April 2016

Ethics in orthopaedics, Dr. McCarthy presents a challenging case that most will find themselves struggling with; the dilemma of what is truly right for patients and society.

In the last decade, healthcare has seen a much greater emphasis on quality, safety, and value. It is anticipated that this emphasis will continue, including a change to reimbursement models that emphasize value rather than our current system that emphasizes volume. One option to improve value is to decrease unexplained clinical variance. For example, different surgeons at the same institution may have markedly different ways of treating the same problem. Especially if the costs differ greatly, the institution, patients, and payers naturally want to know if the different treatment algorithms promote improved quality. Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons, especially those in training or early in their careers need to understand the reasons for this emphasis on quality, and how it is likely to affect their practices.

Congenital Vertical Talus (CVT) is rare congenital condition presenting with rigid equinovalgus deformity of the foot. CVT can be seen as an isolated condition or as part of a syndrome. Traditionally CVT was treated with extensive soft tissue release. Dr. Matthew Dobbs has reported excellent outcome with a minimally invasive method in treatment of this rare rigid deformity. Dr. Dobbs discusses his novel technique in detail in response to our questions.

With Spring now upon us, there’s no better time to go tip-toeing through the tulips–and some OITE-type questions. Test your knowledge by answering the following questions written by our Resident Review contributors.

Happy Spring from the Resident Review Committee!