Medical Specialties Commons^™

Is Facet Joint Distraction A Cause Of Postoperative Axial Neck Pain After Acdf Surgery?, Nathan Houlihan, Srikanth N. Divi, Md, Dhruv K.C. Goyal, John J. Mangan, Md, Justin D. Stull, Md, Matthew S. Galetta, Jeffrey A. Rihn, Mark F. Kurd, Md, D. Greg Anderson, Md, Alan S. Hilibrand, Md, Alexander R. Vaccaro, Md, Phd, Mba, Christopher K. Kepler, Md, Mba, Gregory D. Schroeder, Md, Joseph K. Lee, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Intervertebral distraction in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has been postulated to injure the degenerative facet joints posteriorly and increase postoperative pain and disability. This study aims to determine if there is a correlation between the amount of facet distraction and postoperative patient reported outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing ACDF for degenerative pathologies was performed. Each patient received lateral cervical spine x-rays at the immediate postoperative time point and were split into groups based on the amount of facet distraction measured on these films: Group A: < 1.5 mm; Group B: 1.5-2.0 mm; and Group C: > 2.0 mm. Patients reported outcome measures were obtained …

Surgical Pulmonary Embolectomy Outcomes For Acute Pulmonary Embolism, Nicholas D. D'Antonio, Jae Hwan Choi, Md, Thomas J. O'Malley, Md, Elizabeth J. Maynes, Md, Matthew P. Weber, Ms, Martín Mellado, Md, Frances M. West, Md, Taki Galanis, Md, Carin F. Gonsalves, Md, Gregary D. Marhefka, Md, Bharat K. Awsare, Md, Geno J. Merli, Md, Vakhtang Tchantchaleishvili, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with significant mortality. Surgical embolectomy is a viable treatment option; however, it remains controversial due to variable outcomes. This review investigates patient outcomes following surgical embolectomy for acute PE.

Methods: Electronic search was performed to identify articles reporting surgical embolectomy for treatment of PE. 32 studies were included comprising 936 patients. Demographic, perioperative, and outcome data were extracted and pooled for systematic review.

Results: Mean patient age was 56.3 [95% CI 52.5; 60.1] years and 50% [46; 55] were male. 82% had right ventricular dysfunction [62; 93], 80% [67; 89] had unstable …

The Effect Of Reflection Rounds On Medical Students’ Empathy, Erica Westlake, Jennifer Desantis, Med, Fred Markham, Md

Phase 1

Background: A decline in empathy has been noted in medical students in medical education and training. This decline raises concerns because empathic physician-patient interactions positively impact health outcomes and patient satisfaction. We tested the hypothesis that Reflection Rounds would increase empathy scores of third-year medical students.

Methods: Third-year students entering their Family and Community Medicine (FCM) clerkship completed the Jefferson Physician Scale of Empathy – Student Version (JPSE-S) at the onset of their clerkship; students at the Jefferson Campus site were assigned to the experimental group and students at Affiliate Sites were assigned to the control group. The experimental group …

Developing An Online Critical Care Electroencephalography Curriculum For Epilepsy And Neurophysiology Fellows, Brooke Hancock, Anne Woehling, Nathanael Lee, Md, Connie Tang, Md, Allyson Pickard, Md, Andres Fernandez, Md

Phase 1

Purpose: This project aims to create an Electroencephalography (EEG) curriculum that synthesizes the teachings of current publications and faculty expertise within a single digital platform. The goal is to remedy the unmet need for a centralized resource for learners to use when learning EEG interpretation.

Methods: The target learner population is epilepsy and neurophysiology fellows. The platform will be accessible from any computer, tablet, or phone, allowing for mobile, self-paced learning to take place. To date, the curriculum outline has been designed with extensive literature review and collaboration from other institutions, and two pilot modules have been completed using the …

Helping Continuing Care Retirement Communities Determine The Best Level Of Care For Each Patient, Sopuru Ezeonu, Nicholas Safian, Grant Schultheis, Austin Klein, Danielle Snyderman, Md

Phase 1

Background: Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) consists of various neighborhoods and care spaces for senior adults. The neighborhoods are organized and residents are housed based on “levels of care” (LOC), Independent, Assisted, and Nursing. During scheduled interprofessional meetings, the CCRC leadership has the critical task of understanding the residents’ needs and assigning them to the appropriate LOC. Currently, the process of completing this task lacks the necessary structure, which engenders challenges in making recommendations in a systematic way. This project seeks to offer the CCRC interprofessional team a structured approach to determine which LOC and its resources would best serve …

3d Printing Of Knee Models To Decrease Or Time And Reduce Revisional Surgery In Total Knee Arthroplasty (Tka), Lauren Schlegel, John Paul Prodoehl, Matthew Chadwick, Chris Li, Katelyn Koons, Jeffrey Henstenburg, Md

Phase 1

Project Background: Osteophytes are a common problem, affecting 2% of the United States population. For many elderly people, these osteophytes will cause them to seek medical attention. Due to the 2-D nature of MRIs and CT scans, it can be difficult to gain a complete understanding of the complicated soft tissue structures surrounding the joint when performing a Total Knee Arthroplasty(TKA). Without proper removal of osteophytes and correct soft tissue balancing, there is an increased rate of revisional surgery. By utilizing a 3-D model preoperatively and within the OR, surgeons can visualize various aspects of the knee to determine what …

A Quality Improvement Initiative To Reduce Time To Antibiotics In Oncologic Neutropenic Fever, Jordan Villars, Adam Binder

Phase 1

Introduction: This paper documents a Quality Improvement (QI) initiative using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to decrease time to antibiotics (TTA) in oncologic neutropenic fever (NF) patients in a large tertiary-care academic medical center to the national guideline target of 60 minutes.

Methods: We measured baseline NF TTA across hospital units in the summer of 2018 and analyzed factors underlying delays in antibiotic treatment. We then developed a multi-disciplinary team to implement four proposed interventions:

1. Ensure that oncology floors are appropriately stocked with antibiotics required for initial NF treatment
2. Implement a nursing based order set for treatment of new NF cases. …

The Role Of The Uncinate Margin In Pancreaticoduodenectomy For Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Survival Analysis, David Nauheim, Richard Zheng, Md, Jonathan Bassig, Matthew Chadwick, Christopher Schultz, Harish Lavu, Md, Facs, Jordan R. Winter, Md, Facs, Charles J. Yeo, Md, Facs, Adam C. Berger, Md, Facs

Phase 1

Introduction: Positive margins during pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer portend worse survival, but additional resection of the uncinate margin is typically unfeasible without major vascular reconstruction. The survival benefit of resecting additional neck or bile duct margins in the face of a positive uncinate is also unknown. We examined the impact of re-resection of these margins on survival.

Methods: Patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy from 2006-2015. Pancreatic neck, bile duct, uncinate, and duodenal frozen section margins were assessed before and after resection of positive margins. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were compared with log-rank tests. Multivariable Cox regression was used to …

A Module-Based Novel Approach To Electrocardiogram Interpretation For Emergency Medicine Residents, Alexandra Koutsoubis, Emily Fishbein, Jennifer White, Md

Phase 1

Purpose: In the Emergency Department, accurate ECG interpretation is essential as many conduction abnormalities are treatable and can lead to death if inaccurately diagnosed. Learning how to read a 12-lead ECG is part of medical education, taught through the following approach: rate, rhythm, axis. In the ED, this tedious approach doesn’t relay important information that should be garnered from the ECG with accuracy. Currently, resources for residents to improve ECG interpretation skills are limited. The purpose of the study was to design a module that teaches an accurate way of interpreting an ECG, that allows for pragmatic, pattern recognition of …

The Effect Of The Surgery Rotation Sequence On Surgery And Emergency Medicine Nbme Scores, Anna Lin, Gerald Isenberg, Md, Chaiya Laoteppitaks, Md

Phase 1

Purpose: Within a school, the formerly fourth year emergency medicine clerkship was added to the third year curriculum in a sequence with general surgery and surgical subspecialty clerkships. Together, a student can be placed in any permutation of the three clerkships, but a student will take the Surgery and EM NBME exam after the completion of the respective clerkship regardless of the order of clerkships. The purpose of this project was to look to see if there was a significance difference in NBME scores between four different sequences of clerkships and to see if sequence of a third year student’s …

An Educational Workshop To Improve Neurology Resident Knowledge And Understanding Of Burnout, Substance Abuse, And Mood Disorders, Shiori Tomatsu, Ryan Donaghy, Patrick Kerns, Md, Phd, Courtney White, Md

Phase 1

Problem: Many medical residents are at risk for burnout, mood disorders, and substance abuse. We created an educational activity composed of an online module (OM), an interactive role-playing session (AL), and a video practicum (VP) to inform neurology residents on the aforementioned risks and available support resources. This project evaluates the efficacy of these tools.

Methods: PGY2 and PGY3 neurology residents were given OM. In addition, the PGY2 residents participated in AL. Three surveys were given to assess their knowledge about burnout before completing the module (Sur1), after AL session (Sur2), and after watching VP(Sur3).

Outcomes: More PGY2 residents scored …

Motivational Interviewing For Cpap Adherence, Caitlin Green, Grayton Downing, Cindy Cheng, Md, Phd

Phase 1

Background: Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP), is the gold standard for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment. If left untreated, patients with OSA can experience serious and potentially life-threatening consequences. However, patient CPAP adherence is an ongoing problem, as compliance rates are historically low (typically 30-60%). Engaging patients in motivational interviewing (MI) by trained providers could promote increased CPAP adherence.

Question/Purpose: Assess CPAP compliance in patients who receive motivational interviewing compared to a control attention intervention.

Methods: A team of medical students were trained in MI interviewing techniques through a novel training protocol. The training protocol includes reading articles and watching …

Perspectives On Lung Cancer Screening In The Philadelphia Lgbtq Community, Kaitlin Demarest, Kristine Pham, Mph, Rickie Brawer, Phd

Phase 1

Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but there are low screening rates across the country. While the prevalence of smoking in the LGBTQ population is disproportionately high, the LGBTQ community may have decreased access to screening, since they are reported to be less likely to have health insurance, more likely to receive inferior care or be denied care. The objective of this project was to better understand the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward lung cancer screening in the LGBTQ community in Philadelphia in order to develop appropriate, community-focused educational materials to increase …

Rescue Stenting For Failed Mechanical Thrombectomy Procedures, Joseph Schaefer, Ahmad Sweid, Md, M. Reid Gooch, Md, Pascal Jabbour, Md

Phase 1

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has dramatically changed the natural history of acute ischemic stroke. The disease that was associated with high morbidity, mortality, and significant cost on the health care system became a treatable disease. One of the most important variables to improve outcomes is time to revascularize the ischemic tissue. Rescue stenting (RS) is an option for patients who fail MT.

Methods: A retrospective chart review for patients who underwent a MT procedure and either failed (defined as TICI 0-2a) or required a RS from 2015 – 2019 composed the study population. IRB approval was obtained and the consent …

Static Vs. Expandable Peek Interbody Cages: A Comparison Of One-Year Clinical And Radiographic Outcomes For One-Level Tlif, Ryan Nachwalter, Parthik Patel, Md, Alexander R. Vaccaro, Md, Phd

Phase 1

Introduction: Degenerative spine disease is a disabling condition affecting many worldwide. Transoforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedures help stabilize the spine, while improving back and/or leg pain. With the introduction of new implant designs and modifications, focus has shifted to optimizing spinopelvic alignment, fusion rates, and more. This study aims to explore the effect of static versus expandable polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages on patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) and radiographic outcomes (subsidence, disk height, and alignment parameters).

Materials/Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a database of patients in a single, high volume academic center. Patient outcomes were obtained from charts and …

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated With Microwave Ablation Prior To Liver Transplantation, Nicole Wagner, Amanda Smolock, Michael Markovitz, Varun Danda, Christopher Neely, Warren Maley, Jesse Civan, Colette Shaw

Phase 1

Introduction: Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that limits local liver tumor progression and prolongs patients’ transplantation eligibility. Microwave ablation (MWA) utilizes higher temperatures than the standard of care, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which increases efficiency. Meta-analyses compared MWA with RFA for the treatment of HCC and showed similar efficacy and safety between these modalities. However, limited pathologic data exists determining whether explanted tumors remained viable after MWA.

Methods: Our database was reviewed retrospectively for patients with HCC who underwent MWA prior to liver transplantation between 2013 and 2019. Patient demographics, etiology of disease, tumor size, procedure details, bilirubin, MELD, …

Retrospective Review Of Fluoroscopic Swallowing Studies And Outcomes At An Academic Health Center, Rachel Strock, Priyha Mahesh, Baskaran Sundaram, Md, Gregory C. Kane, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Aspiration is often associated with underlying medical conditions and can cause pneumonia or death. Aspiration risk can be assessed via video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) or barium swallow (BaSw). We aimed to assess the diagnoses and clinical course of patients who were evaluated for potential aspiration through VFSS or BaSw to determine if there is a degree of aspiration that increases the risk of developing pneumonia and/or death.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 374 patients in TJUH who were evaluated via VFSS or BaSw from January 1 to June 30, 2017. We recorded the degree and …

What Is The Effect Of Iodine Contrast Agents On The Subharmonic Signal Generated From Ultrasound Contrast Agents?, Neal Kalantri, Cara Esposito, Jaydev Dave

Phase 1

Subharmonic-aided pressure estimation (SHAPE) is a technique utilizing subharmonic signals from microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agents (UCA’s) to noninvasively record pressures. Cardiac applications of SHAPE have been demonstrated in canines where low errors (0.19-2.5mmHg) were observed in canine ventricle pressures between the SHAPE technique and pressure catheter measurements. Validation of SHAPE involves simultaneous measurements by a pressure catheter (iodine contrast is used to guide catheter placement) and by SHAPE using UCAs. The goal of this experiment is to determine if mixing Visipaque (iodine contrast, GE Healthcare, Oslo, Norway) and UCAs effects the subharmonic signal.

The study was performed in an in …

Effects Of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome On Long-Term Growth Parameters, Ayoung Kim, Anastasiya Latushko, Md, Zubair H. Aghai, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Past studies have shown that babies with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) have lower weight, head circumference, and height at birth. This study aims to compare their growth at 9 and 18 months of age, and to compare growth parameter of NAS infants below 10th percentile to those above 10th percentile at birth.

Methods: In this retrospective review, 260 infants admitted to Jefferson Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between 2006 and 2018 were included. The weight, height, and head circumference at birth, 9 months, and 18 months were collected and correlated by Pearson correlation. The growth parameters of infants below …

Renal Mass Ablation In The Octogenarian And Nonagenarian Population, Callum Hamilton, Amanda Smolock, Md, Colette Shaw, Md, Conor Mckee, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: The gold standard for the management of T1a and T1b renal tumors is partial nephrectomy. This study aims to analyze the outcomes of renal mass thermal ablations as an alternative therapy in the octogenarian and nonagenarian patient population, specifically.

Methods: Departmental database of all percutaneous renal ablations performed between February 2008 and August 2019 was reviewed. 34 tumors were ablated in 19 males and 15 females with a mean age of 84.1 ± 3.1 years (range 80-92 years). Patient demographics, procedural and postprocedural data were evaluated.

Results: Ten microwave and 24 cryoablations were performed, all ablations …

Primary Care Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening (Pcosa), Alyssa Givens, Risa Goldberg, Cynthia Cheng, Md, Phd

Phase 1

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a largely underdiagnosed disorder of upper airway collapse during sleep. Primary care providers do not routinely screen for OSA. This project aims to determine the yield of using the STOP-BANG questionnaire to identify previously undiagnosed OSA in a primary care population.

Methods: This prospective quality improvement pilot project included 181 patients of the Jefferson Department of Family Medicine identified as high-risk for OSA based on 3 EMR-based search criteria taken from STOP-BANG: hypertension, age >50 years, and BMI >35 kg/m². We attempted contact with patients by mail, followed by up to …

Predictors Of Functional Outcomes Following Operative Treatment Of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures, Andrew Fisher, Ryan Rogero, Joseph O'Neil, Md, Daniel Fuchs, Md, Steven Raikin, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Previous studies involving operative management of Achilles tendon ruptures have attempted to determine if patient factors influence outcomes. No previous study has attempted to identify outcome predictors in patients exclusively undergoing surgical repair. The purpose of this study is to determine if any injury or patient variables were predictive of outcomes following operative management of Achilles ruptures.

Methods: Patient demographics including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, depression, anxiety), mechanism of injury (sports, non-sports), and date of injury were collected. Postoperative notes were reviewed to determine compliance. Patients completed the Foot & Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM)-Activities …

Impact Of Smartphone Usage On Children’S Horizontal Fusional Amplitudes, Jordan Hamburger, Judith Lavrich, Md, Kammi Gunton, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Cell phone usage has increased in pediatric patients and little research has been done on its effects on patients’ fusional vergence amplitudes. We aim to study the impact of smartphone usage on healthy pediatric patients’ fusional vergence amplitudes and report findings that may lead to future eye problems.

Methods: This is a prospective randomized study. We are currently recruiting healthy patients between the ages of 8-17 years old with no ocular problems. Data collected include refractive error, ocular alignment in the distance and at near, divergence amplitudes at near and in distance, convergence amplitudes at near and in distance, …

Determining The Role Of Surgery In Diagnosis And Treatment Of Primary Cns Lymphoma, Tyler Fox, Michael Baldassari, Lohit Velagapudi, Karim Hafazalla, Christopher J. Farrell, Md, James J. Evans, Md, David W. Andrews, Md, Kevin Judy, Md, Donald Ye, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare entity typically treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. The role of surgery is controversial, and biopsy may be non-definitive or injurious. We review our series of stereotactic and excisional biopsy as well as surgical debulking of PCNSL to quantify overall risk and benefits.

Methods: Patients with biopsy-confirmed intracranial PCNSL were identified from a large singlecenter academic institution between 2012-2018. Preoperative factors and perioperative outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: A total of 61 cases of PCNSL were identified. Most patients presented with confusion (23.0%), weakness/paralysis (19.7%), and gait disturbance …

Effects Of Medications On Cognitive Function And Falls In Older African Americans With Diabetes, Diana Alnemri, Robin J. Casten

Phase 1

Introduction: Potentially-inappropriate medications (PIMs) are medications that have increased rates of adverse drug events in older adults. Medications with anticholinergic activity are classified as PIMs since they can lead to cognitive dysfunction and increased fall risk. PIM use is higher among African Americans (AA) than Whites.

Methods: This study explored relationships among cognitive function, falls, and PIMs in AAs with diabetes. This study recruited AAs with diabetes (n=99, age ≥60yrs) who were seen in the Emergency Department (ED), and were enrolled in a trial of a behavioral intervention to improve diabetes management. PIMs were based on the Beer’s criteria …

Outcomes In Knot Vs Knotless Surgery In Labrum Tears, Zachary Howell, Benjamin Hendy, Md

Phase 1

A Bankart lesion is a tear of the anterior and inferior glenoid labrum. The primary method of repairing this lesion is to sew the detached part back to the joint, however there is a relatively newer method of doing so that does not involve tying a knot in the joint which may cause less joint irritation. The question our research project attempted to answer was: How do the long-term outcomes associated with knotless Bankart labrum repairs compare with the knot repairs? A retrospective cohort study was done with Rothman Institute Bankart lesion patients from 2010-2016. Data was gathered over phone …

Vaccination Exemptions For School-Aged Children In Delaware, Anna Melnick, Mph, Meghan Gannon, Phd

Phase 1

Background: Current awareness around childhood vaccinations and associated requirements for school entry has been heightened both nationally and internationally as governments work to find a balance between protecting their residents’ health and personal freedoms. Scant research exists examining the characteristics of these vaccine exemptors, but as the percentage of students seeking these exemptions increases yearly, this yields an opportunity to identify trends and inform future policy.

Question: What are the associations between reason for exemption from mandated vaccinations and the demographics of race and gender for school-aged children in the state of Delaware?

Results: Drawing from school nurse vaccine exemption …

Adolescent Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Prescribing Practices Among Family Medicine Physicians: Limited Immediate Uptake, Emma T. Cooper, Steven A. Elsesser, Md, Amy Cunningham, Phd, Mph, Marshal Miller, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: In the United States, individuals aged 13-24 made up 21% of new HIV infections in 2016. In 2018, the FDA approved tenofovir/emtricitabine as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for adolescents aged 15-17. In 2019, we examined adolescent PrEP prescribing practices among family medicine physicians at an academic family medicine practice.

Methods: Physicians were invited to complete an online questionnaire assessing PrEP knowledge, attitudes, and prescribing practices. Differences in PrEP knowledge and attitudes among providers who prescribe PrEP to adolescents versus those who do not were examined using independent samples t-tests.

Results: 50 out of 99 surveys were completed. Respondents were …

“Trauma To The Eye” – A Low Fidelity Module For Identifying Retrobulbar Hematoma And Practicing Lateral Canthotomy & Cantholysis, Jared Raikin, Dimitrios Papanagnou, Md, Ronald Hall, Md

Phase 1

Purpose: A retrobulbar hematoma (RH) can cause preventable blindness due to damage of the optic nerve. Due to its relative infrequency in the emergency department, Emergency Medecine (EM) residents have limited experience in recognizing and treating a RH. This paper outlines a simulated scenario that was developed to improve EM residents knowledge in diagnosing a RH and performing an emergent lateral canthotomy and cantholysis (LCC).

Methods: This module used a low fidelity task trainer and case vignette created for EM residents to practice recognizing a RH and perfroming a LCC. Participants took an assessment questionnaire before and after the teaching …

A Comparison Of Homemade Phantoms For Ultrasound Guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion, Saami Zakaria, Liam Hughes, Lauren Selame, Kelly Kehm, Resa E. Lewiss, Arthur Au, Zachary Risler

Phase 1

Purpose: U/S guided peripheral intravenous catheter (PIV) placement is implemented in many clinical settings. Commercially available U/S phantoms are expensive and difficult to alter from stock. Non-commercial phantoms have been described in published literature without data showing which type is more efficacious. The primary objective of this study was to determine efficacy of various non-commercial phantoms for U/S guided PIV placement, while secondary objectives were to characterize the cost and ease of production.

Methods: This prospective observational study trialed six unique phantom models: 1) Amini ballistics gel model, 2) Morrow ballistics gel model, 3) University of California San Diego (UCSD) …