Rothman Orthopaedic Institute

Total hip arthroplasty can be performed with several surgical approaches, including the posterior approach, the lateral approach, the anterolateral approach and the direct anterior approach. With emphasis in health care today being on improved patient outcomes and reducing costs, the choice of surgical approach used for THA has become particularly controversial, especially the use of the direct anterior approach.

Improved understanding of orthopedic conditions combined with advances challenge orthopedic surgeons to use the newest technology. Combined with the rapid development of new concepts is the influence of industry and patient demands that encourage the early adoption of technology that has not stood the test of time.

CHICAGO — At the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Annual Meeting, Steven M. Raikin, MD, discussed a study that looked at degenerative changes at the metatarsal head sesamoid articulation seen during surgery for hallux valgus correction. He said there was a high incidence of arthritis (87%) at the metatarsal head sesamoid articulation.

Studies of burnout, depression and dissatisfaction among physicians share one common theme – the problem arises from the environment in which modern medicine is practiced. The studies imply that simply changing the environmental demands of a physician may stave off feelings that the physician no longer practices in a noble profession, but rather just completes daily job requirements.

LAS VEGAS — At the American Society for Surgery of the Hand Annual Meeting, Asif M. Ilyas, MD, discussed a study that looked at the use of lidocaine with epinephrine in hand surgery. He said there were no complications and that epinephrine is safe and effective when used in hand surgery.

In August, many Europeans take extended vacations. Businesses and government offices close, and millions travel to sunny destinations in the Mediterranean or abroad. For many Americans, especially orthopedic surgeons, our European colleagues improve their work-life balance as we justify our brief vacations as all that can be taken given work commitments and revenue lost.

Care that is understanding of the diverse characteristics of each patient, including but not limited to sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender orientation and faith, is critical to the health and outcomes of patients. Our ability to establish the highest quality relationships with patients relies on developing trust and respect so patients listen to our opinions and participate in shared decision-making.

The promise of stem cell therapy is attractive. Through relatively simple and minimally invasive methods, physicians can harvest pluripotent cells from patients, place the cells in the damaged or degenerative area and presumably the cells will modify and stimulate a healing response that regenerates tissue that looks and behaves like normal tissue. The cells can be harvested without compromising the donor area, separated from the non-stem cell environment and rapidly concentrated with special readily available machines, delivering a potentially powerful catalyst to fix abnormal tissue. Most stem cell treatments involve a patient’s own cells. Therefore, the risk of disease transmission, rejection or allergic reaction can be greater minimized.

Conflicts of interest are abundant throughout orthopedics. Many orthopedic surgeons are well-recognized by the orthopedic community as the innovators, researchers and inventors of medical devices and techniques we use to improve patient care. Patients and practice skills benefit from the many advances industry partnership have created for our everyday patient care and surgical procedures.

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute announced three of its physicians have been appointed to leadership positions in state medical societies.