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One surgical option to manage idiopathic osteoarthritis of the elbow is an ulnohumeral arthroplasty. A potential complication to avoid during this procedure is inadvertent over penetration of the anterior cortex of the humerus. If this occurs, injury to the median nerve and brachial artery are possible as these structures may lie within 7 mm of the anterior humerus. This surgical technique describes technical tips in regards to patient positioning and specific instrument usage that serve to diminish the risk of this catastrophic complication occurring by allowing these critical neurovascular structures to fall away from the anterior humerus.

Background Obtaining patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is becoming a standard component of patient care. For nonacademic practices, this can be challenging. From this perspective, we designed a nearly autonomous patient outcomes reporting system. We then conducted a prospective, cohort pilot study to assess the efficacy of the system. Methods We created an automated system to gather PROs. All operative patients for 4 surgeons in an upper-extremity private practice were asked to participate. These patients completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaires preoperatively and received follow-up e-mails requesting patients to complete additional QuickDASH questionnaires at 3, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively and to complete a 13-week postoperative satisfaction survey. Response rates and satisfaction levels are reported with descriptive statistics. Results Sixty-two percent of participants completed the 3-week assessment, 55% completed the 6-week assessment, and 43% completed the 12-week assessment. Overall, 35% of patients completed all questionnaires, and 73% completed at least 1 postoperative assessment. The collection of follow-up questionnaires required no additional time from the clinical staff, surgeon, or a research associate. Conclusions Automated e-mail assessments can collect reliable clinical data, with minimal surgeon or staff intervention required to administer and collect data, minimizing the financial cost. For nonacademic practices, without access to additional research resources, such a system is feasible. Further improvements in communication with patients could increase response rates.

Background Calls to reform the US resident selection process are growing, given increasing competition and inefficiencies of the current system. Though numerous reforms have been proposed, they have not been comprehensively cataloged. Objective This scoping review was conducted to characterize and categorize literature proposing systems-level reforms to the resident selection process. Methods Following Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, searches of Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were performed for references published from January 2005 to February 2020. Articles were included if they proposed reforms that were applicable or generalizable to all applicants, medical schools, or residency programs. An inductive approach to qualitative content analysis was used to generate codes and higher-order categories. Results Of 10 407 unique references screened, 116 met our inclusion criteria. Qualitative analysis generated 34 codes that were grouped into 14 categories according to the broad stages of resident selection: application submission, application review, interviews, and the Match. The most commonly proposed reforms were implementation of an application cap (n = 28), creation of a standardized program database (n = 21), utilization of standardized letters of evaluation (n = 20), and pre-interview screening (n = 13). Conclusions This scoping review collated and categorized proposed reforms to the resident selection process, developing a common language and framework to facilitate national conversations and change.

Trapeziometacarpal arthrodesis is a beneficial surgery for young and higher-demand patients who have trapeziometacarpal arthritis. Surgical techniques can vary, but certain aspects of the surgery are critical, including bony preparation and positioning of the thumb in space. Reported outcomes are generally favorable, although the quality of evidence is poor. There are no comparison studies assessing different arthrodesis techniques, and only a few comparing arthrodesis to the trapeziometacarpal arthroplasty procedures. Most published results are case series with retrospectively collected data.

A 59-year-old man underwent scaphoidectomy and 4-corner arthrodesis with a polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) circular plate for scapholunate advanced collapse of the wrist. Five years later, he presented with a symptomatic nonunion and radiocarpal arthritis. Total wrist arthrodesis with a dorsal plate was performed. During revision surgery, considerable synovitis was encountered. Histological evaluation revealed a foreign body response likely secondary to PEEK particles.Use of PEEK implants can result in an adverse local tissue reaction if particles are generated. This is a rare biomaterial-related complication, and surgeons should be aware of this adverse tissue response when using this or other PEEK implants.

Monteggia fractures involve proximal ulna fracture associated with a radiocapitellar joint dislocation. The Bado classification is primarily based on the direction of the radial head dislocation. The Jupiter subtype classification of Bado II fractures further characterizes the severity of proximal ulna comminution and the involvement of the coronoid fragment. This latter classification can better prognosticate the challenges of surgical reconstruction and clinical outcomes. Surgery for all adult Monteggia fractures is required to restore the anatomic alignment of the ulna, which indirectly reduces the radiocapitellar joint. The complexity of the injury is considerably increased by comminution of the proximal ulna, the degree of radial head fragmentation, the reduction of the radial head, and ulnohumeral instability. Anatomic reduction is considered critical to achieving a favorable outcome.

Hypothesis and/or background The failure rate of extensor carpi radialis brevis debridement for refractory lateral epicondylitis is reported around 15%. Our novel arthroscopic treatment is predicated on the hypothesis that lateral epicondylitis is an intra-articular problem related to a variation of the capsule-meniscal anatomy that impinges on the radiocapitellar joint. We report long-term outcomes of 35 patients treated with a novel arthroscopic resection of their capsulosynovial fringe. Methods All patients failed nonoperative treatment but had temporary improvement with an intra-articular injection. Arthroscopic treatment involved resecting the meniscus and the proximal edge of the orbicular ligament, followed by a tendon-sparing anterolateral capsulectomy. 35 patients underwent evaluation on average 9.2 years after surgery. Outcome measures included VAS, DASH, and questions on return to sports, satisfaction, and perceived benefit of surgery. Results Median pain scores improved from 8 of 10 preoperatively to 0 of 10 postoperatively. This change was clinically and statistically significant, with 1 patient still requiring pain medication. Median DASH score at final follow-up was 1. Overall, 30 patients rated their postoperative outcome as much better, 5 rated it as better, and 0 reported their symptoms to be unchanged or worsened. All 35 patients stated they were happy they underwent the procedure and perceived a benefit. Totally, 4 of 35 patients had postoperative complications (2 with ulnar nerve symptoms, 2 with persistent pain), with one requiring revision surgery for persistent pain. Discussion and/or conclusions We report promising long-term clinical and functional results of a novel arthroscopic resection of the capsulosynovial complex in lateral epicondylitis.

Background: Outcomes for routine hand procedures, such as carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, and first dorsal compartment release, are typically reported as “highly successful” with “infrequent complications” based on classic literature. No contemporary study has utilized a large prospective registry to assess patient willingness to repeat surgery. We utilized a prospective hand registry to evaluate the proportion of patients that would repeat surgery after common hand procedures. Methods: We utilized a prospective, hand surgery registry to collect postoperative patient likelihood to repeat surgery in patients undergoing surgery for 9 common hand procedures. All measures were reported at 12, 24, or 52 weeks. We analyzed the percentage of patients that would repeat the procedure for all diagnoses, as well as stratified by the most common 9 isolated diagnoses. Results: At the time of analysis, 1905 patients met our inclusion criteria. The average percentage of patients across all procedures that would repeat surgery was 81.6%. When stratified by the most common 9 diagnoses the percentage of patients that would repeat surgery ranged from 51.9% (ulnar nerve surgery at the elbow) up to 87.5% (endoscopic carpal tunnel release). Conclusions: After undergoing routine hand procedures, a significant percentage of patients would choose not to repeat surgery. Hand surgeons can do better in setting clear and realistic preoperative expectations when counseling patients prior to even routine hand surgeries.

Purpose Nonsurgical distal radius fracture treatment requires immobilization and classical teaching suggests varying cast positions. We investigated the effect of cast position on the force and pressure experienced by the articular cartilage in the scaphoid and lunate fossae. Methods Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were used. A standardized extra-articular distal radius fracture was made. Force sensors were affixed to the articular cartilage of the scaphoid and lunate fossae. Baseline data were obtained. Specimens were then placed into a short arm cast with the wrist either neutrally aligned or flexed and ulnarly deviated (FUD). Specimens had a standard load applied, and a force profile was obtained. The cast was removed and the other cast type was placed and measurements were repeated. Overall force and pressure values were compared between baseline data and the 2 cast types. Additionally, differences in volar and dorsal scaphoid and lunate fossa forces and pressures were compared pairwise within the 2 cast types. The relative force and pressure values across cast types were also compared. Results Both cast types significantly reduced the median force and pressure experienced by the radiocarpal joint compared with no cast. In the FUD cast, the volar and dorsal lunate fossa experienced significantly greater force, and the dorsal lunate fossa experienced significantly greater pressure compared with the dorsal scaphoid fossa. There were no differences for any fossae in the neutral cast. When comparing between casts, the volar lunate fossa experienced a significantly greater relative force in the FUD cast compared with the neutral cast. Conclusions Casting a distal radius fracture decreases the forces and pressures in the radiocarpal joint. Placing the wrist in a FUD position results in greater forces and pressures on the lunate fossa compared with the scaphoid fossa. Clinical relevance When immobilization is needed, we advocate for the placement of patients in a relatively neutral short-arm cast with minimal FUD to avoid this increased pressure.

INTRODUCTION: Proposals for substantive reforms to the orthopaedic resident selection process are growing, given increasing applicant competitiveness, burgeoning inefficiencies and inequities of the current system, and impending transition of Step 1 to pass/fail. The COVID-19 pandemic has further catalyzed the need for reforms, offering unprecedented opportunities to pilot novel changes. However, a comprehensive collation of all proposed and implemented orthopaedic reforms is currently lacking. Thus, we aimed to characterize proposed orthopaedic-specific resident selection reforms in the context of reforms implemented by other specialties. METHODS: EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for references proposing reforms to the orthopaedic resident selection process published from 2005 to 2020. An inductive approach to qualitative content analysis was used to categorize reforms. RESULTS: Twenty-six articles proposing 13 unique reforms to the orthopaedic resident selection process were identified. The most commonly proposed reforms included noncognitive assessments (n = 8), application caps (n = 7), standardized letters of recommendation (n = 5), program-specific supplemental applications (n = 5), creation of a centralized database of standardized program information (n = 4), use of a standardized applicant composite score (n = 4), and a moratorium on postinterview communication (n = 4). Importantly, nearly all of these reforms have also been proposed or implemented by other specialties. DISCUSSION: Numerous reforms to the orthopaedic resident selection process have been suggested over the past 15 years, several of which have been implemented on a program-specific basis, including noncognitive assessments, supplemental applications, and standardized letters of recommendation. Careful examination of applicant and program experiences and Match outcomes after these reforms is imperative to inform future directions.

The American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) released the standardized letter of recommendation (SLOR) form to provide standardized information to evaluators of orthopaedic residency applicants. The SLOR associates numerical data to an applicant's letter of recommendation. However, it remains unclear whether the new letter form effectively distinguishes among orthopaedic applicants, for whom letters are perceived to suffer from "grade inflation." In addition, it is unknown whether letters from more experienced faculty members differ in important ways from those written by less experienced faculty.(1) What proportion of SLOR recipients were rated in the top 10th percentile and top one-third of the applicant pool? (2) Did letters from program leaders (program directors and department chairs) demonstrate lower aggregate SLOR scores compared with letters written by other faculty members? (3) Did letters from away rotation program leaders demonstrate lower aggregate SLOR scores compared with letters written by faculty at the applicant's home institution?This was a retrospective, single institution study examining 559 applications from the 2018 orthopaedic match. Inclusion criteria were all applications submitted to this residency. Exclusion criteria included all letters without an associated SLOR. In all, 1852 letters were received; of these, 26% (476) were excluded, and 74% (1376) were analyzed for SLOR data. We excluded 12% (169 of 1376) of letters that did not include a final summative score. Program leaders were defined as orthopaedic chairs and program directors. Away rotation letters were defined as letters written by faculty during an applicant's away rotation. Our study questions were answered accounting for each subcategory on the SLOR (scale 1-10) and the final ranking (scale 1-5) to form an aggregated score from the SLOR form for each letter. All SLOR questions were included in the creation of these scores. Correlations between program leaders and other faculty letter writers were assessed using a chi-square test. We considered a 1-point difference on 5-point scales to be a clinically important difference and a 2-point difference on 10-point scales to be clinically important.We found that 36% (437 of 1207) of the letters we reviewed indicated the candidate was in the top 10th percentile of all applicants evaluated, and 51% (619 of 1207) of the letters we reviewed indicated the candidate was in the top one-third of all applicants evaluated. We found no clinically important difference between program leaders and other faculty members in terms of summative scores on the SLOR (1.9 ± 0.7 versus 1.7 ± 0.7, mean difference -0.2 [95% CI -0.3 to 0.1]; p0.001). We also found no clinically important difference between home program letter writers and away program letter writers in terms of the mean summative scores (1.9 ± 0.7 versus 1.7 ± 0.7, mean difference 0.2; p0.001).In light of these discoveries, programs should examine the data obtained from SLOR forms carefully. SLOR scores skew very positively, which may benefit weaker applicants and harm stronger applicants. Program leaders give summative scores that do not differ substantially from junior faculty, suggesting there is no important difference in grade inflation between these faculty types, and as such, there is no strong need to adjust scores by faculty level. Likewise, away rotation letter writers' summative scores were not substantially different from those of home institution letters writers, indicating that there is no need to adjust scores between these groups either. Based on these findings, we should interpret letters with the understanding that overall there is substantial grade inflation. However, while weight used to be given to letters written by senior faculty members and those obtained on away rotations, we should now examine them equally, rather than trying to adjust them for overly high or low scores.Level III, therapeutic study.

Purpose Upper-extremity surgeons and trainees widely use online surgical videos, and the use of these videos can assist with procedural learning. The purpose of this study was to characterize online video use and understand the role videos play in the learning process of orthopedic residents and practicing surgeons. We hypothesized that the use of surgical videos and video content desired among orthopedic learners differs based on their experience level. Methods Four focus groups were conducted to discuss online surgical videos and their role in the learning process of orthopedic learners. Participants were separated based on their experience level. Three reviewers qualitatively analyzed the transcripts of the focus groups using constant comparative methods to identify overarching themes and categories. Findings regarding the participants’ desires for video content and production quality were translated into a survey. The survey results were analyzed to assess their associations with experience level. Results The focus group analysis helped identify 4 overarching themes that reflected users’ interactions with videos: prewatching experience, choosing a video, video use, and video design, with the users’ comments differing based on their experience level. The survey results showed that the median ideal length for a video was 10 minutes and that all users, regardless of their experience level, ranked showing the surgical procedure as the most important part of a video. Junior residents more frequently desired background information and a written outline of surgical steps, whereas more senior learners placed greater emphasis on advanced surgical decision-making and the use of particular implants/devices. Conclusions Experience level influences users’ interactions with videos, including how they are chosen and used, and their expectations in terms of content and production. Clinical relevance Video creators should specify their targeted audience’s experience level and adjust content to meet users’ needs. Our results can provide video creators and hosts a checklist for appropriate content and production standards.

Background Machine learning (ML) techniques have been shown to successfully predict postoperative complications for high-volume orthopedic procedures such as hip and knee arthroplasty and to stratify patients for risk-adjusted bundled payments. The latter has not been done for more heterogeneous, lower-volume procedures such as total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with equally limited discussion around strategies to optimize the predictive ability of ML algorithms. The purpose of this study was to (1) assess which of 5 ML algorithms best predicts 30-day readmission, (2) test select ML strategies to optimize the algorithms, and (3) report on which patient variables contribute most to risk prediction in TSA across algorithms. Methods We identified 9043 patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Database who underwent primary TSA between 2011 and 2015. Predictors included demographics, comorbidities, laboratory data, and intraoperative variables. The outcome of interest was 30-day unplanned readmission. Five ML algorithms—support-vector machine (SVM), logistic regression, random forest (RF), an adaptive boosting algorithm, and neural network—were trained on the derivation cohort (2011-2014 TSA patients) to predict 30-day unplanned readmission rates. After training, weights for each respective model were fixed and the classifiers were evaluated on the 2015 TSA cohort to simulate a prospective evaluation. C-statistic and f1 scores were used to assess the performance of each classifier. After evaluation, features were removed independently to assess which features most affected classifier performance. Results The derivation and validation cohorts comprised 5857 and 3186 primary TSA patients, respectively, with similar demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day unplanned readmission rates (2.9% vs. 2.7%). Of the ML algorithms, SVM performed the worst with a c-statistic of 0.54 and an f1-score of 0.07, whereas the random-forest classifier performed the best with the highest c-statistic of 0.74 and an f1-score of 0.18. In addition, SVM was most sensitive to loss of single features, whereas the performance of RF did not dramatically decrease after loss of single features. Within the trained RF classifier, 5 variables achieved weights >0.5 in descending order: high bilirubin (>1.9 mg/dL), age >65, race, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and American Society of Anesthesiologists' scores ≥3. In our validation cohort, we observed a 2.7% readmission rate. From this cohort, using the RF classifier we were then able to identify 436 high-risk patients with a predicted risk score >0.6, of whom 36 were readmitted (readmission rate of 8.2%). Conclusion Predictive analytics algorithms can achieve acceptable prediction of unplanned readmission for TSA with the RF classifier outperforming other common algorithms.

Introduction Proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are a common upper extremity fracture in the elderly cohort. An aging and more comorbid cohort, along with recent trends of increased operative intervention, suggests that there could be an increase in resource utilization caring for these patients. We sought to quantify these trends and quantify the impact that comorbidity burden has on resource utilization. Methods Data on 83,975 patients with PHFs were included from the Premier Healthcare Claims database (2006 to 2016) and stratified by Deyo-Charlson index. Multivariable models assessed associations between Deyo-Charlson comorbidities and resource utilization (length and cost of hospitalization, and opioid utilization in oral morphine equivalents [OME]) for five treatment modalities: (1) open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), (2) closed reduction internal fixation (CRIF), (3) hemiarthroplasty, (4) reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, and (5) nonsurgical treatment (NST). We report a percentage change in resource utilization associated with an increasing comorbidity burden. Results Overall distribution of treatment modalities was (proportion in percent/median length of stay/cost/opioid utilization): ORIF (19.1%/2 days/$11,183/210 OME), CRIF (1.1%/4 days/$11,139/220 OME), hemiarthroplasty (10.7%/3 days/$17,255/275 OME), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (6.4%/3 days/$21,486/230 OME), and NST (62.7%/0 days/$1,269/30 OME). Patients with an increased comorbidity burden showed a pattern of (1) more pronounced relative increases in length of stay among those treated operatively (65.0% for patients with a Deyo-Charlson index >2), whereas (2) increases in cost of hospitalization (60.1%) and opioid utilization (37.0%) were more pronounced in the NST group. Discussion In patients with PHFs, increased comorbidity burden coincides with substantial increases in resource utilization in patients receiving surgical and NSTs. Combined with known increases in operative intervention, trends in increased comorbidity burden may have profound effects on the cohort level and resource utilization for those with PHFs, especially because the use of bundled payment strategies for fractures increases. Level of evidence Level III.

Purpose Randomized controlled trials have not identified a superior surgical approach to cubital tunnel syndrome surgery. This study evaluates the early morbidity of open in situ decompression and transposition. Methods This prospective cohort study enrolled 125 adult patients indicated for cubital tunnel surgery at a tertiary institution. Exclusion criteria included preoperative use of narcotics and concurrent elbow procedures. In situ decompressions (n = 47) and ulnar nerve transpositions (n = 78) were performed. Data were collected by independent clinicians at 3 postoperative intervals: 1 to 3 weeks, 4 to 8 weeks, and longer than 8 weeks. Postoperative data quantified surgical morbidity: visual analog scale (0–10) surgical site pain, narcotic consumption, patient-reported disability (Levine-Katz, Patient-Reported Elbow Evaluation [PREE] scores). Olecranon paresthesia and wound complications (hematoma, drainage, infection) were recorded. Results No preoperative differences in age, sex, or the presence of pain existed between the surgical groups. Surgical site pain was not significantly different at any time. Following transposition, a significantly greater percentage of patients were using narcotics at 4 to 8 weeks after surgery and the average total morphine equivalents consumed per patient was significantly greater. Both Levine-Katz and PREE scores indicated greater disability at 1 to 3 and 4 to 8 weeks after transposition, but this significant difference resolved by final follow-up. Olecranon paresthesias occurred after both procedures but were significantly less frequent at 4 to 8 weeks and longer than 8 weeks after decompression. Twelve hematomas occurred following transposition (15%) with 1 requiring operative debridement and 5 hematomas resolved with nonsurgical treatment after in situ decompression (11%). Conclusions Ulnar nerve transposition imparts greater surgical morbidity than decompression with greater narcotic consumption, more patient-reported disability up to 8 weeks after surgery, and more persistent olecranon paresthesia. However, most differences in surgical morbidity are transient with resolution after 8 weeks following surgery. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic II.

Wikipedia is a popular online encyclopedia generating over 5.4 billion visits per month, and it is also a common resource for the general public and professionals for medical information. The goal of this study is to determine the accuracy and completeness of Wikipedia as a resource for musculoskeletal anatomy. The origin, insertion, innervation, and function of all muscles of the upper and lower extremities as detailed on Wikipedia was compared to the available corresponding information in Grant’s Atlas of Anatomy (14th edition). Entries were scored for both accuracy and completeness. Descriptive statistics were calculated and associations between and within entries for accuracy and completeness were assessed by McNemar’s tests. Information on Wikipedia’s references was also collected. Overall, data on Wikipedia was 97.6% complete and 98.8% accurate when compared to Grant’s Atlas of Anatomy. 78.6% of all entries were fully complete and accurate, with 15.3% of entries containing one error and 6.1% containing two errors. There were no associations between or within entries’ accuracy and completeness. Only 62% of references from Wikipedia included were from academic sources. Musculoskeletal anatomy entries on Wikipedia are imperfect; they have inaccurate and missing information. Furthermore, a considerable proportion of references cited in entries are from poorly identified sources. While Wikipedia is an easily accessible resource for a large number of people and much of the anatomic information is appropriate, it cannot be considered to be an equivalent resource when compared to anatomic texts.

Open rotator cuff repair complications are relatively rare; however, the surgery still presents unique intraoperative and postoperative complication risks. Intraoperatively, surgeons need to be aware of axillary nerve injuries, excessive tendon resection, and damage to the acromion. Postoperatively, the biggest complication is stiffness. Other complications to be aware of include rotator cuff retears and failure to heal, anterosuperior escape, deltoid detachment and dehiscence, and infection and wound dehiscence.

Purpose To evaluate the preliminary clinical outcomes and complications of superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) for irreparable rotator cuff tears. Methods A systematic review of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies reporting clinical outcomes of irreparable rotator cuff tears managed by SCR were included. Clinical outcome analyses of pre- and postoperative range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, visual analog scale pain scores, and acromiohumeral intervals (AHIs) were performed and reported as range or frequency. Results Five studies (285 patients, 291 shoulders) of level III-IV evidence were included, with a weighted mean (± standard deviation) follow-up of 27.7 ± 17.3 months. Forward flexion improved from 91°-130° preoperatively to 147°-160° postoperatively, external rotation from 26°-41° to 41°-45°, and internal rotation from L4-L1 to L1. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores increased from 36-52.2 to 77.5-92, and visual analog scale pain scores decreased from 4.0-6.3 to 0.4-1.7. Radiographically, AHIs with acellular dermal allograft ranged from 4.5 to 7.1 mm preoperatively, improving to 7.6-10.8 mm immediately postoperation before decreasing to 6.7-9.7 mm by final follow-up. Complication and graft failure rates were 17.2% and 11.7%, respectively. Conclusions Preliminary results of SCR show consistent improvement in shoulder functionality and pain reduction. However, a decrease in postoperative AHIs indicates dermal allograft elongation and persistent superior migration of the humerus, potentially contributing to later graft failure. Studies with longer follow-up will be essential to evaluate the long-term utility of SCR in the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of level III-IV studies.

Background Observational studies have reported an association between type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis (OA) development and progression. However no systematic review of the literature exists assessing whether this association is consistently true. We aimed to systematically review the association between type 2 diabetes and the presence, development, and progression of OA. Methods We searched MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, the Web of Science, and Grey Literature (through August 2014) for prospective cohort, cross-sectional, and case–control studies with confidence intervals (CI) that reported an association between type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and the development or presence of OA of any joint. Results Ten studies and fourteen ratios were included in the analysis. The pooled population size in our meta-regression was 16,742 patients. Type 2 diabetes was significantly associated with the development or presence of OA (OR; 1·21, 95% CI: 1·02–1·41). In the subset of 7 studies that did control for weight or BMI there was an increased odds of OA associated with type 2 diabetes was (OR: 1·25, 95% CI: 1·05–1·46) from a smaller pool of patients (n=7156). Conclusions Type 2 diabetes is associated with the development and presence of radiographic and symptomatic OA even when controlling for body mass index and weight.

Background Up to 55% of total joint arthroplasty costs come from post–acute care, with large variability dependent on a patient’s discharge location. At our institution, we identified a group of surgeons using a preoperative discharge planning protocol emphasizing the merits of home discharge. We hypothesized that using the protocol would increase patients’ odds for discharge home. Methods Administrative data from 14,315 total hip and knee arthroplasties performed over a 3-year period were retrospectively analyzed to determine predictors of patient discharge location. Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression modeling was used to account for the complex multilevel structure within the data as we considered patient-, surgeon-, and hospital-level predictors. A simplified case-control data structure with logistic regression analysis was also used to better understand the impact of the preoperative discharge planning protocol. Results A variety of patient- and surgeon-level variables are predictive of patients being discharged home after total joint arthroplasty including a patient’s length of stay, age, illness severity, and insurance, as well as surgeon's affiliation. In the case-control data, patients exposed to the rapid recovery protocol had 45% increased odds of being discharged home compared to patients not exposed to the protocol. Conclusions Although patient factors are known to play a role in predicting postdischarge destination, this analysis describes additional surgeon- and hospital-level factors that predict discharge location. Exogenous factors based on how surgeons and hospital staff practice and interact with patients may impact the postdischarge decision-making process and provide a cost savings opportunity.

Purpose Pathology involving the long head of the biceps tendon is a common source of shoulder pain. Biceps tenodesis has been successfully used in areas below the pectoralis, above the pectoralis, and above the biceps groove. However, clinical data are lacking for additional techniques for tenodesis at the superior aspect of the biceps groove. Methods A biomechanical comparison was completed examining six matched pairs of cadaveric shoulders. The ultimate load to failure was compared between an inlay and onlay biceps tenodesis at the superior aspect of the biceps groove. Results The results demonstrate an average construct strength of 215 N for the inlay technique and 210 N for the onlay technique. The difference between the two techniques was not significant. Conclusions This study demonstrates similar biomechanical strength for both constructs.

Background Musculoskeletal injuries of the upper extremity are frequently treated with temporary external immobilization. Traditionally, long arm posterior splints have been used to limit flexion/extension of the elbow. However, long arm posterior splints have been observed to fail clinically, necessitating a stronger alternative. In this study, we assessed the biomechanical strength of the long arm posterior splint compared with a new spiral splint design. Methods One male and one female participant were placed 10 times in long arm posterior splints and 10 times in spiral splints. Both splint types were subjected to a downward mechanical load of 39.2 N (4 kg) and assessed for a change in both flexion/extension and pronation/supination. Results There was no significant difference in starting position or starting flexion/extension between the 2 splint designs. Posterior splints allowed significantly greater initial pronation/supination compared with spiral splints. Both splint groups had significant increases in flexion/extension and pronation/supination compared with their starting ranges of motion. There was no significant difference in the change in pronation/supination between the 2 splint groups. Finally, posterior splints allowed a significantly greater change in flexion/extension compared with spiral splints. Conclusion Spiral splints offered less initial pronation/supination than long arm posterior splints. Furthermore, spiral splints are able to resist flexion/extension of the elbow after application of a downward mechanical load better than posterior splints, thus suggesting spiral splints are mechanically superior to long arm posterior splints.

Purpose Prescription opioid abuse is an epidemic in the United States; multimodal analgesia has been suggested as a potential solution to decrease postoperative opioid use. The primary aim of this study was to determine the effect of perioperative celecoxib on opioid intake. Secondary goals were to determine whether perioperative administration of celecoxib decreased postoperative patient-reported pain and whether patient demographic characteristics could predict postoperative pain and opioid intake. Methods This prospective cohort study enrolled patients undergoing mass excision or carpal tunnel, trigger finger, or de Quervain release by 1 of 3 fellowship-trained hand surgeons. Patients in the experimental group were given 200 mg celecoxib tablets taken twice a day starting the day before surgery and continued for 5 days after surgery. Both groups received hydrocodone–acetaminophen tablets 5 mg/325 mg as needed after surgery. After surgery, patients completed daily opioid consumption and pain logs for 7 days and underwent a pill count. Outcomes included morphine milligram equivalents (MME) consumed and postoperative pain. Results A total of 123 patients were enrolled: 68 control patients and 54 celecoxib patients. Fifty (74%) and 37 (69%) patients, respectively, completed the study. Overall, the median number of MMEs consumed was 25 (range, 0–330). During the first postoperative week, patients in the celecoxib and control groups were similar with respect to postoperative pain experienced (median visual analog scale score, 2.0 vs 1.4, respectively) and amount of opioid taken (median MMEs = 30 vs 20, respectively). Conclusions Patients taking perioperative celecoxib had similar postoperative pain and opioid intake compared with patients not prescribed celecoxib in the study. Regardless of study group, 4 to 10 hydrocodone tablets were sufficient to control postoperative pain for most patients undergoing soft tissue ambulatory hand surgery. This may be the result of the limited duration and mild nature of pain after outpatient elective hand surgery. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic II.

Background Despite increasing rates of revision total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), there is a paucity of literature on optimizing perioperative outcomes. The purposes of this study were to identify risk factors for unplanned readmission and perioperative complications following RTSA, risk-stratify patients based on these risk factors, and assess timing of complications. Methods Bivariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors were assessed on RTSA patients from the ACS-NSQIP database from 2011 to 2015. Patients were risk-stratified and timing of severe adverse events and cause of readmission were evaluated. Results Of 809 RTSA patients, 61 suffered a perioperative complication or readmission within 30 days of discharge. Multivariate analysis identified operative time, BMI > 40, infection etiology, high white blood cell count, and low hematocrit as significant independent risk factors for 30-day complications or readmission after RTSA (p ≤ 0.05). Having at least one significant risk factor was associated with 2.71 times risk of complication or readmission within 15 days compared to having no risk factors (p Discussion Patients at high risk of complications and readmission after RTSA should be identified and optimized preoperatively to improve outcomes and lower costs.

To assess the effect of a structured postgraduate year 1 educational curriculum, including online surgical training, on American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) scores.This was a retrospective cohort study.The study was performed in an academic surgical residency program in a tertiary care hospital, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio.The participants were 140 surgical postgraduate year 1 residents from 2000 to 2009. Interns from 2000 to 2004 were grouped together and completed a self-directed learning curriculum. Interns from 2005 to 2009 participated in a structured educational curriculum that included lectures and the use of an online program. Lectures were based on the American College of Surgeons curriculum. The online program consisted of 8 to 12 hours of assigned tutorials and quizzes that corresponded to the lectures and 3 multiple-choice (MC) examinations.Use of a structured educational curriculum led to improved ABSITE scores (66 ± 9%) compared with that of those who had no curriculum (55 ± 10%, p0.001). Several variables positively correlated with the ABSITE score: United States Medical Licensing Examination step 1 score (p0.001), monthly quiz scores (p = 0.003), average MC examination scores (p = 0.005), lecture attendance (p = 0.02), and time spent online (p = 0.04). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the step 1 United States Medical Licensing Examination score, time spent online, and MC examination score are predictive of total the ABSITE score. When ABSITE subscores (basic science and clinical science) were compared, the online curriculum had a greater effect on basic science subscores, whereas lectures had a greater effect on clinical science subscores.Providing surgery residents a structured curriculum with lectures and an online component positively impacts ABSITE scores.

Background The outcomes literature on proximal phalanx fractures in children is sparse. The purpose of this study is to report the complications and outcomes of displaced proximal phalanx fractures after treatment with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP). Methods A retrospective chart review identified 105 patients treated with CRPP of displaced proximal phalanx fractures. Specific complications were recorded for all patients. Thirty-one of these patients returned >1 year after surgery for assessment including visual analogue scales (VAS) of pain level, functional ability, and esthetics. Objective measurements included range of motion, grip and pinch strength, and finger deformity. Radiographs were taken to assess deformity. Results Five of the 105 patients (4.8%) had a complication including infection, pin site complication, or malunion. Of the entire group, 36 had stiffness and 31 ultimately underwent hand therapy to regain motion. Subcondylar fractures were associated with a greater likelihood of stiffness. In the 31 patients returning for assessment, the median VAS score was 0 for pain (none), function (full), and esthetics (perfect). Range of motion, grip, and pinch strength were equivalent to the contralateral side. Seven of the 31 patients (22.6%) had a measureable coronal plane deviation averaging 5 degrees (range, 3 to 13 degrees) on radiographs. Deviation was associated with subcondylar fractures and a worse esthetic VAS. Deviation was not associated with worse outcomes overall. Conclusions Pediatric patients with a displaced proximal phalanx fracture treated with CRPP have an initial notable complication rate related to stiffness; subcondylar proximal phalanx fractures are more commonly affected. At >1-year follow-up, patients had full motion, no pain, and were happy with both function and appearance despite minor deformity in some. These complication data may help better inform patients and families before surgical intervention. Level of evidence Level IV-therapeutic.

Objective Despite rapid EHR adoption, few faculty receive training in how to implement patient-centered communication skills while using computers in exam rooms. We piloted a patient-centered EHR use training to address this issue. Methods Faculty received four hours of training at Cleveland Clinic and a condensed 90-minute version at the University of Chicago. Both included a lecture and a Group-Objective Structured Clinical Exam (GOSCE) experience. Direct observations of 10 faculty in their clinical practices were performed pre- and post-workshop. Results Thirty participants (94%) completed a post-workshop evaluation assessing knowledge, attitude, and skills. Faculty reported that training was important, relevant, and should be required for all providers; no differences were found between longer versus shorter training. Participants in the longer training reported higher GOSCE efficacy, however shorter workshop participants agreed more with the statement that they had gained new knowledge. Faculty improved their patient-centered EHR use skills in clinical practice on post- versus pre-workshop ratings using a validated direct-observation rating tool. Conclusion A brief lecture and GOSCE can be effective in training busy faculty on patient-centered EHR use skills. Practice Implications Faculty training on patient-centered EHR skills can enhance patient-doctor communication and promotes positive role modeling of these skills to learners.

Background: In clinical research, minimizing patients lost to follow-up is essential for data validity. Researchers can employ better methodology to prevent patient loss. We examined how orthopedic surgery patients’ contact information changes over time to optimize data collection for long-term outcomes research. Methods: Patients presenting to orthopedic outpatient clinics completed questionnaires regarding methods of contact: home phone, cell phone, mailing address, and e-mail address. They reported currently available methods of contact, if they changed in the past 5 and 10 years, and when they changed. Differences in the rates of change among methods were assessed via Fisher’s exact tests. Whether participants changed any of their contact information in the past 5 and 10 years was determined via multivariate modeling, controlling for demographic variables. Results: Among 152 patients, 51% changed at least one form of contact information within 5 years, and 66% changed at least one form within 10 years. The rate of change for each contact method was similar over 5 (15%–28%) and 10 years (26%–41%). One patient changed all four methods of contact within the past 5 years and seven within the past 10 years. Females and younger patients were more likely to change some type of contact information. Conclusion: The type of contact information least likely to change over 5–10 years is influenced by demographic factors such as sex and age, with females and younger participants more likely to change some aspect of their contact information. Collecting all contact methods appears necessary to minimize patients lost to follow-up, especially as technological norms evolve.

Background The national pass rate for the American Board of Surgery Certifying Examination has decreased in the past 5 years. An individual's ability to pass might be as dependent on his or her handling of the psychology of the examination—the "examanship" —because it is about clinical knowledge and judgment. To assess this, we implemented the Advanced Certifying Examination Simulation (ACES) program. The ACES was created as a novel method to simulate the stress of the Certifying Examination and focuses on the examanship of the test. Study Design We compared the outcomes of the ACES program with its predecessor, a conventional mock oral program, as measured by residents' first-time pass rates on the Certifying Examination. First-time Certifying Examination pass rates of 26 residents who went through the ACES program were compared with 30 residents who completed the conventional mock oral program. Results There was a significant increase in passage rates for residents taking part in the ACES program (100%) compared with residents taking part in the conventional mock oral group (83.3%). The groups were equivalent based on previously determined predictive factors of Certifying Examination success, such as in-training and licensing examination scores. Conclusions The ACES program provides feedback on the qualities of examanship: controlling anxiety, expressing a positive attitude, and maintaining a strong and confident voice. By providing a structured, simulated venue where residents can safely gain experience, we believe that ACES might lead to increased first-time passage rates on the American Board of Surgery Certifying Examination.

Purpose To quantify diabetic patients' change in blood glucose levels after corticosteroid injection for common hand diseases and to assess which patient-level risk factors may predict an increase in blood glucose levels. Methods Patients were recruited for this case-crossover study in the clinic of fellowship-trained hand surgeons at a tertiary care center. Patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2, who received a corticosteroid injection, recorded the morning fasting blood glucose levels for 14 days after the injection. Fasting glucose levels on days 1 to 7 after injection qualified as case data; levels on days 10 to 14 provided control data. A mixed model with a priori contrasts was used to compare postinjection blood glucose levels with baseline levels. We used a linear regression model to determine patient predictors of a postinjection rise in blood glucose levels. Results Of 67 patients recruited for the study returned, 40 (60%) completed blood glucose logs. There was a significant increase in fasting blood glucose levels after injection limited to postinjection days 1 and 2. Among patient risk factors in the linear regression model, type 1 diabetes and use of insulin each predicted a postinjection increase in blood glucose levels from baseline, whereas higher glycated hemoglobin levels did not predict increases. Conclusions Corticosteroid injections in the hand transiently increase blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. Patients with type 1 diabetes and insulin-dependent diabetics are more likely to experience this transient rise in blood glucose levels. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.

Background: To interpret patient-rated outcome measures, clinicians rely on the minimal clinically important difference. The authors studied the range of minimal clinically important difference scores for the overall Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score its and subscales in a population with various diagnoses and treatments. Methods: Patients with a single, unilateral, atraumatic hand/forearm diagnosis completed the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire before treatment and at 4 ± 1 weeks and 12 ± 2 weeks after treatment. Three methods were used to calculate the minimal clinically important difference: two anchor question methods based on satisfaction (mean change and receiver operating characteristic) and a statistical distribution method. Results: One hundred eighty-six patients were enrolled, with a baseline median overall questionnaire score of 60.7. Using the mean change method, a minimal clinically important difference of 13 was calculated for the overall questionnaire score. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve (0.8 effect size), the minimal clinically important difference was 9, with an area under the curve of 0.92. When receiver operating characteristic analysis was based on dichotomization of reported satisfaction, the minimal clinically important difference was 12, with an area under the curve of 0.85. Calculating the difference by statistical distribution gave a value of 8. For the subscales, by all methods, triangulated minimal clinically important difference estimates ranged from 10.9 to 14.4. Conclusions: The minimal clinically important difference for the overall Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score in atraumatic hand/forearm conditions falls between 8 and 13. Multiple analytic methods produce nonidentical but similar minimal clinically important differences. The authors recommend using difference estimates in these ranges when planning a clinical trial to investigate hand/forearm function across a range of diagnoses and treatments.

Orthopedic surgery lacks racial and sexual diversity, which we hypothesized stems from absence of exposure to orthopedics during medical school. We conducted a study to determine whether diversity of matched orthopedic surgery residency applicants increased after introduction of a required third-year rotation. We compared 2 groups: precurriculum and postcurriculum. The postcurriculum group was exposed to a required 1-month musculoskeletal rotation during the third year of medical school. Comparisons were made of percentage of total students exposed to orthopedics, percentage who applied to and matched to orthopedic surgery, and proportion of women and underrepresented minorities. A prospective survey was used to determine when students chose orthopedics and what influenced their decisions. The required rotation increased the percentage of third-year students rotating on orthopedics (25%) with no change in application rate (6%). It also led to an 81% relative increase in the proportion of female applicants and a 101% relative increase in underrepresented minority applicants. According to survey data, 79% of students chose orthopedics during their third year, and 88% thought they were influenced by their rotation. A required third-year rotation exposes more medical students to orthopedics and increases the diversity of matching students.

Background: Prior studies have suggested that patient-rated hand function is impacted by depression and pain catastrophization. We studied the impact that these comorbidities have on treatment outcomes. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-six patients presenting to an orthopaedic hand clinic were followed in this prospective cohort investigation. Patients who were prescribed treatment for atraumatic hand/wrist conditions were eligible for inclusion. At enrollment, all patients completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ; scale of 0 to 100, with 100 indicating the best hand performance). One month and three months after treatment, patients again completed the MHQ. Participants’ psychological comorbidity status was categorized as either affected (a CES-D score of ≥16, indicating depression, or a PCS score of ≥30, indicating catastrophization) or unaffected (a CES-D score of

Purpose To compare the rates of postoperative complications in obese and nonobese patients following elbow, forearm, and hand surgeries. Methods This case-control study examined 436 patients whose body mass index (BMI) was over 35 and who underwent hand, wrist, forearm, or elbow surgery between 2009 and 2013. Controls were patients (n = 433) with a BMI less than 30 who had similar surgeries over the same period, and who were frequency-matched by type of surgery (ie, bony, soft tissue, or nerve), age, and sex. Postoperative complications were defined as infection requiring antibiotic or reoperation, delayed incision healing, nerve dysfunction, wound dehiscence, hematoma, and other reoperation. Medical comorbidities (eg, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, vascular disease, kidney disease, and liver disease) were recorded. Chi-square analyses were performed to explore the association between obesity and postoperative complications. Similar analyses were performed stratified by surgery type and BMI classification. Logisticregression modeling was performed to identify predictors of postoperative complications accounting for surgery type, BMI, the presence of comorbidities, patient age, and patient sex. This same model was also run separately for case and control patients. Results The overall complication rate was 8.7% with similar rates between obese and nonobese patients (8.5% vs 9.0%). Bony procedures resulted in the greatest risk of complication in both groups (15% each group). Multivariate analysis confirmed surgery type as the only significant predictor of complications for nonobese patients. However, among obese patients, both bony surgery and increasing BMI were associated with greater complication rates. Conclusions Not all obese patients appear to be at any higher risk for complications after elbow, forearm, and hand surgery compared with nonobese patients. However, there appears to be a dose-dependent effect of BMI among obese patients such that increasing obesity heightens the risk of complications, especially for those with a BMI greater than 45. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic II.