Orthopaedic Personal Statement Thematic Review: Does Topic Matter?

Introduction: In the process of applying into medical residency, the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) requires critical documents including a personal statement. Utility of personal statements are questioned based on suspected congruity of the content within personal statements among those who apply into orthopaedic surgery. The goal of this study was to identify and categorize the thematic elements found within the 2021 to 2022 personal statements of orthopaedic surgery applicants at a single institution and assess a correlation to interview invitation. Methods: Deidentified personal statements among 2021 to 2022 ERAS applicants were reviewed by the research staff and categorized into one of the proposed themes. Three hundred ninty-four applications passed initial screening filters, and 49 applicants were granted an interview. Proposed themes that were collected included: family of physician, working with hands, history of injury/disease, prior professional setting, immigration/travel, athlete/sports, reapplication, previous clinical experience, and other. χ2 test was used to analyze categorical themes and additional univariate group-to-group comparisons. Multivariate principal component analysis was performed to determine which themes were associated with interview invitation. Results: There was a significant difference in theme selection for an applicant's personal statement (χ2 = 209.5, p < 0.001), but no statistical difference was observed between each individual categorical themes and interview selection. Univariate group-to-group comparison demonstrated greater interview rates between immigration/travel compared with reapplicant and family of physician compared with working with hands. Multivariate principal component analysis demonstrated immigration/travel as the theme with a positive correlation toward an interview invitation. Conclusion: Despite a significant focus of the application process into orthopaedic surgery residencies, our single-institution study did observe specific themes that were more prevalent. There was an increased interview rate between applicant's themes for immigration/travel and family of physician when comparing groups. Immigration/travel was also identified as the only significant theme associated with interview invitation which may be due to the recent emphasis on promoting diversity within orthopaedic surgery.

Mentorship in a Surgical Residency: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature.

Mentorship in surgical training is an experience that extends beyond the teacher-student interaction. Effective mentorship is crucial in surgical training and requires ongoing support at all stages of graduate surgical education, particularly in the context of busy surgical residency programs. It is important to recognize that mentors and mentees may have different styles of learning and teaching, making it essential to discuss and review these approaches to ensure effective mentorship. By acknowledging these differences and developing a supportive mentorship program that addresses them, surgical residents can receive the guidance they need to progress successfully through their training and prepare for independent practice. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of mentorship styles in various surgical training residencies. By including 30 publications, this study highlights different mentorship approaches and their contributions to education in surgical residency programs. Moreover, this study summarizes the 10 stages of mentorship, offering a clearer understanding of the mentorship model in the context of graduate surgical education. Finally, the review provides insight into the common challenges and pitfalls among mentorship programs. The findings of this study aim to provide valuable guidance for developing effective mentorship programs in surgical residency programs, contributing to better support and outcomes for surgical trainees.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Ultrayoung.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures provide a surgical option for "ultrayoung" patients ≤30 years old with end-stage hip arthropathy. This has historically been coupled with concerns over early component failure and challenging surgical technique leading to increased risk of overall morbidity. The purpose of this study is to better elucidate the poorly defined indications and outcomes for THA in ultrayoung patients with end-stage hip disease. Methods: A total of 40 THAs in 35 patients ≤30 years old performed at our institution from 2009 to 2016 were retrospectively followed for an average of 2 years (median 11 months, interquartile range 1-31.25). Primary outcome measure was THA revision. Patient demographics were compared against outcomes. The effects on revision rate of hip joint pathology and type of bearing surface were investigated. T-test, chi-square test, and bivariate correlation were performed to determine statistical significance (P < .05). Machine learning was used to determine the normalized important factor leading to THA revision. Results: Fifteen male and 25 female patients were included. Median patient age was 23 (interquartile range 19-27) years, with an average body mass index of 27.0 ± 7.9. A majority of THAs were indicated for osteonecrosis (32) and bearing surface type was predominantly metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene (36). The overall revision rate was 7.5%, without a correlation between revision and demographic characteristics. Revision surgery was significantly correlated with bearing surface type (P = .028). Important factors for revision were age (100%), bearing surface type (84.7%), and body mass index (52.1%). Conclusions: In patients ≤30 years old, THAs performed with the use of modern implants and surgical methods show satisfactory survivorship and functional outcomes with short-term follow-up.

Evaluation of Blood Loss in Conventional vs MAKOplasty Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been historically associated with considerable blood loss. Allogenic transfusions, the standard of care for blood loss following TKA, carry inherent risks. With the expanding use of robotic technology in TKA, one theoretical advantage is decreased blood loss and postoperative blood transfusions requirements. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative hemoglobin levels and the percentage of patients requiring a transfusion of allogenic packed red blood cells after conventional TKA (CTKA) vs robot-assisted TKA (RATKA). Methods: This is a retrospective review of 486 consecutive patients undergoing either CTKA or RATKA between October 30, 2018, and June 25, 2020, by a single fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeon. Mako SmartRobotics (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI) was used for RATKA cases. Primary outcomes included preoperative vs postoperative hemoglobin values and postoperative blood transfusion rates between the 2 groups. Results: The mean hemoglobin on postoperative day 1 was 10.7 gm/dl (±1.3) in the CTKA group and 10.9 gm/dl (±1.3) in the RATKA group, P = .24. The largest decline in hemoglobin from preoperative to within 2 days postoperatively was 3.1 gm/dl (±1.1) in the CTKA group and 3.1 gm/dl (±1.1) in the RATKA group, P = .92. The percentage of patients requiring a blood transfusion was 1.1% in the CTKA group and 1.3% in the RATKA group, P = .79. Conclusions: RATKA and CTKA groups did not have significant differences in postoperative hemoglobin changes or the need for postoperative blood transfusions.

Technical Note on Placement of Low-Profile Triangular Osteosynthesis for Unstable Posterior Pelvic Ring Injuries.

SUMMARY: Triangular osteosynthesis is a technique used to stabilize posterior pelvic ring injuries. Conventional triangular fixation can be problematic for several reasons, including the need for advanced skill sets to place instrumentation, difficulty with pelvic reduction and placing the connecting construct, and prominent instrumentation. The purpose of this study is 2-fold: (1) to describe in detail a technique for lumbopelvic fixation using implants that are easy to connect, allow distraction for complex lumbosacral displacements, and are placed in a location minimizing soft tissue prominence and (2) to present our initial case series using this technique. We present a retrospective review of 18 consecutively treated patients with this technique. Inclusion criteria were patients with complete disruption through the sacrum or sacroiliac joint from blunt trauma (OTA/AO type C injuries). Outcomes included pelvic reduction/malreduction, wound healing, and complications. Fourteen patients underwent unilateral fixation (81%), and 4 patients underwent bilateral fixation (19%). All patients (18 of the 18) had a well-reduced pelvis after fixation. No patient (0%) required a return trip to the operating room for loss of reduction/malreduction, wound breakdown, or implant failure. This study presents an updated technique for a low-profile triangular osteosynthesis construct with straightforward application for unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries. This technique does not require rod bending, results in a consistently more recessed iliac screw and connecting rod, and can be used in a wide variety of unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries, including comminuted sacral fractures, L5/S1 facet fractures, and vertical shear injuries.

Hip resection arthroplasty for acute femoral neck fractures in the non-ambulator.

OBJECTIVES: Hemiarthroplasty (HA) is the current standard of care for displaced femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in non-ambulators. Despite excellent outcomes, arthroplasty-specific risks remain, including dislocation, implant failure, periprosthetic fracture and infection, and fat embolization syndrome. To eliminate the possibility of these complications, should non-ambulatory patients with acute, native hip FNFs be treated with simple hip resection arthroplasty (HRA) instead of HA? DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Large, urban level-1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Five non-ambulatory patients (6 hips) with acute, native hip FNF underwent femoral head and neck resection. Also, the most recent 10 FNFs treated with HA were also identified for comparison purposes. INTERVENTION: HRA was performed via a Smith-Peterson approach with an oscillating saw or osteotome to complete the fracture or perform a fresh neck cut. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes included postoperative vs preoperative VAS pain scores and narcotics usage, and return to baseline functional status (sit up in bed or a chair postoperatively). Procedure time for HRA was compared with the 10 most recent patients with FNF treated with HA. RESULTS: HRA resulted in decreased postoperative vs preoperative VAS pain scores (7.7 vs 3.3, P = .002), and decreased operative times (59.2 minutes for HRA, 111.8 minutes for HA, P < .001). All HRA patients had immediate return of baseline function. CONCLUSION: HRA offers shorter operative times when compared with HA, decreased postoperative VAS pain scores, and immediate return to functional baseline status without possibility of arthroplasty-specific complications. HRA may be an acceptable treatment option for FNFs in the non-ambulator.Level of evidence: IV.

Bilateral vertical shear sacroiliac joint dislocations treated with bilateral triangular osteosynthesis in a young female: A case report.

CASE: Type C pelvic ring fractures account for only 0.34% of all pelvic fractures (Zhang, 2012 [1]). Anterior and posterior pelvic fixation is necessary in these injuries and can be accomplished using a variety of techniques. This study presents a case of bilateral vertical shear sacroiliac joint dislocations with an associated hip dislocation and pubic rami fractures that was treated with bilateral triangular osteosynthesis and INFIX. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of bilateral vertical shear sacroiliac joint dislocation treated with triangular osteosynthesis. Anterior pelvic fixation with INFIX and posterior fixation with lumbopelvic and percutaneous sacroiliac screws resulted in excellent radiographic and clinical outcomes.

Utilization of Robotic Arm Assistance for Revision of Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: With increasing numbers of knee arthroplasty procedures being performed, revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The use of robotics in primary joint arthroplasty is also increasing due to better technology and surgeon familiarity. Robotic arms have the ability to execute bone cuts within 1 mm of a preoperative plan, can measure soft tissue gap tension, and can plan femoral and tibial augments and rotation. The use of robotic arm assistance for revision TKA, however, has not been documented in the literature. CASE REPORT: We present a case describing a novel technique in which the Mako robot (Stryker, Ft. Lauderdale, FL) was utilized for revision of a failed primary TKA secondary to aseptic loosening. The patient is a 68-year-old Caucasian male who underwent right revision TKA with robotic assistance. Stryker Triathlon TS implants were utilized with the use of both femoral and tibial cones and medial and lateral posterior femoral augments. He had satisfactory component alignment based on postoperative radiographs, and excellent clinical outcomes 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The use of robotic arm assistance in revision TKA for failed primary TKA is a novel technique and resulted in excellent operative outcomes in this case. Further study should be done to confirm its use in revision TKA.

Evaluation of patient outcomes after operative treatment of intra-articular calcaneus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous reduction with fixation and open reduction internal fixation are often used to treat intra-articular calcaneus fractures with no consensus on the preferred method. Open techniques have been associated with an increased risk of wound complications, while percutaneous techniques may result in inferior reduction capabilities. These injuries pose a challenge to patients as they often result in poor patient outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed patient outcomes of a single surgeon's experience in treating these injuries at a busy urban Level 1 trauma center. METHODS: Patients with intra-articular calcaneus fractures managed operatively over 10 years with a minimum six-month follow-up were included. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on operative technique: closed reduction and percutaneous fixation (CRPF) or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Descriptive analysis of each cohort included postoperative infection, the need for repeat operations, development of post-traumatic subtalar arthritis, and reduction capabilities as assessed by Bohler's angle. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were included in this study, with 33 patients in the CRPF group and 29 patients in the ORIF group. Infection requiring a return to the operating room occurred in 1 (3%) CRPF and 7 (24%) ORIF patients. Instrumentation was removed in 23 (70%) CRPF and 9 (31%) ORIF patients. Clinical subtalar arthritis developed in 10 (30%) CRPF and 7 (24%) ORIF patients, requiring arthrodesis in 2 (6%) and 5 (17%) patients, respectively. Both techniques had acceptable restoration of Bohler's angle immediately postoperatively and at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous reduction with fixation and open reduction internal fixation may both be considered for the surgical treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Indications for each technique may vary between surgeons, and each has its own set of risk factors and complications, however, both have been shown to result in an acceptable reduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Disparity in the effect of morphine on eupnea and gasping in anesthetized spontaneously breathing adult rats.

The goal of this study was to examine the effects of systemic morphine on the pattern and morphology of gasping breathing during respiratory autoresuscitation from transient anoxia. We hypothesized that systemic morphine levels sufficient to cause significant depression of eupnea would also cause depression of gasping breathing. Respiratory and cardiovascular variables were studied in 20 spontaneously breathing pentobarbital-anaesthetized adult male rats. Sham (saline) injections caused no significant change in resting respiratory or cardiovascular variables (n = 10 rats). Morphine, on the other hand, caused significant depression of eupneic breathing, with ventilation and peak inspiratory flow decreased by ∼30-60%, depending on the background condition (n = 10 rats). In contrast, morphine did not depress gasping breathing. Duration of primary apnea, time to restore eupnea, the number and amplitude of gasping breaths, average and maximum peak flows, and volume of gasping breaths were not significantly different postinjection in either condition. Blood pressures were all significantly lower following morphine injection at key time points in the process of autoresuscitation. Last, rate of successful recovery from anoxia was 80% in the morphine group (8/10 rats) compared with 100% (10/10 rats) in the sham group, postinjection. We conclude that the mechanisms and/or anatomic correlates underlying generation of gasping rhythm are distinct from those underlying eupnea, allowing gasping to remain robust to systemic morphine levels causing significant depression of eupnea. Morphine nevertheless decreases likelihood of recovery from transient anoxia, possibly as a result of decreased tissue perfusion pressures at critical time points during the process of respiratory autoresuscitation.