According to published results, decompression with lumbar facet arthroplasty was associated with superior clinical outcomes vs. decompression with fusion for patients with spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis. Researchers randomly assigned patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis to undergo decompression with either lumbar facet arthroplasty (n = 219) or spinal fusion (n = 102). Outcomes were assessed at 2-year follow-up and included composite clinical success scores, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), VAS back and leg pain scores, the Zurich Claudication ..read more

Patients who underwent multiligament knee reconstruction with suture tape augmentation had acceptable clinical and patient-reported outcomes at 2-year follow-up, according to published results. Researchers performed a retrospective chart review of 27 patients (mean age, 38.52 years) who underwent multiligament knee reconstruction of the ACL, PCL, medial collateral ligament and lateral collateral ligament with suture tape augmentation (Internal Brace, Arthrex Inc.). Researchers collected Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores, multiligament quality of life ..read more

While both corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma may be effective treatments for patients with lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, PRP may offer longer-term functional improvements and pain relief, according to published results. Researchers used PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 prospective randomized controlled trials that included 730 patients who received either PRP (n = 354) or corticosteroids (n = 376) for lateral epicondylitis. Among all studies, mean follow-up was 6.94 months. Researchers found P ..read more

Published results showed no significant differences in overall rates of revision or Oxford hip scores between patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty with lateral, posterior or anterior approaches. Researchers used the New Zealand Joint Registry to analyze data from patients with femoral neck fractures who underwent 5,025 THA procedures from January 2000 to December 2021. According to the study, the lateral approach was used in 2,499 (49.7%) procedures; the posterior approach was used in 2,255 (44.9%) procedures; and the anterior approach was used in 271 (4.3%) procedures. Outcome ..read more

Healio is accepting submissions for its third annual peer-recognition program, Healio Honors. The goal of the program is to celebrate health care professionals who go above and beyond through patient care, advocacy and mentorship. This year’s theme is “Igniting Medical Excellence” and will honor health care professionals who are elevating medicine in their daily practice. All health care professionals in the U.S. are eligible to be nominated. Submissions can be made online and will be accepted through June 30, 2024. Healio Honorees will be announced this fall. “Every day ..read more

Results showed professional baseball players who underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome had high rates of return to play at the same or higher level, with no performance drop-off for pitchers who underwent surgery vs. controls. Researchers used the Major League Baseball Health and Injury Tracking System database to analyze outcomes of 52 players (46 pitchers) who underwent surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome between 2010 and 2017. Researchers compared performance of the surgical cohort vs. matched controls with no history of surgery on their throwing arm. According to the study, 36 ..read more

Despite suppressive antibiotic therapy being a routine strategy for managing periprosthetic joint infections, a study showed the benefits may be limited. “For many clinicians treating periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), determining the optimal duration of antibiotic therapy remains one of the biggest challenges, especially in cases where the implant has been retained,” Don Bambino Geno Tai, MD, MBA, assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases and international medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School, told Healio. “Some clinicians ..read more

According to published results, an AI algorithm that measures pulse oximeter waveforms in the fingertip may help physicians identify patients at risk for increased blood loss, transfusion and emergency care after orthopedic surgery. Researchers performed a prospective cohort study of 304 patients (mean age, 68 years) who underwent primary or revision total hip or knee arthroplasty, or abductor tendon repair and reconstruction. Patients consented to have pulse oximeter waveforms monitored with a fingertip sensor to determine compensatory reserve index (CRI) on a tablet computer (Cybernet ..read more

In this video, Melissa A. Bent, MD, discussed developments in a study looking at the potential use of augmented reality exercise gaming or “exergaming” technology for children with cerebral palsy. “The purpose of this study was to investigate whether augmented reality, particularly using an exergaming program, can enhance adherence to both home therapy and be an engaging and fun way for kids to be able to interact with their home environment,” Bent said. According to Bent, in the preliminary phase of the study, researchers found 83% of participants reported their avatar ..read more

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. announced increased net sales in its first-quarter 2024 financial results, according to a company press release. Zimmer Biomet reported $1.889 billion in net sales, a 3.2% increase from the prior year period and a 4.4% increase on a constant currency basis. The company reported $172.4 million in net earnings and $399.7 million in adjusted net earnings for the first quarter of 2024. The company also reported a diluted earnings per share of $0.84 for the quarter. “We are pleased with the execution, progress and strong performance the team delivered in the first ..read more