Moore, M. Lane

Abstract Purpose This study uses a large national legal database to analyze characteristics of malpractice claims involving U.S. medical students. Method The Westlaw database was searched in September 2023 for malpractice cases involving medical students from January 1, 1900, through September 1, 2023. Each case was independently reviewed by 2 authors, abstracting each variable. Categorical data were summarized as frequency of occurrence (i.e., number and percentage), and continuous data were summarized with means, medians, and ranges. All authors independently reviewed the dataset to identify potential themes and codes. Results There were 65 cases that met the inclusion criteria. Reported patient outcomes were death (19, 29%), pain (25, 38%), and disability (36, 55%). The most common specialties involved were emergency medicine (16, 25%), general surgery (14, 22%), and obstetrics and gynecology (13, 20%). The most common primary alleged errors attributed to students related to medical decision-making (30, 46%), procedural complication (24, 37%), and poor communication (11, 17%). Among 23 (35%) cases reporting year of training, 1 (4%) included a second-year student, 13 (57%) included third-year students, and 9 (39%) included fourth-year students. Of the 65 lawsuits, 28 (43%) resulted in a settlement or verdict against the medical student. The total amount paid in these cases was $78,192,612, with a mean (median) of $3,007,408 ($1,050,000) per case. Of these 28 cases, 14 (50%) cited minimal or no physician supervision. Conclusions Medical malpractice claims involving medical students are rare but commonly relate to medical decision-making, procedural complication, and poor communication, with a lack of supervision being frequently cited. These results can be used to guide students and supervising physicians on how to avoid scenarios that may increase vulnerability to medical malpractice lawsuits.

Purpose To use Google trends to explore differences in public interest among types of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) autografts, specifically quadriceps tendon, patellar tendon, and hamstring tendon autografts, between 2008 and 2019. Methods Data were obtained by querying Google Trends for key terms and phrases for online search data ranging from January 2008 to December 2019. Relative search volumes were created based on searches related to ACL reconstruction with comparative analysis generated for search terms related to quadriceps ACL, patellar tendon ACL, and hamstring ACL autografts. Statistical analysis included linear regression analysis, comparison of quarterly search volume trends over time, and comparison of cumulative annual search volumes for 2008 versus 2019. Results Linear models for respective search terms were statistically significant for the quadriceps ( P < .001) and patellar ( P = .007) tendon autograft groups but not the hamstring group ( P = .129). The quadriceps autograft group demonstrated a 12‐year search volume trend change of 0.56, which was significantly greater than the hamstring (0.07; P < .001) and patellar tendon (0.168; P < .001) groups. There was no significant difference in the trend change between hamstring and patellar tendon groups ( P = .20). Percent change in cumulative relative annual search volumes between 2008 and 2019 was 112% for the quadriceps tendon group, 12.9% for the hamstring group, and 18.6% for the patellar tendon group. Conclusions This study indicates a consistently increasing public interest in quadriceps tendon autograft for ACL reconstruction. The quadriceps autograft group demonstrated a significantly greater 12‐year online search volume, greater linear correlation, and larger percent change between 2008 and 2019 compared with patellar tendon or hamstring autograft groups. Clinical Relevance Awareness of patient perceptions has value in informing shared decision‐making, aligning patient expectations, and guiding areas of future research. Each of these has an impact on patient care. Being aware of patient interest and expectations is particularly important in areas with controversial or emerging research.

Purpose To assess outcomes of arthroscopic posterior capsular release among athletes for loss of terminal extension following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed for patients undergoing arthroscopic posterior capsular release for knee extension loss following ACL reconstruction between January 2014 and December 2019. Procedure indications included extension loss greater than 10° at least 3 months after ACL reconstruction that was refractory to physical therapy. Patients were included if they were involved in either high school or college athletics, had complete outcomes of interest, and had at least 2 years of follow‐up. Prospectively collected outcomes included preoperative and postoperative measurement of knee extension, International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm score, return to sport data, and complications. Results Eighteen athletes with minimum 2 years of follow‐up who underwent posterior capsular release following ACL reconstruction performed by a single surgeon were included in the analysis. Patients underwent surgery at an average of 16 weeks after ACL reconstruction. Knee extension improved an average of 13.8° at 2 years’ follow‐up (prerelease mean extension deficit 15.1°, postrelease mean extension deficit 1.3°, P < .005). Improvements in the International Knee Documentation Committee score averaged 21.7 at 6 months and 35.0 at 24 months, both of which were statistically significant ( P < .001). Similarly, differences in Lysholm included a significant improvement of 23.0 and 34.2 at 6 months and 2 years, respectively ( P < .001). In total, 77.8% returned to sport at an average of 9.8 months from their primary ACL surgery and 6.5 months following posterior capsular release surgery. No infections or neurovascular complications were observed. One patient required secondary release to achieve adequate extension. Conclusions For athletes with persistent knee extension loss after ACL reconstruction, knee extension was significantly improved at 2 years following arthroscopic posterior capsular release. Substantial improvements in patient‐reported outcomes also were seen. In addition, subjects demonstrated a high rate of return to sport and return to preinjury performance levels. Level of Evidence Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Abstract Biceps tenodesis has been proven to be an effective treatment for biceps tendon and superior labral pathology. Many techniques including both open and arthroscopic approaches have been reported. Open techniques afford management of the entire proximal biceps tendon but are limited by wound healing issues, increased bleeding, and increased surgical time. Arthroscopic tenodesis offers benefits in terms of surgical efficiency, cosmesis, and bleeding risk. However, standard arthroscopic tenodesis only addresses intra‐articular biceps pathology. In this report we describe an all‐arthroscopic biceps tenodesis technique at the suprapectoral region of the humerus using knotless suture anchor fixation. Technique Video video See video under supplementary data.

Purpose To quantify and analyze public interest trends in platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) therapy for shoulder pathology between 2011 and 2020 using Google Trends data. Methods Google Trends data were queried for online search data ranging from January 2011 to December 2020. Various combinations of terms related to PRP and shoulder pathology were queried. Terms related to corticosteroid therapy in association with shoulder pathology were also generated for comparative analysis. Analyses were performed regarding trends in online search volumes. Results Linear models were generated to evaluated trends in the volume of online searches for PRP and corticosteroid therapy for shoulder pathology. For both the PRP and steroid groups, linear models showed a statistically significant increase in search volume for the period studied ( P < .001). The PRP group showed a significantly greater growth rate than the steroid group ( P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences in online search volume when compared between different geographic and socioeconomic locations. Conclusions This study indicates consistently increasing public interest in PRP injections in the shoulder. The rate of online search volume growth of PRP is significantly greater than that of corticosteroid injections for the period studied. Clinical Relevance Awareness of patient perceptions has value in informing shared decision making, aligning patient expectations, and guiding areas of future research. Each of these has an impact on patient care. Being aware of patient interest and expectations is particularly important in areas with controversial or emerging research.

Background: There is a wide range of literature on patellar tendon injury, making it increasingly difficult to stay informed on the most influential studies in this field. It is essential to be familiar with the foundational articles of patellar tendon injury research to understand the current state of the literature and deliver high quality care. Purpose: To objectively identify the 50 most influential articles relating to patellar tendon injury and conduct a bibliometric analysis to identify key features of these articles. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The Clarivate Analytics Web of Knowledge database was utilized to gather metrics on the 50 most cited articles on patellar tendon injury on June 27, 2022. The information extracted from each article included publication year, number of citations, author information, article type, level of evidence, country of origin, journal name, study focus, and industry influence. Results: The top 50 studies were cited a total of 8543 times and published between 1977 and 2015. The majority of articles were published after 2003, and the majority of citations were accrued after 2011. The most prevalent article types were cohort studies (n = 23), and the majority of studies were of evidence level 2 (n = 14) or 4 (n = 13). Australia and the United States (US) each published the most studies (n = 11). Only 4 (8%) studies focused on patellar tendon rupture, and 12 (24%) of the top 50 studies were associated with industry. Conclusion: The majority of the top 50 most influential articles in patellar tendon injury were published and accumulated citations in the past 10 to 20 years. Non-US countries, institutions, and journals published many of the top 50 studies, reflecting a global interest and commitment to research in this field. Patellar tendon rupture and surgical repair represents a minority of research in the top 50 studies and could be a point of growth in the future.

Purpose To evaluate the superior to inferior glenoid height as a reliable reference in best‐fit circle creation for glenoid anatomy. Methods The morphology of the native glenoid was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients without shoulder instability. Using T1 sagittal MRI images, 2 reviewers independently estimated glenoid size using the two‐thirds technique and the “best‐fit circle” technique at 2 different times. A Student t ‐test was used to determine significant difference between the two methodologies. Inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability were calculated using interclass and intraclass coefficients. Results This study included 112 patients. Using the results of glenoid height and “best‐fit circle” diameter, the diameter of the “best‐fit circle” was found to intersect the glenoid line at 67.8% of the glenoid height on average. We found no significant difference between the 2 measures of glenoid diameter (27.6 vs 27.9, P = .456). The interclass and intraclass coefficients for the two‐third method were 0.85 and 0.88, respectively. The interclass and intraclass coefficients for the perfect circle methods were 0.84 and 0.73, respectively. Conclusions We determined that the diameter of a circle placed on the inferior glenoid using the “best‐fit circle” technique corresponds to 67.8% of the glenoid height. Additionally, we found that constructing a perfect circle using a diameter equal to two‐thirds the height of the glenoid may improve intraclass reliability. Level of Evidence Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Background: The development of Achilles tendon treatment modalities has been rapid, and it is increasingly difficult for clinicians to stay up to date with the most influential studies in this field. In order to fully understand the current state of the literature regarding Achilles tendon injury, it is invaluable to be familiar with the foundational articles and studies upon which the field is built. Purpose: To objectively determine the 50 most frequently cited studies in Achilles tendon pathology and to conduct a bibliometric analysis. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The Clarivate Analytics Web of Knowledge database was used to gather data and metrics of Achilles tendon research. The 50 most cited articles were selected for analysis from an initial 17,244 identified articles. The information extracted for each article included author name, publication year, country of origin, journal name, study type, and level of evidence. Results: For these 50 studies, the total number of citations was calculated to be 13,159, with a mean of 263.2 citations per paper. The most cited article collected 657 citations. The publication dates of the 50 studies included in this analysis spanned 41 years (1972-2013). The largest number of articles were published by Swedish authors (n = 14); however, many other countries were represented, including Canada and Finland (n = 6 articles each). The most prevalent study designs were cohort studies (n = 13) with level 4 evidence studies being the most common (n = 14). Conclusion: Among the 50 most influential articles in Achilles tendon pathology, the study designs most commonly used were cohort studies and review articles. Sweden was the country of origin for the most studies included on this list, which reflects this country’s interest and commitment to researching Achilles tendon injuries and treatments.

Background: Carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery is the most common surgery billed to Medicare by hand surgeons. As such, the purpose of this study was to evaluate trends for CTR surgeries billed to Medicare from 2000 to 2020. Methods: The publicly available Medicare Part B National Summary File from 2000 to 2020 was queried. For both open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) and endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR), the number of procedures and total Medicare reimbursement were extracted. For year 2020, the specialty of the performing surgeon was recorded. Descriptive statistics were reported. Results: A total of 3 429 471 CTR surgeries were performed in the Medicare population from 2000 to 2020. For these procedures, Medicare paid surgeons over $1.23 billion. During this period, there was a 101.8% increase in annual CTR procedures (91 130 in 2000, 183 911 in 2020). Further, annual volume of ECTR increased by 456.2%, and accounted for an increasing percentage of total CTR procedures (9.1% in 2012, 25.2% in 2020). The average adjusted Medicare reimbursement per procedure decreased by 1.5% for OCTR, and decreased by 11.6% for ECTR. In 2020, orthopedic surgeons performed 85.1% of CTR procedures. Conclusions: The volume of CTR surgeries among the Medicare population has increased from 2000 to 2020, and ECTR is accounting for a growing proportion of surgeries. When adjusted for inflation, average reimbursement has decreased, with a greater decrease among ECTR. Orthopedic surgeons perform most of such surgeries. These trends are important to assure adequate resource allocation as treating carpal tunnel becomes more common among the aging Medicare population.

Background: Ganglion cysts are benign soft-tissue tumors that are most commonly found in the wrist. Within the wrist, 60% to 70% of ganglion cysts occur on the dorsal side and 20% to 30% occur on the volar side 1 . Although ganglia arise from multiple sites over the dorsal wrist, dorsal ganglia most commonly originate at the scapholunate joint 2,3 . Open excision is the standard surgical treatment for dorsal wrist ganglia. This procedure is considered when symptoms such as pain and range-of-motion deficits begin to impact activities of daily living. Description: Open excision of a dorsal wrist ganglion is commonly performed with the patient under general anesthesia or a regional block. The patient is placed in the supine position, and a tourniquet is applied on the affected upper limb. After outlining the periphery of the palpable ganglion, the surgeon makes a transverse or longitudinal incision over the ganglion. The surgeon then begins a deep dissection, dissecting through the subcutaneous tissue and isolating the ganglion while avoiding any rupture, if possible. Once the cyst has been identified, extensor tendons surrounding the cyst are retracted and the cyst and stalk are mobilized. The cyst and stalk are subsequently excised, and the wound is closed 4 . Alternatives: Alternative treatments for dorsal wrist ganglia include nonoperative interventions such as observation, aspiration, controlled rupture, and injection. Operative treatments include arthroscopic and open dorsal wrist ganglion resections. Rationale: Although nonoperative treatment can produce successful outcomes, the various modalities have been associated with recurrence rates ranging from 15% to 90% 4 . As a result, surgical excision remains the gold standard of treatment and is typically indicated when weakness, pain, and limited range of motion interfere with activities of daily living. Among surgical interventions, arthroscopic excision is a minimally invasive procedure that has become more common because of the reduced scarring and faster recovery 5 . However, open excision, which does not involve complex equipment, is regarded as the standard among surgical treatments. Although the rates of recurrence for arthroscopic versus open dorsal ganglion excision are similar, arthroscopic excision is less effective with regard to pain relief 5,6 . This difference in pain relief could potentially be the result of the neurectomy of the posterior interosseous nerve in an open excision. In contrast, an arthroscopic procedure may provide less relief of pain from the posterior interosseous nerve stump attaching to the scarred capsule 5 . Expected Outcomes: Open excision of a dorsal wrist ganglion is a safe, reliable procedure. The recurrence rate after open excision is similar to that after arthroscopic excision and significantly lower recurrence than that after ganglion cyst aspiration 6,7 . Additionally, not all ganglion cysts can be aspirated. In a retrospective study assessing the risk of recurrence after open excision of ganglion cysts in 628 patients, researchers reported a recurrence rate of 4.1% among the 341 who underwent open dorsal ganglion excision. Furthermore, the authors reported male sex and less surgeon experience as significant risk factors for cyst recurrence 8 . In a study assessing outcomes of open dorsal ganglion excision in 125 active-duty military personnel, researchers reported a recurrence rate of 9%. More notably, the researchers found persistent pain at 4 weeks postoperatively in 14% of the participants. The authors recommended that patients whose daily activities require forceful wrist extension, such as athletes and military personnel, should be counseled on the potential functional limitations and residual pain from open dorsal wrist ganglion excision 9 . Important Tips: When conducting an open excision, it is beneficial to identify the stalk of the cyst, allowing the surgeon to excise the complete ganglion complex and prevent recurrence. For large cysts that adhere to the surrounding soft tissue, it is helpful to rupture the ganglion in order to facilitate an easier deep dissection. Excising the scapholunate interosseous ligament could possibly lead to scapholunate dissociation and instability. The posterior interosseous nerve courses past the 4th dorsal compartment and may be resected during the deep dissection.