Medical Specialties 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 …

Bilateral Eagle Syndrome: A Surprising Cause Of Neck Pain, Kailyn M. Mutsch, Alla Zamulko

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

We report the case of a 45-year-old female who presented with chronic neck pain primarily left sided, globus sensation, and dysphagia for several years. Bilateral elongated styloid processes were identified on CT scan completed prior to the visit. Clinical and radiographic features were consistent with bilateral Eagle syndrome. Eagle syndrome can manifest as a constellation of symptoms characterized by throat and neck pain aggravated by rotation of the head, globus sensation of the throat, dysphagia, headache, tinnitus, syncope, or transient ischemic attacks in some cases. The objective of this case report was to discuss the features of Eagle syndrome and …

Geographic Distribution Of Melanoma Cases In Maine: Identifying Vulnerable Counties For Targeted Intervention, Joshua R. Parbs, Madeline Prentiss, Calla Hladky, Henry Stoddard, Kathryn Stevens, Elizabeth V. Seiverling, Peggy Cyr

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: Maine has the twelfth highest incidence of melanoma in the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine which Maine counties were the most impacted by melanoma through the use of geographical methods. Identification of counties with the highest prevalence of melanoma will help in targeting future training and public health interventions.

Methods: All melanoma cases (n=5,340) reported to the Maine CDC Cancer Registry from 2013 to 2018 were sorted by pathologic T stage. Data were sorted by county and population-adjusted. Population data and provider data came from Area Health Resource Files. County and zip-code maps were …

Effectiveness Of The Novel Ventilation System In The Ambulance For Airborne Particle Reduction, Dhanadol Rojanasarntikul

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: During the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, emergency medical service (EMS) workers areexposed to infectious particles in closed spaces such as in the ambulance. Few studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of ambulance ventilation system in reducing airborne particles.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of an ambulance ventilation system in reducing the volume density of airborne particles and return-to-background time.

Methods: Aerosol particles of various sizes were administered into the cabin via nebulization for one minute. The aerosol volume concentrations of particles at 0.5-1; 1-2.5; and 2.5-5 microns were measured with three different ventilation rates (switched off, medium and maximum) …

Inter-Institutional Analysis Of Skin Of Color Representation In Dermatological Lecture Content At Md And Do Medical Schools, Oluwafunke Oluwatosin Ogunremi, Blake Fredericksen, John Komas, Sana Ismail, Siri Knutsen-Larson Md, Valeriy Kozmenko Md, Afia Albin Do

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the lecture materials provided in medical schools through a diversity lens. Skin pathologies manifest distinctively on various shades of skin and physicians must be equipped with the proper knowledge to identify and diagnose these conditions accurately and promptly. For most medical students, images in prominent textbooks and lecture slides are their first encounter with disease presentations. Therefore, it is important to analyze the diversity of skin tones in the content that is being delivered. Specifically, the use of images featuring darker skin tones compared to those depicting lighter skin tones. This study …

The Role Of Occupational Therapy In The Recognition, Assessment, And Treatment Of Presbyvestibulopathy, Jennifer Hill, Ellen Hudgins, Sharon Leonard

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Sensory functions decline with age, and the likelihood of having multiple sensory impairments increases with age, potentially leading to decreased physical activity and performance, decreased social participation, poorer quality of life, and greater health care spending. Presbyvestibulopathy (PVP), a diagnosis established in 2019, is a vestibular dysfunction or loss related to the aging process characterized by mild bilateral vestibular deficits, chronic dizziness, unsteadiness, gait disturbance, and/or recurrent falls. Given the potential impact of vestibular dysfunction on occupational performance and participation in meaningful activities, occupational therapy’s (OT) role in PVP is evident; however, limited literature exists specific to OT and vestibular …

The Effects Of Cervical Cancer Diagnosis On Occupational Performance, Wynnet Sinclair, Christine Mcconnell, Emily Clark, Katie B. Mcentire, Caitlin Lewis, Lyndsi Pound, Katherine Wuertz

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Background: In the United States, it was predicted that approximately 13,960 new cases of invasive cervical cancer would be diagnosed in 2023 (American Cancer Society, 2023). The research question focused on identifying changes in occupational performance for patients with cervical cancer. The areas of occupational performance considered were activities of daily living, leisure, work, education, social participation, and mental health.

Methods: The respondents completed a cross-sectional, mixed methods Qualtrics survey. Likert scale questions captured the degree of functional impact of cervical cancer on the predetermined areas of occupational performance.

Results: Twenty-seven subjects (ages 18 to 70) fully …

Cavernous Wonders: Delving Into Cavernous Sinus Syndrome In Neuro-Ophthalmology, Anza Rizvi, Ba

inSIGHT

Cavernous sinus syndrome (CSS) is any disease process that affects the cavernous sinus. This syndrome is marked by a complex interplay of neurovascular symptoms, primarily due to the compression or dysfunction of the cranial nerves that traverse the cavernous sinus. Understanding the intricate details of this syndrome is critical to providing optimal care and improving patient outcomes.

Seeing Clearly: A Bright Future With Light Adjustable Intraocular Lenses For Presbyopia, Shady Mina, Bs

inSIGHT

Presbyopia, or the age-related decline in the ability to focus on near objects, is a common vision disorder that affects 1.8 billion people globally, with this number expected to increase to 2.1 billion by 2030.^1-4 A diminished accommodation response is the primary cause of presbyopia.¹ The eye has a very complex accommodation mechanism that permits people to distinctly see objects from various distances.^1,3 Even though the precise mechanism of accommodation is yet to be determined, the current evidence strongly supports Helmholtz’s theory, which claims that the thickness and curvature of the eye’s lens increase while its diameter …

Medical Missions, Ethical Considerations And The Future For Healthcare Delivery In Ophthalmology, Robert Medina, Ba

inSIGHT

Beginning hundreds of years ago, priests from Europe embarked on ‘medical missions’ with the goals of delivering care to the body, mind, and soul. Hundreds of years later, members of the United States healthcare system set out on humanitarian medical missions to provide medical assistance to communities in developing countries.¹ The concept of providing care internationally as a product of global social responsibility has become engrained in the United States healthcare system, and is popular among providers, trainees, and pre-medical students. In 2023, 21.8% (n = 3264) of matriculating medical students reported participating in international volunteer work, while 7.0% …

Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia, Bahram Pashaee, Mph, Bs

inSIGHT

Chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia is an inherited or sporadic form of dystrophy that preferentially affects the extraocular muscles of the eye. While this dystrophy can manifest systemically, the extraocular muscles are commonly involved due to their constant metabolic demands and vulnerability to oxidative stress.¹ This preferential involvement of the eyelid levator muscle and extraocular muscles makes CPEO an important condition to consider in a differential diagnosis for eyelid asymmetry and double vision among other conditions such as myasthenia gravis, thyroid-associated ophthalmoplegia, and other mitochondrial myopathies.² This dystrophy tends to occur in the third or fourth decade of life. …

Macular Holes: Diagnosis, Treatment, And Complications, Ayra Khan, Bs

inSIGHT

Macular hole is a condition that affects the central visual field of the eye. Without prompt diagnosis and intervention, macular holes can progressively worsen, significantly impacting both vision and overall quality of life.

Cmv Retinitis: An Expert’S Perspective, Caitlyn Kwun, Ba

inSIGHT

Uveitis is a rare inflammatory disease with a prevalence of around 38 per 100,000 people and is the overall 5th leading cause of blindness in the developed world.^1,2 Uveitis is most commonly found in patients younger than 40 years of age, but it can occur in any age group with an etiology that varies within each age demographic.^1,3 While the etiology of certain forms of uveitis are not fully understood, there are some that are autoimmune in nature and others that are associated with systemic diseases such as sarcoidosis.⁴ Uveitis may be inflammatory or infectious. It may …

Bridging The Global Gap Of Blindness Through Artificial Intelligence - Exploring The Tools Of Ai To Address The Top Causes Of Blindness In Under-Resourced Communities Worldwide, Nathan Delacth, Bs

inSIGHT

Technological advancements have allowed us to submerge in a sea of innovation and excellence in medicine. Electronic health records transformed the healthcare landscape, improving portability of patient information while streamlining communication and fostering collaboration.¹ Imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Optical computed tomography (OCT), granted us the ability to view internal structures using non-invasive methods. In a similar vein, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as an impactful force in various fields of medicine, and its influence on ophthalmology is no exception.

Evolution Of Lamellar Keratoplasty, Ishan Kasat, Bs

inSIGHT

Overview of Keratoplasty The evolution of corneal transplantation, or keratoplasty, has seen a paradigm shift from traditional penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) to the refined precision of lamellar keratoplasty (LK). Penetrating, or full thickness, keratoplasty is a replacement of all corneal layers: epithelium, Bowman's layer, stroma, Descemet's membrane, and endothelium.¹ Lamellar, or partial thickness, keratoplasty involves replacement of either epithelium and stroma (anterior lamellar) or Descemet’s membrane and endothelium (posterior lamellar).² From 1985 to 2004, over 95% of graft tissues were used for PKP. However, from 2005 to 2014, the percentage of PKP procedures decreased from 95% to 42%, while …

The Myopia Epidemic: Exploring The Pathology And Management Of The World’S Most Common Eye Disorder, Gabriella Baldassarre, Bs

inSIGHT

Myopia is the most common eye disorder in the world and an increasing cause of vision impairment in children.¹ Myopia is an imbalance in the refractive components of the eye and its length, leading to inaccurate focusing of light rays in front of the retina tissue instead of on it. There is a spectrum of severity of myopia, from mild nearsightedness to a more severe form known as high or degenerative myopia, which has the potential to cause vision loss and blindness. There is evidence of a developing myopia epidemic, with an estimated one-third of the world population affected …

Insight, Volume 4, Issue 1, 2024

inSIGHT

Contents

8 - The Myopia Epidemic: Exploring the Pathology and Management of the World’s Most Common Eye Disorder
By Gabriella Baldassare

15 - Evolution of Lamellar Keratoplasty
By Ishan Kasat

19 - Bridging the Global Gap of Blindness Through Artificial Intelligence
By Nathan Delacth

24 - CMV Retinitis: An Expert’s Perspective
By Caitlyn Kwun

29 - Macular Holes: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Complications
By Ayra Khan

36 - Chronic Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia
By Bahram Pashaee

39 - Medical Missions, Ethical Considerations, and the Future for Healthcare Delivery in Ophthalmology
By Robert Medina

43 - Shaping the Future of Vision: The Rise …

Opioid Prescribing Habits Of Emergency Department Providers In Response To An Educational Intervention, Tory A. Makela, Benjamin Aaker

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

Opioid prescribing habits of Emergency Department providers in response to an educational intervention

Tory Makela, MS4; Benjamin Aaker, MD

Introduction: Prescription opioid misuse and dependency has been a rising cause for concern in the United States in recent years, and many of these cases began with an initial prescription in the Emergency Department (ED). Prior studies found that patients seen by “high intensity” prescribers, who prescribe greater quantities of opioids than 75% of other ED physicians within the same hospital, are significantly more likely to suffer from long-term opioid use. Other studies have shown that educational interventions on appropriate opioid …