Treating Ulnar Collateral Ligament Overuse Injuries

A roundtable on “Tommy John” injuries The first ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury in a professional athlete was identified in a javelin thrower and reported in the literature in 1946. Today, these injuries are common among overhead-throwing athletes, especially baseball pitchers. In 1974, Frank J. Jobe, MD, performed the first reconstructive surgery for the UCL on pitcher Tommy John, for whom the surgery was later named. Recently, AAOS Now editorial board member Frank B.

Studies Examine Impact of Treatment for Adult Spinal Deformity

Mary Ann Porucznik

Two prospective, multicenter studies by the International Spine Study Group comparing surgical and nonsurgical treatment of adult spinal deformity were recognized as “Best Papers” during the 2014 annual meeting of the North American Spine Society (NASS). Both papers found that surgical treatment for symptomatic adult spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis, can provide significantly more improvement in health-related quality of life, compared to nonsurgical treatments.

Radiating Lower Extremity Pain: Is It Lumbar Radiculopathy?

Maureen Leahy

Pain that radiates from the back into the lower extremity is often caused by a herniated disk or spinal stenosis. However, several different pathologies can mimic the symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy. It’s important for physicians to recognize this so they can make accurate diagnoses and render appropriate care. To learn more, AAOS Now spoke with Eric B. Laxer, MD, one of the authors of “Mimickers of Lumbar Radiculopathy,” appearing in the January issue of the Journal of the AAOS (JAAOS).

Has the Pendulum Swung to Surgery for Clavicle Fractures?

Jennie McKee

Research performed in the 1960s set the precedent for how orthopaedists treat clavicle fractures. The era’s researchers found that clavicle fractures should be treated conservatively, because patients who underwent surgery had a higher rate of nonunion. But much has changed since that precedent was established, noted Samir Mehta, MD, of the Orthopaedic Trauma and Fracture Service at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr.

Stem Cell, Complication Papers Receive Awards

Mary Ann Porucznik

A study on the use of autogenous bone marrow stem cells to treat femoral head osteonecrosis, and two papers on complications after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) were recognized for outstanding research during the 2014 annual meeting of the American Association of Hip & Knee Surgeons. Lawrence D.

What’s Happening in Orthopaedic Education?

Robert F. Murphy, MD

The education of an orthopaedic surgeon occurs in three stages: first as a medical student, next as a resident/fellow trainee, and finally as a lifelong learner through continuing education. Although the three phases are well known to orthopaedic surgeons and their trainees, no comprehensive analysis of published literature about the quality and effectiveness of orthopaedic education exists.

SECOND LOOK – CLINICAL NEWS AND VIEWS

These items originally appeared in AAOS Headline News Now, a thrice-weekly enewsletter that keeps AAOS members up to date on clinical, socioeconomic, and political issues, with links to more detailed information. Subscribe at www.aaos.org/news/news.