R&D Focus: Trials, Patents, Products & Predictions: The Week in Orthopedics

This study evaluated the clinical effect of total arthroscopic repair of the anterior talofibular ligament in the treatment of chronic instability of the lateral ankle. clinicaltrials.gov

Treatment of varus posteromedial rotatory instability of the elbow w/ an internal joint stabilizer is as effective as a static lateral ex fix allowing for elbow ROM & eliminating many of the complications associated w/ ex fix concluded a cadaveric study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg

Casting of displaced distal radius fxs in pts > 65 yrs resulted in similar QuickDASH scores compared to treatment w/ volar locking plates after 1 yr although plate fixation led to a faster recovery & greater pt satisfaction w/ function reported a study of 100 pts. Bone Joint J

Early weight-bearing appears safe for pts w/ well reduced oblique & spiral distal tibia fxs treated w/ an IMN, however, it is not recommended in cases of multifragmented patterns that have poor bone contact according to a biomechanical study.Bone Joint J

This article reviews the role of the joint mechanical environment in OA pathogenesis, joint biomechanics as an outcome to arthroplasty OA tx and methodological trends for advancing knowledge of the role of biomechanics in OA. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

A case study described bilateral anterior cingulotomy for refractory OCD using radiofrequency ablation on trajectories planned with robot guidance with ROSA. Surgery was uneventful and the patient improved significantly. Neurol India

A 16-pt (18 hips) hip OA study reported a single BMC injection significantly improved outcome scores; NRS pain w/ activity (from 8 to 4.5) and w/o activity (from 5 to 1), WOMAC (from 31 to 16), mHHS (from 63 to 80) and HOS-ADL (from 71 to 85) at 6 mos post therapy. OJSM

This article highlights a selection of OA imaging articles published between Jan 2019 and Apr 2020, focusing on approaches to imaging and applications on structural modification of articular tissues in pts undergoing various tx plans. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage

Study used a 15 question survey to help define the ACLR graft preference of surgeons and to explore factors associated with their predilection. Surgeons reported the 5 most impt factors in pt graft choice: pt age, graft failure, pivot sport and pt preference. Arthroscopy

This paper reviews sixteen studies including 335 rotator cuff tears and studies the effect of rotator cuff tearing on scapular motion or activation. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery

INBONE II total ankles exhibited 93.7% survivorship at a mean 85 mos showing high survivorship, maintenance of correction and low incidence of major complications in a study of 15 ankles. The most common complication was lateral gutter impingement. Foot Ankle Int

Encouraging early results are seen in pelvic hip reconstruction using a 2-stage approach of double plating followed by insertion of a retrograde magnetic nail which avoids common complications experienced w/ ex fix devices reported a study of 8 pts. Strategies Trauma Lim Reconstr

An amended technique including additional blocking screws may be necessary to help control the deforming forces from the lower limb muscle compartments adding to the success of the PRECICE Tibial Nail according to a case series of 17 pts. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr

Pre-Tied Surgical Knots for Use With Suture Passers
US Patent “Pre-tied surgical knots for use with suture passers” was issued, describing sutures with pre-tied knots for use in percutaneous surgical procedures and devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots.