An Opioid-Sparing Pain Protocol of Intravenous and Oral Ketorolac Reduces Opioid Consumption and Pain Levels after Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The primary purpose was to compare ketorolac to oxycodone-acetaminophen with respect to pain and opioid consumption after arthroscopic meniscus surgery. The secondary purpose was to compare short-term functional outcomes between the two protocols. METHODS: A power analysis demonstrated that 43 patients were required. In this randomized control trial, patients with meniscal pathology undergoing arthroscopic meniscus surgery were included. Group 1 received oxycodone-acetaminophen alone. Group 2 received one dose of intravenous ketorolac intraoperatively, oral ketorolac upon discharge, and "rescue" oxycodone-acetaminophen. Patients recorded the number of opioid tablets consumed and visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores three times per day for five days postoperatively. Opioids were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME). VAS, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (LKSS), and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were obtained. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were randomized. There were 25 patients in the control group and 23 patients in the ketorolac group. The mean age was 47.9 (±14.3) years. Fifty-two percent (n=25) of the population were female. Three patients (6.3%) underwent meniscal repair. During the first five days postoperatively, the mean VAS score (ß= -13.2, SE=5.97, p=0.029) and the MME consumed were significantly lower (ß=-4.7, SE=1.93, p=0.015) per time point in the ketorolac group relative to the control group. The control group had better LKSS (80.6 [SD 18.5] versus 65 [SD 21.5], p=0.016) and KOOS (74.1 [SD 16.7] versus 61.9 [SD 18.6], p=0.029) scores at 6 weeks. There were no significant differences in the rates of side effects. CONCLUSIONS: An opioid-sparing pain protocol of intravenous and oral ketorolac is associated with significant reductions in VAS scores and MME consumption in the first five days after arthroscopic meniscus surgery. There were significant differences in patient-reported outcomes at final follow-up, favoring the control group. There were no significant differences in adverse reactions and side effects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II, prospective randomized-controlled trial.

Artificial Intelligence Promotes the Dunning Kruger Effect: Evaluating ChatGPT Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients have long turned to the Internet for answers to common medical questions. As the ability to access information evolves beyond standard search engines, patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and their parents may use artificial intelligence chatbots such as ChatGPT as a new source of information. METHODS: Ten frequently asked questions regarding AIS were posed to ChatGPT. The accuracy and adequacy of the responses were graded as excellent not requiring clarification, satisfactory requiring minimal clarification, satisfactory requiring moderate clarification, and unsatisfactory requiring substantial clarification. RESULTS: ChatGPT gave one response that was excellent not requiring clarification, four responses that were satisfactory requiring minimal clarification, three responses that were satisfactory requiring moderate clarification, and two responses that were unsatisfactory requiring substantial clarification, with information about higher level, more complex areas of discussion such as surgical options being less accurate. CONCLUSION: ChatGPT provides answers to FAQs about AIS that were generally accurate, although correction was needed on specific surgical treatments. Patients may be at risk of developing a Dunning-Kruger effect by proxy from the superficial and sometimes inaccurate information provided by ChatGPT on more complex aspects of AIS.

Patellar tendon restoration techniques: a systematic review of outcomes for repair and reconstruction methods.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aims to delineate the various methods to repair or reconstruct the patellar tendon using the available literature. METHODS: MEDLINE and PubMed electronic databases were searched for English language clinical studies involving patellar tendon rupture repair or reconstruction that reported patient-reported outcome scores (PROS) between January 1st, 1953 and June 17th, 2021. Data was extracted on full text articles to collect functional outcome scores and rupture category, including acute, chronic, post-total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and post-anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). RESULTS: Twenty-three studies with a total of 738 patients were included. Of the 14 studies including acute repairs, mean postoperative Lvsholm scores ranged from 84 to 99.5. Knee Society Score (KSS) and knee range of motion (ROM) measurement were the most widely reported outcomes in the chronic setting. The average postoperative KSS scores ranged from 70 to 87.7. Of the six studies that included patellar tendon repairs/reconstructions in the setting of prior TKA, the most frequently reported outcomes were KSS scores and knee ROM measurements. The average postoperative KSS scores for the three cohorts reporting reconstruction with allograft ranged from 79 to 88 as compared to the average postoperative KSS score for reconstruction with autograft of 70. CONCLUSION: Despite this heterogeneity, we concluded: (1) in the primary setting, cerclage augmentation yields the lowest lysholm scores and should not be considered, although primary repairs with and without augmentation yield comparable postoperative lysholm scores, (2) in the chronic setting, repair with augmentation and reconstruction yielded similar results aside from in post-TKA patients where allograft reconstruction yielded superior KSS scores.

Intra-operative subperiosteal elevation of the ulnar nerve is a safe and effective way to minimize post-operative ulnar neuritis in distal humerus fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To describe subperiosteal elevation of the ulnar nerve and compare to anterior transposition and in situ decompression techniques. METHODS: Design: Retrospective comparative study. SETTING: Urban Level 1 trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Distal humerus fractures (OTA/AO 13) treated with open reduction internal fixation between 2014-2022. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Rate of pre- and post-operative neuritis grouped by management of the ulnar nerve. During subperiosteal elevation, the ulnar nerve was identified and raised off the ulna subperiosteally and mobilized submuscularly anterior to the medial epicondyle to protect the nerve. The nerve was released only laterally off the triceps and the medial soft tissue attachment is maintained. The main outcomes measurements was rate of neuritis documented within physical exam. RESULTS: Within the 125 patients, 35 underwent subperiosteal elevation (mean age of 56 ± 21 years, 57% female), 63 in situ decompression (mean age of 60 ± 18 years, 46% female), and 27 anterior transposition (mean age of 55 ± 20 years, 59% female). Pre-operative ulnar neuritis was present in 34%, 21%, and 33% of patients treated with subperiosteal elevation, in situ decompression, and anterior transposition, respectively (p=0.26). At post-operative evaluation symptom resolution occurred in 100%, 69%, and 33% of patients treated with subperiosteal elevation, in situ decompression, and anterior transposition, respectively (p=0.003). New cases of post-operative ulnar neuritis occurred in 6%, 8%, and 26% of patients treated with subperiosteal elevation, in situ decompression, and anterior transposition, respectively (p=0.054). Subperiosteal elevation outperformed anterior transposition regarding post-operative ulnar neuritis (p=0.019) and symptom resolution (p=0.002) and performed similarly to in situ decompression (p>0.05). On multiple regression analysis, anterior transposition was an independent risk factor for post-operative neuritis (OR=5.2, p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Subperiosteal elevation is an effective way to minimize post-operative neuritis and similar to an in-situ decompression during distal humerus fracture fixation. Based on the results of this cohort, authors recommended that anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve be used with caution due to association with post-operative ulnar neuritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Editorial Commentary: ChatGPT Has the Potential to Be an Important Patient Education Tool and May Outperform Google.

With the growing popularity of artificial intelligence, more patients will begin to turn to chatbots such as ChatGPT for medical information. Recent research has shown that ChatGPT and Google can both provide accurate responses to numeric-based questions; ChatGPT bases its answers on more trustworthy, academic sources than Google, and the 2 tools have little overlap when queried to generate a list of frequently asked questions. Patients should use ChatGPT cautiously. The chatbot can struggle to generate appropriate responses to questions regarding patient-specific factors. Fortunately, many institutions offer evidence-based websites that provide quality information. However, if these sites do not address a specific patient's question, ChatGPT has the potential to be a powerful tool. Of importance, unlike Google, ChatGPT consistently provides patients with a reminder that they should follow up with a licensed medical provider to address their questions and concerns related to a topic.

ChatGPT Responses to Common Questions About Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: A Reliable Resource for Parents?

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the ability of ChatGPT, an AI-powered online chatbot, to answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). METHODS: Seven FAQs regarding SCFE were presented to ChatGPT. Initial responses were recorded and compared with evidence-based literature and reputable online resources. Responses were subjectively rated as "excellent response requiring no further clarification," "satisfactory response requiring minimal clarification," "satisfactory response requiring moderate clarification," or "unsatisfactory response requiring substantial clarification." RESULTS: ChatGPT was frequently able to provide satisfactory responses that required only minimal clarification. One response received an excellent rating and required no further clarification, while only 1 response from ChatGPT was rated unsatisfactory and required substantial clarification. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT is able to frequently provide satisfactory responses to FAQs regarding SCFE while appropriately reiterating the importance of always consulting a medical professional.

Association of Idiopathic Cam Morphology With Femoral and Acetabular Version: Analysis of 986 Cadaveric Hips.

Background: Studies have correlated symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) with femoral retroversion and cam lesions. Purpose: To investigate any association between femoral and acetabular versions with cam deformity in a largely asymptomatic population. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 986 cadaveric hips were selected from a historical osteologic collection. Each hip was assessed to determine the femoral and acetabular versions, anterior offset, and alpha angle. Cam morphology was defined as an alpha angle >60°. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between age, femoral version, acetabular version, and either alpha angle or anterior femoral offset. Results: The mean alpha angle and anterior offset for the sample population were 48.1°± 10.4° and 0.77 ± 0.17 cm, respectively, with cam morphology in 149 of the 986 (15.1%) specimens. No significant difference was observed between hips with and without cam morphology with respect to the femoral (10.8°± 10° vs 10.3°± 9.6°; P = .58) or acetabular versions (17.4°± 6° vs 18.2°± 6.3°; P = .14). Multiple regression analysis did not demonstrate an association between the femoral or acetabular versions and the alpha angle, and it showed a small association between the increasing femoral and acetabular versions and a decreased anterior femoral offset (both P < .01). Conclusion: In a large random sample of cadaveric hips, cam morphology was not associated with femoral or acetabular retroversion. Combined with the existing literature, these findings suggest that retroversion is not associated with cam development. Clinical Relevance: This study provides insight into the development of cam morphology, which may eventually aid in the evaluation and treatment of FAI.

The Addition of Hand-specific Skeletal Maturity Parameters Does Not Improve Skeletal Maturity Estimation Accuracy of the Modified Fels Wrist System.

BACKGROUND: The Modified Fels Wrist system is potentially the most accurate clinically accessible skeletal maturity system utilizing hand or wrist radiographs. During development, parameters distal to the metacarpals were excluded. We attempted to further optimize the Modified Fels wrist system through the inclusion of hand parameters distal to the metacarpals. METHODS: Forty-three new anteroposterior (AP) hand radiographic parameters were identified from the Fels and Greulich and Pyle (GP) skeletal maturity systems. Twelve parameters were eliminated from further evaluation for poor correlation with skeletal maturity, poor reliability, and lack of relevance in the peripubertal years. In addition to the 8 previously described Modified Fels Wrist parameters, 31 hand radiographic parameters were evaluated on serial peripubertal AP hand radiographs to identify the ones most important for accurately estimating skeletal age. This process produced a "Modified Fels hand-wrist" model; its performance was compared with (1) GP only; (2) Sanders Hand (SH) only; (3) age, sex, and GP; (4) age, sex, and SH; and (5) Modified Fels Wrist system. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy-two radiographs from 42 girls and 38 boys were included. Of the 39 radiographic parameters that underwent full evaluation, 9 remained in the combined Modified Fels Hand-Wrist system in addition to chronological age and sex. Four parameters are wrist specific, and the remaining 5 are hand specific. The Hand-Wrist system outperformed both GP and SH in estimating skeletal maturity ( P <0.001). When compared with the Modified Fels Wrist system, the Modified Fels Hand-Wrist system performed similarly regarding skeletal maturity estimation (0.36±0.32 vs. 0.34±0.26, P =0.59) but had an increased (worse) rate of outlier predictions >1 year discrepant from true skeletal maturity (4.9% vs. 1.9%, P =0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of hand parameters to the existing Modified Fels Wrist system did not improve skeletal maturity estimation accuracy and worsened the rate of outlier estimations. When an AP hand-wrist radiograph is available, the existing Modified Fels wrist system is best for skeletal maturity estimation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

ChatGPT Responses to Common Questions About Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Are Frequently Satisfactory.

PURPOSE: To evaluate ChatGPT responses to common questions patients have regarding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: Ten frequently asked questions regarding ACL tears and ACL reconstruction were chosen from the frequently asked questions found on the websites of major institutions. These were presented to ChatGPT and responses were rated as "excellent response not requiring clarification," "satisfactory requiring minimal clarification," "satisfactory requiring moderate clarification," or "unsatisfactory requiring substantial clarification." RESULTS: Four responses were satisfactory, requiring minimal clarification, 3 were satisfactory, requiring moderate clarification, 2 were unsatisfactory, and 1 was excellent, requiring no clarification. CONCLUSIONS: As hypothesized, ChatGPT provided generally accurate information to common questions around ACL reconstruction. Although clarification often was needed, responses were satisfactory for providing generalized information about ACL tears and ACL reconstruction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ChatGPT is a promising avenue for patients to learn about general background information regarding ACL reconstruction, although questions specific to any planned operation need to be addressed directly with an orthopaedic provider.

Complications and Outcomes After Fixation of Lisfranc Injuries at an Urban Level 1 Trauma Center.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate patients with tarsometatarsal fractures and dislocations and describe complications and secondary operations. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Consecutive adults treated acutely for Lisfranc injuries with reduction and fixation using standard techniques of rigid medial fixation and flexible lateral fixation. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Complications include infections, wound healing problems, nonunion, malunion, and posttraumatic arthrosis (PTA), and secondary unplanned procedures after a minimum of 2-year radiographic follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age of the included 118 patients was 40 years (range, 18-73 years) and 96 (74%) were male. Comorbidities included obesity (n = 32; 40%), diabetes mellitus (n = 12; 9%), and tobacco use (n = 67; 52%). Thirty (23%) were open injuries, and concomitant forefoot injuries were present in 47% and hindfoot injuries in 12%. Unplanned secondary procedures, including implant removals, were performed on 39 patients (33%), most often for removal of painful implants (26%) or infectious debridement (9%). Sixty-seven complications occurred, with PTA most frequent (37%). Deep infections occurred in 8%. On multivariate analysis, open injury ( P = 0.028, CI = 1.22-30.63, OR = 6.12) and concomitant forefoot injury ( P = 0.03, CI = 1.12-9.76, OR = 3.31) were independent risk factors for complication. CONCLUSIONS: Open Lisfranc injuries were associated with complications, with deep infections occurring in 9%. Secondary procedures were most often performed for pain relief; the most common late complication was PTA, warranting counseling of patients about potential long-term sequelae of injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Common characteristics of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration following COVID-19 vaccination: a comprehensive systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is incompletely understood, but it is postulated to be an immune-mediated inflammatory response to a vaccine antigen, leading to shoulder pain and dysfunction. The purpose of this investigation is to systematically review the literature related to SIRVA specifically after the COVID-19 vaccination by describing the diagnostic and clinical characteristics, diagnoses associated with SIRVA, and incidence between vaccine types. METHODS: A systematic review was performed to identify level I to IV studies and case descriptions of shoulder pain occurring after COVID-19 vaccination. To confirm that no studies were missing from the systematic review, references of studies from the initial search were scanned for additional relevant studies. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies, comprised of 81 patients, were identified meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Reports were most commonly published from countries in Asia (53.1%; n = 43/81). The most commonly described vaccines were Oxford-AstraZeneca at 37.0% (n = 30/81) and Pfizer-BioNTech at 33.3% (n = 27/81). Symptoms occurred most commonly after at least 72 hours of administration (30.9%, n = 25/81). One hundred percent of patients (n = 81/81) described pain as an associated symptom and 90.1% of patients (n = 73/81) described multiple symptoms. The diagnostic modalities utilized to identify a specific pathology consisted of magnetic resonance imaging (55.6%; n = 45/81), ultrasound (28.4; n = 23/81), radiograph (25.9%; n = 21/81), and computed tomography (4.9%; 4/81). Nearly a third of patients (32.1%; n = 26/81) were diagnosed with bursitis, while 22 (27.2%) were diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis, 17 (21.0%) with either rotator cuff tear or tendinopathy, and 14 (17.3%) with polymyalgia rheumatica or polymyalgia rheumatica-like syndrome. The 2 most common treatment options were physical therapy (34.6%; n = 28/81) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (33.3%; 27/81). The majority of SIRVA cases (52.1%; n = 38/73) completely resolved within a few weeks to months. CONCLUSION: Despite the limited quality and lack of large-scale studies, it is important for providers to recognize SIRVA as a potential risk factor as the number of patients receiving COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters continues to rise.

Correlations Between Eight Comprehensive Skeletal Maturity Systems in a Modern Peripubertal Pediatric Population.

BACKGROUND: Several skeletal maturity systems allow for accurate skeletal age assessment from a wide variety of joints. However, discrepancies in estimates have been noted when applying systems concurrently. The aims of our study were to (1) compare the agreement among 8 different skeletal maturity systems in modern pediatric patients and (2) compare these discrepancy trends qbetween modern and historic children. METHODS: We performed a retrospective (January 2000 to May 2022) query of our picture archiving and communication systems and included peripubertal patients who had at least two radiographs of different anatomic regions obtained ≤3 months apart for 8 systems: (1) proximal humerus ossification system (PHOS), (2) olecranon apophysis ossification staging system (OAOSS), (3) lateral elbow system, (4) modified Fels wrist system, (5) Sanders Hand Classification, (6) optimized oxford hip system, (7) modified Fels knee system, and (8) calcaneal apophysis ossification staging system (CAOSS). Any abnormal (ie, evidence of fracture or congenital deformity) or low-quality radiographs were excluded. These were compared with a cohort from a historic longitudinal study. SEM skeletal age, representing the variance of skeletal age estimates, was calculated for each system and used to compare system precision. RESULTS: A total of 700 radiographs from 350 modern patients and 954 radiographs from 66 historic patients were evaluated. In the modern cohort, the greatest variance was seen in PHOS (SEM: 0.28 y), Sanders Hand (0.26 y), and CAOSS (0.25 y). The modified Fels knee system demonstrated the smallest variance (0.20 y). For historic children, the PHOS, OAOSS, and CAOSS were the least precise (0.20 y for all). All other systems performed similarly in historic children with lower SEMs (range: 0.18 to 0.19 y). The lateral elbow system was more precise than the OAOSS in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: The precision of skeletal maturity systems varies across anatomic regions. Staged, single-parameter systems (eg, PHOS, Sanders Hand, OAOSS, and CAOSS) may correlate less with other systems than those with more parameters. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective study.

The Effects of Opioid Dependency Use on Postoperative Spinal Surgery Outcomes: A Review of the Available Literature.

There is a lack of evidence to support the effectiveness of long-term opioid therapy in patients with chronic, noncancer pain. Despite these findings, opioids continue to be the most commonly prescribed drug to treat chronic back pain and many patients undergoing spinal surgery have trialed opioids before surgery for conservative pain management. Unfortunately, preoperative opioid use has been shown repeatedly in the literature to negatively affect spinal surgery outcomes. In this review article, we identify and summarize the main postoperative associations with preoperative opioid use that have been found in previously published studies by searching on PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and ScienceDirect; using keywords: Opioid dependency, postoperative, spinal surgery, specifically (1) increased postoperative chronic opioid use (24 studies); (2) decreased return to work (RTW) rates (8 studies); (3) increased length of hospital stay (LOS) (9 studies); and (4) increased healthcare costs (8 studies). The conclusions from these studies highlight the importance of recognizing patients on opioids preoperatively to effectively risk stratify and identify those who will benefit most from multidisciplinary counseling and guidance.

Management of Bone Loss and Tunnel Widening in Revision ACL Reconstruction.

➤ Both mechanical and biological factors can contribute to bone loss and tunnel widening following primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.➤ Revision ACL surgery success is dependent on graft position, fixation, and biological incorporation.➤ Both 1-stage and 2-stage revision ACL reconstructions can be successful in correctly indicated patients.➤ Potential future solutions may involve the incorporation of biological agents to enhance revision ACL surgery, including the use of bone marrow aspirate concentrate, platelet-rich plasma, and bone morphogenetic protein-2.

Functional Outcomes After High-Energy Lisfranc Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Midfoot fractures and dislocations are infrequent and functional outcomes following Lisfranc injuries have not been well described. The purpose of this project was to explore functional outcomes following operative treatment of high-energy Lisfranc injury. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 46 adults with tarsometatarsal fractures and dislocations treated at a single Level 1 trauma center were reviewed. Demographic, medical, social, and injury features of these patients and their injuries were recorded. Foot Function Index (FFI) and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) surveys were collected after mean 8.7 years' follow-up. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify independent predictors of outcome. RESULTS: Forty-six patients with mean age 39.7 years completed functional outcome surveys. Mean SMFA scores were 29.3 (dysfunction) and 32.6 (bothersome). Mean FFI scores were 43.1 (pain), 43.0 (disability), and 21.7 (activity), with a mean total score of 35.9. FFI pain scores were worse than published values for fractures of the plafond (33, P = .04), distal tibia (33, P = .04), and talus (25.3, P = .001). Lisfranc injury patients reported worse disability (43.0 vs 29, P = .008) and total FFI scores (35.9 vs 26, P = .02) compared with distal tibia fractures. Tobacco smoking was an independent predictor of worse FFI (P < .05) and SMFA emotion and bothersome scores (P < .04). Chronic renal disease was a predictor of worse FFI disability (P = .04) and SMFA subcategory scores (P < .04). Male sex was associated with better scores in all SMFA categories (P < .04). Age, obesity, or open injury did not affect functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Patients reported worse pain by FFI after Lisfranc injury compared to other injuries about the foot and ankle. Tobacco smoking, female sex, and preexisting chronic renal disease are predictive of worse functional outcome scores, warranting further study in a larger sample, as well as counseling of long-term consequences of this injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective, prognostic.

Asymptomatic Bone Marrow Edema in Weight-bearing Bones in Athletes and Military Trainees: A Systematic Literature Review.

Asymptomatic bone marrow edema (aBME) is a non-specific radiographic finding often found in athletes. Although aBME may represent the body's physiological response to training load, the etiology, MRI characteristics, and natural history of aBME remain unknown. To better characterize aBME in the lower extremities of military trainees and athletes. A systematic literature review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines was performed to identify primary research articles reporting on aBME in the lower extremities of athletes and military trainees. We identified 347 unique articles and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were included for qualitative synthesis. There were a total of 444 patients with an average age of 28.4±9.6 included. The most commonly used MRI sequences were proton-density with fat-saturation and T1-weighted imaging. The pattern of BME was inconsistently described, with various classification schemas used. The changes in aBME during longitudinal follow-up were dynamic and demonstrated both radiographic progression and regression. aBME is a highly prevalent and radiographically dynamic entity observed in high-level athletes and military trainees. Although follow-up was limited in the included studies, aBME may represent a natural, non-pathologic, reaction in response to specific biomechanical stressors.

Orthopaedic surgery residents report little subjective or objective familiarity with healthcare costs.

PURPOSE: Residents have limited education regarding the cost of orthopaedic interventions. Orthopaedic residents' knowledge was surveyed in three scenarios involving an intertrochanteric femur fracture: 1) uncomplicated course with 2-day hospital stay; 2) complicated course necessitating ICU admission; and 3) readmission for pulmonary embolism management. METHODS: From 2018 to 2020, 69 orthopaedic surgery residents were surveyed. Respondents estimated hospital charges and collections; professional charges and collections; implant cost; and level of knowledge depending on the scenario. RESULTS: Most residents (83.6%) reported feeling "not knowledgeable". Respondents reporting "somewhat knowledgeable" did not perform better than those who reported "not knowledgeable". In the uncomplicated scenario, residents underestimated hospital charges and collections (p < 0.01; p = 0.87), and overestimated hospital charges and collections and professional collections (all p < 0.01) with an average percent error of 57.2%. Most residents (88.4%) were aware the sliding hip screw construct costs less than a cephalomedullary nail. In the complex scenario, while residents underestimated the hospital charges (p < 0.01), the estimated collections were closer to the actual figure (p = 0.16). In the third scenario, residents overestimated the charges and collections (p = 0.04; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Orthopaedic surgery residents receive little education regarding healthcare economics and feel unknowledgeable therefore a role for formal economic education during orthopaedic residency may exist.

Value Challenge: A Bottoms-Up Approach to Minimizing Cost and Waste in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Astronomical increases in medical expenses and waste produce widespread financial and environmental impacts. Minor changes to minimize costs within orthopaedics, the most used surgical subspecialty, could result in substantial savings. However, few orthopaedic surgeons are educated or experienced to implement cost containment strategies. This study aims to investigate cost containment opportunities and provide a framework for educating and incorporating residents into cost-saving initiatives. Methods: Orthopaedic surgical residents from an academic program with a Level I trauma center were queried during 2019 to 2022 regarding suggestions for cost containment opportunities. Based on feasibility and the estimated impact, 7 responses were selected to undergo cost-saving analyses. Results: The proposed initiatives fell into 2 categories: minimizing waste and optimizing patient care. Eliminating nonessential physical therapy/occupational therapy consults led to the greatest estimated savings ($8.6M charges/year), followed by conserving reusable drill bits ($2.2M/year) and reducing computed tomography scans on lower extremity injuries ($446K/year). Conclusion: Current medical training provides limited formal education on cost-effective care. Efforts to mitigate the growing financial and environmental costs of health care should include encouraging and incorporating resident feedback into cost reduction strategies. This tactic will likely have a positive impact on the behavior of such resident surgeons as they enter practice and have more awareness of costs and value. Level of Evidence: V (cost-minimization study).

Fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures is safe using either sinus tarsi or extensile lateral approach.

INTRODUCTION: Management of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures continues to challenge surgeons. Use of the extensile lateral surgical approach (ELA) had been standard practice however wound necrosis and infection have become deterrents. The sinus tarsi approach (STA) has gained popularity as a less invasive technique to optimize articular reduction while minimizing soft tissue injury. Our aim was to compare wound complications and infections following calcaneus fractures treated using ELA versus STA. METHODS: Retrospective review of 139 displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures (AO/OTA 82C; Sanders II-IV injuries) treated operatively at 2 level-I trauma centers using STA (n = 84) or ELA (n = 55) over a 3-year period with minimum 1-year follow up was performed. Demographic, injury, and treatment-related characteristics were collected. Primary outcomes of interest included wound complications, infection, reoperation, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and hindfoot scores. Univariate comparisons between groups were conducted using Chi-Square, Mann-Whitney, and independent sample t-tests at the p < 0.05 significance level, where appropriate. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for poor outcomes. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics were homogenous between cohorts. Most sustained falls from height (77%). Sanders III fractures were most common (42%). Patients treated with STA went to surgery earlier (6.0 days STA vs 13.2 ELA, p < 0.001). No differences were seen in restoration of Bohler's angle, varus/valgus angle, or calcaneal height, yet the ELA significantly improved calcaneal width (-2 mm STA vs -13.3 mm ELA, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in wound necrosis or deep infection based on surgical approach (12% STA vs 22% ELA, p = 0.15). Seven patients underwent subtalar arthrodesis for arthrosis (4% STA vs 7% ELA). No differences in AOFAS scores were seen. Risk factors for reoperation included Sanders type IV patterns (OR = 6.6, p = 0.001), increasing BMI (OR = 1.2, p = 0.021), and advanced age (OR = 1.1, p = 0.005), not surgical approach. CONCLUSION: Despite prior concerns, use of ELA versus STA for fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures was not associated with more complication risk, illustrating both are safe when indicated and executed appropriately.