Stepping to the Front: Women in Orthopaedic Leadership

A roundtable discussion on leadership skills, work-life balance, and more In October 2012, the Women’s Professional Development Symposium for Emerging Leaders in Orthopaedics, sponsored by the nonprofit Nth Dimensions Educational Solutions, explored strategies female orthopaedists use to nurture their careers, improve their leadership skills, and maintain work-life balance.

Is There a Systemic Link between Obesity and OA?

Peter Pollack

“Obesity is a topic that I believe is relevant to all orthopaedic surgeons,” explains Jonathan T. Bravman, MD, of the department of orthopaedics, CU Sports Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine. “We’re seeing increasing obesity rates, which has a strong effect on how we treat musculoskeletal disease.” Recent estimates for all adults in the United States indicate that nearly 68 percent are overweight—and more than a third could be classified as obese.

Wrong-Site Spine Surgery: An Underreported Problem?

Jennie McKee

“Wrong-site surgery is the sentinel event most frequently reported to The Joint Commission,” said Bradford Currier, MD, professor of orthopaedics at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., during a presentation at the 2012 Cervical Spine Research Society annual meeting. “Approximately 30 percent of wrong-site surgeries reported in Minnesota are wrong-level spine procedures,” he continued.

Rule Aims to Predict CSM Surgical Outcomes

Jennie McKee

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), a degenerative spine disease, is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in patients older than 55 years. This disease presents with a wide range of symptoms including impaired gait, numb hands, and weakness. Surgical intervention has proven to be an effective treatment option for patients with mild-to-severe CSM. Determining which clinical variables can predict surgical outcomes can help manage patient expectations.

Risk Factors for Early Revision in Elderly TKA Patients

Maureen Leahy

Study examines impact of patient comorbidities Maureen Leahy With patients living longer, more active lives, the demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is increasing. However, elderly TKA patients with certain comorbidities are at increased risk of early revision, according to data presented at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

Technology Enhances Education at Annual Meeting

Bonnie Emberton

For years, attendees at the AAOS Annual Meeting have been able to meet with the authors of scientific posters and scientific exhibits during defined hours. But thanks to techology breakthroughs and contributions to the AAOS Education Enhancement Fund (AEEF), those limits are no more. An expanded Poster Enhancement Project enables presenters of both scientific posters and scientific exhibits to add audio narration to their research.

Army Applies Simulation Tactics to Surgical Education

Maureen Leahy

Orthopaedic surgical techniques are evolving rapidly. To keep pace, many ­orthopaedic residency programs are integrating simulation-based surgical skills training into their education processes, enabling residents to refine their skills and become proficient in procedures outside of the operating room (OR).

U.S. Navy Provides Life-Saving Care after Disasters

Jennie McKee

U.S. Navy medical ships were vital centers for disaster relief efforts after the devastating earthquakes that struck Indonesia in 2004 and 2005. Medical staff aboard these vessels also provided care to those affected by the massive earthquake that rocked Haiti in 2010. With many land-based hospitals out of commission, the medical facilities and staff members aboard these ships were key in saving the lives of critically injured patients in the aftermath of these disasters. V.

FDA Panel Recommends Class II Designation for Posterior Cervical Screw Fixation

Katherine Sale

In September 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a meeting of the Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Devices Panel to consider whether a Class II device designation would be appropriate for posterior cervical screw fixation (including cervical pedicle and lateral mass screws).

What’s Your Diagnosis?

In this feature, AAOS Now publishes a series of images, challenging readers to diagnose the condition depicted. This month’s challenge was submitted by Jill Larson, MD, a resident member of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, department of orthopaedic surgery. The patient is a 27-year-old healthy woman who complained of left dorsal midfoot pain after running a half marathon.