Background: It is well documented that routinely collected patient sociodemographic characteristics (such as race and insurance type) and geography-based social determinants of health (SDoH)... Show moreBackground: It is well documented that routinely collected patient sociodemographic characteristics (such as race and insurance type) and geography-based social determinants of health (SDoH) measures (for example, the Area Deprivation Index) are associated with health disparities, including symptom severity at presentation. However, the association of patient-level SDoH factors (such as housing status) on musculoskeletal health disparities is not as well documented. Such insight might help with the development of more-targeted interventions to help address health disparities in orthopaedic surgery. Questions/purposes: (1) What percentage of patients presenting for new patient visits in an orthopaedic surgery clinic who were unemployed but seeking work reported transportation issues that could limit their ability to attend a medical appointment or acquire medications, reported trouble paying for medications, and/or had no current housing? (2) Accounting for traditional sociodemographic factors and patient-level SDoH measures, what factors are associated with poorer patient-reported outcome physical health scores at presentation? (3) Accounting for traditional sociodemographic factor patient-level SDoH measures, what factors are associated with poorer patient-reported outcome mental health scores at presentation? Methods: New patient encounters at one Level 1 trauma center clinic visit from March 2018 to December 2020 were identified. Included patients had to meet two criteria: they had completed the Patient-Reported Outcome Measure Information System (PROMIS) Global-10 at their new orthopaedic surgery clinic encounter as part of routine clinical care, and they had visited their primary care physician and completed a series of specific SDoH questions. The SDoH questionnaire was developed in our institution to improve data that drive interventions to address health disparities as part of our accountable care organization work. Over the study period, the SDoH questionnaire was only distributed at primary care provider visits. The SDoH questions focused on transportation, housing, employment, and ability to pay for medications. Because we do not have a way to determine how many patients had both primary care provider office visits and new orthopaedic surgery clinic visits over the study period, we were unable to determine how many patients could have been included; however, 9057 patients were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. The mean age was 61 +/- 15 years, and most patients self-reported being of White race (83% [7561 of 9057]). Approximately half the patient sample had commercial insurance (46% [4167 of 9057]). To get a better sense of how this study cohort compared with the overall patient population seen at the participating center during the time in question, we reviewed all new patient clinic encounters (n = 135,223). The demographic information between the full patient sample and our study subgroup appeared similar. Using our study cohort, two multivariable linear regression models were created to determine which traditional metrics (for example, self-reported race or insurance type) and patient-specific SDoH factors (for example, lack of reliable transportation) were associated with worse physical and mental health symptoms (that is, lower PROMIS scores) at new patient encounters. The variance inflation factor was used to assess for multicollinearity. For all analyses, p values < 0.05 designated statistical significance. The concept of minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was used to assess clinical importance.Regression coefficients represent the projected change in PROMIS physical or mental health symptom scores (that is, the dependent variable in our regression analyses) accounting for the other included variables. Thus, a regression coefficient for a given variable at or above a known MCID value suggests a clinical difference between those patients with and without the presence of that given characteristic. In this manuscript, regression coefficients at or above 4.2 (or at and below -4.2) for PROMIS Global Physical Health and at or above 5.1 (or at and below -5.1) for PROMIS Global Mental Health were considered clinically relevant. Results: Among the included patients, 8% (685 of 9057) were unemployed but seeking work, 4% (399 of 9057) reported transportation issues that could limit their ability to attend a medical appointment or acquire medications, 4% (328 of 9057) reported trouble paying for medications, and 2% (181 of 9057) had no current housing. Lack of reliable transportation to attend doctor visits or pick up medications (beta = -4.52 [95% CI -5.45 to -3.59]; p < 0.001), trouble paying for medications (beta = -4.55 [95% CI -5.55 to -3.54]; p < 0.001), Medicaid insurance (beta = -5.81 [95% CI -6.41 to -5.20]; p < 0.001), and workers compensation insurance (beta = -5.99 [95% CI -7.65 to -4.34]; p < 0.001) were associated with clinically worse function at presentation. Trouble paying for medications (beta = -6.01 [95% CI -7.10 to -4.92]; p < 0.001), Medicaid insurance (beta = -5.35 [95% CI -6.00 to -4.69]; p < 0.001), and workers compensation (beta = -6.07 [95% CI -7.86 to -4.28]; p < 0.001) were associated with clinically worse mental health at presentation. Conclusion: Although transportation issues and financial hardship were found to be associated with worse presenting physical function and mental health, Medicaid and workers compensation insurance remained associated with worse presenting physical function and mental health as well even after controlling for these more detailed, patient-level SDoH factors. Because of that, interventions to decrease health disparities should focus on not only sociodemographic variables (for example, insurance type) but also tangible patient-specific SDoH characteristics. For example, this may include giving patients taxi vouchers or ride-sharing credits to attend clinic visits for patients demonstrating such a need, initiating financial assistance programs for necessary medications, and/or identifying and connecting certain patient groups with social support services early on in the care cycle. Show less
Baden, D.N.; Roetman, M.H.; Boeije, T.; Mullaart, N.; Boden, R.; Houwert, R.M.; ... ; Meijden, O.A.J. van der 2023
BackgroundBiomechanical reduction techniques for shoulder dislocations have demonstrated high reduction success rates with a limited pain experience for the patient. We postulated that the... Show moreBackgroundBiomechanical reduction techniques for shoulder dislocations have demonstrated high reduction success rates with a limited pain experience for the patient. We postulated that the combination of biomechanical reduction techniques with the shortest length of stay would also have the lowest pain experience and the highest first reduction success rate.MethodsA randomized multicenter clinical trial was performed to compare different biomechanical reduction techniques in treating anterior shoulder dislocations without the use of invasive pain relief. Patients who were able to perform adduction of the arm were randomly assigned to Cunningham, the modified Milch, and the scapular manipulation technique. Those who were not able to do so were randomly assigned to modified Milch and the scapular manipulation technique. Primary outcomes were emergency department length of stay and pain experienced during the reduction process, measured by the numeric pain rating scale. Secondary outcomes were reduction time, reduction success, use of analgesics or sedatives, and complications.ResultsThree hundred eight patients were included, of whom 134 were in the adduction group. In both groups, no differences in emergency department length of stay and experienced pain were observed between the treatment arms. In the adduction group, the modified Milch technique had the highest first reduction success rates 52% (p = 0.016), within protocol 61% (p = 0.94), and with sedation in the ED 100% ( -). In the no-adduction group, the modified Milch was also the most successful primary reduction technique with 51% success (p = 0.040), within protocol 66% (p = 0.90), and with sedation in the ED 98% (p = 0.93). No complications were recorded in any of the techniques.ConclusionA combination of biomechanical techniques resulted in a similar length of stay in the emergency department and showed similar pain scores with an overall high success rate of reduction. In both groups, the modified Milch had the highest first-reduction success rate. Show less
Beeres, F.J.P.; Veelen, N. van; Houwert, R.M.; Link, B.C.; Heng, M.; Knobe, M.; ... ; Wall, B.J.M. van de 2022
Background: There is increased demand for valid, reliable, and responsive patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to evaluate treatment for Achilles tendon rupture, but not all PROMs currently in... Show moreBackground: There is increased demand for valid, reliable, and responsive patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to evaluate treatment for Achilles tendon rupture, but not all PROMs currently in use are reliable and responsive for this condition. Purpose: To evaluate the measurement properties of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS PF) compared with other PROMs used after treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A retrospective cohort study with a follow-up questionnaire was performed. All adult patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture between June 2016 and June 2018 with a minimum 12-month follow-up were eligible for inclusion. Functional outcome was assessed using the PROMIS PF computerized adaptive test (CAT), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL), FAAM-Sports, and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). Pearson correlation (r) was used to assess the correlations between PROMs. Absolute and relative floor and ceiling effects were calculated. Results: In total, 103 patients were included (mean age, 44.7 years; 74% male); 82 patients (79.6%) underwent operative repair, while 21 patients (20.4%) underwent nonoperative management. The mean time between treatment and collection of PROMs was 25.3 months (range, 15-36 months). The mean scores were 55.4 +/- 9.2 (PROMIS PF), 92.9 +/- 12.2 (FAAM-ADL), 77.7 +/- 22.9 (FAAM-Sports), and 83.0 +/- 19.4 (ATRS). The ATRS was correlated with FAAM-ADL (r = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72-0.86; P < .001) and FAAM-Sports (r = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.80-0.90; P < .001). The PROMIS PF was correlated with the FAAM-ADL (r = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53-0.75; P < .001), FAAM-Sports (r = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.53-0.75; P < .001), and ATRS (r = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58-0.78; P < .001). The PROMIS PF did not show absolute floor or ceiling effects (0%). The FAAM-ADL (35.9%), FAAM-Sports (15.8%), and ATRS (20.4%) had substantial absolute ceiling effects. Conclusion: The PROMIS PF, FAAM-ADL, and FAAM-Sports all showed a moderate to high mutual correlation with the ATRS. Only the PROMIS PF avoided substantial floor and ceiling effects. The results suggest that the PROMIS PF CAT is a valid, reliable, and perhaps the most responsive tool to evaluate patient outcomes after treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture. Show less
Beeres, F.J.P.; Veelen, N. van; Houwert, R.M.; Link, B.C.; Heng, M.; Knobe, M.; ... ; Wall, B.J.M. van de 2021
Purpose This meta-analysis compares open reduction and internal fixation with a plate (ORIF) versus nailing for humeral shaft fractures with regard to union, complications, general quality of life... Show morePurpose This meta-analysis compares open reduction and internal fixation with a plate (ORIF) versus nailing for humeral shaft fractures with regard to union, complications, general quality of life and shoulder/elbow function. Methods PubMed/Medline/Embase/CENTRAL/CINAHL was searched for observational studies and randomised clinical trials (RCT). Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random effects models. Results were presented as weighted odds ratio (OR) or risk difference (RD) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Subgroup analysis was performed stratified for study design (RCTs and observational studies). Results Eighteen observational studies (4906 patients) and ten RCT's (525 patients) were included. The pooled effect estimates of observational studies were similar to those obtained from RCT's. More patients treated with nailing required re-intervention (RD 2%; OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-3.8) with shoulder impingement being the most predominant indication (17%). Temporary radial nerve palsy secondary to operation occurred less frequently in the nailing group (RD 2%; OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3-0.6). Notably, all but one of the radial nerve palsies resolved spontaneously in each groups. Nailing leads to a faster time to union (mean difference - 1.9 weeks, 95% CI - 2.9 to - 0.9), lower infection rate (RD 2%; OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.7) and shorter operation duration (mean difference - 26 min, 95% CI - 37 to - 14). No differences were found regarding non-union, general quality of life, functional shoulder scores, and total upper extremity scores. Conclusion Nailing carries a lower risk of infection, postoperative radial nerve palsy, has a shorter operation duration and possibly a shorter time to union. Shoulder impingement requiring re-intervention, however, is an inherent disadvantage of nail fixation. Notably, absolute differences are small and almost all patients with radial nerve palsy recovered spontaneously. Satisfactory results can be achieved with both treatment modalities. Show less
Beeres, F.J.P.; Diwersi, N.; Houwert, M.R.; Link, B.C.; Heng, M.; Knobe, M.; ... ; Wall, B.J.M. van de 2021
Background: There is no consensus on the optimal operative technique for humeral shaft fractures. This meta-analysis aims to compare minimal-invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with open reduction... Show moreBackground: There is no consensus on the optimal operative technique for humeral shaft fractures. This meta-analysis aims to compare minimal-invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for humeral shaft fractures regarding non-union, re-intervention, radial nerve palsy, time to union, operation duration and functional outcomes.Methods: PubMed/Medline/Embase/CENTRAL/CINAHL were searched for both randomized clinical trials (RCT) and observational studies comparing MIPO with ORIF for humeral shaft fractures. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random effects models and presented as weighted odds ratio (OR), risk difference (RD), mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Subgroup analysis was performed stratified by study design (RCTs and observational studies). Results: A total of two RCT's (98 patients) and seven observational studies (263 patients) were included. The effect estimates obtained from observational studies and RCT's were similar in direction and magnitude. MIPO carries a lower risk for non-union (RD: 5%; OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.9) and secondary radial nerve palsy (RD 5%; OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1- 0.9). Nerve function eventually restored spontaneously in all patients in both groups.Results were inconclusive regarding re-intervention (RD 7%; OR: 0.7, 95%CI 0.2-1.9), infection (RD 4%; OR 0.4, 95%CI 0.1-1.5), time to union (MD -1 week, 95%CI -3 - 1) and operation duration (MD -13 minutes, 95%CI -38.9 - 11.9). Functional shoulder scores (SMD 0.01, 95%CI -0.3 - 0.3) and elbow scores (SMD 0.01, 95%CI -0.3 - 0.3) were similar for the different operative techniques.Conclusion: MIPO has a lower risk for non-union than ORIF for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Radial nerve palsy secondary to operation is a temporary issue resolving in all patients in both treatment groups. Although both treatment options are viable, the general balance leans towards MIPO having more favorable outcomes. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Show less
Wall, B.J.M. van de; Baumgartner, R.; Houwert, R.M.; Link, B.C.; Heng, M.; Knobe, M.; ... ; Beeres, F.J.P. 2021
Purpose There is no consensus on the optimal operative technique for humeral shaft fractures. This meta-analysis aims to compare minimal-invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with nail fixation for... Show morePurpose There is no consensus on the optimal operative technique for humeral shaft fractures. This meta-analysis aims to compare minimal-invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with nail fixation for humeral shaft fractures regarding healing, complications and functional results.Methods PubMed/Medline/Embase/CENTRAL/CINAHL were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCT) and observational studies comparing MIPO with nailing for humeral shaft fractures. Effect estimates were pooled across studies using random effects models and presented as weighted odds ratio (OR), risk difference (RD), mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Analyses were repeated stratified by study design (RCTs and observational studies).Results A total of 2 RCTs (87 patients) and 5 observational studies (595 patients) were included. The effects estimated in observational studies and RCTs were similar in direction and magnitude for all outcomes except operation duration. MIPO has a lower risk for non-union (RD 7%; OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.5) and re-intervention (RD 13%; OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.8). Functional shoulder (SMD 1.0, 95% CI 0.2-1.8) and elbow scores (SMD 0.4, 95% CI 0-0.8) were better among patients treated with MIPO. The risk for radial nerve palsy following surgery was equal (RD 2%; OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3-1.2) and nerve function recovered spontaneously in all patients in both groups. No difference was detected with regard to infection, time to union and operation duration.Conclusion MIPO has a considerable lower risk for non-union and re-intervention, leads to better shoulder function and, to a lesser extent, better elbow function compared to nailing. Although nailing appears to be a viable option, the evidence suggests that MIPO should be the preferred treatment of choice. The learning curve of minimal-invasive plating should, however, be taken into account when interpreting these results. Show less
Wall, B.J.M. van de; Ochen, Y.; Beeres, F.J.P.; Babst, R.; Link, B.C.; Heng, M.; ... ; Houwert, R.M. 2021
Purpose Rib fractures following thoracic trauma are frequently encountered injuries and associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to provide current data on... Show morePurpose Rib fractures following thoracic trauma are frequently encountered injuries and associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to provide current data on the epidemiology, in-hospital outcomes and 30-day mortality of rib fractures, and to evaluate these results for different subgroups. Methods A nationwide retrospective cohort study was performed with the use of the Dutch Trauma Registry which covers 99% of the acutely admitted Dutch trauma population. All patients aged 18 years and older admitted to the hospital between January 2015 and December 2017 with one or more rib fractures were included. Incidence rates were calculated using demographic data from the Dutch Population Register. Subgroup analyses were performed for flail chest, polytrauma, primary thoracic trauma, and elderly patients. Results A total of 14,850 patients were admitted between 2015 and 2017 with one or more rib fractures, which was 6.0% of all trauma patients. Of these, 573 (3.9%) patients had a flail chest, 4438 (29.9%) were polytrauma patients, 9273 (63.4%) were patients with primary thoracic trauma, and 6663 (44.9%) were elderly patients. The incidence rate of patients with rib fractures for the entire cohort was 29 per 100.000 person-years. The overall 30-day mortality was 6.9% (n = 1208) with higher rates observed in flail chest (11.9%), polytrauma (14.8%), and elderly patients (11.7%). The median hospital length of stay was 6 days (IQR, 3-11) and 37.3% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Conclusions Rib fractures are a relevant and frequently occurring problem among the trauma population. Subgroup analyses showed that there is a substantial heterogeneity among patients with rib fractures with considerable differences regarding the epidemiology, in-hospital outcomes, and 30-day mortality. Show less
Ochen, Y.; Beks, R.B.; Heijl, M. van; Hietbrink, F.; Leenen, L.P.H.; Velde, D. van der; ... ; Houwert, R.M. 2019
