Orthopedics
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The use of bundled payments is growing because of their potential to align providers and hospitals on the goal of cost reduction. However, such gain sharing could incentivize providers to "cherry-pick" more profitable patients. Risk adjustment can prevent this unintended consequence, yet most bundling programs include minimal adjustment techniques. ⋯ If the results are generalizable, Medicare bundled payments for TKA encompassing acute inpatient care should be adjusted upward by the stated amounts for older patients, those with elevated ASA class, and patients meeting MCC criteria. This is likely an underestimate for many bundling models, including the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement program, incorporating varying degrees of postacute care. Failure to adjust for factors that affect costs may create adverse incentives, creating barriers to care for certain patient populations. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(5):e911-e916.].
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The current study investigated the incidence of complications after surgery for distal radial fractures. This multicenter retrospective study was conducted at 11 institutions. A total of 824 patients who had distal radius fractures that were treated surgically between January 2010 and August 2012 were identified. ⋯ There was no rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon because careful attention was paid to the relationship between the implant and the tendon. Peripheral nerve palsy may have been caused by intraoperative traction in 7 cases, temporary fixation by percutaneous Kirschner wires in 3 cases, and axillary nerve block in 1 case; 1 case appeared to be idiopathic. Tendon ruptures were mainly caused by mechanical stress. [Orthopedics.2016; 39(5):e893-e896.].
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Fractures of the proximal humerus are common and the treatment for both displaced and comminuted variants remains controversial. Treatment options initially consisted of closed reduction, traction, casting, and abduction splints. In the early 1930s, operative treatment for displaced fractures gained popularity, which continued in the 1940s and 1950s. ⋯ During the surgical procedure, the patient's humeral head was completely extruded from the body through a posterior incision and then reduced back to the proximal humerus through the standard anterior deltopectoral approach. After 4 years of follow-up, the patient remains pain free, has functional range of motion, and is without signs of osteonecrosis on plain radiographs. This case illustrates that even with complete disruption of the vascular supply to the humeral head, revascularization after osteosynthesis is possible. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e779-e782.].
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Osteomyelitis of the clavicle is a rare entity with a broad differential diagnosis and high potential for complications if not diagnosed promptly and treated appropriately. The threshold for surgical intervention should be low to prevent osteonecrosis and bony resorption. In addition, although rare, life-threatening complications have been reported. ⋯ This ruled out malignancy but was not curative, and the subperiosteal abscess recurred within 24 hours, prompting formal operative irrigation and debridement. The patient was seen for 12-month follow-up and has had no complications or evidence of recurrence. This case emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion to prevent diagnostic delays as well as the importance of a low threshold for surgical debridement to minimize the potential for complications that could prolong the treatment course. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e760-e763.].