Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Full Issue: Volume 2, Issue 1 - April 2024

Bone Bulletin

i - Editors’ Note by Ari Clements & Amit Syal

ii - Foreword by Dr. Alan Hilibrand

7 - Exploring Approaches to Treatment of Musculoskeletal Injuries by Catherine Alvaro

9 - A Spotlight on the Various Subspecialties of Orthopedic Surgery by Ryan Garemani

14 - Exploring the Importance of Implant Selection in Total Hip Arthroplasty by John Czarnecki

16 - Revolutionizing Orthopaedics: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells by Harrison Fellheimer

18 - Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis: Preoperative and Perioperative Management of Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug Therapy by Daniel Kwak

22 - The Role of Psychological …

Redefining Recovery: Multimodal Analgesics And Tranexamic Acid In Orthopedic Surgery, Elijah Hoffman

Bone Bulletin

Introduction As the demand for joint replacements continues to rise, optimizing patient outcomes and enhancing recovery have become paramount goals for orthopedic surgeons. Patients used to have minimal mobility following a Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) or Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) due to pain or the effects of sedation from anesthesia. This would lead to longer hospital stays, more complications, and higher opioid use.¹ These surgeries also resulted in levels of blood loss that required transfusion therapy postoperatively.² In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in postoperative care for total joint arthroplasty (TJA), marked by significant advancements …

A Review Of The Effects Of Early Sport Specialization On The Health Of Adolescent Baseball Players, Robert C. Juniewicz

Bone Bulletin

Introduction

Participation in sports during adolescence is beneficial for participants as it improves fitness, enhances psychosocial development, increases academic performance, and boosts self-esteem.¹ One of the most popular sports among adolescent athletes is baseball, with nearly 500,000 high school players in the United States in 2020.1 While participation in sports has been shown to have clear benefits and has been steadily increasing, recent decades have also seen a dramatic rise in the level of competition.² As a direct result, there has been an increase in the prevalence of early sports specialization (ESS) with an estimated 14-47% of adolescent …

The Ins And Outs Of Wide-Awake Hand Surgery, Molly Milano

Bone Bulletin

Introduction

As the name might imply, “wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet” (WALANT) is a surgical method to perform hand surgery using only a local anesthetic without the use of a tourniquet or any sedation and general anesthetics. The WALANT technique takes advantage of the vasoconstrictive effects of epinephrine combined with the local anesthetic effects of lidocaine to create a surgical field that does not require a tourniquet or general anesthesia.¹ The main contributor is epinephrine, which decreases bleeding in the surgical field while also lengthening lidocaine’s absorption and effect.² When first introduced to the surgical world, the …

Examining The Role Of Augmented Reality In Total Hip Arthroplasty, Joseph Raphael

Bone Bulletin

Background

In 2023, it was reported that total hip arthroplasty (THA) was the main and effective surgical treatment for advanced hip osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.¹ As the population ages, the number of annual THA procedures is projected to grow and reach 635,000 by the year 2030.² As such, further improving outcomes in THA will benefit this large population. On average age for individuals who sustain a hip fracture is 80 years old and the lifetime prevalence of hip fractures is 20% in women and 10% in men.³ Fracture reduction and internal fixation or arthroplasty are often …

The Role Of Psychological Readiness In Recovery From Acl Injury In Female Athletes, Samantha Meacock

Bone Bulletin

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is common in sports, with female athletes facing a disproportionately higher risk in comparison to male athletes.¹ This susceptibility is the result of a complex relationship between various factors including anatomical, biomechanical, hormonal, neuromuscular, and environmental influences.² In addition, the unique challenges that females face with respect to sports, violence, body image, and family planning create additional stressors that may further contribute to an increased risk for injury.^3,4 Following ACL Reconstruction (ACLR) surgery, these gender discrepancies carry over into recovery as female athletes exhibit decreased rates of return to sport (RTS) …

Shoulder Arthroplasty In Patients With Inflammatory Arthritis: Preoperative And Perioperative Management Of Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug Therapy, Daniel Kwak

Bone Bulletin

Introduction

Inflammatory arthritis is a debilitating systemic autoimmune and inflammatory disease that leads to joint damage, resulting in significant pain and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory arthritis typically associated with advanced arthritic changes of the glenohumeral joint as well as with rotator cuff tears.²⁰ Since the introduction of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy, patients diagnosed with inflammatory rheumatic diseases have observed improvements in pain management and functional outcomes, alongside a reduction in the occurrence of upper limb arthroplasties.¹⁶ Nonetheless, total joint arthroplasty still remains common in the treatment of RA.^8,14

One recognized …

Revolutionizing Orthopaedics: Exploring The Therapeutic Potential Of Stem Cells, Harrison Fellheimer

Bone Bulletin

The development of stem cells holds the key to a revolutionary era in medicine, unlocking multisystem processes that will help restore normal function in the human body. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the capability to give rise to cells of the same type, and from which new cells can arise through the process of differentiation. Several sources of stem cells can be broadly categorized into three main types: embryonic stem cells (ESC), adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).¹

Exploring The Importance Of Implant Selection In Total Hip Arthroplasty, John Czarnecki

Bone Bulletin

Introduction

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is a rapidly growing field within the United States. In 2023 alone, 1,050,821 arthroplasties were performed, making it the second-most performed arthroplasty of the year.1 With over a million of these procedures completed each year, there are several medical device companies that create their own implants to be used in these procedures. Each company can patent their own device and go through a thorough process involving the FDA to receive approval provided there is evidence from clinical trials that demonstrates their device improves patient outcomes.2 With the many implant options available, one question to consider …

A Spotlight On The Various Subspecialties Of Orthopedic Surgery, Ryan Garemani

Bone Bulletin

Introduction

Currently, 60% of orthopedic surgeons are specialists, 25% have specialty interests, and the remaining 15% are generalists.¹ Given the numbers, most orthopedists focus on a specific anatomical area or patient demographic, from delicate nerve work to the larger surgical field encountered in adult reconstruction. This article embarks on a journey through the diverse and impactful world of orthopedic subspecialties, shedding light on the breadth of practice offered.

According to Joseph A. Abboud, MD, a Rothman Orthopedics upper extremity surgeon, residents typically decide on a sub-specialty in their third or fourth year. For medical students, whether captivated by orthopedics …

Exploring Approaches To Treatment Of Musculoskeletal Injuries, Catherine Alvaro

Bone Bulletin

When approaching musculoskeletal injuries, there are many components of the patient assessment that contribute to different treatment options. Interviews with both an orthopedic surgeon and a sports medicine physician revealed similar yet different ways of diagnosing and treating orthopedic conditions.

Foreword, Alan S. Hilibrand

Bone Bulletin

As the Vice Chair of Academic Affairs and Faculty Development and as Director of Undergraduate Medical Education for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College, I am honored to once again have this opportunity to write a foreword for the second issue of the Bone Bulletin.

For many years, the DePalma Orthopaedic Society has provided medical students at SKMC with an excellent venue to learn about orthopaedic surgery, and its members continue to focus much time and energy on mentoring younger students interested in the field of orthopedic surgery. The DePalma leadership has worked hard …

Editors’ Note, Ari Clements, Amit Syal

Bone Bulletin

This year, we are very excited to announce the second issue of the Bone Bulletin, DePalma Orthopaedic Society’s student-run, non-peer reviewed journal for Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) students. The journal was initially started to provide another way to become involved with orthopaedics in medical school as well as providing a unique platform to report on diverse aspects of the field through editorial and opinion pieces.

By providing close 1-on-1 mentorship with a Rothman physician, the Bone Bulletin gives students a hands-on opportunity to engage with orthopaedic research and developments. Throughout this journal, you will find a variety of …

Full Issue: Volume 1, Issue 1 - May 2023

Bone Bulletin

Contents

i - Editors’ Note by Payton Boere and Ari Clements

ii - Foreword by Dr. Alan Hilibrand

7 - Injuries, Management, and Prevention in the Weekend Warrior by John Paulik

10 - A Practical Guide to Etiquette in the Orthopaedic OR for the Rotating Medical Student by Tyler Radack

13 - New Trends in Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Applications: The Role of Preference Signaling by J. Liam Gibbons

16 - First Job Considerations as an Orthopaedic Surgery Attending: Picking a Practice Setting by Purab Kothari

20 - A Day in the Life of an Orthopaedic Surgeon with Dr. Rachel Shakked …

Summary Of Early Sport Specialization In Baseball, Matthew Sabitsky

Bone Bulletin

Background/Scope of the Problem

Early sport specialization, defined as playing one sport for over eight months in a year without participation in any other sports, has gained significant popularity in recent years.^1,2 Increasing numbers of young baseball players are leaving their local leagues for travel programs where they may pay thousands to play for a team year-round.³ Youth baseball players are competing in more games than ever. During the busiest months, summer travel teams routinely schedule around 80 games over the course of just three months.⁴ Putting this in perspective, Division I college programs play about 60 …

Additional Strategies To Heal A Fracture: The Impact Of Lifestyle Modifications To Improve Bone Repair, Katie Duquette

Bone Bulletin

Suffering from a bone fracture can hinder a patient’s ability to work and greatly diminish their quality of life. Depending on fracture characteristics, treatment options consist of non-operative and operative management. Regardless of intervention needed, the process of bone healing is multi-factorial. Therefore, patients who are interested in maximizing their functional recovery can make changes within their control to optimize the healing process. Changes as simple as adding beets and probiotics could have a significant impact on returning function earlier and alleviating pain sooner.

If physicians elevate their current recovery strategy advice, it may be possible to improve a patient’s …

Exploring The Use Of Robotics In Orthopaedic Surgery, Daniel Givner

Bone Bulletin

Over the last few decades, the use of robotics has dramatically increased across all surgical specialties. While initially only utilized in a few gynecological and urological procedures, robotics are now used in a wide range of surgical procedures ranging from general surgery, cardiovascular surgery, to otolaryngology and orthopaedic surgery. One study noted in the field of general surgery, roughly 15% of all surgeries are utilizing some form of robotics.1 Surgical robotics assist in a variety of ways ranging from guiding procedures by creating 3D images of the anatomic landscape, to allowing physicians to operate through telemanipulating in a separate room. …

Biologic Augmentation In Osteochondral Lesions Of The Talus, Yashas Reddy

Bone Bulletin

Introduction

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are injuries involving damage to the cartilage and bone associated with the talar dome. They occur in up to 50% of ankle sprains and 73% of ankle fractures, varying in stability and severity.¹ Standard weightbearing ankle radiographs may allow for visualization of the lesions if substantial bone fragmentation is involved but CT and MRI are more sensitive for subchondral bone damage and purely cartilaginous lesions, respectively (Figure 1). The majority of patients with OLT are active individuals in their 20s and 30s, and often present after sustaining an acute inversion injury.^{2 …}

A Day In The Life Of An Orthopaedic Surgeon With Dr. Rachel Shakked, Anne Cohen

Bone Bulletin

From a young age, Dr. Shakked knew she wanted to be a doctor and started medical school with an interest in pursuing medical oncology. As a third year, she did her surgery rotation with low expectations but ended up loving it and discovering the field of orthopaedics. After completing her fellowship in 2016, she is now a foot and ankle specialist at the Rothman Institute where she experiences a mix of both private and academic practice. This conversation was born from her desire to show students what life is like beyond medical school and residency, and the importance of living …

First Job Considerations As An Orthopaedic Surgery Attending: Picking A Practice Setting, Purab Kothari

Bone Bulletin

A career in medicine is a journey with many forks in the road as medical students choose specialties, then subspecialties, and finally a practice setting. Particularly with the latter, becoming familiar with the various practice options early on can lead to an easier decision when the time to join the workforce arrives. Additionally, the ability to work in a setting that aligns with one’s career goals may ultimately lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout risk. The following article aims to define various practice settings, including academic, private, community, “privademics” and locum tenens, and explore key considerations orthopaedic surgery …

New Trends In Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Applications: The Role Of Preference Signaling, J. Liam Gibbons

Bone Bulletin

Introduction

Orthopaedic surgery is known to be one of the most competitive specialties for medical students to pursue. It is important for applicants to have a strong portfolio of achievements, including research, presentations, and volunteering to increase chances of matching. USMLE scores and AOA membership tend to be higher among residency applicants that match into orthopaedic surgery. Moreover, the match rate for orthopaedics is lower at 74% compared to the overall match rate of 93.8%.¹ To increase chances of matching into an orthopaedic program, it is recommended to start preparing early and stay informed about trends and strategies in …

A Practical Guide To Etiquette In The Orthopaedic Or For The Rotating Medical Student, Tyler Radack

Bone Bulletin

The Operating Room, the operating theatre, the lair of the Orthopaedic surgeon, it goes by many names. It is a place most try to avoid, but this daunting windowless room is a classroom and training ground for many. And for the medical student interested in an orthopaedic surgery career, making an impression in the operating room is vital to matching into their desired orthopaedic residency.¹

Unfortunately, making an impression in the operating room is difficult, or more precisely, making a good impression in the operating room is difficult. Furthermore, every operating room dynamic can be different, and the personalities …

Injuries, Management, And Prevention In The Weekend Warrior, John Paulik

Bone Bulletin

Introduction

Sports medicine is known for heroically returning competitors back to the big game just in the nick of time for the winning play. This storybook ending is a reality of sports medicine. However, the majority of athletes will not end up on ESPN in the newest 30 for 30. This begs the question - who is an athlete? To some, it may be defined as someone who participates in an organized sport, culminating in regular competition and requiring systematic training.¹ This definition, however, excludes those who regularly exercise with the goal of improving their health or appearance.^{2 …}

Foreword, Alan S. Hilibrand

Bone Bulletin

As the Director of Undergraduate Medical Education for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College, I am thrilled to have this opportunity to introduce the inaugural issue of the Bone Bulletin. Through the activities of the DePalma Orthopaedic Society, medical students at SKMC have had an excellent venue to learn about orthopaedic surgery, and our surgeons here at Rothman Orthopaedics have enthusiastically mentored younger students interested in the field of orthopedic surgery. The DePalma leadership has worked hard on many initiatives in recent years: providing forums for orthopaedic faculty to speak about their work, assembling lists …

Editor's Note, Payton Boere, Ari Clements

Bone Bulletin

We are thrilled to introduce the inaugural issue of the Bone Bulletin, DePalma Orthopaedic Society’s student-run, non-peer reviewed journal for Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC) students. The journal’s aim is to provide yet another way to be involved with orthopaedics in medical school and to promote student interest in orthopaedics by reporting on diverse aspects of the field through editorial and opinion pieces. Under the close 1-on-1 mentorship of a physician from the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, students have a hands-on opportunity to write about and directly engage with orthopaedic research and developments.

Within the pages of this journal, you …