Orthopedics
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Acute proximal humeral fractures are common injuries in elderly patients. These fractures can lead to significant pain and functional loss. Nonoperative treatment offers high rates of satisfactory function and pain relief in the majority of fractures, particularly in elderly patients. ⋯ Although complications remain a concern, early results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures have been promising. Future comparative outcome studies are needed to define the indications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty instead of nonoperative and other operative options. Optimal treatment of proximal humeral fractures requires clinical judgment based on fracture characteristics, bone quality, patient factors, and surgeon experience with the array of available techniques. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e465-e473.].
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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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This cohort study of adult (≥50 years) patients aimed to calculate a validated, preoperative frailty deficit index (FI) and used it to compare outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), primary and revision, from 2005 through 2016. Using multivariable logistic and Cox regression, the authors analyzed whether FI, adjusted for age, predicts outcomes prior to hospital discharge, within 90 days, and within 365 days. They classified 9818 patients undergoing TKA (7920 primary and 1898 revision; median age, 69 years) as frail (21%), vulnerable (39%), and non-frail (40%). ⋯ At no time point were significant associations found with arthrofibrosis, aseptic loosening, or patellar clunk syndrome. One-fifth of patients undergoing primary and revision TKAs are frail and at notable risk for complications. Calculating a preoperative FI should guide pre-habilitation efforts (eg, chronic disease management, wellness) before and postoperative surveillance after TKA. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(6):335-343.].
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Comparative Study
Pediatric Diaphyseal Femur Fractures: Submuscular Plating Compared With Intramedullary Nailing.
This study compared the radiographic and clinical outcomes of pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures treated by submuscular plating, flexible retrograde intramedullary nailing, or rigid antegrade intramedullary nailing with a trochanteric entry point in skeletally immature patients who were 8 years and older. A retrospective review was conducted of skeletally immature patients 8 years and older who were treated for femur fracture with submuscular plating, flexible intramedullary nailing, or rigid intramedullary nailing from 2001 to 2014 with a minimum 12-week follow-up. Treatment outcomes were compared for statistical significance, including time to union, malunion, nonunion, heterotopic ossification, avascular necrosis, time to full weight bearing, limb length discrepancy, residual limp, painful hardware, and infection. ⋯ Submuscular plating resulted in faster times to union and full weight bearing, with minimal complication rates. Rigid intramedullary nailing with trochanteric entry resulted in a lower incidence of malunion and hardware-related complications; however, these patients had an increased incidence of heterotopic ossification and residual limp postoperatively. Flexible retrograde intramedullary nailing resulted in the highest rates of malunion and hardware irritation and the longest time to full weight bearing. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(6):353-358.].