Hand (New York, N.Y.)
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Mar 2019
Regional Variations of Medicare Physician Payments for Hand Surgery Procedures in the United States.
Medicare reimbursement is known to exhibit geographic variation for inpatient orthopedic procedures. This study determined whether US geographic variations also exist for commonly performed hand surgeries. ⋯ In conclusion, further research is warranted to determine why regional or geographic variations in physician payments exist in the United States for commonly performed hand surgeries.
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Hand (New York, N.Y.) · Mar 2019
Bone Grafting for Scaphoid Nonunions: Is Free Vascularized Bone Grafting Superior for Scaphoid Nonunion?
Nonvascularized bone grafting (NVBG) and vascularized bone grafts (VBGs) have been used to treat scaphoid nonunions. A comparison of a single institution' s experience using structural iliac crest bone graft (ICBG), 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (1,2-ICSRA), and medial femoral condyle (MFC) grafts to treat scaphoid nonunions was undertaken. ⋯ These findings demonstrate the need for careful patient selection. In patients with the most complicated scaphoid nonunions (avascular necrosis, carpal collapse, and previous surgeries), the MFC group had the highest union rate and fastest time to union. Patients with risk factors for failure should be counseled on the outcomes and possible need for salvage fusion surgery.