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van Doorn et al. (2021) outlined various questions that arise when conducting Bayesian model comparison for mixed effects models. Seven response articles offered their own perspective on the preferred setup for mixed model comparison, on the most appropriate specification of prior distributions, and on the desirability of default recommendations. This article presents a round-table discussion that aims to clarify outstanding issues, explore common ground, and outline practical considerations for any researcher wishing to conduct a Bayesian mixed effects model comparison.

This study sought to investigate the influence of a preexisting overweight condition (body mass index [BMI], 25–29.9 kg/m 2 ) on functional outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. A retrospective review was performed examining the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in a normal-weight (BMI, 18.5–24.9 kg/m 2 ) and an overweight (BMI, 25–29.9 kg/m 2 ) population. Functional outcomes were assessed to include the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, and the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, as well as range of motion in forward flexion, external rotation, and internal rotation. A total of 52 normal-weight patients (mean BMI, 23.7±2.1 kg/m 2 ) and 57 overweight patients (mean BMI, 28.4±1.4 kg/m 2 ) were included. Both groups demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvements in VAS score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, and ASES score at final follow-up ( P P >.05). Overall, when comparing outcomes between the groups, there were significantly better outcomes in the normal-weight group's VAS scores (mean, 0.56±0.96 vs 1.3±1.7; P =.0064), ASES scores (mean, 96.1±5.8 vs 92.4±9.7; P =.0187), and internal rotation (mean thoracic vertebrae, 9.2±3.0 vs 10.4±2.6; P =.0289). However, these differences did not reach clinical significance regarding the threshold of patients meeting standard minimal clinically important difference, substantial clinical benefit, and patient-acceptable symptomatic state for rotator cuff repairs. Over-weight patients have improved outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery with noninferior clinical results when compared with normal-weight patients. More data regarding outcomes of overweight patients will help physicians make better-informed decisions when considering rotator cuff repair. [ Orthopedics . 202x;4x(x):xx–xx.]

Much recent research and theorizing in the field of reasoning has been concerned with intuitive sensitivity to logical validity, such as the logic-brightness effect, in which logically valid arguments are judged to have a "brighter" typeface than invalid arguments. We propose and test a novel signal competition account of this phenomenon. Our account makes two assumptions: (a) as per the demands of the logic-brightness task, people attempt to find a perceptual signal to guide brightness judgments, but (b) when the perceptual signal is hard to discern, they instead attend to cues such as argument validity. Experiment 1 tested this account by manipulating the difficulty of the perceptual contrast. When contrast discrimination was relatively difficult, we replicated the logic-brightness effect. When the discrimination was easy, the effect was eliminated. Experiment 2 manipulated the ambiguity of the perceptual task, comparing discrimination performance when the perceptual contrast was labeled in terms of rating "brightness" or "darkness". When the less ambiguous darkness labeling was used, there was no evidence of a logic-brightness effect. In both experiments, individual sensitivity to the perceptual discrimination was negatively correlated with sensitivity to argument validity. Hierarchical latent mixture modeling revealed distinct individual strategies: responses based on perceptual cues, responses based on validity or guessing. Consistent with the signal competition account, the proportion of those responding to validity increased with perceptual discrimination difficulty or task ambiguity. The results challenge explanations of the logic-brightness effect based on parallel dual-process models of reasoning. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Avascular necrosis is a complicated, multifactorial disease with potentially devastating consequences. Although the underlying root cause is a lack of appropriate vascular perfusion to affected bone, there are often varying patient-specific, anatomic-specific, and injury-specific predispositions. These factors generally fall into 3 categories: direct vascular disruption, intravascular obliteration, or extravascular compression. The initial stages of disease can be insidiously symptomatic because edematous bone marrow progresses to subchondral collapse and subsequent degenerative arthritis. Although much of the current literature focuses on the femoral head, other common areas of occurrence include the proximal humerus, knee, and the carpus. The low-incidence rate of carpal avascular necrosis poses a challenge in establishing adequately powered, control-based validated treatment options, and therefore, optimal surgical management remains a continued debate among hand surgeons. Appreciation for expectant fracture healing physiology may help guide future investigation into carpal-specific causes of avascular necrosis.

To evaluate patient-reported outcomes, return to sport, and adverse events after SLAP repair versus biceps tenodesis (BT) in a young patient population undergoing treatment of SLAP tears.We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Web of Science databases for comparative studies discussing outcomes after SLAP repair and BT in patients younger than 40 years with at least 1 year of follow-up.Four studies were included, comprising a total of 274 patients who underwent treatment of SLAP tears with SLAP repair (169 patients) or BT (105 patients). Most patients were male patients (79.8%) and athletes (74.5%). Preoperative and postoperative pain visual analog scale scores decreased similarly in both groups (range, 6.6-6.7 preoperatively to 0.8-2.6 postoperatively in SLAP repair group vs 5.6-7.3 preoperatively to 0.7-1.9 postoperatively in BT group). Similar and substantial American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment score increases were observed after both procedures (range, 40.6-45.8 preoperatively to 75.4-92.0 postoperatively in SLAP repair vs 41.9-55.0 preoperatively to 85.7-91.2 postoperatively in BT group). Patient satisfaction rates were similar but showed slightly higher ranges after BT (8.5-8.8 vs 8.0-8.2). Rates of return to sport were higher after BT (63%-85% vs 50%-76%), with higher odds of returning to sport after BT reported by all studies. Surgical complications were rare after SLAP repair and BT. Rates of reoperation were substantially higher after SLAP repair (3%-15% vs 0%-6%), with 3 of 4 studies reporting no reoperations after BT. BT comprised 78% to 100% of reoperation procedures after SLAP repair.Postoperative pain, function, and patient satisfaction were similar after SLAP repair and BT in patients younger than 40 years. There are higher rates of reoperation and lower rates of return to sport after SLAP repair than after BT.Level III, systematic review of Level III studies.

Background: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is an effective procedure through which to decrease pain and increase strength, with favorable long-term outcomes demonstrated in older patient populations with full-thickness rotator cuff tears. The long-term outcomes after this procedure in younger, higher-demand patients, however, is not as clearly defined. Purpose: To report on the long-term outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of traumatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears in active duty military patients under the age of 40 years at the time of surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Preoperative, midterm, and final evaluations were collected, including scores on the visual analog scale for pain, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder form. A total of 42 patients were screened for inclusion: 3 underwent additional surgical procedures on the operative shoulder and 2 were lost to follow-up, leaving 37 patients with mean follow-up of 104.51 months available for analysis. A subgroup analysis was performed comparing outcomes between patients with Southern California Orthopaedic Institute grade 1 or 2 tears and those with grade 3 or 4 tears. Results: At final follow-up, pain per the visual analog scale decreased to 1.16 from 8.03 ( P < .0001); the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score increased to 87.32 from 48.24 ( P < .0001); and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score increased to 88.68 from 41.00 ( P < .0001). There was no statistically significant difference in outcome scores or range of motion between midterm and final follow-up. Improvement in outcome scores and range of motion at final follow-up did not vary between patients with small and large tears. Of 42 patients, 37 (88.1%) were able to return to full unrestricted active duty and sporting activity, while 5 (11.9%) were medically separated from the military. Conclusion: Active duty military patients under the age of 40 years with traumatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears had statistically and clinically significant increases in outcome scores and decreases in pain after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at long-term follow-up.

Bone morphogenic protein-2 has demonstrated promise as an adjunct to surgically treating fractures. Its reported use in the upper extremity is limited. This study reports union rates, outcomes, and complications of scaphoid fractures treated with adjunctive bone morphogenic protein-2 to further characterize bone morphogenic protein-2 use in the hand and wrist.Retrospective review of scaphoid fractures treated surgically in one region of the Military Health System from 2009 to 2019 was conducted to identify cases using bone morphogenic protein-2. Fracture healing was determined by computed tomography. Primary outcomes were union rate, time to union, and complications. Secondary outcomes included union rates for prior nonunions, union rates at 4 and 6 weeks, and functional outcomes.Fourteen patients met inclusion criteria. Nonunions accounted for 50 percent of included fractures. The total union rate was 93 percent. Mean time to union was 6.2 weeks. All acute fractures healed with a mean time to union of 4.8 weeks. Nonunions had a union rate of 86 percent, with a mean time to union of 7.7 weeks. Four patients (29 percent) developed radiographic heterotopic ossification; however, no significant decrease in motion was appreciated. Thirteen patients (93 percent) resumed the push-ups portion of the military fitness test. No major complications were identified during follow-up.Adjunctive use of bone morphogenic protein-2 in operative fixation of scaphoid fractures resulted in desirable union rates without major complications. Larger, prospective studies are needed to assess whether adjunctive bone morphogenic protein-2 use in scaphoid fractures provides significant benefit compared with other treatments.Therapeutic, IV.

Transitioning shoulder arthroplasty (SA) from an inpatient to outpatient procedure is associated with increased patient satisfaction and potentially decreased costs; however, concerns exist about complications following same-day discharge. We hypothesized that outpatient SA would be associated with low rates of failed discharges, readmissions, and complications, rendering it a safe and effective option for SA.A systematic review of the outpatient SA literature identified 16 of 447 studies with level III and IV evidence that met the inclusion criteria with at least 90 days of follow-up. Data on patient demographic characteristics, preoperative and postoperative protocols, surgery characteristics, failed discharges, complications, and readmissions were collected and pooled for analysis.A total of 990 patients were included in our analysis. Many studies identified specific institutional protocols for determining eligibility for outpatient SA, including preoperative clearance from an anesthesiologist; identification of a perioperative caretaker; and exclusion of patients based on cardiac, pulmonary, or hematologic risk factors. Failed same-day discharge occurred in only 0.9% of patients (7 of 788), and 2.1% of patients (9 of 418) and 0.79% of patients (2 of 252) presented to an emergency department or urgent care facility for a perioperative concern. The readmission rate for periprosthetic fracture, arthrofibrosis, infection, subscapularis rupture, and anterior subluxation was 1.3% (7 of 529 patients). Complications occurred in 7.0% of patients (70 of 990), with 5.4% of patients (53 of 990) experiencing a surgical complication and 1.7% (17 of 990) having a medical complication. There were 28 total reoperations (2.9%, 28 of 955 patients).Outpatient SA is associated with low rates of failed discharges, readmissions, and complications. Additionally, the medical and surgical complications that occur after outpatient SA are unlikely to be prevented by the short inpatient stay characteristic of traditional SA. With careful screening measures to identify appropriate candidates for same-day discharge, outpatient SA represents a safe approach to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and to decrease costs associated with SA.

Statistical modeling is generally meant to describe patterns in data in service of the broader scientific goal of developing theories to explain those patterns. Statistical models support meaningful inferences when models are built so as to align parameters of the model with potential causal mechanisms and how they manifest in data. When statistical models are instead based on assumptions chosen by default, attempts to draw inferences can be uninformative or even paradoxical—in essence, the tail is trying to wag the dog. These issues are illustrated by van Doorn et al. (this issue) in the context of using Bayes Factors to identify effects and interactions in linear mixed models. We show that the problems identified in their applications (along with other problems identified here) can be circumvented by using priors over inherently meaningful units instead of default priors on standardized scales. This case study illustrates how researchers must directly engage with a number of substantive issues in order to support meaningful inferences, of which we highlight two: The first is the problem of coordination, which requires a researcher to specify how the theoretical constructs postulated by a model are functionally related to observable variables. The second is the problem of generalization, which requires a researcher to consider how a model may represent theoretical constructs shared across similar but non-identical situations, along with the fact that model comparison metrics like Bayes Factors do not directly address this form of generalization. For statistical modeling to serve the goals of science, models cannot be based on default assumptions, but should instead be based on an understanding of their coordination function and on how they represent causal mechanisms that may be expected to generalize to other related scenarios.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine how fellowship training influences the treatment of distal humerus fractures with either total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Methods The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part II Examination Database was queried for all orthopaedic surgeons who sat for the Part II examination between the years 2003-2019. Inclusion criteria were ORIF or TEA cases, selected by individual CPT codes for each procedure, and patients of at least age 65 years who sustained acute distal humerus fractures. Analysis was performed for each type of fellowship training completed, total number of procedures performed, the type of procedure performed, patient demographics, and any complications. Results There were 149 TEAs and 1306 ORIFs performed for distal humerus fractures between the exam years of 2003-2019. The proportion of TEA to ORIF increased from 7.6% to 11.0%. Partitioned by fellowship training, Hand and Upper Extremity surgeons performed 69 (17.4%) TEAs and 328 (82.6%) ORIFs, Shoulder and Elbow surgeons performed 34 (29.6%) TEAs and 81 (70.4%) ORIFs, Sports Medicine surgeons performed 14 (5.1%) TEAs and 263 (94.6%) ORIFs, and Trauma surgeons performed 16 (4.2%) TEAs and 366 (95.8%) ORIFs. Hand and Upper Extremity surgeons treated the most distal humerus fractures (397, 27.3%), followed by Trauma surgeons (382, 26.3%). Conclusion Our data suggests that fellowship training does influence the surgical decision-making process for treating distal humerus fractures in elderly populations. Hand and Upper Extremity surgeons performed the greatest number of TEA for acute distal humerus fractures, followed by Shoulder and Elbow surgeons. Conversely, trauma surgeons performed the lowest proportion of TEA to ORIF. Level of Evidence III.

Introduction Finger and hand injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions presenting to emergency departments and primary care providers. Many rural and community hospitals may not have immediate access to an orthopedic surgeon on-site. Furthermore, military treatment facilities, both within the continental United States and in austere deployment environments, face similar challenges. Therefore, knowing how to treat basic finger and hand injuries is paramount for patient care. Materials and Methods The Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch operates the Defense Medical Surveillance System, a database that serves as the central repository of medical surveillance data for the armed forces. The Defense Medical Surveillance System was queried for ICD-10 codes associated with finger injuries from 2015 to 2019 among active duty service members across the major branches of the military. Results The most commonly reported finger injuries were open wounds to fingers without damage to nails, metacarpal fractures, phalanx fractures, and finger subluxation/dislocation. Emergency departments were the most commonly reported treatment facility type accounting for 35% of initial finger injuries, followed by 32.2% at orthopedic surgery clinics, 22.2% at family medicine clinics, and 10.8% at urgent care centers. Conclusions Finger injuries are common in the military setting and presenting directly to an orthopedic surgeon does not appear the norm. Fingertip injuries, fractures within the hand, and finger dislocations can often be managed without the need for a subspecialist. By following simple guidelines with attention to “red flags,” primary care providers can manage most of these injuries with short-term follow-up with orthopedics.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between Hirsch index (h-index) and academic rank among foot and ankle surgeons affiliated with American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) fellowship programs. The total number of publications, academic rank, years in practice, fellowship training pedigree, and h-indices of 176 foot and ankle surgeons from 48 AOFAS fellowship programs were recorded, and statistical analysis was performed. We found a strong association between total number of publications and h-index. Number of publications, h-index and training program affiliation were associated with higher academic rank, except at the chair/director position. Overall, h-index is a stronger predictor of academic rank than number of publications. The results of this study suggest that h-index and total number of publications are associated with a higher academic rank for full-time foot and ankle fellowship affiliated surgeons. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(4):263-267, 2022).

The purpose of this analysis is to determine the effect of length of immobilization following total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) for rheumatoid arthritis on the outcomes, complications, and survival of the implant. A review of TEA literature was performed. Post-operative motion was categorized into three groups: no post-operative immobilization (group 1), short-term 2-5 days immobilization (group 2), and extended 7-14 days immobilization (group 3). Thirty-six articles reporting on 43 studies involving 2,346 elbows in 2015 patients were included. Total complication rates were 23% at 8.9 years for group 1, 31% at 6.8 years for group 2, and 31% at 6.9 years for group 3. Survival rates were 79% at 15.3 years, 75% at 10.4 years, and 92% at 9.1 years for each group, respectively. Total complication rates were lowest in elbows without post-operative immobilization. However, survival rates were greatest in elbows with extended post-operative immobilization. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(4):209-217, 2022).

Background: There is a high prevalence of combined shoulder instability in military patients. Short-term outcomes after 270° labral repair are promising; however, there is a paucity of longer term outcome data in this high-demand group of patients. Purpose: To report the midterm outcomes of active-duty military patients treated with 270° labral repair for combined shoulder instability. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All consecutive patients between January 2011 and January 2019 who underwent 270° labral repair by the senior surgeon with complete outcome scores were identified. All patients had experienced a shoulder dislocation after a traumatic event and had magnetic resonance imaging and intraoperative findings consistent with combined-type instability. A total of 52 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study, and all were active-duty servicemembers at the time of surgery. Results: The mean follow-up was 78.21 months (range, 24-117 months). There was a statistically significant increase in the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (from 44.92 to 89.31; P < .0001), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score (from 52.32 to 93.17; P < .0001), and Rowe instability score (from 46.63 to 91.35; P < .0001) from preoperatively to postoperatively. Mean pain decreased significantly as measured by the visual analog scale for pain (from 8.04 to 1.44; P < .0001). Range of motion in forward flexion (from 155.29° to 155.96°; P = .6793), external rotation (from 67.50° to 65.29°; P = .0623), and internal rotation (from T9.58 to T9.56; P = .9650) did not change significantly postoperatively. Outcomes did not differ significantly for patients who underwent surgery on their dominant shoulder versus those who underwent surgery on their nondominant shoulder, nor did outcomes vary with the type of anchor utilized (biocomposite vs all-suture). The overall rate of return to active duty was 92.31%. Conclusion: Midterm outcomes in this population of active-duty patients undergoing 270° labral repair for combined shoulder instability demonstrated a statistically and clinically significant improvement in patient-reported outcome scores, a significant decrease in pain, and an overall rate of return to active duty of 92.31%.

Athletes are at risk for a variety of injuries not typically sustained in everyday life. The team physician must be capable of not only identifying and treating injuries as they occur, but he or she must be armed with the knowledge to minimize the risk of injuries before they occur. This review serves to provide an overview of the various sport-specific injuries typically encountered by team physicians. Injuries are grouped by body part and/or organ system, when possible. We do not aim to cover in detail the various treatments for these injuries; rather, we hope that this article provides a comprehensive overview of sport-specific injury, and demonstrate the well-roundedness in skills that must be possessed by team physicians.

Background Medicare and Medicaid are 2 of the largest government-run health care programs in the United States. Although Medicare reimbursement is determined at the federal level by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicaid reimbursement rates are set by each individual state. The purpose of this study is to compare Medicaid reimbursement rates with regional Medicare reimbursement rates for 12 orthopedic procedures performed to treat common fractures of the upper extremity. Methods Twelve orthopedic procedures were selected and their Medicare reimbursement rates were collected from the 2020 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Medicaid reimbursement rates were obtained from each state’s physician fee schedule. Reimbursement rates were then compared by assessing the ratio of Medicaid to Medicare, the dollar difference in Medicaid to Medicare reimbursement, and the difference per relative value unit. The range of variation in Medicaid reimbursement and Medicare wage index–adjusted Medicaid reimbursement was calculated. Comparisons in reimbursement were calculated using coefficient of variation and Student t tests to evaluate the differences between the mean Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements. Two-sample coefficient of variation testing was used to determine whether dispersion in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates differed significantly. Results There was significant difference in reimbursement rates between Medicare and Medicaid for all 12 procedures, with Medicare reimbursing on average 46.5% more than Medicaid. In 40 states, Medicaid reimbursed less than Medicare for all 12 procedures. Regarding the dollar difference per relative value unit, Medicaid reimbursed on average $18.03 less per relative value unit than Medicare. The coefficient of variation for Medicaid reimbursement rates ranged from 0.26-0.33. This is in stark contrast with the significantly lower variability observed in Medicare reimbursement, which ranged from 0.06-0.07. Conclusion Our findings highlight the variation in reimbursement that exists among state Medicaid programs for 12 orthopedic procedures commonly used to treat fractures of the upper extremity. Furthermore, average Medicaid reimbursement rates were significantly lower than Medicare rates for all 12 procedures. Such discrepancies in reimbursement may act as a barrier, impeding many Medicaid patients from accessing timely orthopedic care.

Loftus [(1978), Memory & Cognition, 6, 312-319] highlighted the distinction between a theoretical concept such as memory or attention, and its observed measure such as hit rate or percent correct. If the functional relationship between the concept and its measure is non-linear then only some interaction effects are interpretable. This is an example of the wider 'problem of coordination' which pervades scientific measurement. Loftus drew on the principles of additive conjoint measurement (ACM) to discuss the consequences when the coordination function is assumed to be monotonic. This led to the distinction between removable interactions that are consistent with an additive effect on the underlying theoretical concept and nonremovable interactions that are not. However, the adoption of these ideas by researchers has been greatly limited by the fact that no statistical procedure exists to determine if and to what extent an interaction is removable or otherwise. The lack of such a procedure has similarly limited the impact of ACM on research practice. The aim of this paper is to present such a procedure.

Background The widespread societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic connote public health and epidemiological changes for orthopedic injuries. The epidemiology of upper extremity injuries and the effects of the pandemic on these nationwide trends is poorly defined. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive epidemiological study compares epidemiological trends among upper extremity (UE) orthopedic injuries presenting to emergency departments (EDs) prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Upper extremity fracture and dislocation data was sourced from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database in years prior to (2015-2019) and during the pandemic (2020-2021). Data on incidence, patient demographics, injury patterns, mechanisms of injury, incident locale, and patient disposition were collected and compared between years. Results The pre-COVID-19 incidence rate (IR) of UE fractures at 2.03 per 1,000 persons (n=3038930 from 2015-2019) decreased to 1.84 per 1,000 in 2020 (n=474805) and 1.82 per 1,000 in 2021 (n=471793). Dislocation rates were largely unchanged at 0.34 per 1,000 people (n=476740) prior to the pandemic and with incidence rates of 0.33 per 1,000 (n=85582) and 0.34 per 1,000 (n=89386) in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Female patients over 65 had the highest injury IR at 4.85 per 1,000 (n=976948). Finger fractures (IR=0.38 per 1000, n=96009) overtook hand fractures (IR=0.51 per 1000, n=310710) as more common during COVID-19 in males, while wrist (IR=0.55 per 1000, n=350650) fractures remained most common in females. Injuries from individual sports, such as skateboarding and bicycling, increased during the pandemic, while injuries from team sports decreased. Hospital admission and observation increased in 2020, while discharge and transfer rates decreased. Admission, observation, and discharge rates moved closer to pre-pandemic levels in 2021. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with epidemiological and activity changes regarding UE fractures and dislocations presenting to EDs. The present study demonstrates notable decreases in rates of upper extremity fractures and dislocations, increases in rates of injuries related to outdoor and individual sports such as skateboarding with corresponding decreases in rates of injuries related to organized sports such as basketball, increases in the rates of injuries occurring in homes and in association with pet supplies, and decreases in rates of injuries occurring in schools and places of recreation observed during the pandemic. Additionally, trends observed among patient disposition specific to the pandemic, such as increasing rates of patient admission, observation, and against medical advice (AMA) departure with decreasing rates of discharge and transfer, offer insight into the burden of upper extremity injuries on the healthcare system during this critical time. While upper extremity orthopedic injuries remained common through the pandemic, the early pandemic was associated with higher rates of hospital admission that normalized closer to pre-pandemic levels by 2021, which may herald a shift and return to pre-pandemic trends. Future research will determine the long-term downstream effects of COVID-19 on activity-related orthopedic injuries and bone health.

BACKGROUND: The development of post-traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common, undesirable sequela in patients with high-energy (war-related) extremity injuries. While inflammatory and osteoinductive signaling pathways are known to be involved in the development and progression of post-traumatic HO, features of the structural microenvironment within which the ectopic bone begins to form remain poorly understood. Thus, increasing our knowledge of molecular and structural changes within the healing wound may help elucidate the pathogenesis of post-traumatic HO and aid in the development of specific treatment and/or prevention strategies. METHODS: In this study, we performed high-resolution microscopy and biochemical analysis of tissues obtained from traumatic war wounds to characterize changes in the structural microenvironment. In addition, using an electrospinning approach, we modeled this microenvironment to reconstitute a three-dimensional type I collagen scaffold with non-woven, randomly oriented nanofibers where we evaluated the performance of primary mesenchymal progenitor cells. RESULTS: We found that traumatic war wounds are characterized by a disorganized, densely fibrotic collagen I matrix that influences progenitor cells adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potential. CONCLUSION: Altogether, these results suggest that the structural microenvironment present in traumatic war wounds has the potential to contribute to the development of post-traumatic HO. Our findings may support novel treatment strategies directed towards modifying the structural microenvironment after traumatic injury.

Meniscal tears may be managed through conservative physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or operative intervention. Meniscal repair is superior to partial meniscectomy with better functional outcomes and less severe degenerative changes over time. Surgical advances in operative techniques, modern instrumentation and biological enhancements collectively improve healing rates of meniscal repair. However, failed repair is not without consequences and can negative impact patient outcomes. Therefore, it is imperative for surgeons to have a thorough understanding of the vascular zones and biomechanical classifications of meniscal tears in order to best determine the most appropriate treatment.

Objectives: To evaluate the charges for pertrochanteric hip fracture care in Texas. Design: Database review. Setting: Texas Hospital Inpatient Public Use Data File (PUDF) Intervention: Charges reported by hospitals to the Texas Department of State Health Services for pertrochanteric hip fractures. Main outcome measurement: Charges associated with pertrochanteric hip fracture stratified by implant type and according to facility trauma level designation, urban versus rural, teaching versus non-teaching, and border versus inland status. Results and conclusions: There were a total of 44,853 pertrochanteric hip fracture surgeries performed over the three-year period in the state of Texas. The vast majority were treated at urban (93.4%), inland (non-border) (92.3%), non-teaching (74.2%) facilities with intramedullary fixation (56.9%). A significant increase in charges was associated with treatment at an urban ($32,412), border ($44,919), or teaching ($10,501) facility. Mean inpatient charges at Level II facilities was $113,700. Further study is warranted to determine what drives the differences in charges associated with hip fracture treatment. Level of Evidence: IV; Economic Database Analysis Keywords: hip fracture, access to care, charge analysis, value-based care, Texas. (J Ortho Business 2022; 1:4-6)

Introduction Finger amputations can lead to loss of work time and suboptimal function, particularly in the active duty military. There is a paucity of epidemiologic and outcome data for these injuries. The purposes of this study are to define key demographic data pertaining to transphalangeal finger amputations in the U.S. Military and to assess epidemiological data to define risk factors for medical readiness following finger injuries. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective review of the military electronic medical record of encounters between 2016 and 2019 with traumatic transphalangeal amputation ICD 10 codes S68.5 (thumb) and S68.6 (finger). Primary outcomes included median military occupational activity limitation length, ability to return to duty, and medical separation from the military. Results A total of 235 patients were included in the final dataset. 221 (94.0%) of these service members were able to return to full duty, although 14 (6.0%) underwent medical separation from the military because of their finger injuries. The median limited duty timeline was 6 weeks. Significant risk factors identified that led to increased rates of medical separation were the use of tobacco (odds ratio [OR] of 5.53, 95% CI 1.21–25.29), junior enlisted status (OR of 5.51, 95% CI 1.67–18.17), and thumb or index finger involvement (OR of 3.50, 95% CI 1.13–10.83). Conclusions Within a physically high-demand population, traumatic finger amputation can limit duties and may lead to medical separation from service. Traumatic finger amputations are common and often require 6 weeks of restricted short-term disability, particularly in a tobacco-using, young, physically active cohort.

Background: Active-duty servicemembers are a population at risk for the development of posterior shoulder instability. While short-term outcomes after arthroscopic posterior labral repair for posterior shoulder instability are promising, there is a paucity of longer term follow-up data for this procedure. Purposes: The primary purpose was to report midterm outcomes after arthroscopic posterior labral repair in active-duty military patients for posterior shoulder instability without bone loss. The secondary purpose was to determine if outcomes varied between anchor types used. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Preoperative and postoperative outcomes, with a minimum 3-year follow-up, for a visual analog scale for pain, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and the Rowe score were collected and analyzed. A separate subgroup analysis was performed comparing the outcomes of patients who underwent repair with biocomposite anchors versus those who underwent repair with all-suture anchors. Results: A total of 73 patients with a mean follow-up of 82.55 ± 24.20 months met the inclusion criteria and were available for analysis. As a whole, the cohort demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvements in outcome scores at final follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative range of motion did not vary significantly. While the difference in final outcome scores between the 2 anchor types did not reach statistical significance, a statistically significantly larger proportion of patients who underwent repair with all-suture anchors versus those who underwent repair with biocomposite anchors met the Patient Acceptable Symptom State for the SANE (97.14% vs 78.95%, respectively; P = .0180) and the ASES score (88.57% vs 68.42%, respectively; P = .0171). The proportion of patients who achieved the substantial clinical benefit or surpassed the minimal clinically important difference, however, did not vary by anchor type. Overall, 70 patients (95.89%) remained on active duty and were able to return to preinjury work and recreational activity levels. There were 3 patients (4.11%) who had recurrent posterior instability. Conclusion: This population of active-duty servicemembers undergoing posterior labral repair for posterior labral instability without bone loss demonstrated a statistically and clinically significant improvement in midterm outcomes, a low recurrence rate, and a rate of return to active duty of 95.89%, regardless of the anchor type used.

Background: The surgical management of type II superior labrum anterior and posterior (SLAP) tears in patients younger than 40 years is controversial, but growing evidence suggests comparable outcomes between primary SLAP repair and primary biceps tenodesis, with lower rates of reoperations after primary biceps tenodesis. Given the relatively similar patient-reported outcomes, cost-effectiveness analyses of direct and indirect costs associated with the two procedures propound a valuable comparative technique. Hypothesis: In this value-based comparison of SLAP repair versus biceps tenodesis, we hypothesized that biceps tenodesis would be more cost-effective than SLAP repair in patients younger than 40 years. Study Design: Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A 1-month Markov cycle was simulated to reflect 10 years of health outcomes. Health states were selected based on outcomes that are especially important in assessing indirect costs for a younger, active patient population: return-to-sport rates, which demonstrate a return to baseline function, and reoperation rates. Transition state probabilities were obtained through an index systematic review and meta-analysis comparing labral repair and biceps tenodesis for the treatment of type II SLAP lesions in patients younger than 40 years. Health state utility and cost values were obtained from accepted values denoted in existing literature. Results: Both primary SLAP repair and primary biceps tenodesis yielded an average expected 8.1 quality-adjusted life years over the 10-year period. The average cost (in 2021 US$) was $16,619 for biceps tenodesis and $19,388 for SLAP repair. Conclusion: In a younger patient population, SLAP repair and biceps tenodesis had comparable quality-adjusted life years and utility in the treatment of type II SLAP tears; however, SLAP repair cost $19,388, while biceps tenodesis cost $16,619, reflecting a 14% cost savings with biceps tenodesis. These findings can be extrapolated to further establish the role for these procedures in treating SLAP tears.

Pectoralis major tendon injuries are an uncommon injury. They can be treated with primary repair, however, when the tendon becomes retracted it necessitates tendon reconstruction. We performed a systematic review to evaluate patient characteristics, surgical techniques, and outcomes associated with pectoralis major reconstruction. A review was performed for studies published between 1990 and 2019. Peer-reviewed studies with a minimum 1-year follow-up were included. Return to activity, range of motion, complications, and functional outcome scores were primary outcomes. Fourteen primary studies with 88 total patients met inclusion criteria. All patients were male with the average age of 34.6 years-old. Hamstring autograft represented the most frequently used graft type (35). Functional outcomes demonstrated good to excellent results in the majority of patients. Pectoralis major tendon reconstruction is a viable option for tears not amenable to primary repair. We found good to excellent outcomes, and 94.2% return to sport for patients undergoing reconstruction. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(2):123-126, 2022).

Background: Superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions and anterior instability are common causes of shoulder pain and dysfunction among active-duty members of the United States military. However, little data have been published regarding the surgical management of type V SLAP lesions. Purpose: To compare the outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted subpectoral biceps tenodesis and anterior labral repair with those of arthroscopic SLAP repair (defined as contiguous repair spanning from the superior labrum to the anteroinferior labrum) for type V SLAP tears in active-duty military patients younger than 35 years. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All consecutive patients from January 2010 to December 2015 who underwent arthroscopic SLAP repair or combined biceps tenodesis and anterior labral repair for a type V SLAP lesion with a minimum 5-year follow-up were identified. The decision to perform type V SLAP repair versus combined biceps tenodesis and anterior labral repair was based on the condition of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). Labral repair was performed in patients who had a type V SLAP tear with an otherwise clinically and anatomically healthy LHBT. Combined tenodesis and repair was performed in patients with evidence of LHBT abnormalities. Outcomes including the visual analog scale (VAS) score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score, the Rowe instability score, and range of motion were collected preoperatively and postoperatively, and scores were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 84 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. All patients were active-duty service members at the time of surgery. A total of 44 patients underwent arthroscopic type V SLAP repair, and 40 patients underwent anterior labral repair with biceps tenodesis. The mean follow-up was 102.59 ± 20.98 months in the repair group and 94.50 ± 27.11 months in the tenodesis group ( P = .1281). There were no significant differences in preoperative range of motion or outcome scores between the groups. Both groups experienced statistically significant improvements in outcome scores postoperatively ( P < .0001 for all); however, compared with the repair group, the tenodesis group reported significantly better postoperative VAS (2.52 ± 2.36 vs 1.50 ± 1.91, respectively; P = .0328), SANE (86.82 ± 11.00 vs 93.43 ± 8.81, respectively; P = .0034), and ASES (83.32 ± 15.31 vs 89.90 ± 13.31, respectively; P = .0394) scores. There were no differences in the percentage of patients who achieved the minimal clinically important difference, substantial clinical benefit, and patient acceptable symptom state for the SANE and ASES between the groups. Overall, 34 patients in each group returned to preinjury levels of work (77.3% vs 85.0%, respectively; P = .3677), and 32 patients (72.7%) in the repair group and 33 patients (82.5%) in the tenodesis group returned to preinjury levels of sporting activity ( P = .2850). There were no significant differences in the number of failures, revision surgical procedures, or patients discharged from the military between the groups ( P = .0923, P = .1602, and P = .2919, respectively). Conclusion: Both arthroscopic-assisted subpectoral biceps tenodesis combined with anterior labral repair and arthroscopic SLAP repair led to statistically and clinically significant increases in outcome scores, marked improvements in pain, and high rates of return to unrestricted active duty in military patients with type V SLAP lesions. The results of this study suggest that biceps tenodesis combined with anterior labral repair produces comparable outcomes to arthroscopic type V SLAP repair in active-duty military patients younger than 35 years.

Fingertip injuries in the military are common and often hinder the fighting force and support personnel. Injuries range from small subungual hematomas to proximal finger amputations. Treatment modalities are dictated by injury patterns, anatomic considerations, and the need to return to duty. Nail bed injuries should be repaired when possible and exposed bone or tendon is treated with appropriate soft tissue coverage. If soft tissue coverage is unobtainable, revision amputation should be performed with attention given to maintaining as much finger length as possible. Antibiotics may not be required, however they are often utilized in the deployed setting.

This systematic review investigates complications and recurrence of Dupuytren’s contracture in metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJs) and/or proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPJs) of fingers treated with collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH). A review of the literature on Dupuytren’s disease was performed using PRISMA guidelines. Included publications described complications and/or recurrences for contractures ≥20° in MCPJs and/or PIPJs treated with CCH. Successful treatments reduced contractures to ≤5° immediately. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were classified as minor, major surgical, and major nonsurgical. Contracture recurrence involved return of fixed-flexion contracture ≥20° in a successfully treated finger in patients with ≥12 months of follow-up. Of 2675 patients (3753 joints), 94% experienced ≥1 treatment-related AE, most commonly peripheral edema (64%), pain in extremity (53%), and contusion (51%). Major surgical complications occurred in 9 patients (1.0%). Major nonsurgical complications occurred in 2 patients, specifically nonrupture tendon injury and anaphylaxis. Of 1488 patients (2069 joints), recurrences were reported in 23% of successfully treated joints (n = 466; 20% MCPJs, 28% PIPJs), on average 12 to 24 months after treatment. MCPJs achieved greater success than PIPJs in initial contracture reduction (77% versus 36%). CCH is a safe, effective treatment to improve hand function in Dupuytren’s contracture. Most AEs are minor and self-resolving, although the risk of major AEs still exists. Following treatment, 23% of successfully treated joints experience recurrence, typically within 12 to 24 months but sometimes as early as 6 months. Surgeons are encouraged to discuss these risks with patients for shared decision-making regarding optimal treatment modalities.

Background Multipotent progenitor cells have been harvested from different human tissues, including the bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood. Previously, we identified a population of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) isolated from the traumatized muscle of patients undergoing reconstructive surgery following a war-related blast injury. These cells demonstrated the ability to differentiate into multiple mesenchymal lineages. While distal radius fractures from a civilian setting have a much lower injury mechanism (low-energy trauma), we hypothesized that debrided traumatized muscle near the fracture site would contain multipotent progenitor cells with the ability to differentiate and regenerate the injured tissue. Methods The traumatized muscle was debrided from the pronator quadratus in patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation for a distal radius fracture at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Using a previously described protocol for the isolation of MPCs from war-related extremity injuries, cells were harvested from the low-energy traumatized muscle samples and expanded in culture. Isolated cells were characterized by flow cytometry and q-RT-PCRs and induced to adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. Downstream analyses consisted of lineage-specific staining and q-RT-PCR. Results Cells isolated from low-energy traumatized muscle samples were CD73+, CD90+, and CD105+ that are the characteristic of adult human mesenchymal stem cells. These cells expressed high levels of the stem cell markers OCT4 and NANOG 1-day after isolation, which was dramatically reduced over-time in monolayer culture. Following induction, lineage-specific markers were demonstrated by each specific staining and confirmed by gene expression analysis, demonstrating the ability of these cells to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. Conclusions Adult multipotent progenitor cells are an essential component for the success of regenerative medicine efforts. While MPCs have been isolated and characterized from severely traumatized muscle from high-energy injuries, here, we report that cells with similar characteristics and multipotential capacity have been isolated from the tissue that was exposed to low-energy, community trauma.

Background: Rotator cuff tears represent a significant cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in the United States. The development of these injuries is associated with older patient age and higher levels of physical activity; however, data regarding the rate of return to work after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients older than 50 years of age who have physically strenuous jobs is inconclusive. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to report short term outcomes and return to work rates after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in a cohort of patients aged 50 to 60 years working in manual labor jobs. It was hypothesized that arthroscopic rotator cuff repair would result in good functional outcomes for these patients and allow for return to work rates in excess of 80%. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Preoperative and final evaluations including the pain visual analog scale (VAS), the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Score were collected. A total of 73 patients were screened for inclusion. Nineteen patients were outside of the inclusion age range, 2 underwent exclusionary concomitant procedures, and 4 patients were lost to follow up, leaving a total of 48 patients with a mean follow up of 34.02 months (range, 24-67 months) available for analysis. None of the patients were involved in a workers’ compensation claim. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine if arm dominance or tear size affected surgical outcomes or return to work rates. Results: After arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, 43 of 48 patients (89.6%) were able to return to manual labor positions. Tears were classified using the Southern California Orthopaedic Institute Classification at the time of repair as massive (C4) in 9 patients (18.75%), large (C3) in 13 patients (27.08%), medium (C2) in 21 patients (43.75%), and small (C1) in 5 patients (10.42%). At latest follow up, the mean VAS decreased from 8.0 ± 1.81 to 0.46 ± 1.20, the average SANE increased from 47.50 ± 18.59 to 91.88 ± 12.30, and the average ASES score improved from 39.58 ± 10.71 to 93.44 ± 11.97 ( P < .0001). Outcomes did not differ between patients who underwent surgery on their dominant shoulder and those who underwent surgery on their nondominant shoulder. The overall postoperative complication rate was 8.33%. Conclusion: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair portended favorable outcomes and high rates of return to work in this cohort of manual laborers, with 89.6% of patients able to return to work.

Background: The purposes of this study were to analyze the trends in Oxford level of evidence (LOE), LOE of most-cited articles, and association between LOE and journal impact factor (IF) and SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) over a 10-year period (2009-2018) in 3 prominent hand surgery journals, specifically HAND, Journal of Hand Surgery ( American Volume) ( JHS), and Journal of Hand Surgery ( European Volume) ( JHSE). Methods: All articles published from 2009 to 2018 in HAND, JHS, and JHSE were reviewed for assigned or available LOE. Data were pooled and analyzed for trends in LOE; relationship among IF, SJR, and LOE; and citation density. Results: A total of 3921 total publications were tabulated from 2009 to 2018, with the majority of studies being level V (1700, 43%) and fewer studies being level I (146, 4%). Over the 10-year study period, there was no significant change in frequency of level I studies for any journal. HAND trended significantly toward higher LOE, JHS trended toward higher LOE, and JHSE trended toward decreased LOE without significance. Among all journals, the annual number of articles and the average LOE were independent significant predictors of IF and SJR. Statistically significant correlations were found between citation density and LOE for JHS and HAND. Conclusions: Higher quality evidence is becoming more prevalent in the hand surgery literature over the past 10 years. Annual articles, average LOE, and level I and II and level IV articles were significant predictors of increasing IF and SJR.

The purpose of this study was to assess trends in ABOS part II candidate's operative management of geriatric (≥65 years) proximal humerus fractures over the 2010-2020 decade.This retrospective database cohort study utilized the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) database for candidates taking Part II of their boards. Surgical coding was reviewed and the ICD10 data was correlated to the CPT code for shoulder arthroplasty or open reduction internal fixation. We investigated the number of proximal humerus fracture operative cases per year, the percent arthroplasty used per year, the stratification of percent arthroplasty per orthopaedic fellowship subspecialty and geographic region.A total of 2,409 operative cases for proximal humerus fractures in patients 65 years of age and older were submitted by 1,420 ABOS candidates. There was a 37% reduction in operatively managed proximal humerus fractures among ABOS part II candidates between the first half of the decade (2010-2015, 263.2 +/- 13.4) and the second half of the decade (2016-2020, 166 +/- 31.2; p.05). There also was a downward trend with a 53% reduction in percent treated with arthroplasty as compared to ORIF during those same windows (2010-2015, 34.4 +/-11.7) and (2016-2020, 16.2 +/- 6.4; p.5). Partitioned by single fellowship training, Shoulder and Elbow (SE) surgeons performed the highest percent arthroplasty at 25.2%, followed by Sports at 23.1% and the lowest percent arthroplasty was Trauma at 11.7%. The Southeast United States had the lowest percentage arthroplasty at 15.8% as compared to the Midwest (23.8%) and Northeast (25.8%).Despite the rapid growth of both the elderly population and related geriatric proximal humerus fractures, ABOS candidates are treating less with surgery. There has been approximately a 37% decrease in the total number of operatively treated proximal humerus fractures between the first and second half 2010-2020 decade. When operative treatment is performed, there is a trend towards ORIF over an arthroplasty. Trauma fellowship trained surgeons are less likely to perform an arthroplasty as compared to other subspecialties. The Southeast region is least likely to perform an arthroplasty as compared to the Midwest or Northeast.