DR. CYRUS J. LASHGARI, MD

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This study looked at the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on men who had surgery to repair a rotator cuff. Researchers analyzed data from over 33,000 men, finding that those who had TRT within a year of their surgery were more likely to face complications like being readmitted to the hospital within 90 days (26% more likely), needing additional surgeries, and dealing with other issues like prolonged pain medication use and increased healthcare costs post-surgery. This is important because it suggests that stopping TRT before surgery might reduce the risk of complications for these patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing rotator cuff repair who are on testosterone replacement therapy.

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This study looked at the success rates of a specific surgical technique called double-row rotator cuff repair in 389 patients and found that 8.2% experienced a re-tear after surgery. Out of these, 1.5% had a failure in the medial row of the repair, while 6.7% had failures in the lateral row. Key risk factors for re-tears included having a Goutallier Classification greater than 3 and using three anchors for the repair, indicating that patients with these characteristics may need closer monitoring after surgery. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors and surgeons who repair rotator cuffs, guiding them in patient assessments and treatment plans.

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This study looked at how a drug called tranexamic acid affects patients after total shoulder surgery. Researchers found that patients who received this drug had less drop in their blood levels after surgery and produced less fluid from the surgical site. While tranexamic acid helped with blood loss, it did not change how long patients stayed in the hospital or their risk of complications. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing shoulder surgery by reducing blood loss.

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This study looked at how to reduce the amount of opioids prescribed by orthopedic doctors. After implementing several strategies, the average amount of opioids prescribed dropped by 54.5%, from 27.9 to 12.7 milligrams per patient, and the number of pills per prescription decreased by nearly 30%. This is important because it helps lessen the risk of addiction and improves patient safety. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those undergoing orthopedic procedures.

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This study looked at how well a shoulder muscle called the subscapularis healed in patients after total shoulder replacement surgery, using ultrasound images to check on their recovery. Out of 30 shoulders examined, 87% were found to have healed properly. However, a physical test used to check this muscle's function proved to be unreliable, with only 25% sensitivity and only 13% accuracy in correctly identifying tears when they were suspected. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who have undergone total shoulder arthroplasty by highlighting the need for more reliable tests to assess muscle healing.

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This study examined the blood supply to the outer part of the heel, specifically focusing on the relationship between blood vessels and surgical incisions used to fix heel fractures. Researchers analyzed 24 cadaver legs and found three main arteries in the area. The lateral calcaneal artery was highlighted as crucial for blood flow and is likely to be damaged during surgery if the incision is not placed carefully. Understanding this blood supply could help reduce complications after surgery, such as wound healing issues. Who this helps: This research benefits surgeons and patients undergoing treatment for heel fractures.