Surgical Morbidity Following Cubital Tunnel Procedures

Maureen Leahy

Study data presented at the 2015 annual meeting of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand indicate that in situ decompression is associated with less surgical site tenderness, fewer narcotic requirements, and less parasthesia, compared to ulnar nerve transposition and medial epicondylectomy for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Despite a rise in surgical rates for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome, no single procedure has proven superior, according to Robert Staples, MD.

Farm and Labor Medicine: A New Area of Interest?

Rick Goding, MD

The idea that specific patient populations require specific considerations is not new in orthopaedic surgery. Sports medicine stands as a very well-defined example of population-specific treatment. Based on their activities and specific injuries related to those activities, athletes—especially scholarship and professional athletes—are often treated differently than a more sedentary individual with the same injury might be treated.

Study Finds High Incidence of Complications Following Wrist Arthroplasty

Maureen Leahy

Despite continued advances in implant design, the potential for complications and need for further surgery are significant following partial wrist arthroplasty (PWA) and total wrist arthroplasty (TWA), according to study data presented at the 2015 American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) annual meeting. “Historically, the predominant indication for TWA has been wrist pain secondary to end-stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA),” Patrick M. Kane, MD, said.

Allograft versus Autograft in ACL Reconstruction

Terry Stanton

At the “Empirical Answers to Burning Clinical Questions” workshop during the 2015 American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) annual meeting, Rick W. Wright, MD, of Washington University School of Medicine, took on the oft-discussed issue of outcomes for allograft versus autograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Presenting himself as “not really pro-autograft or pro-allograft,” Dr.

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.

Breaking the Vicious Cycle

Laura M. Bruse Gehrig, MD, CCD; Mary I. O’Connor, MD

Osteoarthritis, obesity, and musculoskeletal health disparities Laura M. Bruse Gehrig, MD, CCD, and Mary I. O’Connor, MD With the epidemic rise of obesity and changing demographics of the population, the critical linkage of osteoarthritis (OA), obesity, and musculoskeletal health disparities has never been of greater importance to orthopaedic surgeons. By 2034, non-Hispanic Caucasians will no longer comprise the majority of the U.S. population.

Bone Health and the Challenge to Orthopaedic Surgeons

Andrew D. Bunta, MD

The time has come for orthopaedic surgeons to play a greater role in the bone health of our patients. The recent progress in both the evaluation and treatment of osteoporosis—coupled with an aging population, changing dietary habits among youth, and a general decrease in physical activity at all ages—means that we can no longer avoid our involvement in this significant public health issue. Just what degree of involvement is necessary depends on each clinical practice situation.

The Senior Physician: Acknowledging Age and Ability

Angus M. McBryde Jr, MD

Recent efforts to identify quality care have put a spotlight on the relationship between aging and competence in medicine. Women and men who are age 50 to 80 years today are, on average, living longer and with greater quality of life, physical skills, and cognitive abilities than previous generations. But is there a point at which a clinician should expect to “retire” from performing surgery or practicing medicine?

Effects of Behavioral Health Issues on Orthopaedic Outcomes

Do behavioral health issues have an impact on outcomes after elective orthopaedic procedures? If so, are there steps orthopaedic surgeons can take to address those issues and improve outcomes? Recently, Eeric Truumees, MD, editor-in-chief of AAOS Now, spoke with David C. Flanigan, MD, a sports medicine specialist; Joshua S. Everhart, MD, MPH, an orthopaedic resident; and Andrew H.

Get Ready for Bone and Joint Action Week

Each year, the United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI) participates in Bone and Joint Action Week, Oct. 12–20. The annual global public education program is designed to raise worldwide awareness of prevention, management, and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Highlights of this year’s event include the following: World Arthritis Day The week kicks off on Oct. 12 with World Arthritis Day.

Giving Zion Two Hands

Scott F.M. Duncan, MD, MPH, MBA

The surgery made headlines around the world. In June, 8-year-old Zion Harvey became the first child and youngest person ever to receive a bilateral hand transplant. In the hand surgery world, the event was akin to landing a man on the moon—pretty incredible. The surgery was special in many ways—a stunning technical achievement, a unique collaboration among institutions, and a generous humanitarian gesture.