The Utility of Routine Follow-up Radiographs in the Nonoperative Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures in Patients 65 Years and Older.

Whereas prior studies have aimed to define the utility of routine radiographs for the closed treatment of upper extremity fractures, it remains uncertain whether routine radiographs influence management decisions for nonoperative treatment of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs). The purpose of this investigation was to assess the utility of routine radiographic monitoring of closed PHFs in elderly patients initially indicated for nonoperative treatment. We identified all patients 65 years and older who had a PHF from 2016 to 2019. We excluded cases of pathologic fractures or peri-prosthetic fractures, nonunion, malunion, cases with insufficient follow-up, and cases for which surgery was indicated either in the emergency department or at the first orthopedic visit. After applying these exclusion criteria, 402 cases remained. We recorded baseline demographics and fracture descriptions and noted any conversion to operative treatment after the initial office visit. Two-part fractures were most common (56%). Of the 402 fractures indicated for nonoperative treatment, 21 (5%) were converted to operative management during the follow-up period. Nine fractures (2%) were converted to operative management within 30 days of the first office visit. Eight cases (2%) were converted to operative treatment more than 120 days after the initial office visit: 6 due to nonunion and 2 due to posttraumatic arthritis. For patients 65 years and older who undergo initial nonoperative treatment of a PHF, routine follow-up radiographs do not appear to alter management decisions. Given the risk and cost associated with routine radiographs, surgeons should consider forgoing these images in the absence of clinical concern. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(4):e244-e248.].

The Impact of Smoking on Delayed Osseous Union After Arthrodesis Procedures in the Hand and Wrist.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between smoking and delayed radiographic union after hand and wrist arthrodesis procedures. We hypothesized that smoking would be associated with a higher rate of delayed union. METHODS: All cases of hand or wrist arthrodesis procedures in patients aged ≥18 years from 2006 to 2020 were identified. Cases were included if they had >90 days of radiographic follow-up or evidence of union before 90 days. Baseline demographics were recorded for each case including smoking status at the time of surgery. Complications were recorded and all postoperative radiographs were reviewed to assess for evidence of delayed union (defined as lack of osseous union by 90 days after surgery). We compared active smokers and nonsmokers and performed a logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds of experiencing a delayed radiographic union. RESULTS: A total of 309 arthrodesis cases were included and 24% were active smokers. Overall, radiographic evidence of a delayed union was found in 17% of cases. Smokers were significantly more likely to have a delayed union compared with nonsmokers (27% vs 14%). Results of the adjusted logistic regression analysis demonstrated that there was a significantly increased odds of experiencing a delayed union for patients who were active smokers compared with nonsmokers (odds ratio, 2.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-4.43). In addition, the rate of symptomatic nonunion requiring reoperation was higher in smokers (15%) compared with nonsmokers (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking was associated with increased odds of delayed radiographic union in patients undergoing hand and wrist arthrodesis procedures. Patients should be counseled appropriately on the risks of smoking on bone healing and encouraged to abstain from nicotine use in the perioperative period. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

An Analysis of Formal Patient Complaints, Risk, and Malpractice Events Involving Orthopedic Trauma Surgeons During a 10-Year Period.

Formal patient complaints and malpractice events involving orthopedic trauma surgeons (OTSs) can have substantial career implications. Our purpose was to analyze formal patient complaints, risk events, and malpractice events against OTSs during a 10-year period. We reviewed all formal patient complaints within our institution's patient advocacy database involving 9 fellowship-trained OTSs throughout a decade. Complaints were categorized using the Patient Complaint Analysis System. Potential risk and malpractice events involving the OTSs were recorded. A control group of all patients seen by the surgeons during the study period was created. Demographics between patients with complaints and the control group were analyzed, as were malpractice, risk, and complaint rates between the surgeons. Of 33,770 patients, 136 filed a formal complaint (0.40%). There were 29 malpractice claims and 2 malpractice lawsuits. The care and treatment domain accounted for the highest percentage of complaints (36%), followed by the access and availability domain (26%). Results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that private insurance (odds ratio, 1.58) and operative treatment (odds ratio, 3.65) were significantly associated with complaints. Despite statistically significant differences in the rates of complaint and risk events between surgeons, malpractice events did not differ. The rate of patient complaints within a large orthopedic trauma practice during a 10-year period was 0.40%. Patients with private insurance and those treated operatively were more likely to file a complaint. Whereas complaint rates among surgeons varied, there was no significant difference in the rate of malpractice events. Understanding patient complaint rates and categorizations may allow surgeons to target areas for improvement. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(2):121-127.].

Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture Videos on YouTube: An Analysis of Video Content and Quality.

Purpose: Our purpose was to analyze the content and quality of YouTube videos related to distal biceps tendon (DBT) ruptures and repair. We aimed to compare differences between academic and nonacademic video sources. Methods: The most popular YouTube videos related to DBT injuries were compiled and analyzed according to source. Viewing characteristics were determined for each video. Video content and quality were assessed by 2 reviewers and analyzed according to the Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria, DISCERN criteria, and a Distal Biceps Content Score. Cohen's kappa was used to measure interrater reliability. Results: A total of 59 DBT YouTube videos were included. The intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from moderate to excellent for the content scores. The mean DISCERN score was 29, and no videos were rated as either "good" or "excellent" for content quality. With the exception of the mean Journal of the American Medical Association criteria score (1.5 vs 0.5), videos from academic sources did not demonstrate significantly higher levels of content quality. Only 4/59 videos (7%) discussed the natural history of nonsurgically treated DBT ruptures. Of the 32 videos that discussed surgical techniques, only 3/32 (9%) had a preference for 2-incision techniques. No videos discussed the association between spontaneous DBT ruptures and cardiac amyloidosis. Conclusions: The overall content, quality, and reliability of DBT videos on YouTube are poor. Videos from academic sources do not provide higher-quality information than videos from nonacademic sources. Videos related to operative treatment of DBT ruptures more frequently discuss single-incision techniques. Clinical relevance: Social media videos can function as direct-to-consumer marketing materials, and surgeons should be prepared to address misconceptions regarding the management of DBT tears. Patients are increasingly seeking health information online, and surgeons should direct patients toward more reliable and vetted sources of information.

Analysis of driving simulator performance for post-call orthopaedic surgery residents.

PURPOSE: Despite the associations between workhours, fatigue and motor vehicle accidents, driving abilities for residents post-call have been infrequently analysed. Our purpose was to compare orthopaedic surgery resident performance on a driving simulator after a night of call compared with their baseline. STUDY DESIGN: All residents from a single orthopaedic programme were asked to complete baseline and post-call driving simulator assessments and surveys. The primary outcome measure was brake reaction time (BRT) and secondary outcome measures included lane variance, speed variance and accidents on the driving simulator. RESULTS: All 19 orthopaedic residents agreed to participate. Compared with the baseline assessment, residents demonstrated significantly higher levels of sleepiness on the Stanford Sleepiness Scale post-call (1.6 vs 3.4; p<0.0001). Despite higher levels of fatigue post-call, there was no statistically significant differences between baseline and post-call assessments for mean BRT, accidents, lane variation and speed variation. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that for orthopaedic residents, driving simulator performance does not appear to be worse after a single night of call compared with baseline. Future collaborative, multicentre investigations on post-call driving safety that incorporate different call types and frequencies are necessary to better define the impact of post-call fatigue on driving performance. Recognising that motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of death for people under the age of 30 years, these continued areas of study are necessary to truly establish a culture of resident safety.

Formal Patient Complaints and Malpractice Events Involving Orthopedic Spine Surgeons: A Ten-Year Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. OBJECTIVE: To analyze patient complaints, potential risk, and malpractice events involving orthopedic spine surgeons over a 10-year period. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Unsolicited patient complaints may be associated with risk management and malpractice events. METHODS: We analyzed patient complaint, potential risk event, and malpractice event data for six orthopedic spine surgeons over a 10-year period. Patient complaints were analyzed and classified according to the Patient Complaint Analysis System. Baseline demographics were recorded for patients with complaints as well as the surgeons. A control group consisting of all patients seen by the six surgeons during the study period was created to identify patient and physician risk factors for formal patient complaints. Event rates (for complaints, risk, and malpractice events) were calculated by dividing the number of events by the total number of unique patients seen. RESULTS: There were 214 complaint designations among 202 patients with formal complaints, resulting in a complaint rate of 0.79%. Patients were most likely to complain about access and availability (35%) followed by care and treatment (32%). Of the 68 complaints regarding care and treatment, 34 were related to dissatisfaction with surgical outcome. Complications were identified in 26/34 cases. The malpractice event rate ranged from 0.06% to 0.65%. Patients who had surgery ( P < 0.0001) or a mental, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental disorder ( P = 0.0004) were more likely to file complaints compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: While infrequent, patient complaints against orthopedic spine surgeons are most related to access and availability. The rate of malpractice events varies widely between surgeons.

Evaluation of a Comprehensive Telemedicine Pathway for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Comparison of Virtual and In-Person Assessments.

PURPOSE: We evaluated a comprehensive telemedicine pathway for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Our primary aim was to compare telemedicine and in-person administration of the six item CTS-6 instrument (CTS-6) in patients undergoing carpal tunnel release (CTR) and to determine whether surgical plans determined via telemedicine were altered by in-person assessments. We additionally aimed to assess agreement between telemedicine and in-person examinations. METHODS: In this prospective investigation, patients referred to a hand surgeon for evaluation of CTS were offered a telemedicine pathway. A modified, virtual CTS-6 was administered during the telemedicine consultation and a virtual exam was performed. Patients indicated for CTR were evaluated in person on the day of surgery. Agreement between the telemedicine and in-person CTS-6 and exam findings was determined. Patients were evaluated via telemedicine postoperatively to determine satisfaction with the program and assess surgical complications. RESULTS: A total of 32 cases were included. The mean CTS-6 score administered via telemedicine was 17.7, compared with 16.8 in person; this difference was not statistically significant. There were no cases indicated for CTR during the telemedicine visit that had a subsequent change in management based on the in-person evaluation. Agreement was lowest for the sensory assessment (63%). The Phalen and Durkan compression tests demonstrated high levels of agreement (97% and 94%, respectively). Satisfaction was high for patients in the telemedicine CTS pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Overall agreement between telemedicine and in-person administration of the CTS-6 is high for patients with CTS. In patients indicated for CTR via telemedicine, an in-person examination does not appear to alter management. The telemedicine examination of hand sensation demonstrates lower levels of agreement with the in-person assessment. Telemedicine can serve as an alternative to conventional, in-person clinic visits for the diagnosis and postoperative management of uncomplicated, primary CTS. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic II.

An Analysis of Formal Patient Complaints and Malpractice Events Involving Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: Our purpose was to define and categorize patient complaints within a hand surgery practice over a 10-year period. In addition, we aimed to define surgeon and patient factors associated with formal complaints. METHODS: All patients who filed a complaint with our institution's patient advocacy service against six hand surgeons in an academic practice over a 10-year period were recorded and categorized using the Patient Complaint Analysis System. A control group consisting of all patients seen by the surgeons during the study period was created. Demographic differences between the complaint and control groups were analyzed, as were complaint rates between surgeons. We obtained the number of malpractice events involving each of the surgeons. RESULTS: During the 10-year study period, 73 of 36,010 unique patients seen (0.20%) filed a complaint. Care and treatment category comprised the highest percentage of complaint designations (30%), followed by access and availability (23%). Forty-three patients (59%) who filed complaints were treated surgically. Patients with a complaint had a significantly higher percentage of mental, behavioral, or neurodevelopmental disorders compared with controls (55% versus 42%, P = 0.03). The complaint rate (total complaints/total new patients seen) ranged between 0.09% and 0.29% for the six surgeons, and these results were not statistically significant. DISCUSSION: Within an academic hand and upper extremity surgery practice, the rate of patient complaints is 0.20% or approximately one complaint for every 500 new patients seen. Most patient complaints are categorized within the care and treatment domain. Underlying mental health conditions are associated with more frequent complaints. Communication issues appear to represent a modifiable area that hand surgeons can improve to help mitigate potential complaints. Understanding both the frequency and types of patient complaints may allow hand surgeons to recognize areas for improvement and avoid potential exposure to malpractice litigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic level III (case-control).

Formal Patient Complaints and Malpractice Events Against Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Formal patient complaints are associated with increased malpractice litigation and can have adverse occupational consequences for surgeons. Our purpose was to define and categorize patient complaints within an academic pediatric orthopaedic surgery practice over a 10-year period. We further aimed to define risk factors associated with patient complaints. METHODS: We reviewed all complaints within our institution's patient advocacy service filed on behalf of a patient against 4 pediatric orthopaedic surgeons over a 10-year period. Complaints were categorized using the Patient Complaint Analysis System. A control group of all patients seen by the surgeons during the study period was created. We compared baseline demographics between the patients with a complaint and the control group and compared complaint rates between the surgeons. Any malpractice events (lawsuits and claims) associated with the surgeons were obtained. We queried our institutional MIDAS reporting system (which allows for anonymous reporting of potential patient-safety or "near-miss" events), to assess whether patients with a complaint had a reported event. RESULTS: The 4 pediatric orthopaedic surgeons saw a total of 25,747 unique patients during the study period. Forty-one patients had a formal complaint, resulting in a complaint rate of 0.15%. Complaint rates varied from 0.08% to 0.30% between surgeons. Humanness was the most frequent complaint designation category (32%) followed by Care and Treatment (19%). Of the 41 patients with a complaint, 18 (44%) underwent surgical treatment. Only 1 patient with a complaint also had an entry within our institutional patient-safety reporting system. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of patient complaints within an academic pediatric orthopaedic surgery practice over a decade was 0.15%, or ~1 complaint for every 670 new patients seen. The majority of patient complaints involved communication; a potentially modifiable area that can be targeted for improvement. While complaint rates among surgeons can vary, patient demographic factors are not associated with increased complaints. Understanding patient complaints rates and types may allow surgeons to target areas for improvement and decrease exposure to malpractice litigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-prognostic.

Traumatic Orthopaedic Injuries in the Prison Population.

The United States has the highest population of inmates in the world (per capita and total). Musculoskeletal disorders are included within the 10 most frequent medical reports of prisoners; however, the literature about them is limited. The purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiology and complications of traumatic musculoskeletal injuries. To our knowledge, this is the first report of musculoskeletal trauma and complications in the prison population. Methods: A list of all traumatic orthopaedic injuries and complications, except for spine, was sent to the billing contractor of the Pennsylvania state prison system based on the Current Procedure Terminology, and it was queried over a 3-year period. Results: Five hundred seventy-six patients met the criteria. The hand and wrist was the most commonly injured region (65%), followed by foot and ankle (20%). Metacarpal fracture represented 22% of all injuries. A low complication rate was noted among all surgical procedures. Infection was seen in 1.15% of hand surgeries and in 2% of ankle surgeries. In addition, a low incidence of nonunion was recorded (1.5%). Nonsurgical management was the chosen method of treatment in 64% of all injuries. Conclusion: In this prison population with musculoskeletal injuries, upper extremity injuries and nonsurgical treatment are more prevalent and low energy injuries are more common. Contrary to popular belief, there is a trend toward low infection and complication rates after orthopaedic treatment. Further studies are necessary to best identify the patterns of injuries and the best way to treat inmates with orthopaedic injuries.

Femoral Neck Fractures in Children: Issues, Challenges, and Solutions.

Femoral neck fractures in children are rare injuries resulting from high-energy trauma. Different methods of treatment, lack of standard management protocols, and the high risk of complications make this injury one of the biggest challenges that an orthopaedic surgeon can face. This review focuses on the general aspects of the pediatric femoral neck fracture management as well as its complications and possible solutions.