The journal of knee surgery
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In 2014, Maryland implemented the Global Budget Revenue (GBR) model for cost reduction and quality improvement. This study evaluated GBR's effect on demographics and outcomes for patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) by comparing Maryland to the United States (U. S.). ⋯ The DID analysis suggested Maryland saw more Asian and Medicaid patients and less obese and morbidly obese patients under GBR. The DID assessments also found decreased LOS, costs, and charges (p < 0.001 for all) for patients under GBR. As other states such as Pennsylvania and Vermont explore hospital budgets, Maryland may provide a more viable model for future health care policies that incorporate global budgets.
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The goal of surgical reconstruction of comminuted tibial plateau fractures is an anatomical reconstruction and stable fixation of the articular surface. This can be difficult due to poor visualization of the posterolateral and central segments of the articular surface of the proximal tibia. To improve visualization, the lateral approach can be extended with an osteotomy of the femoral epicondyle. ⋯ Nevertheless, in some cases, an osteotomy alone is not enough to expose the entire fracture, especially the central segments of the tibial plateau. For these specific cases, we developed an additional technical trick that significantly improves articular visualization; the lateral meniscocapsular fibers are dissected allowing for central subluxation of the lateral meniscus, while leaving the anterior and posterior roots intact. With central subluxation of the lateral meniscus in comminuted tibial plateau fractures, the joint surface can be completely visualized, allowing an anatomical reduction even in highly complex fractures.