Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND: Proximal humeral fractures are commonly encountered injuries. The development of locking plate technology and reverse shoulder arthroplasty may have changed the treatment patterns of these fractures. METHODS: We used the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database in New York State to determine the incidence of proximal humeral fractures from 1990 through 2010 and the choice of treatment: closed reduction-internal fixation, open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF), hemiarthroplasty (HA), or total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). RESULTS: The population-adjusted incidence per 100,000 increased from 15.35 in 1990 to 19.4 in 2010 (P < .0001). In patients aged 65 years or older, the incidence increased from 78.9 in 1990 to 101.0 in 2010 (P < .0001). In 1990, 20.4% of proximal humeral fractures were treated operatively; in 2010, this increased to 28.6% (P < .0001). Closed reduction-internal fixation/ORIF accounted for 58.4% of operative cases in 1990, decreasing to 46.6% in 2001 and increasing to 59.4% in 2010. HA was used in 27.1% of operative cases in 1990, increasing to 41% in 2001 and decreasing to 29.4% in 2010. TSA was used in 6.4% of operative cases in 1990, decreasing to 1.5% in 2001 with an increase to 7.5% in 2010. DISCUSSION: The incidence of proximal humeral fractures in patients aged 65 or older increased by 28% between 1990 and 2010, and operative management increased by more than 40%. The use of ORIF increased between 2001 and 2010, corresponding with the use of locking plate technology. There was an associated decrease in HA. TSA increased between 2006 and 2010, corresponding to the use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Reimbursement continues to decrease for orthopaedic surgeons specializing in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Practice information from the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) Cost Survey and Private practice Compensation Survey and CMS locality reimbursement data was used to develop a practice model for a TJA specialist performing 300 TJA per year (66% knees, 33% hips, 15% revision surgery), evaluating 3000 outpatient visits per year based on, current Medicare reimbursement rates. Our model shows that the anticipated physician compensation is well below the mean compensation reported for a TJA specialist irrespective of geographic location. When MGMA practice expense data are applied to the Medicare-only model, the salary level is unsustainable. Further decreases in Medicare Part B reimbursement will only worsen the disparity.

The aging baby boomer generation will soon start using tremendous orthopedic surgical resources. This group has also been identified as a group at high risk for having undiagnosed hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We conducted a study to assess the prevalence of HCV among orthopedic surgery patients at our institution-using their demographic data to determine whether they represent a unique cohort at high risk for having undiagnosed HCV. We estimated that we operated on as many as 233 patients with undiagnosed HCV in 2011. A cost-effective, universal preoperative HCV screening program may reduce the risk for occupational exposure in orthopedic surgery and significantly benefit public health by bringing undiagnosed patients to treatment. A robust screening program requires several ethical considerations. By offering routine screening to patients, orthopedic surgeons have an opportunity to maintain intraoperative safety and improve the health of the public.

BACKGROUND: Health care payers, including the federal government, increasingly base reimbursement on quality. Payers consider readmission rates after total joint arthroplasty an indicator of quality. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act contains provisions that preclude payment of hospital cost associated with joint arthroplasty readmissions occurring within 30 days of discharge. This study evaluates the readmission rates and the incidence of "never events" after inpatient shoulder arthroplasty procedures. METHODS: A retrospective view of all shoulder arthroplasty was performed from 2005 to 2011, with specific emphasis on the readmission rate 30, 60, and 90 days after the procedure. The incidence of never events as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was also analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period, 680 shoulder arthroplasty procedures were performed. Overall readmission rate was 5.9%. For hemiarthroplasty (HA), total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA), 90-day readmission rates were 8.8%, 4.5%, and 6.6%, respectively. Readmission rates within 30 days of admission were significantly more common for HA and RTSA compared with readmission rates after 30 days. There was a 1.0% incidence of never events, and the incidence associated with each of the 3 arthroplastic procedures did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Readmission within the first 90 days after shoulder arthroplasty occurred in 5.9% of patients. There was a 1% incidence of never events. In addition, most readmissions after HA and RTSA occurred within 30 days of discharge. As health care expenditures become more closely scrutinized, readmission rates after shoulder arthroplasty will become increasingly important.

Recent evidence suggests a substantial rise in the number of revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA) procedures performed. The New York State SPARCS inpatient database was utilized to identify revision total shoulder, knee, and hip arthroplasty procedures between 1993 and 2010. Yearly incidence and related epidemiology were analyzed. A total of 1,806 revision TSA, 26,080 revision TKA, and 35,254 revision THA cases were identified. The population-based incidence of these procedures increased 288%, 246%, and 44% respectively (P<0.001). Revision burden for hip arthroplasty decreased from 16.1% in 2001 to 11.5% in 2010 (P<0.001). The rates of revision TSAs and TKAs increased at a substantially faster rate than that of revision THAs. Revision burden for hip arthroplasty steadily has decreased since 2001.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine functional outcomes following ORIF of displaced proxi- mal humerus fractures in patients who received brachial plexus blocks compared to those who underwent general anesthesia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed prospectively col- lected data on 92 patients. Patients were grouped according to anesthesia type: regional interscalene brachial plexus block, with or without general anesthesia, or general anes- thesia alone. Patients were asked to complete the Disabili- ties of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and range of motion assessments at a minimum of 6-month follow-up. Plain radiographic films were obtained to assess fracture healing. RESULTS: Forty-five (48.9%) patients with 45 proximal humerus fractures received a regional anesthetic, while 47 (51.1%) patients with 48 proximal humerus fractures had general anesthesia. No significant differences existed in demographic information or fracture type. DASH scores at the most recent follow-up were significantly better in the regional block group (38.6) compared to the general anes- thesia group (53.1) (p = 0.003). The regional block group had significantly better passive and active forward elevation and external rotation range and equivalent internal rotation (p = 0.002, 0.005, 0.002, and 0.507, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients who received regional anesthetic via a brachial plexus interscalene blocks had better functional outcomes and range of motion at the most recent clinical follow-up. Regional anesthesia provides patients with pro- longed postoperative pain relief, which may allow for early mobilization, increasing the likelihood that the patient's function and range of motion will return to baseline.

When performing revision shoulder surgery, it is important that the surgeon understands why the index procedure failed and has a clear plan to address problems in the revision procedure. The most common cause of failure after anterior instability shoulder surgery is a failure to treat the underlying glenoid bone loss. For most defects, a Latarjet transfer can effectively restore anterior glenoid bone stock and restore shoulder stability. Persistent anterior shoulder pain after rotator cuff surgery may be the result of missed biceps pathology. This can be effectively treated via a biceps tenodesis. The most difficult failures to treat after acromioclavicular joint reconstruction surgery are those involving fractures of either the coracoid or the clavicle. Clavicle hook plates can be used as supplemental fixation during the treatment of these fractures to help offload the fracture site and allow healing while restoring stability to the acromioclavicular articulation. A failed hemiarthroplasty for a proximal humeral fracture frequently results when the tuberosities fail to heal correctly. This complication can be avoided by paying close attention to the implant position and the tuberosity fixation. If hemiarthroplasty is unsuccessful, the patient is best treated with conversion to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

There has been a substantial shift in the assessment of outcomes in medicine, including orthopaedic surgery. The quality movement is redefining the delivery of health care. The effect of these changes on orthopaedic surgery and orthopaedic surgeons has been significant and will become increasingly important. Orthopaedic surgeons must become active participants in the quality movement by understanding the basic principles of the movement and how they apply to patient care. A clear understanding of the different agencies (governmental and private) that are leading these initiatives is also essential. Ultimately, active participation in the quality movement will enhance the care provided to patients with musculoskeletal disorders.