Every aspect of our professional lives as orthopaedic surgeons, regardless of practice model, is affected by the policies and laws passed by the US Congress and implemented by the federal regulatory agencies. Similar dynamics play out at the state level for many other issues that affect orthopaedic practices. The United States spends 18% of our gross domestic product on health care, 2 to 3 times as much as the other developed countries in the world, with less-than-ideal outcomes for health metrics. Recognizing the challenges faced by the US healthcare system is fundamental to understanding the importance of advocacy in shaping the conversation on Capitol Hill. All healthcare advocacy is based on preserving the doctor-patient relationship, ensuring access to appropriate care, and improving the quality of that care. Advocating on behalf our patients is part of our physicians' contract with society. Physicians are the secondary beneficiary of effective patient advocacy. Understanding how practicing orthopaedic surgeons can have a positive effect on the decisions that are made at the federal and state level is of critical importance in the increasingly complex healthcare dynamic that affects our patient's lives and our profession.

Background: Hip dysplasia is present in approximately 1-4% of the adult population and is associated with pain and eventually osteoarthritis. Despite the high prevalence of hip dysplasia, there is little known about the heritability and the factors associated with developing pain and disability. The aim of this study was to document the prevalence of hip dysplasia in parents of young adults treated with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for hip dysplasia and determine risk factors for pain, osteoarthritis, and total hip arthroplasty in these parents. Methods: Parents of young adults from age 13-27 years old with hip dysplasia indicated for PAO at our institution were enrolled. Both biologic parents were required to participate for eligibility. Study participants completed the international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT), family and personal history of hip pain, disability, treatment, and history of youth sports participation. Standing AP pelvis and bilateral Dunn lateral radiographs were completed for each enrolled parent. Radiographic dysplasia was defined as lateral center of edge angle (LCEA) <25 or Tönnis angle >11. Composite hip failure was defined as iHOT <63 Tönnis grade >2, or total hip arthroplasty. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies (percentages) and continuous variables as means(standard deviations) with chi-square and independent t-tests used for group comparisons, respectively. Results: There were 25 sets of parents that completed surveys and radiographs. Mothers versus fathers did not significantly differ in average iHOT scores (82.2±17.3 vs 88.1±18.1, p=0.248), prevalence of dysplasia (36% vs 48%, p=0.390) or composite failure (72% vs 88%, p=0.157). In the maternal cohort, there was a significantly higher frequency of composite hip joint failure with dysplastic (100%) vs non-dysplastic hips (56%, p=0.027). In the paternal cohort, however, rates did not significantly differ (92% vs 85%, p=1.000) Conclusions: Radiographic hip dysplasia was very common in parents of young adults treated for hip dysplasia with PAO. Despite a lower prevalence of hip dysplasia compared with fathers, a significant relationship between radiographic hip dysplasia and composite hip joint failure was only detectable in mothers. These results suggest that female hip joints are more sensitive to reduced lateral coverage seen in hip dysplasia.

Background: Severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can be treated with instrumented fusion, but the number of anchors needed for optimal correction is controversial. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, randomized study that included patients undergoing spinal fusion for single thoracic curves between 45° and 65°, the most common form of operatively treated AIS. Of the 211 patients randomized, 108 were assigned to a high-density screw pattern and 103, to a low-density screw pattern. Surgeons were instructed to use ≥1.8 implants per spinal level fused for patients in the high-implant-density group or ≤1.4 implants per spinal level fused for patients in the low-implant-density group. The primary outcome measure was the percent correction of the coronal curve at the 2-year follow-up. The power analysis for this trial required 174 patients to show equivalence, defined as a 95% confidence interval (CI) within a ±10% correction margin with a probability of 90%. Results: In the intention-to-treat analysis, the mean percent correction of the coronal curve was equivalent between the high-density and low-density groups at the 2-year follow-up (67.6% versus 65.7%; difference, −1.9% [95% CI: −6.1%, 2.2%]). In the per-protocol cohorts, the mean percent correction of the coronal curve was also equivalent between the 2 groups at the 2-year follow-up (65.0% versus 66.1%; difference, 1.1% [95% CI: −3.0%, 5.2%]). A total of 6 patients in the low-density group and 5 patients in the high-density group required reoperation (p = 1.0). Conclusions: In the setting of spinal fusion for primary thoracic AIS curves between 45° and 65°, the percent coronal curve correction obtained with use of a low-implant-density construct and that obtained with use of a high-implant-density construct were equivalent. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background:The institutional standard follow-up schedule for patients undergoing spinal instrumentation and fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is return to clinic at 6-weeks and 3 months post-procedure for radiographs. COVID-19 prompted a change in this practice and most routine post-op visits were performed virtually during that time. The purpose of this study is to estimate the cost and benefit of in-person visits to inform the relative value of in-person follow-up using data from the year prior to COVID changes. Methods:This was a retrospective study including all patients with AIS who underwent spinal instrumentation and fusion in 2019 by a single surgeon at a tertiary medical center. The cost of radiographs, travel, and parental lost wages associated with follow-up visits at 6-weeks and 3-months were estimated. Transportation costs were estimated by multiplying the distance between home and clinic by the standard IRS travel reimbursement rate ($0.58/mile). Parental lost wages were estimated using the average 2019 US census income for men and women. Each patient's electronic medical record was reviewed to see whether radiographs and physical assessment resulted in any changes in orthopaedic management at each visit. Results:The sample included 63 patients (75% female, 94% Caucasian) with an average age of 15.22 years. The average round-trip distance traveled was 94.4 miles (range 3.2-476), resulting in an average travel cost of $109.47. The total time spent for a visit (travel, wayfinding and the clinic visit itself) averaged 330 minutes, resulting in an estimated lost parental wage of $125.47. Estimated cost of radiographs at each visit was $693. This combined cost burden totaled $927.94 for each visit, and no changes in management were prompted by clinical or radiographic findings at any of the 126 visits. Conclusion:COVID-19 presented many new challenges to healthcare, including a necessary increase in virtual healthcare delivery. This study estimated the cost of in-person follow-up visits the year prior to COVID-19. Patients and their families traveled hundreds of miles and spent hundreds of dollars to attend these visits. No changes in clinical management were prompted by findings at these in-person follow-up visits, and implementation of virtual post-operative visits could potentially lead to cost savings for families in these instances. Level of Evidence: III.

BACKGROUND Severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can be treated with instrumented fusion, but the number of anchors needed for optimal correction is controversial. METHODS We conducted a multicenter, randomized study that included patients undergoing spinal fusion for single thoracic curves between 45° and 65°, the most common form of operatively treated AIS. Of the 211 patients randomized, 108 were assigned to a high-density screw pattern and 103, to a low-density screw pattern. Surgeons were instructed to use ≥1.8 implants per spinal level fused for patients in the high-implant-density group or ≤1.4 implants per spinal level fused for patients in the low-implant-density group. The primary outcome measure was the percent correction of the coronal curve at the 2-year follow-up. The power analysis for this trial required 174 patients to show equivalence, defined as a 95% confidence interval (CI) within a ±10% correction margin with a probability of 90%. RESULTS In the intention-to-treat analysis, the mean percent correction of the coronal curve was equivalent between the high-density and low-density groups at the 2-year follow-up (67.6% versus 65.7%; difference, -1.9% [95% CI: -6.1%, 2.2%]). In the per-protocol cohorts, the mean percent correction of the coronal curve was also equivalent between the 2 groups at the 2-year follow-up (65.0% versus 66.1%; difference, 1.1% [95% CI: -3.0%, 5.2%]). A total of 6 patients in the low-density group and 5 patients in the high-density group required reoperation (p = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS In the setting of spinal fusion for primary thoracic AIS curves between 45° and 65°, the percent coronal curve correction obtained with use of a low-implant-density construct and that obtained with use of a high-implant-density construct were equivalent. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Untreated acetabular dysplasia following treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) leads to early degenerative joint disease. Clinicians must accurately and reliably recognise dysplasia in order to intervene appropriately with secondary acetabular or femoral procedures. This study sought early predictors of residual dysplasia in order to establish empirically-based indications for treatment. DDH treated by closed or open reduction alone was reviewed. Residual hip dysplasia was defined according to the Severin classification at skeletal maturity. Future hip replacement in a subset of these patients was compared with the Severin classification. Serial measurements of acetabular development and subluxation of the femoral head were collected, as were the age at reduction, type of reduction, and Tonnis grade prior to reduction. These variables were used to predict the Severin classification. The mean age at reduction in 72 hips was 16 months (1 to 46). On the final radiograph, 47 hips (65%) were classified as Severin I/II, and 25 as Severin III/IV (35%). At 40 years after reduction, five of 43 hips (21%) had had a total hip replacement (THR). The Severin grade was predictive for THR. Early measurements of the acetabular index (AI) were predictive for Severin grade. For example, an AI of 35 degrees or more at two years after reduction was associated with an 80% probability of becoming a Severin grade III/IV hip. This study links early acetabular remodelling, residual dysplasia at skeletal maturity and the long-term risk of THR. It presents evidence describing the diagnostic value of early predictors of residual dysplasia, and therefore, of the long-term risk of degenerative change.

It is important to be knowledgeable about the latest information on the diagnosis and the evidence-based management of developmental hip dysplasia and dislocation from birth through adolescence. The focus should be on the effect of the problem; normal growth and development of the hip joint; and the pathoanatomy, natural history, and long-term outcomes of developmental dysplasia of the hip, hip subluxation, and dysplasia. Many controversies exist in the management of this complex spectrum of disorders.

Maintaining excellence in the practice of caring for children with orthopaedic conditions can be a challenge over the course of one’s career. Dr. Stuart Weinstein is widely considered a leader and role model to many during his 40+ year career. In this invited perspective, Dr. Weinstein offers tips and suggestions that he has found useful over his exemplary career.

Study Design. Prospective multicenter study data used for model derivation; externally-validated using retrospective cohort data. Objective. Derive and validate a prognostic model of benefit from bracing for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Summary of Background Data. The Bracing in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial (BrAIST) demonstrated superiority of bracing over observation to prevent curve progression to surgical threshold; 42% of untreated subjects had a good outcome and 28% progressed to surgical threshold despite bracing, likely due to poor adherence. To avoid over-treatment and to promote patient goal setting and adherence, bracing decisions (who and how much) should be based on physician and patient discussions informed by individual-level data from high-quality predictive models. Methods. Logistic regression was used to predict curve progression to <45 degrees at skeletal maturity (good prognosis) in 269 BrAIST subjects who were observed or braced. Predictors included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), Risser stage, Cobb angle, curve pattern and treatment characteristics (hours of brace wear and in-brace correction). Internal and external validity were evaluated using jackknifed samples of the BrAIST dataset and an independent cohort (n=299) via estimates of discrimination and calibration. Results. The final model included age, sex, BMI, Risser stage, Cobb angle and hours of brace wear/day. The model demonstrated strong discrimination (c-statistics 0.83 - 0.87) and calibration in all datasets. Classifying patients as low risk (high probability of a good prognosis) at the probability cut point of 70% resulted in a specificity of 92% and positive predictive value of 89%. Conclusion. This externally-validated model can be used by clinicians and families to make informed, individualized decisions about when, and how much, to brace to avoid progression to surgery. If widely adopted, this model could decrease over-bracing of AIS, improve adherence and most importantly, decrease the likelihood of spinal fusion in this population.

The concept of environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and good governance (ESG) is now well established in the corporate world and in for-profit organizations. However, it is not a concept that has reached medical and surgical association boardrooms in a meaningful way. It is important to define the concept of physician and corporate author expertise and objectives of ESG, provide a rationale for using ESG within orthopaedic organizations, and identify specific areas (primarily the "S" and the "G") where the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and other groups can align with this strategy.

Background:To present a patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who developed a significant neurological deficit after posterior spinal fusion, in association with anemia on postoperative day two. Case Report:A 14-year-old otherwise healthy female underwent a T3-L3 instrumented posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis which was uneventful. Immediate post-operative clinical examination was unremarkable but at postoperative day three the patient developed generalized lower extremity weakness with inability to stand and an urinary retention needing continuous intermittent catheterization program. Her hemoglobin (Hg) dropped from 10 g/dL on postoperative day one to 6.2 g/dL at day two, despite no significant bleeding was noticed. Compressive etiology was ruled out by postoperative myelogram-CT. The patient started to improve significantly after transfusion support. At three months follow-up the patient was neurologically normal. Conclusion:Close clinical neurological evaluation over 48 to 72 hours is needed in order to detect unexpected delayed paralysis following scoliosis surgery. Level of Evidence: IV.

With Americans living longer, many physicians and surgeons have extended their medical and surgical practice life beyond the traditional 65-year-old retirement age. As retirement is inevitable, planning for that eventuality, which in early practice years appears unnecessary, is in fact an exercise which will pay dividends at the time of retirement. Two senior orthopaedic surgeons provide insight on the 2 main issues concerning retirement: how to prepare for retirement while in active practice, and factors to consider as to the timing of that major life event.

Background:Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are lysosomal storage disorders characterized by abnormal deposition of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in tissues. In type VI MPS, otherwise known as Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome, the defect is in the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase. Thoracolumbar kyphosis results from GAG deposition, leading to incompetence of posterior ligamentous structures as well as poor trunk control. Though neurologic symptoms from canal compression due to deformity and hypertrophy of tissues have been described, occasionally requiring surgical decompression, there has not been a prior report of late onset of symptoms in a previously neurologically intact patient following surgery to correct spine deformity.Methods:The case reviewed is a 14 year old girl with mucopolysaccharidosis type VI underwent anterior release and posterior instrumentation for correction of severe progressive lumbar kyphosis. Postoperatively she developed delayed onset of profound lower extremity weakness and underwent urgent wide laminectomies and resection of thickened ligamentum flavum. At 1 year follow-up, she had near complete neurologic recovery.Conclusion:Patients with mucopolysacchari-doses are at significant risk for neurologic compromise both as part of the natural history of the disease, and as a risk of deformity correction. The surgeon must consider the pathologic thickening of tissues surrounding the spinal cord when planning surgery. Level of Evidence: IV.

Background:Research has shown that postoperative shoulder imbalance is a common problem after spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The best radiographic predictor has not yet been determined and results are inconsistent. This study was to investigate whether using medial and lateral shoulder parameters can effectively achieve postoperative shoulder balance.Methods:A prospective database of AIS undergoing posterior spinal fusion were reviewed. Patient demographics and radiological parameters including radiographic shoulder height (RSH), clavicle angle, T1-tilt and first-rib angle at baseline, 6 weeks and last minimal follow up of 2 years were recorded. Correlations between radiological parameters were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Multivariable linear models identified predictors associated with increased RSH.Results:219 patients (mean age:13.7 years; 81.7% female) were included. The mean follow-up time was 2.8 years (range:2.0-7.0). The mean RSH at baseline, 6 weeks and last follow up was improved significantly at 95.8%. Preoperative (r=0.8; p<0.001) and post-operative measurements of RSH at 6-week (r=0.9; p<0.001) and last follow up (r=0.9; p<0.001) correlated strongly with clavicle angle measured at respective time-points. In a multivariable linear model, we noted marginal increase in clavicle angle (+4.3°; p<0.001) to be associated with increased RSH. On the contrary, first rib angle and T1-tilt demonstrated moderate to weak correlation with RSH.Conclusion:Clavicle angle is strongly consistent with RSH. First rib angle and T1-tilt as demonstrate medial shoulder balance are moderate to weak correlation. Leveling T1 tilt and first rib angle do not guarantee the postoperative shoulder balance. Level of Evidence: IV.

Background:In recent years there has been a push towards developing free standing pediatric facilities to provide care specifically towards pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to determine if moving pediatric cases from a general hospital to a dedicated pediatric facility improved the quality and efficiency of surgical procedures.Methods:A retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) was performed. All procedures were performed by one orthopaedic surgeon (SLW) from 2015 to 2019. The procedures were performed at a general hospital (GH) the first two years, and at a pediatric hospital (PH) the subsequent years. Data extracted included patient sex, age, and procedure type as well as procedure duration, operative turnover time, hospital length of stay, transfusion requirements, and operative delay. Exclusively pediatric adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients undergoing PSF were included due to the high volume and consistent surgical procedures therefore limiting confounding variables.Results:A total of five hundred PSF pediatric procedures were performed during the time period. After excluding non-adolescent idiopathic scoliosis cases, a total of 208 procedures were reviewed (105 at GH; 103 at PH). There was no statistical difference between the groups in regards to operative time (GH: 200 min, PH: 200 min; p=0.91), room turnover time (GH: 38 min, PH: 38 min; p=0.801), or rate of transfusion (GH: 20% PH: 30%; p=0.09). Length of stay was significantly shorter in the PH cohort compared to the GH cohort (4.35 vs. 3.84 days, p=0.0001). However, a smaller proportion of cases at the PH started on time compared to the GH (34% vs. 58%; p=0.0005).Conclusion:Overall, this study demonstrated that AIS procedures at the PH did show a statistically significant reduction in hospital length of stay. However, timely start of the procedure was less likely at this particular facility. Level of Evidence: III.

Introduction: Parents often access online resources to educate themselves when a child is diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). In order to be fully understood by the average adult American, online health information must be written at an elementary school reading level. It was hypothesized that current available online resources regarding DDH would score poorly on objective measures of readability (syntax reading grade-level), understandability (ability to process key messages), and actionability (providing actions the reader may take). It was additionally hypothesized that the readability, understandability, and actionability would not correlate with search rank. Methods: Patient education materials were identified utilizing two independent online searches of the term “DDH” utilizing a commonly used search ending. From the top 50 search results, websites were included if directed at educating patients/parents regarding DDH. News articles, non-text material (video), research and journal articles, industry websites, and articles not related to DDH were excluded. The readability of included resources was quantified using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level Index. The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) was used to assess understandability and actionability using a 0-100% scale for both measures of interest. Spearman’s rho was used to examine the association between a website’s average search rank (from first to last) and its readability, understandability, and actionability. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. Results: From 60 unique websites, 37 websites met inclusion criteria. The mean reading grade level (Flesch-Kincaid) was 12.54±2.72, with no websites having a reading level ≤ 6. No readability statistics were statistically associated with search rank (lowest three p-values: 0.80, 0.83, 0.85). Mean understandability and actionability scores were 55.19± 13.96 and 16.58±21.69, respectively. Among understandability criteria, only 27.03% (10/37) resources made their purpose evident and only 10.81% (4/37) included summaries. Among actionability categories, 40.54% (15/37) of websites identified ≥1 action for readers, but only 5.41% (2/37) studies broke down actions into explicit, easy to understand steps. The order of search results was not associated with understandability (rho: -0.21, p=0.22) or actionability (rho: 0.0878, p=0.61). Conclusion: Overall, the online DDH patient/parent educational materials that were assessed scored poorly with respect to readability, understandability, and actionability. Currently, search rank for DDH materials is not associated with the readability, understandability, or actionability of these resources. In the era of shared decision-making and readily available information, patients often turn to the internet for additional insight into the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of DDH. Therefore, future efforts should be made by medical professionals to improve the readability, understandability, and actionability of online resources in order to optimize parental understanding and facilitate informed decision-making.