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Robotic-assisted reverse shoulder arthroplasty has recently entered early limited clinical use, with the goal of improving the execution of preoperative plans and reducing malposition outliers that increase complication rates and health-care costs. This Innovation article reviews the rationale for this technology, explores its potential impact, examines key implementation challenges, and highlights the future directions needed to determine its ultimate value.

ABSTRACT Objectives To characterize practice patterns and outcomes in the management of low‐ and intermediate‐grade salivary gland carcinoma prior to the existence of treatment guidelines. Methods Analysis of a registry of patients who underwent parotid and submandibular gland resections for low‐and intermediate‐grade carcinomas between 2010 and 2019. Results Of all 786 patients included in the study, 726 (92%) had preoperative imaging and 653 (83%) had preoperative biopsy. Of the 729 patients with parotid gland cancer, the majority underwent superficial ( n = 384, 53%) or total ( n = 254, 35%) parotidectomy. In patients with facial nerve preservation, total parotidectomy was associated with a significant increase in transient facial weakness (72/177 (41%) vs. 82/311 (26%), RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.50–0.84, p < 0.05) and permanent facial nerve weakness (23/176 (13%) vs. 16/301 (5%), RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.22–0.75, p < 0.05) compared to superficial parotidectomy. Adjuvant radiation therapy ( RT ) was delivered to 285 (36%) patients. The proportion of patients receiving adjuvant RT declined significantly over the time period from 2015 to 2019 compared to 2010 to 2014 at 162/504 (32%) and 123/282 (44%), respectively ( RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.61–0.89, p < 0.05). When comparing the time periods from 2015 to 2019 and 2010 to 2014, there was no significant difference in local control rates ( RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.26–1.04, p = 0.06) or regional control rates ( RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.26–2.13, p = 0.58). Conclusions Management of low‐ and intermediate‐grade salivary cancer from 2010 to 2019 was variable, which is expected given the rarity and heterogeneity of the disease and the lack of treatment guidelines prior to 2021. Most patients with parotid malignancies underwent superficial or total parotidectomy. The extent of parotidectomy had an impact on facial nerve function outcomes. Delivery of adjuvant radiation trended down with time. The data presented here will support dissemination of the guidelines and provide data that could inform future trials. Level of Evidence 2b.

Background: Recurrent anterior shoulder instability may lead to capsuloligamentous and bony lesions of the glenoid and humerus. To date, there is no clear consensus on how to best measure anterior glenoid bone loss (GBL) in the setting of recurrent instability. The objective of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of 7 different methods of measuring anterior GBL on three-dimensional models based on computed tomography. Methods: Eight levels of GBL in the anterior and anteroinferior directions were virtually generated in 14 three-dimensional healthy glenoid models. GBL was measured with 7 different methods: based on a height/width ratio (M1), based on surface area within a circle (M2 and M3), based on linear distance within a circle, (M4, M5, and M6), and based on a volume ratio (M7). For each method, the measurement accuracy was assessed by comparing the calculated value with the true amount of generated GBL. The measurement reliability was assessed by computing the score variance and intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: The most accurate (average measurement error of <2% and largest proportion with error <5%) and reliable (ICC >0.96) measurement methods for GBL were M2 (based on surface area) and M5 (based on the linear distance). The average measurement error for the other methods ranged between 3% and 11% for anterior GBL and between 2% and 9% for anteroinferior GBL. For anterior GBL, the measurement increased by an average of 0.5% for each 1% increase in circle radius, leading to an overestimation of GBL with a larger circle diameter Conclusion: The methods for calculating glenoid bone loss performed better for the more common direct anterior bone loss rather than the less common anteroinferior-directed bone loss. Both an area-based method (M2) and linear distance–based method (M5) resulted in accurate and reliable measurements of glenoid bone loss; however, the linear distance–based methods may be easier to perform clinically. The height-width ratio and volume methods were less accurate and reliable. Level of Evidence: Level IV ; case series; diagnostic studies. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Abstract Background: Classic metaphyseal lesions (CMLs) are considered specific for child abuse, but the reliability of radiologists in distinguishing CMLs from metaphyseal variations is unclear. Objective: To evaluate whether radiologists can differentiate between CMLs and metaphyseal variations in the knees. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review of distal femur and proximal tibia radiographs in children under two years of age who underwent skeletal surveys for suspected child abuse. The CML group included children diagnosed with abuse and reported CMLs. The metaphyseal variation group included children not diagnosed with abuse, with reported metaphyseal variations and either no fractures or an isolated skull fracture. Radiographs were trimmed to exclude other injuries. Four pediatric and four general radiologists reviewed anonymized studies and categorized each case as CML, metaphyseal variation, normal, or indeterminate, with confidence levels (high, moderate, low). We analyzed diagnoses with moderate or high confidence. Interobserver agreement was assessed using kappa statistics. Results: There were 48 children with CMLs (40 initial, 38 follow-up) and 27 with metaphyseal variations (20 initial, 12 follow-up). Metaphyseal fragmentation was the most common variation, identified in 259 of 356 femurs (72.8%) and 69 of 83 tibias (83.1%). Fragmentations were most frequently located in the posterior or medial metaphysis, or both, in 257 of 259 femurs (99.2%) (257/259) and 68 of 69 tibias (98.6%). In the CML group, 34 of 115 initial CML diagnoses (29.4%) were read on follow-up as either metaphyseal variation (n=17) or normal (n=17). In contrast, in the metaphyseal variation group, only one follow-up case was diagnosed as a CML; the remainder were diagnosed as metaphyseal variation (n=22) or normal (n=2). Diagnostic performance for CML demonstrated high specificity (90.7%) and positive predictive value (94.9%), with moderate accuracy (76.1%), sensitivity (70.2%), and negative predictive value (55.2%). Interobserver agreement was substantial, with a mean kappa of 0.61. Conclusion: Radiologists demonstrated substantial agreement and high specificity in distinguishing CMLs from metaphyseal variations. Metaphyseal fragmentation was the most common variation and was uncommonly diagnosed as CML on follow-up.

Sleep is critical to athlete health and sport performance. Purpose To evaluate the relationship between objective sleep data and next-day basketball game performance. Methods Collegiate men basketball athletes (n = 4) wore smart ring sleep trackers the night before games (n = 22). Sleep variables included hours of total sleep (TS), rapid eye movement sleep duration (RM), deep sleep duration (DS), and heart rate variability (HRV). Game performance was evaluated using field goal percentage (FG%) and player efficiency (EFF). Results TS, RM, DS, and HRV demonstrated very weak relationships with FG% ( p > 0.05) and EFF ( p > 0.05). Individual player analysis revealed one athlete exhibited strong to moderate correlations for TS-EFF (r = 0.67), RS-EFF (r = 0.41), TS-FG% (r = 0.51), and RM-FG% (r = 0.67) ( p < 0.05). Sleep metrics had no effect on FG% (R 2 = 0.025) and EFF (R 2 = 0.053) ( p > 0.05). Conclusions Results suggest a lack of group-level associations between smart ring-measured sleep variables and next-day game performance. This highlights the need for individualized sleep monitoring rather than relying solely on objective metrics.

ABSTRACT Anatomy education is a cornerstone of medical training and relies on cadaveric dissection and 2D illustrations. Technological advancements and integrated curricula have reduced the focus on detailed anatomy and challenged educators to engage Generation Z learners with interactive, tech‐driven methods. Advanced imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) offer a solution, providing virtual dissection simulations and personalized learning tools that mimic 3D anatomy and adapt to individual student needs. Machine learning, a subset of AI, enhances this process by enabling predictive analytics, adaptive feedback, and tailored learning pathways based on performance data, significantly improving anatomical comprehension. Despite its benefits, AI integration raises concerns about over‐reliance on technology, biases, and diminished human interaction in training. This review examines AI's transformative potential in anatomy education while emphasizing the need for balanced implementation and ethical oversight. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted, utilizing PubMed and backward citation searches. The search yielded 56 studies, with 47 additional articles from citations, resulting in 61 included studies. These explored AI applications such as virtual dissection simulations, machine learning algorithms for adaptive feedback, and gamified learning experiences, which were shown to enhance engagement, personalize learning, and improve anatomical understanding. Concerns about over‐reliance on AI and the loss of human interaction were also raised. AI has the potential to enhance anatomy education, but careful consideration of ethical and practical implications is essential. A balanced approach combining traditional methods with AI and robust oversight is crucial for effective integration.

Abstract Although a direct link between cardiac lymphatics and congenital heart disease (CHD) has not been established, research indicates that abnormalities in the cardiac lymphatic system are involved in several congenital disorders that present with cardiac defects. However, this contribution remains poorly understood and is still an emerging area of study. One theory proposes that abnormal lymphatic development, which can present as cystic hygroma or increased nuchal translucency, may give rise to heart defects such as coarctation of the aorta, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or bicuspid aortic valves. The genetic pathways for the development of the cardiac lymphatic system and the heart’s major vessels may overlap; therefore, mutations in these genes could result in simultaneous defects in both systems. The close anatomical proximity between cardiac lymphatics and the great vessels of the heart suggests a “cause and effect” relationship, where an abnormality in one could affect the other and lead to congenital defects. Given that congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect in the United States, this systematic review, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, seeks to explore the potential link between cardiac lymphatics and CHD. Understanding this connection could have significant clinical implications by paving the way for new diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies for CHDs.

The integration of immersive virtual reality (IVR) in orthopedic surgery offers a platform for surgeon-to-surgeon collaboration. This paper explores a new use case of IVR-based collaboration among orthopedic surgeons, focusing on three key areas: surgical training, procedural planning, and remote peer to peer collaboration. Immersive virtual reality enables surgeons to engage in immersive, interactive environments where complex anatomical structures and surgical techniques can be visualized in three dimensions. This fosters more efficient communication, precise surgical planning, shared learning experiences and an opportunity to enhance 3D visual spatial intelligence. This case study highlights how surgeons in different geographic locations can collaborate, sharing knowledge and expertise in real time without the constraints of physical presence. This connectivity provides a platform for skill acquisition, and the practice of surgical techniques while creating an opportunity for a mentor to educate a remote learner. Moreover, IVR facilitates the rehearsal of a procedure, potentially contributing to improved patient outcomes by reducing errors and enhancing preoperative planning and education. In the context of orthopedic surgery, the ability to virtually simulate surgeries in a collaborative setting represents a novel advancement. IVR also allows for the customization of surgical scenarios, providing surgeons with repeated exposure to common and rare, complex cases, thus broadening their experience base. By supporting a connected surgical community, IVR-based surgeon-to-surgeon collaboration has the potential to create opportunities for educators and learners to connect and learn in a meaningful manner.

BACKGROUND: Physician modified endografts (PMEGs) have been widely used in the treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, however, previous data are limited to small single center studies and robust data on safety and effectiveness of PMEGs are lacking. We aimed to perform an international multicenter study analyzing the outcomes of PMEGs in complex abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. METHODS: An international multicenter single-arm cohort study was performed analyzing the outcomes of PMEGs in the treatment of elective, symptomatic, and ruptured complex abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Variables and outcomes were defined according to the Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards. Device modification and procedure details were collected and analyzed. Efficacy outcomes included technical success and safety outcomes included major adverse events and 30-day mortality. Follow-up outcomes included reinterventions, endoleaks, target vessel patency rates and overall and aortic-related mortality. Multivariable analysis was performed aiming at identifying predictors of technical success, 30-day mortality, and major adverse events. RESULTS: Overall, 1274 patients were included in the study from 19 centers. Median age was 74 (IQR, 68–79), and 75.7% were men; 45.7% were complex abdominal aortic aneurysms, and 54.3% were thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms; 65.5% patients presented electively, 24.6% were symptomatic, and 9.9% were ruptured. Most patients (83.1%) were submitted to a fenestrated repair, 3.6% to branched repair, and 13.4% to a combined fenestrated and branched repair. Most patients (85.8%) had ≥3 target vessels included. The overall technical success was 94% (94% in elective, 93.4% in symptomatic, and 95.1% in ruptured cases). Thirty-day mortality was 5.8% (4.1% in elective, 7.6% in symptomatic, and 12.7% in ruptured aneurysms). Major adverse events occurred in 25.2% of cases (23.1% in elective, 27.8% in symptomatic, and 30.3% in ruptured aneurysms). Median follow-up was 21 months (5.6–50.6). Freedom from reintervention was 73.8%, 61.8%, and 51.4% at 1, 3, and 5 years; primary target vessel patency was 96.9%, 93.6%, and 90.3%. Overall survival and freedom from aortic-related mortality was 82.4%/92.9%, 69.9%/91.6%, and 55.0%/89.1% at 1, 3, and 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: PMEGs were a safe and effective treatment option for elective, symptomatic, and ruptured complex aortic aneurysms. Long-term data and future prospective studies are needed for more robust and detailed analysis.

ImportancePostoperative radiation therapy for close surgical margins in low- to intermediate-grade salivary carcinomas lacks multi-institutional supportive evidence.ObjectiveTo evaluate the oncologic outcomes for low- and intermediate-grade salivary carcinomas with close and positive margins.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThe American Head and Neck Society Salivary Gland Section conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2010 to 2019 at 41 centers. Margins were classified as R0 (negative), R1 (microscopically positive), or R2 (macroscopically positive). R0 margins were subclassified into clear (&amp;gt;1 mm) or close (≤1 mm). Data analysis was performed from June to October 2023.Main Outcomes and MeasuresMain outcomes were risk factors for local recurrence.ResultsA total of 865 patients (median [IQR] age at surgery, 56 [43-66] years; 553 female individuals [64%] and 312 male individuals [36%]) were included. Of these, 801 (93%) had parotid carcinoma and 64 (7%) had submandibular gland carcinoma, and 748 (86%) had low-grade tumors and 117 (14%) had intermediate-grade tumors, with the following surgical margins: R0 in 673 (78%), R1 in 168 (19%), and R2 in 24 (3%). Close margins were found in 395 of 499 patients with R0 margins (79%), for whom margin distances were measured. A total of 305 patients (35%) underwent postoperative radiation therapy. Of all 865 patients, 35 (4%) had local recurrence with a median (IQR) follow-up of 35.3 (13.9-59.1) months. In patients with close margins as the sole risk factor for recurrence, the local recurrence rates were similar between those who underwent postoperative radiation therapy (0 of 46) or observation (4 of 165 [2%]). Patients with clear margins (n = 104) had no recurrences. The local recurrence rate in patients with R1 or R2 margins was better in those irradiated (2 of 128 [2%]) compared to observed (13 of 64 [20%]) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01-0.24). Multivariable analysis for local recurrence found the following independent factors: age at diagnosis (HR for a 10-year increase in age, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.06-1.67), R1 vs R0 (HR, 5.21; 95% CI, 2.58-10.54), lymphovascular invasion (HR, 4.47; 95% CI, 1.43-13.99), and postoperative radiation therapy (HR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.04-0.29). The 3-year local recurrence-free survivals for the study population were 96% vs 97% in the close margin group.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study of patients with low- and intermediate-grade major salivary gland carcinoma, postoperative radiation therapy for positive margins was associated with decreased risk of local recurrence. In isolation from other risk factors for local recurrence, select patients with close surgical margins (≤1 mm) may safely be considered for observation.