Demographics and rates of surgical arthroscopy and postoperative rehabilitative preferences of arthroscopists from the Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA)

Abstract

Survey of 869 arthroscopists regarding joint-specific arthroscopic procedures and postoperative rehabilitative preferences revealed comparable support for use of supervised physical therapy (SPT) and home exercise programs (HEPs) but stronger preference for joint-specific HEP applications (wrist, knee). Among respondents utilizing HEPs, modality of delivery (verbal/handout/web-based) didn't differ by joint, yet only 2.9% utilized web-based HEPs. This is the first known study to identify postoperative rehabilitation preferences. With 1.77 million estimated arthroscopic procedures annually (mean: 325.4 procedures/respondent), this study highlights under-utilization of web-based HEPs. Reliable, web-based HEPs can improve post-arthroscopic outcomes for patients, arthroscopic surgeons, and rehabilitative specialists while being cost efficient.

The 100 Most Impactful Papers in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery over the Last 25 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Orthopaedic Literature

“…28 In addition, a national survey study among arthroscopists found that three and nine times as many sports surgeons operated on the elbow and shoulder, respectively, compared with those who operated on the wrist. 29 Scientific papers typically become cited within 2 years of publication, and reach peak citation density a decade after publication. 30 Since more focus turned toward evidence-based medicine in the early 1990s, 31 an increased volume of research has been published across all disciplines, especially orthopaedic surgery.…”

“…28 In addition, a national survey study among arthroscopists found that three and nine times as many sports surgeons operated on the elbow and shoulder, respectively, compared with those who operated on the wrist. 29…”

Effect of Statewide Social Distancing and Stay-At-Home Directives on Orthopaedic Trauma at a Southwestern Level 1 Trauma Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…2 This has affected a multitude of orthopaedic procedures, including the 1.5 million elective total joint replacements, spinal fusions, and arthroscopies performed each year. 3 , 4 However, delaying surgical treatment in the trauma setting may not be indicated or feasible because it may negatively affect patient outcomes.…”

Prevalence of Ganglion Cyst Formation After Wrist Arthroscopy: A Retrospective Longitudinal Analysis of 2420 Patients

“…A predicted 1.7 million wrist arthroscopies are performed yearly in the United States. 1 Complications occur in fewer than 5% of cases, and most commonly involve injury to nerves within the surgical site. 2 The standard technique of wrist arthroscopy involves the blunt placement of trocars through the wrist joint capsule to introduce the arthroscope and instruments into the joint spaces.…”

“…A predicted 1.7 million wrist arthroscopies are performed yearly in the United States. 1 Complications occur in fewer than 5% of cases, and most commonly involve injury to nerves within the surgical site. 2…”