Statistical analysis for a retrospective study examining glenohumeral septic arthritis in intravenous drug users versus non-users at a tertiary care center in Appalachia.

Overview

This project involved conducting the statistical analysis for a 10-year retrospective study (2015-2025) at West Virginia University Hospital System. The study examined 53 cases of glenohumeral (shoulder) septic arthritis to assess associations between intravenous drug use and clinical outcomes.

I was responsible for all statistical analysis, including hypothesis testing, creating summary tables, and calculating the statistics reported in the manuscript.

Key Findings

• Higher IV drug use prevalence: 37.7% of glenohumeral septic arthritis cases involved recent IV drug use—higher than previously reported in the literature (5-27.8%)
• Age differences: Mean age of 39.9 years in IV drug users vs. 60.8 years in non-users (p < 0.001)
• Systemic complications: IV drug users had significantly higher rates of sepsis (85% vs 33%, p < 0.001), bacteremia (95% vs 55%, p = 0.002), and endocarditis (55% vs 9%, p < 0.001)

Statistical Methods

• Chi-square tests and Fisher's exact tests for categorical comparisons
• ANOVA for continuous variables
• Comparison of proportions across IV drug user and non-user cohorts
• Analysis of imaging findings, pathogen cultures, and treatment outcomes

My Contribution

Third author. Conducted all statistical analyses, created summary tables, and calculated the statistics reported throughout the manuscript.

Status

Manuscript in revision. Co-authored with researchers from WVU Department of Radiology.