average follow up 11.3 months) and pre-contoured cohort (n=22; average follow up 9.7 months). At last follow up, 95.5% of patients with pre-contoured rods vs. 61.1% of patients with surgeon contoured rods (P=0.004) met TK goal. During assessment of first standing postoperative X-ray, 72.7% of patients with pre-contoured rods vs. 33.3% of patients with surgeon contoured rods met PI-LL mismatch goal (P=0.004). Other radiographic measurements were similar. Artificial intelligence (AI) predicted and observed differences for the pre-contoured group were 3.7 for TK (P=0.005), -7.6 for PI-LL mismatch (P=0.002), and -2.6 for TPA (P=0.11)., Conclusions: AI and pre-contoured rods help achieve global sagittal balance with high accuracy and improved kyphosis restoration and PI-LL mismatch than surgeon contoured rods in AIS patients., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://jss.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/jss-24-1/coif). D.T. receives consulting fees from Orthopediatric and DepuySynthes. He also reports Committee Membership in Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America and Scoliosis Research. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Journal of Spine Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Aims: The purpose of this survey study was to examine the demographic and lifestyle factors of women currently in orthopaedic surgery., Methods: An electronic survey was conducted of practising female orthopaedic surgeons based in the USA through both the Ruth Jackson Society and the online Facebook group "Women of Orthopaedics"., Results: The majority of surveyed female orthopaedic surgeons reported being married (76.4%; 285/373) and having children (67.6%; 252/373). In all, 66.5% (247/373) were collegiate athletes; 82.0% (306/373) reported having no female orthopaedic surgeon mentors in undergraduate and medical school. Their mean height is 65.8 inches and average weight is 147.3 lbs., Conclusion: The majority of female orthopaedic surgeons did not have female mentorship during their training. Additionally, biometrically, their build is similar to that of the average American woman., Competing Interests: Each author certifies that there are no funding or commercial associations (consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article related to the author or any immediate family members., (© 2024 Gardner et al.)