Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Orthopedics for December 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Effect Sizes Uncertain for Meds Versus Placebo in Knee OA
FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with knee osteoarthritis and at least 12 months of follow-up, there is uncertainty around estimates of effect size for the change in pain in association with medications versus placebo, according to a meta-analysis published in the Dec. 25 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Low-Priced Generic Drugs Most Likely to Have Shortages
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The lowest-priced generic drugs are more likely to experience shortages, according to a study published in the November issue of Value in Health.
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Initiative Can Cut Gender Gap in Medical School Faculty Salaries
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An institutional gender equity initiative (GEI) can reduce gender-based salary gaps among medical school faculty, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in JAMA Network Open.
Massage Offers Short-Term Relief of Knee Pain in Arthritis Patients
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Weekly massage sessions may provide short-term symptom relief for knee osteoarthritis patients, but the benefit is not maintained over one year of follow-up, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
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Growth in Use of Telemedicine Seen From 2005 to 2017
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2005 to 2017, there was a substantial increase in telemedicine use, although use was still uncommon in 2017, according to a research letter published online Nov. 27 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Affordable Care Act Sign-Ups Higher Than Expected
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Despite numerous difficulties, early figures show that sign-ups for health coverage next year under the Affordable Care Act are higher than expected.
Overlapping Orthopedic Surgery Noninferior for Patient Safety
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overlapping inpatient orthopedic surgery is noninferior to nonoverlapping surgery with respect to perioperative complications, according to a study published in the Nov. 21 issue of The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.
FDA Advisory Panels: Prescribe Naloxone With Opioid Painkillers
First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Eases Painful Hallux Rigidus 
2005 to 2023 Saw Decrease in DXA Testing for Osteoporosis Screening 
Review Reveals Limited Effects of Exercise on Hip Osteoarthritis 
Oral Microbiome Dysbiosis Linked to Symptomatic Hand Osteoarthritis 
Foot/Ankle Injury During Football Career Linked to Foot/Ankle OA 
Aerobic Exercise Likely Most Beneficial Modality in Knee Osteoarthritis 
Overactive Bladder Positively Associated With Arthritis 
Depression, Anxiety, Fibromyalgia Common With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis 
