Protein profiling for periprosthetic joint infection

Jennie McKee

Molecular markers may enable easier and more accurate diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), according to the results of a study presented by Javad Parvizi, MD, FRCS, at the 2011 AAOS Annual Meeting. Because currently available tests for PJI are costly, cumbersome, and lack specificity regarding whether component failure is septic or aseptic, Dr.

Meet MOC deadlines in April and May

Two key deadlines—April 15, 2011, and May 1, 2011—are coming soon in the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Maintenance of Certification™ (MOC) program. Diplomates who plan on taking the recertification exam in 2012, 2015, 2016, or 2017 should be aware of these requirements. Extended CME and SAE deadline: Apr.

Create your own “computerized” view box

Robert A. Audell, MD

Simple technique turns a computer monitor into a radiographic viewer Wide dissemination of computers and digital media has had the effect of supplanting plain radiographs and radiographic view boxes in many orthopaedic offices. Nevertheless, orthopaedists will often be faced with the prospect of viewing “physical X-ray media.” For example, a patient may bring in old radiographs or “outside” films.

Apply now for the 2011 CSD Program

March 31 is the last day to submit applications for participation in the 2011 Clinician Scholar Development Program (CSDP). The program is a joint project of the AAOS, the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF), and the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS). CSDP seeks applicants in their PGY2, PGY3, PGY4, PGY5 residency years, fellows, and junior faculty through year three who have the potential and desire to become orthopaedic clinician scientists.

Meetings and Course Listings

Listed below are upcoming continuing medical education (CME) courses and orthopaedic meetings (April through August). For more information about AAOS-sponsored courses, contact the AAOS customer service department at (800) 626-6726 or visit the CME course section of the AAOS Web site at www.aaos.org/courses For more information about other CME courses or orthopaedic meetings listed, contact the source provided.

New AAOS Education Enhancement Fund

Sharon Johnson

The Annual Meeting in San Diego marked the formal launch of the new AAOS Education Enhancement Fund, established to enhance surgeon education and, by extension, patient care. An offshoot of the expanded partnership between AAOS and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF), the fund attracted more than $120,000 in contributions prior to Annual Meeting.

Study looks at MOM joint fluid markers

Maureen Leahy

By Maureen Leahy Patients with adverse reactions to metal debris, also referred to as adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR), from metal-on-metal (MOM) hip implants have markedly elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in the periarticular fluid compared to patients with polyethylene-induced osteolysis, according to study data presented by Scott T. Ball, MD at the 2011 Annual Meeting.

Surgeons underestimate domestic violence

Terry Stanton

Survey reveals misconceptions about battered victims In North America, domestic violence is the most common form of nonfatal injury to women. More than 40 percent of women have reported experiencing one or more forms of violence, and 35 percent have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), commonly referred to as domestic violence.

Timing of bariatric surgery does not reduce risks for TKA patients

Maureen Leahy

Small study finds no optimal timing between the two procedures Morbid obesity (body mass index greater than 30) is associated with a higher complication rate in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). So scheduling bariatric surgery for weight loss prior to TKA seems to make sense. But according to study data presented by Erik P.

Heart problems lead to readmission after THA

Jennie McKee

Cardiac complications are most common reasons for early readmission The current administration has announced plans to save $26 billion in the next 10 years by lowering Medicare reimbursement payments to hospitals that have high patient readmission rates. These financial ramifications—as well as an increased focus on quality of care issues—have spurred efforts to learn more about why some patients must return to the hospital.

“Pearls” for avoiding spine surgery complications

Jennie McKee

OKO articles highlight prevention and management strategies Jeffery L. Stambough, MD, MBA AAOS Now: How can surgeons successfully deal with cervical and lumbar dural tears? Dr. Stambough: If the surgeon recognizes the tear when it occurs and repairs it in a watertight fashion by suturing it and gluing it with fibrin glue, there are generally no long-term sequelae (Fig. 1).

What’s your Diagnosis?

In this feature, AAOS Now publishes a series of images, challenging readers to diagnose the condition depicted. The images for this month’s challenge were submitted by John M. Purvis, MD. He provides the following information: The patient is a 10- year-old overweight female who has complained of right hip pain for one week. She has no previous history of injury, but has recently taken antibiotics for an ear infection. Examination reveals pain on internal rotation of the hip.

Second Look— Clinical News and Views

If you missed these Headline News Now items the first time around, AAOS Now gives you a second chance to review them. Headline News Now brings you the latest on clinical, socioeconomic, and political issues three times a week, as well as important announcements from AAOS.

Surgical treatment of ankle arthritis: An AOFAS roundtable

A discussion on the new technology overview from the AAOS At its December 2010 meeting, the AAOS Board of Directors approved two technology overviews on the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of ankle arthritis. Afterward, Judith F. Baumhauer, MD, MPPH, president-elect of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), assembled a roundtable discussion on the report. Participants included Stephen J. Pinney, MD; Charles L. Saltzman, MD; Lew C. Schon, MD; and Michael J. Coughlin, MD.