Rise of the Machines: The Emergence of Robotics

Nasima Mehraban, MD; Daniel D. Bohl, MD, MPH; Stephen K. Jacobson, MD; Kamran S. Hamid, MD, MPH, FAAOS

The introduction of robotics has revolutionized the fields of urologic, gynecologic, and cardiac surgery, where robotic surgery has become routine and widely accepted. Orthopaedic surgery has been comparatively slower in its development and adoption of parallel technology.

Spinal Deformity: Study Focuses on Operative Management of Adult Symptomatic Lumbar Scoliosis

Kerri Fitzgerald

Adult spinal deformity is highly prevalent among the growing older population and can have a large impact on health-related quality of life, including pain, disability, and neurological deficits.

Do Not Overlook Alternative Causes of Foot Drop

Zahra Qaiyumi, MS; Alan M. Reznik, MD, MBA, FAAOS

Most cases of foot drop are an orthopaedic no-brainer and are caused by nerve compression in the lumbar spinal canal, the neuro-foramen, or, occasionally, deep to the piriformis muscle. This article explores some of those often-missed causes of foot drop and their importance.

Study Finds Mostly Successful Surgical Outcomes for Pediatric Acetabular Fractures

Terry Stanton

A study presented at the virtual Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association found that in a series of pediatric patients with acetabular fractures managed operatively, outcomes were generally successful, with a low early complication rate and a low rate of post-traumatic arthritis, as well as a very low rate of conversion to total hip arthroplasty.

Review Details Complications Associated with Implant Removal after Femoral Shaft Fractures in Pediatric Populations

Justin Vaida, MD; Daniel J. Liechti, MD; Taylor L. Shackleford, MD; John P. Lubicky, MD, FAAOS

Although many surgeons may advocate for implant removal after fracture union for a variety of reasons, this secondary procedure carries the risk of a second anesthesia, bleeding, infection, pain, and refracture.

AAOS Supports Coronavirus Vaccination

With the initial distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines underway across the globe, AAOS reiterated the importance of evaluating scientific evidence when weighing the risks and benefits of a vaccination’s effects on the musculoskeletal system. To date, no high-quality evidence indicates that vaccinations administered correctly to the shoulder area can injure the shoulder.

Custom Implants Benefit from New 3D Printing Techniques

Samuel Adams, MD, FAAOS

3D printing has given us the ability to create anatomic models; patient-specific instrumentation; and implants ranging from complex, noncustom, “off-theshelf” devices to truly custom implants.