Pediatrics Commons^™

What Factors Do Patients Consider When Choosing A Hand Surgeon?, Monik Debkowska, Jeremy Ruskin, Brian Lynch, Samuel Caradonna, David Komatsu, Edward Wang, Samantha Muhlrad

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Introduction: Many patients find themselves frustrated wasting time and money when searching for the right hand specialist, only to be referred to a different one. There has been little research evaluating patient decision making when choosing a hand surgeon. Specialists would benefit from learning how to optimize their practice to reach their appropriate patient population for maximum benefit and minimum resource waste, both for the patients and physicians. We therefore conducted a survey study to evaluate which factors patients consider important when choosing a hand surgeon, and if these factors differ based on patient demographics. Our hypothesis is that patients …

Development And Evaluation Of A Modular 3-D Printed Adapter For Hands-Free Tissue Retraction, Fady E. Attia, Vijay A. Chhabra, Vaibhav Tadepalli,, Joseph Attia, Michael M. Hadeed

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Fracture fixation procedures typically require precise retraction of soft tissues in order to provide adequate exposure of bone fragments for reduction and fixation. Such procedures require the use of multiple surgical assistants to maintain proper tissue retraction. This manual retraction using traditional instruments, such as Hohmann and Weitlaner retractors, can lead to inefficiencies and poor labor allocation within the operating room (OR). The purpose therefore is to develop and evaluate a three dimensional (3D)-printed Nylon PA12 adapter designed to dock Hohmann retractors onto Weitlaner retractors, enabling hands-free retraction during fracture fixation procedures and potentially improving labor allocation in the OR. …

Association Of Perioperative Steroid Use With Recovery Rate And Postoperative Infection Risk In Spinal Cord Injury, Nathan Zou, Athikur Rahman, Brian Lynch

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare recovery and infection outcomes between teenagers and adults who undergo surgery for traumatic spine injuries and the effect of steroid administration. Steroids are often used in traumatic spine injuries to help recovery, however there is a concern that steroid use could increase the risk of infection due to the suppression of the immune system. We examined the impact of postoperative steroid use on recovery rates and infection rates in both age groups.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the TriNetX Research Network, which includes data from over 100 healthcare …

Benign Painful Soft Tissue Tumors Of The Digits: A Contemporary Review, Nethmi Withanage, Athikur Rahman, Lawrence Hurst, Samantha Muhlrad

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Purpose: Benign painful tumors of the digit are commonly encountered in hand surgery yet frequently pose diagnostic challenges due to overlapping clinical presentations. This review synthesizes current evidence on eight benign soft tissue tumors and cystic lesions that commonly cause digital pain: glomus tumor, giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (GCTTS), digital mucous cyst, digital ganglion cyst, epidermoid inclusion cyst, pyogenic granuloma, nerve sheath tumors, and angioleiomyoma.

Methods: A comprehensive review of PubMed/MEDLINE was performed, supplemented by hand surgery textbooks and online educational resources. Case series, retrospective cohort studies, and review articles were included.

Results: Each tumor exhibits a …

Extradigital Glomus Tumor Mimicking Incisional Neuroma After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Case Report, James W. Li, Michael J. Sayegh, Heng Hong, Zhongyu Li

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

This case report describes a patient who was presented with severe incisional pain following an uncomplicated total knee arthroplasty. There was suspicion for an incisional neuroma; however, excisional biopsy revealed an extradigital glomus tumor. The patient had immediate symptom resolution post-operatively. Clinicians should maintain a suspicion for the possibility of extra-digital glomus tumors at sites of prior extremity surgery, causing exquisite tenderness and pain.

Trends And Outcomes In Fixation Of Distal Radius Fractures In Elderly Patients: Should Gender Play A Role In Surgical Decision Making?, Rabia Qureshi, Kenny Ling, Sydney Laramie

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

See article.

Impact Of Teriparatide On Surgical And Medical Outcomes In Osteoporotic Patients Undergoing Multilevel Anterior Cervical Discectomy And Fusion, Samuel Akhnoukh, Uttsav Patel, Kenny Ling, Ivan Zapolsky

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Background: Osteoporotic patients undergoing multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) are at increased risk of pseudarthrosis and perioperative complications, including higher rates of reoperation compared to non-osteoporotic individuals. Teriparatide, an anabolic agent used in osteoporosis treatment, has shown promise in enhancing fusion and reducing complications in lumbar spine procedures, but its role in multi-level ACDF remains unclear.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of postoperative teriparatide use on outcomes in osteoporotic patients undergoing multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Specifically, the study aimed to determine whether teriparatide could reduce long-term complications such as …

Identifying Authenticity In Orthopaedic Residency Applications: Can Selection Committees Detect Ai-Written Personal Statements, Samir Baig, Lekha Yaramada, David E. Komatsu, James Barsi

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

See article.

Hypertensive Status Predicts 30-Day Postoperative Complications Following Open Reduction Internal Fixation Of Distal Radius Fractures, Nishank Mehta, Emma Smolev, Dorian Cohen, Kenny Ling, Becka Konnayil, Samantha Muhlrad, Edward D. Wang

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Background: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the association between preoperative hypertension and postoperative complications following open reduction internal fixation of distal radius fractures.

Methods: All patients who underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for distal radius fractures (DRF) between 2015 to 2021 were queried from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Postoperative complications were reported within 30 days of procedure. We identified a total of 26,138 patients and 31.5% (n=8,225) of patients had hypertension. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure greater than 140/90 as documented in the medical record, requiring …

Femoral Avascular Necrosis And Triptan Therapy: A Multicenter Retrospective Study, Joseph Bisiani, Francisco Martos Jr., Brian Lynch

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Aims: Migraines are one of the most common neurological disorders that patients typically suffer from. One of the more common prescription medications for migraines are triptans, which can lead to vasoconstriction throughout the peripheral vasculature as a potential side effect. However, a possible risk of femoral avascular necrosis may arise from these treatments, as it has been well known that a lack of blood flow to the femur can arise due to this peripheral vasoconstriction. Therefore, research is warranted for whether taking anti-migraine medications is associated with a higher risk of developing avascular necrosis within the femur, an area highly …

Extensor Tendon Injuries: Does Repair Technique Influence Re- Rupture Rate?, Rahul Rai, Joseph Bisiani, Athikur Rahman, David Komatsu, Lawrence Hurst

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Background: Extensor tendon injuries are common injuries to the hand. When poorly managed, these injuries can have significant long-term effects on a patient’s hand function. There are multiple described repair techniques to repair an injured extensor tendon. The aim of this study was to determine if there was a correlation between extensor tendon repair technique and subsequent re-rupture rate.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent extensor tendon repair at our institution, utilizing the electronic medical record database of patients with extensor tendon injuries from 2015 to 2024. Data were collected on patient demographics, injury mechanisms, tendon …

Biomechanical Comparison Of Posterolateral Fibula Plating With Independent Syndesmotic Screw Fixation Versus Direct Lateral Plating With Syndesmotic Screw Fixation Through Plate, Dmitriy Butsenko, Zack Bonick, J Gary Bledsoe, Michael E. Doany

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Syndesmotic fixation has been extensively investigated. Screw size, number, position, orientation, and flexible fixation options have all been investigated at length. There is however a lack of knowledge of any difference between an independent syndesmotic screw versus onethrough a lateral plate. The purpose therefore is to perform a biomechanical assessment of syndesmotic fixation comparing independent screw vs screw through plate combination, analyzing torsional strength of both constructs. To perform this, seven matched cadaveric through tibia-fibula lower leg specimens were prepared by creating an oblique fracture performing surgical syndesmotic disruption. The specimens were then randomized into the direct lateral through plate …

Association Between Glp-1 Agonist Use And Site-Specific Fracture Risk: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis, Nathan Zou, Joseph Bisiani, Brian Lynch

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Background: Type 2 diabetes and obesity rates are expected to rise, possibly increasing the usage of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. Use of these agents for nondiabetic patients for weight loss I s approaching the number prescribed for diabetes. GLP-1 agonists may influence bone metabolism by promoting formation and reducing resorption, but their impact on fracture risk remains unclear. While some studies show no association, others suggest increased vulnerability. Most prior research has examined overall fracture risk without considering specific skeletal sites. This study aimed to compare site-specific fracture rates in adults with T2DM or obesity receiving GLP-1 therapy with those …

All Inside Meniscus Repair - How Close Is Too Close?, Frederick Hance, Kenny Ling, Liam Edwards-Gaherty, Diana Patterson

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Although rare, neurovascular injuries are major complications. The purpose of this study was to use cadaveric dissection to determine the proximity of medial and lateral meniscus repair to major neurovascular structures in the posterior knee. We hypothesized that repair of the posterior horn of the medial and lateral menisci would be within 1 centimeter proximity of a key neurovascular structure.

The study was performed on 4 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens that included the full knee joint spanning from the distal femur to proximal tibia and fibula. Following identification and tagging of the key structures, arthroscopic meniscus repair was simulated using Arthrex …

Biomechanical Evaluation And Intraoperative Strategies For Addressing Suture Anchor Failure In Osteoporotic Bone, Richard Marchese, Samir Baig, Sofia P. Hidalgo, Jaclyn Brunner, David E. Komatsu, Edward D. Wang

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Purpose: When aiming to enhance the strength of a suture anchor construct, typically in osteoporotic bone, it is often suggested to employ a method referred to as "under-tapping" (UT). A comprehensive assessment of tapping protocols for anchor placement was conducted to ascertain if this contributes to the prevention of anchor failure. Further, supplementary fixation techniques were examined to offer methods for secure fixation in the event of unanticipated failure.

Hypothesis: Under-tapping can increase load to failure compared to standard tapping (ST). If the initial fixation fails, using larger diameter anchors or bioabsorbable Trim-IT pins (TIP) via cross-pinning can provide stable …

Incidence Of Cardiovascular Surgery Following Pediatric Posterior Sternoclavicular Dislocation: Evaluating The Necessity Of Cardiothoracic Surgeon Standby During Operative Treatment, Ryan Lebens, Christian Leonardo, Rigel Hall, James Barsi

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Introduction: Posterior sternoclavicular (PSC) dislocations are rare events, most commonly occurring after high energy injury such as motor vehicle accident or contact sports. While rare, PSC dislocations can be life threatening due to risk of posterior displacement of the medial clavicle impinging the great vessels leading to the heart. As such, patients with sternoclavicular dislocation are at risk for intimal tears and hemorrhage. Traditional orthopedic surgery teachings state closed reductions for PSC dislocation should have cardiothoracic (CT) surgeons on standby in the event intimal tears need repair. Despite this, there lacks conclusive evidence and literature about whether CT surgeon standby …

Perioperative Continuous Glucose Monitoring In Diabetic Patients Undergoing Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty, Dorian Cohen, Mei Lin Chan, Abdullah Y. Hassan, Anna Lei, Joseph F. Lacomb, Igor Kravetz, James Nicholson

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

See article.

Postoperative Recovery Following Ankle Fracture Surgery With And Without At Home Physical Therapy System: A Prospective Randomized Control Study, John Kennedy, Amos Dai, Michelle Regan, Kaitlyn Compitello, David E. Komatsu, Megan Paulus

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

See article.

The Prevalence Of Dupuytren’S Disease In Patients With Epilepsy, Sandhya Ganesan, Kaitlyn N. Compitello, Benjamin N. Blond, David E. Komatsu, Lawrence C. Hurst

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Background: Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a fibroproliferative disorder characterized by progressively worsening contractures of the fingers, first web, and thumb. This condition has been associated with various risk factors, one of which includes epilepsy and recurrent seizures. Antiseizure medications (ASMs) especially phenobarbital, have been implicated in the connection between the two conditions; however, their association remains unclear.

Purpose: This study evaluated data from a TriNetX network of 132,152,597 total patients, 1,492,227 patients with epilepsy, 141,237 patients with DD, and 4,244 patients with both epilepsy and DD, to assess the correlation between DD and epilepsy and factors that may …

Utility Of Intraoperative Ultrasound In Localizing Retracted Flexor Tendon Injuries: A Cadaveric Study, Cris Min, Emil Vutescu S. Vutescu, Kenny Ling, David E. Komatsu, Edward D. Wang

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Background: Flexor tendon injuries are common injuries typically seen in the working-age (20 to 45 years) young male population1. These injuries can be debilitating and lead to significant morbidity, as most flexor tendon lacerations require surgical treatment for proper healing. There is increasing use of both preoperative and postoperative ultrasound to aid in evaluation of flexor tendon injuries.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if ultrasound was a modality that could be useful intraoperatively in the localization of Zone II retracted flexor tendon injuries, as well as to determine how accurate ultrasound is in measuring the defect. …

Demographic And Diagnostic Factors In Physical Therapy Attendance, William Leatherwood, Adrian Torres, Sofia Hidalgo Perea, Megan Paulus

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Introduction: Previous studies have demonstrated physical therapy (PT) to be an effective nonoperative treatment for various orthopedic diagnoses. However, patients may dismiss PT in favor of another intervention for their injury. While there are many studies on PT, there is little data on patient compliance. This study aimed to elucidate patient compliance with a basic PT prescription and whether PT led to subjective injury improvement.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients seen in Stony Brook Orthopedic clinics from 08/01/2022 – 12/23/2022. Patients prescribed PT received a phone call six weeks after the PT prescription. The primary …

Intraoperative Nerve Stimulation As A Functional Assessment Of Acute Stretch Injury In The Rat Median Nerve, Matthew Gluck, Pierce J. Ferriter Jr., Christoph A. Schroen, Christina M. Beck, Zachary L. Bernstein, Todd A. Rubin, Michael R. Hausman, Paul J. Cagle

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Introduction: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) are common complications of upper extremity injuries, yet few clinical options exist to quickly and accurately assess motor nerve function intraoperatively. PNIs are a significant source of not only disability to the patient, but also cost. This study’s purpose was to evaluate the utility of intraoperative nerve stimulation in an
animal model.

Methods: A 20% stretch injury was induced in right median nerves using a custom-made stretch applicator, while left median nerves served as a control. A Checkpoint surgical nerve stimulator (Checkpoint Surgical, Cleveland, OH) was used to assess baseline nerve function in …

An Updated Ligament Evaluation Of Perilunate Instability, Emil S. Vutescu, Cris Min, Elias Georgas, Paul G. Arauz, Yi-Qian Qin, David E. Komatsu, Edward D. Wang

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Introduction: Perilunate dislocations are rare and high-energy proximal carpal row injuries that are associated with long-term disability. The current accepted pathomechanism of this injury is progressive radial to ulnar intrinsic ligament tearing, as described by Mayfield in 1980. Since his description several other ligaments have been described as critical stabilizers of the proximal carpal row.

Purpose: To achieve perilunate instability in a biomechanical model and evaluate integrity of recently described carpal ligamentous stabilizers.

Methods: We tested six fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities and loaded them to failure in extension, ulnar deviation and carpal supination using a previously validated three-point …

Can Artificial Intelligence Create Research Hypotheses For Patellofemoral Instability?, Claire Parker, Sofia Hidalgo Perea, James Barsi

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to elucidate if artificial intelligence (AI) can generate novel research hypotheses regarding patellofemoral instability (PFI) in the pediatric population that have not previously been investigated. We hypothesized that AI would be able to generate new hypotheses that have not yet been presented or published.

Methods: In December of 2023, Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer-3.5 (ChatGPT) was used to create a list of 25 research hypotheses about PFI in both the adult and pediatric population. The prompt used to generate the list of hypotheses was: “List 25 detailed and reproducible research ideas regarding …

Age-Related Differences In 30-Day Postoperative Complications Following Aseptic Revision Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Comparison Of Patients Under And Over 80 Years Old, Rachel A. Loyst, Patricia Cerri-Droz, Stephen H. Liu, Kenny Ling, Dorian Cohen, David E. Komatsu, Edward D. Wang

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Introduction: This study investigates the association between patients < 80 years old and patients 80 years old and 30-day postoperative complications following aseptic revision total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA).

Materials and methods: All patients who underwent revision TSA between 2015 and 2022 from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement (NSQIP) database were surveyed for this study. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative complication data were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the postoperative complications associated in patients greater than or equal to 80 years old.

Results: Compared to patients < 80 years old, patients 80 years old were independently associated with a significantly greater likelihood of experiencing any complication (odds ratio [OR] 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23-2.11; P < .001), non-home discharge (OR 3.68, 95% CI 2.58-5.25; P < .001), and length of stay (LOS) > 2 days (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.18-2.10; P = 0.002).

Conclusions: Compared to patients < 80 years old, patients 80 years old were independently associated with a significantly greater likelihood of experiencing any complication, non-home discharge, and LOS > 2 days. A better understanding of the age as a risk factor …

Acute Postoperative Pain And Dorsal Root Ganglia Transcriptomic Signatures Following Total Knee Arthroplasty (Tka) In Rats: An Experimental Study, Justice Achonu, David E. Komatsu, Sardar Mz Uddin, Chris Gordob, Martha Kanjiya, Diane Bogdan, Adriana Dibua, Hira Iftikhar, Amanda Ackermann, Rohan J. Shah, Jason Shieh, Agnieszka B. Bialkowska, Martin Kaczocha

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the final treatment option for patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA). Unfortunately, TKA surgery is accompanied by acute postoperative pain that is more severe than arthroplasty performed in other joints. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms specific to post-TKA pain necessitates an animal model that replicates clinical TKA procedures, induces acute postoperative pain, and leads to complete functional recovery. Here, we present a new preclinical TKA model in rats and report on functional and behavioral outcomes indicative of pain, analgesic efficacy, serum cytokine levels, and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) transcriptomes during the acute postoperative period. Following TKA, …

Small Finger Reverse Ulnar Digital Artery Hypothenar Perforator Flap For Small Finger Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Reconstruction, Nicholas Kunda, Alexander Dagum

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Purpose: Local flaps are commonly used for digital reconstruction for soft tissue defects. There remains a paucity of options available for small finger volar proximal interphalangeal joint coverage. The purpose of this study was to analyze perforators along the hypothenar eminence arising from the artery of the ulnar side of the small finger as it comes off the superficial palmer arch for consistency and potential to be used for perforator-based flap reconstruction of the small finger proximal interphalangeal joint.

Methods: Four cadaveric upper extremities were injected with Microfil® silicone injection compound. Dissection was performed from the superficial palmer arch to …

Core Muscle Injuries: Functional Outcomes And Return To Sport In A Consecutive Series Of Twenty Athletes, Nicholas Tsouris, Jack Tesoriero, James A. Vosswinkel, James Penna

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Background: Core muscle injury can cause significant dysfunction in athletes. A variety of surgical procedures have been described. This study examines an orthopaedic and general surgeon’s technique and patient reported outcomes of adductor tenotomy and rectus abdominus imbrication with ilioinguinal nerve neurolysis.

Hypothesis: Surgical treatment of core muscle injuries with adductor tenotomy and rectus abdominus imbrication with ilioinguinal nerve neurolysis will result in decreased symptoms and high rates of return to play.

Study Design: Operative technique; retrospective case series.

Methods: Our electronic medical record system was searched for patients who underwent core muscle injury surgery by the treating surgeons. The …

The Utility Of The Axillary Shoulder Radiograph In The Management Of Clavicle Fractures, Stephen Bowen, Ryan Tantoe, Daniel Botros, Samer Al-Humadi, Nicholas Tsouris, Nicholas Divaris

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Background: Prior literature is mixed on the necessity of an axillary shoulder radiograph in the setting of presumably isolated clavicle fractures, with some authors endorsing its need for any shoulder girdle trauma and others stating it is unnecessary. However, no studies to date have specifically evaluated this.

Hypothesis: We hypothesize that an axillary shoulder radiograph will offer no management changing information in the setting of clavicle fractures.

Methods: Ninety-five patients presented for follow-up for management of a clavicle fracture. Analysis was performed to determine if the axillary view was useful based on the discovery of a glenohumeral dislocation or a …

Outcomes In Early Versus Delayed Management Of Pediatric Femoral Shaft Fractures, Daniel Botros, Sofia Hidalgo Perea, Rachel Loyst, James Barsi

Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal

Background: There is a paucity of literature regarding the timing of treatment for pediatric femur fractures.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze whether early versus delayed management of pediatric femoral shaft fractures would impact outcomes regarding time to union and return to baseline function.

Methods: Pediatric patients presenting with femoral shaft fractures from 01/01/2010-01/01/2021 were identified using the Database at a single level one Trauma Center and retrospectively reviewed. Demographic information, surgical details, associated injuries, length of follow-up, time to union, and return to baseline function was collected. Patients were then divided into two groups; the early …