Andrew W Kuhn

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This study looked at 17 families affected by a rare adrenal disease that can lead to excessive hormone production, known as bilateral macronodular adrenal disease (BMAD). Researchers followed 250 individuals for up to 410 months and found that 104 of them had specific genetic changes related to BMAD, which led to higher cortisol levels and larger adrenal nodules in those affected. The findings highlight the necessity of genetic testing and personalized treatment plans to effectively manage this condition and reduce the risk of complications, like adrenal insufficiency and tumors. Who this helps: Patients with bilateral macronodular adrenal disease and their families.

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This study looked at videos on TikTok that teach young athletes how to prevent ACL injuries. Out of nearly 6 million views, the researchers found that, despite the high viewership, the quality of the information wasn't good overall, with scores indicating that most videos lacked reliable sources and follow-up advice. This is important because better quality content could help reduce the number of ACL injuries among young athletes. Who this helps: Youth athletes and their coaches.

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This study looked at factors that might influence how well patients do after receiving a meniscal allograft transplant, a surgery to replace damaged knee cartilage. Out of 11,413 patients studied, the average improvement in knee function, measured by the Lysholm score, was 24.2 points, and the rate of additional surgeries that weren't deemed failures was 3.36%. The findings suggest that having the surgery sooner after the initial meniscus removal and being younger leads to better outcomes, while receiving a lateral transplant poses a higher risk for needing further surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing meniscal allograft transplantation by providing insights into which factors can impact their recovery.

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This study looked at a specific type of knee injury called medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) and how they relate to a condition known as meniscus extrusion. Researchers found that when meniscus extrusion occurs, it can lead to worse recovery, a higher risk of developing arthritis, and an increased need for knee replacement surgery after repairing the tear. Understanding this relationship is important because it can help improve treatment options and outcomes for patients with these knee injuries. Who this helps: This helps patients with knee injuries, especially those facing meniscus tears and related conditions.

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Researchers created a new tool called the Sport Publication Observation Research Tool (SPORT) to evaluate how well observational studies in sports medicine are conducted. After reviewing 55 studies, they found that the average quality score was 20 out of a possible higher score, indicating many studies may not be very high quality. This tool is important because it helps ensure that the research used in sports medicine reviews is reliable and trustworthy. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by ensuring they have access to high-quality research when making treatment decisions.

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This study looked at high ankle injuries in NFL players, focusing on how these injuries are often more complicated than previously thought. Researchers found that 83 players had injuries linked to a part of the ankle called the syndesmosis. They discovered that players with injuries involving fractures took much longer to return to play—about 250 days—compared to those with fewer complications, who averaged only 27 days. Who this helps: This research benefits NFL players and their medical teams by providing insights into recovery times based on injury severity.

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This research looked at how many high schools in the U.S. have access to athletic trainers and the challenges some schools face in hiring them. The study found that about 66% of schools had at least some access to an athletic trainer, but only 35% had one full-time. Factors like smaller school sizes, rural locations, being a private school, and low income in the area made it harder for schools to hire athletic trainers. Who this helps: This information benefits high school athletes who need better access to health support.

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This study looks at a 46-year-old woman with Carney Complex, a condition that makes her more likely to develop benign heart tumors called cardiac myxomas. She suffered multiple strokes linked to these tumors, and doctors found a similar tumor growing in her brain, which is unusual. These findings show that while cardiac myxomas are typically harmless, they can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious problems, highlighting the need for doctors to be vigilant about brain complications in patients with these heart tumors. Who this helps: This helps patients with Carney Complex and their doctors by raising awareness of potential complications.

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This study looked at the knee shape in young patients with osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a condition where bone tissue around the knee joint loses its blood supply and dies. Researchers found that children with OCD had wider medial femoral condyles (the inner part of the knee bone) and narrower notches compared to those without the condition, which increases their risk of developing OCD by significant amounts—up to 18 times for certain knee measurements. Understanding these characteristics is important because it helps doctors identify which young patients are more likely to develop knee issues. Who this helps: This helps doctors and pediatric patients at risk for knee problems.

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Researchers examined how often publicly available data is used in sports medicine studies, focusing on injury patterns in elite athletes. They found 209 studies published from 2000 to 2022, with 82.8% appearing after 2016, and most of these studies looked at injuries in North American professional sports leagues like the NFL and MLB. The analysis showed a rise in such studies, but also highlighted that their accuracy may vary, raising concerns about how they inform injury prevention and treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits sports medicine professionals and teams looking to understand injury risks and improve athlete care.

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This study looked at how often multiple institutions work together on orthopedic surgery research compared to other medical fields from 2009 to 2021. It found that the percentage of these collaborative studies in orthopedic journals increased from 7.2% in 2009 to 9.9% in 2021, but this is still much lower than the 64.4% in general medicine and 26.9% in other surgical specialties. This matters because collaborative studies can lead to better treatments and improvements in care for many patients. Who this helps: Patients receiving orthopedic care.

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This study looked at a surgical option called gluteus maximus tendon transfer for people with severe hip abductor tendon injuries that can't be repaired. Out of 125 patients, those who had the surgery showed an average improvement of 30 points in hip function scores and a reduction in pain by about 4 points on a pain scale. However, one-third of the patients still had a noticeable gait problem after surgery, which suggests that while the surgery helps with function and pain, it doesn't fully restore strength or correct all walking issues. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with irreparable hip abductor injuries and their doctors when considering treatment options.

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This study looked at meniscus injuries in soccer players, which are common due to the fast movements and collisions in the game. It examined how these injuries happen, how they are diagnosed and treated, and the recovery process for players. The findings highlight that proper understanding and management of these injuries can help players recover more effectively and return to the sport. Who this helps: This helps soccer players and their coaches.

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This study looked at how parents influence young athletes who focus on one sport, known as single sport specialization (SSS). It found that while parental influence only accounts for about 10.6% of the overall reasons kids choose to specialize, parents do indirectly impact their child's decision by motivating them and providing support. The main reason kids specialize is actually their own enjoyment of the sport, making up 82.3% of the influence. This research highlights the importance of clear communication between parents and kids about the risks and benefits of focusing on one sport. Who this helps: This helps parents, young athletes, and coaches understand the dynamics of sports specialization.

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This study looked at cases of bilateral anterior shoulder dislocation (BASD), where both shoulders dislocate at the same time. It found that most patients were young men, with 28.7% having a history of seizures, and that those with seizures were more likely to experience complications like fracture-dislocations. Understanding these patterns matters because it helps doctors better identify and treat patients at risk for BASD, especially in cases related to seizures or electrocution. Who this helps: This helps patients with seizure disorders and their doctors.

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Six orthopaedic surgery residents were interviewed about their experiences using virtual reality (VR) in training. Residents saw VR as most useful for interns and junior residents learning anatomy and procedure steps in a low-stakes environment, but described a ceiling effect at current technology levels. Barriers like limited hardware, software instability, and time cost made residents prefer VR as an optional supplement rather than a required assessment tool.

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This study looked at how successful orthopaedic residents were in publishing their research projects over the past 15 years and how long it took them to do so. Out of 68 projects, 83% were published, typically about 7 years after the residency began. The researchers found that residents with more academic publications were more likely to complete their projects quickly, and that publishing in lower-impact journals took less time. Who this helps: This benefits orthopaedic surgery residents and their training programs by highlighting factors that can improve research publication success.

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This study looked at a rare condition called dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH) in the lower legs to understand how different types of DEH relate to symptoms and the need for surgery. Researchers examined 28 patients, mostly children, and found that those with painful lesions in the ankle were more likely to have surgery and achieve pain relief afterward, while those with deformities had persistent pain even after surgery. Overall, surgery helped patients with painful ankle lesions achieve a better outcome, but not all treatments worked for everyone. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with DEH, especially children who experience pain in their ankles.

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This study examined research that uses publicly available data to track concussions in NFL players. The researchers found that about 70% of the concussions reported in public studies matched official NFL injury records, with most concussions happening during offensive plays (55%) compared to defensive plays (45%). Understanding how well public data reflects actual concussion rates is important because it helps improve injury tracking and player safety in the sport. Who this helps: This information benefits players, coaches, and medical staff by providing insights into concussion trends and improving safety protocols.

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This study looked at a surgical method for treating hip pain caused by weak hip muscles, specifically the gluteus medius and minimus. Researchers focused on a technique that involves moving part of the gluteus maximus muscle to provide better support and strength to the hip. They found that including an additional row of fixation helps secure the tendon better, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients undergoing this surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hip abductor deficiencies, especially those who have not had success with other treatments.

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This research looked into how COVID-19 changed the training of orthopedic surgeons. Out of 83 studies analyzed, it found that residents had fewer opportunities for hands-on experience and in-person learning, leading to increased reliance on online education. While virtual interviews and learning saved applicants over $6,000, many preferred face-to-face interactions and expressed concerns about the quality of online training. Who this helps: This benefits orthopedic surgery residents and medical students interested in orthopedic training.

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This research paper focused on how a team of experts can improve treatment for young people with hip pain, particularly those with conditions like labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and acetabular dysplasia. The study found that using a comprehensive, team-based strategy has led to better outcomes for these patients, helping to address both their symptoms and the underlying issues before they develop serious arthritis. This matters because it shows that coordinated care can extend the life of the hip joint and enhance the quality of life for young patients. Who this helps: Young patients suffering from hip pain and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how different regions around the world treat and report outcomes for patients with anterior shoulder instability, a common issue that can lead to further dislocations. Researchers analyzed data from 60 studies involving over 5,400 patients, finding that 86% of the patients were male, with a typical age of 26.7 years. They discovered that while the rate of recurring instability after surgery was 5% overall, those who received soft-tissue procedures faced more recurrences compared to those who had bony stabilization, highlighting variations in treatment practices across different regions. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors by providing insights into treatment outcomes, helping them make informed decisions for their patients.

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This research looked at how using CT scans affects the way doctors assess and plan surgery for fractures of the olecranon (the bony part of the elbow). The study found that while doctors generally agreed on fracture classification using regular X-rays, their agreement improved significantly when they included CT scans, especially regarding whether there was bone damage and what type of treatment was needed. CT scans changed the surgical plans in 25% of cases, which highlights their importance in making more informed decisions. Who this helps: This helps both patients and surgeons by improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for elbow fractures.

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This study focused on creating a forum at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where faculty, staff, and students could discuss important social issues like race, gun violence, gender, and immigration. During four events held in the 2017-18 academic year, 124 people participated, and most of them reported that they felt their viewpoints were heard and their understanding of the topics expanded. The findings show that 85% of participants felt multiple perspectives were represented, and 91% expressed interest in attending similar events in the future. Who this helps: This helps everyone in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center community by fostering understanding and dialogue on critical issues.

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This study looked at children with severe bone fractures and how quickly they received hospital care to see if it affected their risk of getting infections. Out of 303 cases, 24 children (7.9%) developed deep infections, and the research found that waiting longer to get to the hospital increased the risk of infection by 1% for every minute of delay. This is important because it highlights the critical role of fast medical attention in preventing serious complications after a bone fracture in kids. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families by emphasizing the importance of immediate care for pediatric fractures.

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This research looked at how participating in team sports affects the behavior, mental health, and social interactions of young athletes under 25 years old. The study found that young people involved in team sports are less likely to smoke (72% less likely) and use drugs or alcohol (73% less likely), and they also have lower rates of depression and anxiety (41% less likely). This is important because it shows that being part of a team can lead to healthier choices and better mental well-being for young people. Who this helps: This helps young athletes and their families by promoting healthier lifestyles and mental health.

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This study compared two types of shoulder surgery—reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA)—to see which is more cost-effective for elderly patients with specific shoulder fractures. The researchers found that RTSA not only costs less but also provides better health outcomes, saving about $99,626 for every 100 patients treated and offering an improvement of 16.8 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for the same group. This is important because it shows that RTSA might be a smarter choice for both healthcare budgets and patient recovery. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients with shoulder fractures and the doctors treating them.

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This research looked at how some kids miss out on the benefits of youth sports due to inequalities. It found that children from lower-income families and ethnic minority backgrounds participate in sports less often, which is linked to barriers like financial issues, lack of access to facilities, and insufficient family support. The study highlights these disparities and aims to create a plan to make youth sports fairer and more accessible for all children. Who this helps: This helps children and families from underserved communities.

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This study looked at research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition often linked to repeated head injuries, to see what makes certain studies more popular or talked about online. They found that most of the 270 studies reviewed (60%) did not include original data, and the average "Altmetric score" (a measure of social media attention and public interest) was 12, although some scored as high as 3745. Notably, studies that collected original data and discussed American football had significantly higher scores, suggesting these factors influence how much attention the research gets, which is important for raising awareness and addressing biases in CTE research. Who this helps: This helps researchers and public health advocates working to increase awareness about CTE.

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This study looked at 107 uninsured patients who visited a student-run clinic for orthopedic issues. The majority had chronic problems, with knee conditions being the most common, affecting 24.3% of the patients. Overall, 74% of the conditions improved with care, showing that providing free orthopedic treatment can be beneficial for those without insurance. Who this helps: Uninsured patients with orthopedic issues.

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This study looked at the experiences and perspectives of four new orthopaedic surgery interns who began their training during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found that regardless of the state of the pandemic, interns planned to approach their work by following guiding principles to adapt to challenges and provide quality care. This matters because it highlights the resilience and commitment of new doctors facing unprecedented situations. Who this helps: This helps new doctors and their future patients.

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This study looked at upper body pain and injuries in people who fly-fish, based on a survey of 162 North American anglers mainly aged around 63. They found that 36% experienced pain right after fly-fishing, which typically lasted less than a week, and the pain was linked to specific casting techniques and grip styles. Understanding these patterns can help anglers adjust their methods to prevent injuries and enjoy their sport more comfortably. Who this helps: This helps recreational fly-fishers looking to avoid injury.

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This study looked at the healthcare costs of concussions in high school football players in the U.S. and included 144 players who experienced concussions between 2017 and 2020. The total cost for treating these concussions was around $115,000, averaging about $800 per player, and factors such as emergency visits and more severe symptoms increased costs significantly. Understanding these costs is important for improving prevention and treatment strategies in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families, schools, and sports organizations manage the financial impacts of concussions.

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This study looked at patients who had total joint replacement surgery to see if the type of spinal anesthetic used (either bupivacaine or mepivacaine) affected the chance of experiencing urinary retention after the procedure. They found that the rates of urinary retention were similar for both anesthetics (5.5% for bupivacaine and 6.1% for mepivacaine), but those who received mepivacaine had a shorter hospital stay, averaging 1 day compared to 2 days for those who had bupivacaine. The key risk factors for urinary retention included older age and a history of urinary problems,, which means that certain patients need to be monitored more closely after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, especially older adults and those with urinary issues.

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This study looked at young, active individuals aged 17 to 22 who experienced persistent shoulder pain and issues after injuring their shoulders. Researchers found that in six patients, the acromioclavicular joint disk was either torn or showed signs of damage, even though traditional imaging didn’t clearly indicate a problem, and previous treatments didn’t help much. These findings are important because they highlight that young people can have serious shoulder issues that aren’t linked to arthritis but still need attention to avoid ongoing pain and instability. Who this helps: This helps young athletes and their doctors identify and treat shoulder problems more effectively.

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Researchers studied a new football helmet design that adds a special outer shell to help reduce the forces transmitted to players' brains during impacts. They found that this helmet decreased linear acceleration (the force straight on) by about 5% to 10% and lowered rotational acceleration (the twisting force) by almost 50%, which is important since rotational forces are often linked to brain injuries. This improved design could lead to safer helmets and potentially reduce the risk of brain injuries in football players. Who this helps: This benefits football players and their families by promoting safer equipment.

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This study looked at how past concussions affect depression in retired NFL players, especially considering physical symptoms they may also experience. Researchers found that while having a history of concussions is linked to depression, this connection is stronger when these athletes report more physical symptoms. Specifically, athletes with high physical symptoms showed a significant rise in depression linked to their concussion history, suggesting that these somatic issues can double the risk of depression. Who this helps: This helps retired NFL athletes struggling with depression and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how concussions affect the performance of National Hockey League players after they return to the game. Researchers examined 93 players who had a concussion and compared their game performance over time with 51 players who missed games for other reasons. They found that the players who suffered concussions did not perform worse than their peers in the following weeks and throughout the rest of the season. Who this helps: This information helps coaches and sports doctors understand the impact of concussions on player performance.

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This study looked at the costs medical students face when applying for residency programs. Researchers found that students spent about $4,992 on average to prepare for residency, with each interview costing around $282, and they typically applied to 30 programs and attended 12 interviews. Understanding these costs is crucial because it helps students budget better and manage their finances during a stressful time. Who this helps: This helps medical students who are preparing for residency.

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The study looked at how changing the length of pre-clerkship training for medical students affected their stress levels when choosing a medical specialty. Students from the Hybrid curriculum experienced a significant increase in stress by over 10 points on a 100-point scale, while those in the new 1-year Curriculum 2.0 had only a small, not significant increase of about 4 points. This matters because it shows that reducing pre-clerkship time can lower stress around specialty selection, which can be beneficial for medical students during a challenging time. Who this helps: This helps medical students.

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This study looked at high school athletes who suffered concussions, specifically how certain signs observed right after the injury (like memory issues and balance problems) related to the symptoms they reported within the next day. The researchers found that athletes who showed memory problems immediately were nearly four times more likely to later report trouble remembering and had double the odds of saying they had trouble concentrating. These findings are important because they can help doctors and parents identify which students might need special support and accommodations after a concussion, reducing anxiety and confusion for everyone involved. Who this helps: This helps students, parents, and teachers understand and respond better to concussions in young athletes.

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This study examined how symptoms of concussions in high school football players differ depending on when in the season the injury occurs. Researchers looked at nearly 2,600 athletes and found that those who got concussed later in the season reported about twice the total number of symptoms (13.1 symptoms) and new symptoms (5.7) compared to those injured earlier (6.8 total symptoms and 2.7 new symptoms). This matters because athletes with later-season concussions may need more careful treatment and monitoring to recover effectively. Who this helps: This helps players, coaches, and medical staff in managing concussion care more effectively.

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This study looked at over 12,000 student-athletes to find out what factors can increase the risk of getting a sports-related concussion. The researchers identified five main risk factors: having a history of concussions (21 points), past treatment for headaches (6 points), playing contact sports (5 points), youth level of play (7 points), and a history of ADHD or learning disabilities (2 points). While the model they created showed some ability to predict concussions, it only explained 16% of the reasons why athletes get concussions, indicating that many other factors still need to be studied. Who this helps: This helps coaches, parents, and sports organizations better understand and manage concussion risks for student-athletes.

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This study looked at whether NFL players perform worse after returning to the game following a concussion. It found that most players didn’t show a decline in their performance after recovery, but quarterbacks did have lower ratings compared to their peers who didn’t have concussions. This matters because it highlights that while many players bounce back fine, specific positions, like quarterback, may struggle more after a concussion. Who this helps: This helps players, coaches, and team medical staff monitor and support returning athletes effectively.

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This study looked at the issue of abuse in youth sports, highlighting that while sports can be beneficial for children, they also pose risks. Research from the 1980s and 1990s revealed a pattern of abuse, leading sports organizations to start developing policies to protect young athletes. Despite some progress, there are still gaps in understanding the extent and nature of abuse in this area, emphasizing the need for better prevention and awareness. Who this helps: This helps young athletes and their caregivers.