PRESTON S. REILLY, MD

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This study looked at the outcomes of reverse shoulder replacement surgeries performed as day procedures, meaning patients go home the same day, compared to those who stayed in the hospital. Researchers analyzed data from over 25,000 patients and found that only 1.45% of day case patients needed further surgery within a year, which gradually increased to 3.96% by year seven, while non-day case patients had slightly higher rates. Additionally, only 1.56% of day case patients had to be readmitted due to complications, compared to 6.34% of non-day cases, indicating that day case surgeries are safe and may lead to better healthcare efficiency. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing shoulder replacement surgery as well as healthcare providers.

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This study looked at two groups of patients who had surgery on their shoulder: one group had surgery right after a serious shoulder fracture, while the other group had it after trying non-surgical treatments that didn't work. It found that patients who had surgery later, after failed treatment, were about 2.44 times more likely to need a second surgery within ten years compared to those who had it right away. These results highlight the risks of waiting to operate on severe shoulder injuries, which could influence how doctors decide to treat patients. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with shoulder fractures and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the timing of surgical cleaning (debridement) after open upper limb fractures affects the risk of infection and the need for follow-up surgeries. Researchers analyzed data from 297 patients and found that whether debridement occurred within 24 hours, between 24-48 hours, or after 48 hours did not significantly impact infection rates, readmissions, or reoperations. For example, only 4.4% of patients developed infections, and there was no meaningful difference across the different timing groups. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating patients with upper limb fractures, as it shows that timing of surgery may not need to be rushed to prevent complications.

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The study looked at factors that lead to longer hospital stays after shoulder surgeries in the UK, where over 8,200 surgeries were done in 2023. It found that older patients, those with more health issues, and surgeries performed on weekends tended to stay longer in the hospital, while those treated by experienced surgeons had a shorter stay. This information is important because reducing hospital stays helps make better use of healthcare resources. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving surgical efficiency and care.

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This study looked at how surgeons choose between two types of shoulder surgeries—reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA)—for patients with arthritis who still have an intact rotator cuff. Researchers found that surgeons often base their decisions on the patient's "physiological age" (which includes actual age and health status), specific anatomical features of the shoulder, and expected functional results after surgery. However, there was no clear consensus among surgeons on which surgery is better for different patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing shoulder surgery and their doctors, as it highlights the complexity of surgical choices.

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This study looked at how orthopedic doctors at Royal Perth Hospital view advanced practice physiotherapists (APPs) who work in their clinics. They found that while some doctors appreciated the diagnostic skills of APPs and recognized that they could improve patient care, there were also concerns about role confusion, workload, and negative feedback from patients and referrers. Understanding these perspectives is important because it can help improve teamwork and care in orthopedic clinics, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients receiving orthopedic care.

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This study looked at two types of shoulder surgeries—total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA)—to see which one provides better value for the money over a lifetime. It found that TSA is more cost-effective in most cases, especially in younger patients under 60, where it saves about £463 for men and £658 for women, plus provides 2 extra quality-adjusted life years. For older patients, while HA can be cheaper, TSA still offers more quality years of life, making it the better choice overall. Who this helps: This information benefits patients needing shoulder surgery and their doctors in making informed treatment choices.

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This study looked at how effective colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is for monitoring patients at risk of developing colon polyps compared to the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). The researchers found that CCE identified significant polyps in 42.9% of patients and reduced the need for colonoscopies by 36.5%, meaning fewer patients had to undergo this more invasive procedure. At the same time, FIT was not effective, with a low detection rate of only 9.6%, making it less reliable for this purpose. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who need regular checks for colon polyps by providing a less invasive monitoring option.

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This study looked at the reasons for which reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) surgeries were performed in the UK and how often these surgeries needed to be redone. Researchers found that the rate of needing a revision surgery was about 1.5% to 5% depending on the condition over nine years, with trauma sequelae patients having a higher risk at 7.12%. This is important because it helps understand how well the RSA works for different shoulder problems, showing that while most patients do well, those with previous trauma may face more complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with shoulder issues and their doctors make informed decisions about RSA surgery.

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This study looked at what patients with sickle cell disease and their caregivers know about naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Out of 23 people surveyed, only 9 (40%) had heard of naloxone, and just 3 had it available at home. Many participants expressed that while they didn't know much about naloxone, they recognized its importance, highlighting a gap in awareness that needs to be addressed. Who this helps: This benefits patients with sickle cell disease and their caregivers.

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This study looked at different types of shoulder replacement surgeries and whether the rates of follow-up surgeries (revisions) vary among them. It found that patients who had reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) had lower revision rates (4.87%) compared to total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) at 10.58% and hemiarthroplasty (HA) at 13.86%. However, the researchers warn that the lower rates for RSA might not mean it's a better option; patients with RSA who aren't doing well are less likely to have their implants revised. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors and patients considering shoulder replacement options.

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This study looked at how effective a procedure called percutaneous biliary drainage is for treating obstructive jaundice in patients at a national hospital in Argentina. Out of 118 patients, about 59% saw their bilirubin levels drop by at least 50% within three days, and around 70% felt relief from their jaundice symptoms after the procedure. This matters because it shows that this treatment can significantly improve patient health with a low risk of complications. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from obstructive jaundice.

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This study looked at ways to make soybean meal, an important protein source, easier to digest by reducing harmful components called trypsin inhibitors (TIs) while using less heat during processing. Researchers found that a special low-TI soybean variety needed only 100 degrees Celsius to achieve a high protein digestibility of 81.4% with very low TI levels (0.6 mg/g), compared to a high-TI variety that required hotter temperatures (121 degrees Celsius) for similar results. This is important because it means we can save energy and keep protein quality intact while making soybean meal better for both people and animals. Who this helps: This benefits patients and animals who rely on soybean meal for nutrition.

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This study looked at whether the results of reverse shoulder surgeries in England have improved over the years. Researchers found that from 2013 to 2021, the need for non-revision surgeries decreased by 7% and mortality rates dropped slightly, while hospital stays became shorter, averaging 3.94 days in 2013 down to 2.44 days in 2021. Additionally, patients reported better shoulder function after surgery, with their scores improving from an average of 15.84 to 20.29 over the years. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing shoulder replacement surgeries.

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This study looked at patients in the UK who needed a second surgery after their first reverse total shoulder replacement (rTSA) failed. Researchers found that 15.91% of patients had to undergo another surgery within one year, and this number increased to 23.18% after five years. Younger patients and those whose first revision was due to joint instability were more likely to need further surgery, suggesting that focusing these procedures in specialized centers could lead to better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This information helps patients and doctors by highlighting the risks associated with shoulder surgeries and the potential benefits of specialized care.

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This study looked at how to create effective teams that provide care for older people in the community. By gathering input from 97 individuals in group discussions and then having 77 participants complete a survey, researchers identified four main areas that are important for these care teams: how services are designed, how patients access care, the roles of team members, and ways to improve care quality. This is important because having clear guidelines will help ensure that older adults receive consistent and high-quality care in their communities. Who this helps: This benefits older adults and the healthcare teams serving them.

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This study examined factors that help determine which patients can safely have shoulder surgery and go home the same day, rather than staying overnight in the hospital. Researchers analyzed data from over 40,000 patients and found that younger males with fewer health issues and certain types of shoulder surgeries were more likely to be eligible for same-day discharge. Having conditions like dementia or paraplegia decreased the chances of being sent home the same day. Who this helps: This benefits patients who can have shoulder surgery while minimizing hospital stays and optimizing recovery.

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This study examined the outcomes of two types of shoulder surgeries—total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA)—in over 11,000 patients with shoulder osteoarthritis. It found that 95% of TSA patients had their initial surgery still intact after 8 years, compared to 91% of HA patients, meaning TSA patients had a lower risk of needing a second surgery. Specifically, younger patients (under 60 years) had an 8-year success rate of 92% with TSA versus 84% with HA, indicating that TSA is the better option for reducing the risk of revision surgeries. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with shoulder osteoarthritis, particularly those under 60 years old, as it helps them make informed choices about their surgery options.

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This study looked at how well patients felt their shoulder function improved after two different surgeries: total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA). Researchers found that patients who had TSA reported better shoulder function at 6 months (median score of 42) compared to those who had HA (median score of 36), and this difference was still present after 5 years (44 vs. 35). This matters because 92% of TSA patients showed significant improvement shortly after surgery, and most maintained that improvement over the years. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe shoulder arthritis considering surgery.

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This study looked at how to best manage type 2 diabetes in children and young people in the UK, focusing on creating clear guidelines since there were none. Researchers found that kids with this type of diabetes often need both lifestyle changes and medications like metformin, and that working closely with a diabetes care team is crucial, especially as many have other health issues at diagnosis. The findings are important because effective management can lead to better long-term health outcomes and lower the risk of serious complications. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and healthcare teams working with young people who have type 2 diabetes.

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This study compared shoulder replacement surgeries using metal and ceramic parts to see how often patients needed additional surgery afterward. It found that after 8 years, nearly 99% of patients with a ceramic shoulder replacement still had no issues, while about 96% of those with a metal replacement had the same result. The research is important because it shows that ceramic shoulder replacements are more reliable than metal ones in preventing the need for further surgeries in patients with certain shoulder conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients who are considering shoulder replacement surgeries.

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This study looked at how the angle of video recordings affects the detection of front limb lameness in horses. Six horses were observed while trotting from different angles, and expert veterinarians assessed their lameness using a scoring system. The researchers found that videos taken directly towards the camera provided the best agreement among veterinarians in identifying lameness and recommended this angle for future assessments. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and horse owners accurately diagnose lameness in horses.

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This study looked at four siblings with Hereditary Spherocytosis (HS), a blood disorder that causes red blood cells to be misshapen. They found that these siblings had a specific genetic mutation and experienced higher levels of oxidative stress, which means their cells were under excess harmful pressure from free radicals. This matters because it indicates potential new treatment paths using antioxidants or other therapies to help manage the disease better. Who this helps: This helps patients with Hereditary Spherocytosis and their doctors, as it may lead to improved treatment options.

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The study explored how patients decide whether to have shoulder replacement surgery. Researchers interviewed 12 people waiting for the procedure and found that pain relief and the desire to live life more fully were the main reasons for considering surgery. Patients valued clear information and a trusting relationship with their surgeon to help them make their decision. Who this helps: This helps patients considering shoulder surgery.

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This study looked at how blood sugar levels are monitored in patients at Tallaght University Hospital in Ireland over an 8-day period. Out of 3,530 blood sugar tests conducted, 33% showed high blood sugar levels, and only about 43% of patients with consistently high levels received help from the diabetes team. Improving adherence to testing guidelines and increasing consultations with diabetes specialists could lead to better treatment and outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those with diabetes or high blood sugar levels while hospitalized.

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This study looked at how re-shoeing the front hooves of show-jumping horses with special shoes can impact their movement. Researchers found that after the horses were re-shod, there was better push-off from the inside front limb while trotting in circles on soft ground, indicating improved movement balance. This is important because it helps horse owners and trainers understand how shoeing can enhance performance and prevent injury. Who this helps: This helps horse owners and trainers.

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This study looked at the results of surgeries performed on patients whose initial reverse shoulder replacements had failed. It found that after a second surgery, patients experienced better shoulder function, with an average improvement score of about 20 points. However, the chances of needing another surgery later were notable, with 14% needing it within a year and 23% within five years, along with a complication rate of about 29%. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with failed shoulder surgeries and their doctors by providing insights into what to expect after a revision surgery.

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This study looked at two types of shoulder replacements—ceramic and metal—to see which one might cause less wear on the shoulder joint in younger patients with healthy cartilage. Researchers tested these materials on shoulder joints from deceased donors and found that both types caused a similar loss of cartilage after being tested for a long time, with ceramic leading to a 27% reduction in cartilage thickness and metal leading to a 29% reduction. This matters because it shows that despite ceramic's advantages, it doesn't perform any better than metal when it comes to protecting the cartilage in young patients’ shoulders. Who this helps: Patients needing shoulder replacements and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the structure of DNA in our cells affects the evolution of certain genes that have similar functions. Researchers found that when genes are duplicated, their location in the genome matters because it can help determine how much of a specific protein is produced in different tissues. They discovered a new enhancer element that helps regulate gene activity and showed that this mechanism is an important factor in the evolution of genes, providing a simple way for organisms to adapt. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors understand how genes evolve, which can inform developments in genetic therapies and treatments.

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This study looked at a two-year-old girl who had swollen gums and bleeding due to a lack of vitamin C, also known as scurvy. After being referred to specialists, she was diagnosed with vitamin C deficiency caused by her diet. Treatment with vitamin C supplements quickly improved her symptoms and blood test results. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and their doctors by highlighting the importance of recognizing vitamin C deficiency early.

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This study looked at shoulder replacement surgeries in patients under 65 to understand how long the implants last and how well they improve shoulder function. They found that over 80% of the shoulder replacements continue to work well after 10 years, and about 75% last for 20 years. Both types of surgery led to significant improvements in shoulder function scores after the procedures, showing that these surgeries are effective for younger patients. Who this helps: This research benefits younger patients needing shoulder replacements, as well as their doctors in making informed choices about treatment.

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This study looked at dog welfare organizations (DWOs) in Ireland to understand their roles, challenges, and possible solutions. Researchers surveyed 39 DWOs and found that over 80% had written guidelines for important tasks like rehoming dogs, and many sent dogs to places like Northern Ireland (13%) and Great Britain (38.5%). The main difficulties these organizations faced included not enough funding, a lack of public awareness about dog welfare, and an inability to manage the number of dogs needing care, which they believe could be addressed through subsidized programs and better education for potential dog owners. Who this helps: This research benefits dog welfare organizations and the dogs they care for in Ireland.

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This study looked at how many healthcare workers at an Irish hospital had antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. They found that 17.9% of 1,176 healthcare workers tested positive for these antibodies, indicating past infection, while 12.2% had confirmed infections. Interestingly, 37% of those with positive antibody tests had never had a confirmed infection, suggesting many infections might go unnoticed, which is important because these workers could spread the virus without knowing it. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and their patients by highlighting the risks of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases in medical settings.

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This study explored a new robotic system designed to create custom surgical guides during shoulder replacement surgeries, which can help improve the accuracy of implant placement. In tests with 24 cadaver shoulders, the robot achieved impressive accuracy levels, with average angles of just 1.9 degrees off for version and 1.2 degrees for inclination, as well as a positional accuracy of around 1.1 millimeters compared to the original surgical plan. This advancement is important because precise placement of implants can lead to better outcomes and longer-lasting results for patients undergoing shoulder surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, as well as their surgeons.

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This study looked at a new method using CT scans to track how shoulder implants move and develop issues over two years. In 7 patients who had shoulder surgeries, the implants showed very little movement (between 0.00-0.10 mm) and some showed radiolucent lines, or areas where the bone appears darker around the implant. The patients' shoulder function improved significantly, with scores rising from an average of 30 to 69, indicating the method could help monitor implant performance and patient recovery, which is important for ensuring the implants remain effective over time. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing shoulder replacement surgery.

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This study looked at how previous COVID-19 infection, age, and health status (frailty) affected the levels of antibodies in older nursing home residents after they received a COVID-19 vaccine. Researchers found that about 45% of the 86 participants had previously been infected with COVID-19, and those with a prior infection had much higher antibody levels both 5 weeks and 6 months after vaccination. Specifically, older age and frailty led to lower antibody levels at the 6-month mark, which can make them more susceptible to COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps nursing home residents who are vaccinated against COVID-19, particularly those without prior infections.

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This study looked at how well patients do after having their shoulder replacement surgery redone, specifically comparing two types: hemiarthroplasty and total shoulder arthroplasty. Researchers reviewed 15 studies involving 593 patients and found that more than 80% of the revised replacements lasted at least five years, and over 70% lasted ten years, but the improvement in shoulder function varied widely and was similar regardless of the original type of implant used. This is important because it helps doctors understand what to expect for patients needing revision shoulder surgery and suggests that the type of initial surgery does not significantly impact the outcome. Who this helps: Patients undergoing revision shoulder surgery.

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This study examined how well patients were informed about the risks of surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically regarding COVID-19 infection and potential complications requiring intensive care. Initially, only 2.6% of consent forms included these important risks, but after several updates to the process, this rose to 97%. This matters because it ensures that patients are fully aware of the dangers they face during surgery in a pandemic, leading to more informed decision-making about their health. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing orthopedic trauma surgery.

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This study looked at dog population data in Ireland to better understand changes in the number of pet dogs over time. Researchers found that the number of pet dogs has remained mostly stable in recent years, but since 2015, there are fewer dogs being handled by control centers. Additionally, more dogs are being moved out of Ireland to countries like the UK and Germany, while a smaller number are coming in. This research is important because it helps inform governments and dog welfare organizations about pet dog trends, allowing them to make better decisions about animal care and policy. Who this helps: This benefits pet owners, dog welfare organizations, and policymakers.

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This study looked at how older adults stand up compared to younger adults, focusing on the ways they adapt their movements due to changes in strength and sensation as they age. The researchers found that older adults, especially men, often use their arms when standing up, which is linked to less movement in their ankle joints and a greater fear of falling. This is important because it highlights how older adults compensate for physical limitations, which could make them more vulnerable to falls. Who this helps: This helps older adults who may be at risk for falls and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how a quick MRI scan can help doctors find hidden femoral neck fractures in patients with severe thigh bone fractures, which are often missed by regular CT scans. The researchers found that if the MRI can identify even just 5 out of the 12 missed fractures, it would make economic sense to use this method, since treating missed fractures costs significantly more than the MRI itself (£2,457.50 versus £129). This is important because it could lower costs and improve patient outcomes by preventing complications from these overlooked injuries. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe leg fractures and their doctors by providing more accurate diagnoses and potentially reducing hospital stays and re-operations.

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This study looked at whether a surgical procedure called biceps tenodesis is a good option for baseball pitchers who have specific shoulder injuries but intact rotator cuff muscles. The researchers found that while this procedure decreases the load on a shoulder muscle after surgery, it does not maintain shoulder stability during baseball pitching like it does for other throwing motions. This is important because it suggests that biceps tenodesis should not be the first choice for baseball pitchers with intact rotator cuffs. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and surgeons make better treatment decisions for injured baseball pitchers.

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This study looked at the challenges and opportunities for improving dog welfare in Ireland, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Dog welfare organizations reported issues like a lack of public knowledge about proper dog care, problems with puppy farms, and financial strain, all of which hurt their efforts. They also noted that more households are adopting dogs, which creates rehoming difficulties and threatens the future of dog welfare efforts. Who this helps: This benefits dog welfare organizations and the dogs they care for.

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This study looked at how medical and performance teams operate in elite youth football academies and national federations around the world. Researchers surveyed 35 organizations, including 10 national federations and 25 clubs, achieving a high response rate of 70%. They found that 60-90% of these organizations had strong alignment between their medical and performance teams, and most believed they effectively used staff knowledge and external expertise in their practices. This research highlights the importance of coordinated efforts in injury prevention and player performance, ultimately aiming to improve the development of young athletes. Who this helps: This benefits youth football players, coaches, and sports medical professionals.

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This study looked at different surgical techniques to treat large and unrepairable rotator cuff tears. Researchers found that although all methods improved shoulder function shortly after surgery, many patients experienced a decline in function after two years, especially those treated with balloon spacers and partial repairs, which had high retear rates of 45% and 21% respectively. Understanding these findings helps doctors make better treatment choices for patients with rotator cuff injuries, as not all options lead to long-lasting improvement. Who this helps: Patients with large, irreparable rotator cuff tears.

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This study examined the lasting effects of post-COVID symptoms in healthcare workers who had recovered from the virus. Out of 139 workers who had tested positive for COVID-19 at least 12 weeks prior, only 19% felt completely recovered, while 71% reported ongoing symptoms. The findings highlight that many healthcare employees are still dealing with post-COVID issues, which can affect their job performance and availability. Who this helps: This information is valuable for healthcare workers and their employers as they navigate the impact of post-COVID symptoms on work performance.