Clinical orthopaedics and related research
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Sep 2016
Observational StudyCan a Strategic Pipeline Initiative Increase the Number of Women and Underrepresented Minorities in Orthopaedic Surgery?
Women and minorities remain underrepresented in orthopaedic surgery. In an attempt to increase the diversity of those entering the physician workforce, Nth Dimensions implemented a targeted pipeline curriculum that includes the Orthopaedic Summer Internship Program. The program exposes medical students to the specialty of orthopaedic surgery and equips students to be competitive applicants to orthopaedic surgery residency programs. The effect of this program on women and underrepresented minority applicants to orthopaedic residencies is highlighted in this article. ⋯ Level III, therapeutic study.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Sep 2016
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyUltrashort versus Conventional Anatomic Cementless Femoral Stems in the Same Patients Younger Than 55 Years.
Because the clinical and radiographic performance of an ultrashort anatomic cementless stem has been investigated in only two randomized controlled studies, well-designed trials should aim for a thorough comparison of the outcomes of ultrashort anatomic cementless and conventional anatomic cementless stems. ⋯ Level I, therapeutic study.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Sep 2016
Comparative StudyGender Differences in Pediatric Orthopaedics: What Are the Implications for the Future Workforce?
Although the number of women in surgical specialties has increased dramatically over the past two decades, little research exists regarding how a surgeon's gender impacts job selection and practice models. Because the number of women specializing in pediatric orthopaedics continues to increase, it is important to understand how one's gender affects practice choices and how this may affect the future workforce. ⋯ Although the numbers are small given the specialized nature of pediatric orthopaedic surgery, this study has uncovered some initial gender differences regarding practice characteristics and job opportunities among pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. As more men plan to reduce their workload or retire in the next 5 years, there may be further increases in the percentage of women surgeons in the workforce, so it is important that we begin to understand what effect, if any, gender has on practice patterns, job selection, and opportunities. Also, the finding that among the new graduates more women than men are choosing careers in academic practice over private practice suggests an extraordinary opportunity to develop more female leaders and role models at major pediatric orthopaedic centers.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Sep 2016
What Provisions Do Orthopaedic Programs Make for Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Leave?
The process of choosing medical specialty and residency programs is multifaceted. Today's generation of medical students may have an increased interest in work-life balance and time with their families. In considering this factor, medical students may be influenced by policy regarding maternity, paternity, and adoption leave during residency and fellowship training. Current policy among orthopaedic programs regarding maternity, paternity, and adoption leave is not well described. To understand the influence these policies may have on the choices that medical students make in choosing their specialty, the policies must first be better understood. ⋯ This study highlights the lack of uniformity among orthopaedic surgery residency and training programs regarding approach to maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. Discussion among program directors, perhaps facilitated by the Council of Orthopedic Residency Directors within the American Orthopaedic Association, to align the programs' policy in this arena may provide more transparent and uniform policy for trainees in orthopaedic surgery.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Sep 2016
Comparative StudyHip, Knee, and Ankle Osteoarthritis Negatively Affects Mechanical Energy Exchange.
Individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) of the lower limb find normal locomotion tiring compared with individuals without OA, possibly because OA of any lower limb joint changes limb mechanics and may disrupt transfer of potential and kinetic energy of the center of mass during walking, resulting in increased locomotor costs. Although recovery has been explored in asymptomatic individuals and in some patient populations, the effect of changes in these gait parameters on center of mass movements and mechanical work in patients with OA in specific joints has not been well examined. The results can be used to inform clinical interventions and rehabilitation that focus on improving energy recovery. ⋯ The fatigue and limited physical activity reported in patients with lower extremity OA could be associated with increased mechanical work of the center of mass. Focused gait retraining potentially could improve walking mechanics and decrease fatigue in these patients.