Early Versus Late Tracheostomy in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: A US Nationwide Analysis.

BACKGROUND: One of the most critical issues in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) is protecting the airway and attempting to keep a secure airway. It is evident that tracheostomy in patients with TBI after 7-14 days can have favorable outcomes if the patient cannot be extubated; however, some clinicians have recommended early tracheostomy before 7 days. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of inpatient study participants was queried from the National Inpatient Sample to include patients with TBI between 2016 and 2020 undergoing tracheostomy and outcomes between the two groups of early tracheostomy (ET) (< 7 days from admission) and late tracheostomy (LT) (≥ 7 days from admission) were compared. RESULTS: We reviewed 219,005 patients with TBI, out of whom 3.04% had a tracheostomy. Patients in the ET group were younger than those in the LT group (45.02 ± 19.38 years old vs. 48.68 ± 20.50 years old, respectively, p < 0.001), mainly men (76.64% vs. 73.73%, respectively, p = 0.01), and mainly White race (59.88% vs. 57.53%, respectively, p = 0.33). The patients in the ET group had a significantly shorter length of stay as compared with those in the LT group (27.78 ± 25.96 days vs. 36.32 ± 29.30 days, respectively, p < 0.001) and had a significantly lower hospital charge ($502,502.436 ± 427,060.81 vs. $642,739.302 ± 516,078.94 per patient, respectively, p < 0.001). The whole TBI cohort mortality was reported at 7.04%, which was higher within the ET group compared with the LT group (8.69% vs. 6.07%, respectively, p < 0.001). Patients in the LT had higher odds of developing any infection (odds ratio [OR] 1.43 [1.22-1.68], p < 0.001), emerging sepsis (OR 1.61 [1.39-1.87], p < 0.001), pneumonia (OR 1.52 [1.36-1.69], p < 0.001), and respiratory failure (OR 1.30 [1.09-1.55], p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that ET can provide notable and significant benefits for patients with TBI. Future high-quality prospective studies should be performed to investigate and shed more light on the ideal timing of tracheostomy in patients with TBI.

Robot-Assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty is Associated with an Increased Risk of Periprosthetic Fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) aims to restore joint function and relieve pain. New technology, such as robot assistance, offers the potential to reduce human error, improve precision, and improve postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes between conventional and robot-assisted THA. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing a national database from 2016 to 2019. Patients undergoing THA, conventional or robot-assisted, were identified via the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code. Multivariate regressions were performed to assess outcomes between groups. Negative binomial regressions were performed to assess discharge disposition, readmission, and reoperation. Gamma regressions with log-link were used to assess total charges and lengths of hospital stays. Patient demographics and comorbidities, measured via the Elixhauser comorbidity index, were controlled for in our analyses. A total of 1,216,395 patients undergoing THA, 18,417 (1.51%) with robotic assistance, were identified. RESULTS: Patients undergoing robot-assisted procedures had increased surgical complications (odds ratio (OR) 1.31 [95% CI (confidence interval) 1.14 to 1.53]; P < 0.001), including periprosthetic fracture (OR 1.63 [95% CI 1.35 to 1.98]; P < 0.001). Notably, these patients also had significantly greater total charges (OR 1.20 [95% CI 1.11 to 1.30]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Robotic assistance in THA is associated with an increased risk of surgical complications, including periprosthetic fracture, while incurring greater charges.

The Impact of Cardiac Arrhythmias on Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac comorbidities are common in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While there is an abundance of research showing an association between cardiac abnormalities and poor postoperative outcomes, relatively little is published on specific pathologies. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of cardiac arrhythmias on postoperative outcomes in the setting of TKA. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all patients undergoing TKA from a national database, from 2016 to 2019. Patients who had cardiac arrhythmias were identified via International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, and Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System codes and served as the cohort of interest. Multivariate regression was performed to compare postoperative outcomes. Gamma regression was performed to assess length of stay and total charges, while negative binomial regression was used to assess 30-day readmission and reoperation. Patient demographic variables and comorbidities, measured via the Elixhauser comorbidity index, were controlled in our regression analysis. Out of a total of 1,906,670 patients, 224,434 (11.76%) had a diagnosed arrhythmia and were included in our analyses. RESULTS: Those who had arrhythmias had greater odds of both medical (odds ratio [OR] 1.52; P < .001) and surgical complications (OR 2.27; P < .001). They also had greater readmission (OR 2.49; P < .001) and reoperation (OR 1.93; P < .001) within 30 days, longer hospital stays (OR 1.07; P < .001), and greater total charges (OR 1.02; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac arrhythmia is a common comorbidity in the TKA population and is associated with worse postoperative outcomes. Patients who had arrhythmias had greater odds of both medical and surgical complications requiring readmission or reoperation. STUDY DESIGN: Level III; Retrospective Cohort Study.

Comparing Common Risk Assessment Tools to Predict Outcomes in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: A number of tools exist to aid surgeons in risk assessment, including the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), and various measures of frailty, such as the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFR). While all of these tools have been validated for general use, the best risk assessment tool is still debated. Risk assessment is particularly important in elective surgery, such as total joint arthroplasty. The aim of this study is to compare the predictive power of the CCI, ECI, and HFR in the setting of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: All patients who underwent TKA were identified via International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision code from the National Readmissions Database, years 2016 to 2019. Patient demographics, perioperative complications, and hospital-associated outcomes were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created and area under the curves (AUCs) evaluated to gauge the predictive capabilities of each risk assessment tool (CCI, ECI, and HFR) across a range of outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1,930,803 patients undergoing TKA were included in our analysis. For mortality, ECI was most predictive (0.95 AUC), while HFR and CCI were 0.75 and 0.74 AUC, respectively. For periprosthetic fractures, ECI was 0.78 AUC, HFR was 0.68 AUC, and CCI was 0.66 AUC. For joint infections, the ECI was 0.78 AUC, the HFR was 0.63 AUC, and the CCI was 0.62 AUC. For 30-day readmission, ECI was 0.79 AUC, while HFR and CCI were 0.6 AUC. For 30-day reoperation, ECI was 0.69 AUC, while HFR was 0.58 AUC and CCI was 0.56 AUC. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows that ECI is superior to CCI and HFR for predicting 30-day postoperative outcomes following TKA. Surgeons should consider assessing patients using ECI prior to TKA.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) promotes spermatogenic regeneration from surviving spermatogonia after high-dose alkylating chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The lifesaving chemotherapy and radiation treatments that allow patients to survive cancer can also result in a lifetime of side-effects, including male infertility. Infertility in male cancer survivors is thought to primarily result from killing of the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) responsible for producing spermatozoa since SSCs turn over slowly and are thereby sensitive to antineoplastic therapies. We previously demonstrated that the cytokine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) can preserve spermatogenesis after alkylating chemotherapy (busulfan). METHODS: Male mice were treated with G-CSF or controls before and/or after sterilizing busulfan treatment and evaluated immediately or 10-19 weeks later for effects on spermatogenesis. RESULTS: We demonstrated that the protective effect of G-CSF on spermatogenesis was stable for at least 19 weeks after chemotherapy, nearly twice as long as previously shown. Further, G-CSF treatment enhanced spermatogenic measures 10 weeks after treatment in the absence of a cytotoxic insult, suggesting G-CSF acts as a mitogen in steady-state spermatogenesis. In agreement with this conclusion, G-CSF treatment for 3 days before busulfan treatment exacerbated the loss of spermatogenesis observed with G-CSF alone. Reciprocally, spermatogenic recovery was modestly enhanced in mice treated with G-CSF for 4 days after busulfan. These results suggested that G-CSF promoted spermatogonial proliferation, leading to enhanced spermatogenic regeneration from surviving SSCs. Similarly, there was a significant increase in proportion of PLZF+ undifferentiated spermatogonia that were Ki67+ (proliferating) 1 day after G-CSF treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these results clarify that G-CSF protects spermatogenesis after alkylating chemotherapy by stimulating proliferation of surviving spermatogonia, and indicate it may be useful as a retrospective fertility-restoring treatment.

Evaluation of a Large Language Model's Ability to Assist in an Orthopedic Hand Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Advancements in artificial intelligence technology, such as OpenAI's large language model, ChatGPT, could transform medicine through applications in a clinical setting. This study aimed to assess the utility of ChatGPT as a clinical assistant in an orthopedic hand clinic. METHODS: Nine clinical vignettes, describing various common and uncommon hand pathologies, were constructed and reviewed by 4 fellowship-trained orthopedic hand surgeons and an orthopedic resident. ChatGPT was given these vignettes and asked to generate a differential diagnosis, potential workup plan, and provide treatment options for its top differential. Responses were graded for accuracy and the overall utility scored on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of ChatGPT was 7 out of 9 cases, indicating an overall accuracy rate of 78%. ChatGPT was less reliable with more complex pathologies and failed to identify an intentionally incorrect presentation. ChatGPT received a score of 3.8 ± 1.4 for correct diagnosis, 3.4 ± 1.4 for helpfulness in guiding patient management, 4.1 ± 1.0 for appropriate workup for the actual diagnosis, 4.3 ± 0.8 for an appropriate recommended treatment plan for the diagnosis, and 4.4 ± 0.8 for the helpfulness of treatment options in managing patients. CONCLUSION: ChatGPT was successful in diagnosing most of the conditions; however, the overall utility of its advice was variable. While it performed well in recommending treatments, it faced difficulties in providing appropriate diagnoses for uncommon pathologies. In addition, it failed to identify an obvious error in presenting pathology.

Angioembolization Has Similar Efficacy and Lower Total Charges than Preperitoneal Pelvic Packing in Patients With Pelvic Ring or Acetabulum Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To compare cost, hospital-related outcomes, and mortality between angioembolization (AE) and preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) in the setting of pelvic ring or acetabulum fractures. METHODS: . DESIGN: Retrospective database review. SETTING: National Inpatient Sample, years 2016-2020. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Hospitalized adult patients who underwent AE or PPP in the setting of a pelvic ring or acetabulum fracture. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Mortality and hospital-associated outcomes, including total charges, following AE versus PPP in the setting of pelvic ring or acetabulum fractures. RESULTS: A total of 3780 patients, 3620 undergoing AE and 160 undergoing PPP, were included. No significant differences in mortality, length of stay, time to procedure, or discharge disposition were found ( P > 0.05); however, PPP was associated with significantly greater charges than AE ( P = 0.04). Patients who underwent AE had a mean total charge of $250,062.88 while those undergoing PPP had a mean total charge of $369,137.16. CONCLUSIONS: Despite equivalent clinical efficacy in terms of mortality and hospital-related outcomes, PPP was associated with significantly greater charges than AE in the setting of pelvic ring or acetabulum fractures. This data information can inform clinical management of these patients and assist trauma centers in resource allocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A component-based analysis of metabolic syndrome's impact on 30-day outcomes after hip fracture: reduced mortality in obese patients.

Introduction: Hip fractures are a common injury associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In the United States, there has been a rapid increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a condition comprised several common comorbidities, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension, that may worsen perioperative outcomes. This article assesses the impact of MetS and its components on outcomes after hip fracture surgery. Methods: Patients who underwent nonelective operative treatment for traumatic hip fractures were identified in the 2015-2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. Baseline characteristics between groups were compared, and significant differences were included as covariates. Multivariate regression was performed to assess the impact of characteristics of interest on postoperative outcomes. Patients with MetS, or a single one of its constitutive components-hypertension, diabetes, and obesity-were compared with metabolically healthy cohorts. Results: In total 95,338 patients were included. Patients with MetS had increased complications (OR 1.509; P < 0.001), but reduced mortality (OR 0.71; P < 0.001). Obesity alone was also associated with increased complications (OR 1.14; P < 0.001) and reduced mortality (OR 0.736; P < 0.001). Both hypertension and diabetes alone increased complications (P < 0.001) but had no impact on mortality. Patients with MetS did, however, have greater odds of adverse discharge (OR 1.516; P < 0.001), extended hospital stays (OR 1.18; P < 0.001), and reoperation (OR 1.297; P = 0.003), but no significant difference in readmission rate. Conclusion: Patients with MetS had increased complications but decreased mortality. Our component-based analysis showed had obesity had a similar effect: increased complications but lower mortality. These results may help surgeons preoperatively counsel patients with hip fracture about their postoperative risks.

A modified frailty index predicts complication, readmission, and 30-day mortality following the revision total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to develop a modified frailty index (MFI) to predict the risks of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Data from the American College of Surgeons - National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were analyzed for patients who underwent revision THA from 2015 to 2020. An MFI was composed of the risk factors, including severe obesity (body mass index > 35), osteoporosis, non-independent function status prior to surgery, congestive heart failure within 30 days of surgery, hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin < 3.5), hypertension requiring medication, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pneumonia. The patients were assigned based on the MFI scores (MFI0, no risk factor; MFI1, 1-2 risk factors; MFI2, 3-4 risk factors; and MFI3, 5+ risk factors). Confidence intervals were set at 95% with a P value less than or equal to 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 17,868 patients (45% male, 55% female) were included and had an average age of 68.5 ± 11.5 years. Odds of any complication, when compared to MFI0, were 1.4 (95% CI [1.3, 1.6]) times greater for MFI1, 3.2 (95% CI [2.8, 3.6]) times greater for MFI2, and 10.8 (95% CI [5.8, 20.0]) times greater for MFI3 (P < 0.001). Odds of readmission, when compared to MFI0, were 1.4 (95% CI [1.3, 1.7]) times greater for MFI1, 2.5 (95% CI [2.1, 3.0]) times greater for MFI2, and 4.1 (95% CI [2.2, 7.8]) times greater for MFI3 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Increasing MFI scores correlate with increased odds of complication and readmission in patients who have undergone revision THA. This MFI may be used to predict the risks after revision THA.

Rates and Characteristics of Patients Leaving against Medical Advice after Spine Surgery.

Introduction: Leaving against medical advice (AMA) has been associated with higher rates of readmission and worse postoperative outcomes in various surgical fields. Patients who have undergone spine surgery often require careful postoperative follow-up to ensure an uncomplicated recovery. In this study, we aim to investigate the demographic and hospital variables that may have contributed to patients leaving the hospital AMA following spine surgery. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients receiving spine surgery; we used the data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) database for the years 2011-2020. Demographics, household income status, insurance status, time from admission to operation, length of stay, length of recovery, and discharge disposition were collected and analyzed. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine the odds ratios of each factor and their association to patient decision of leaving AMA. Results: As per our findings, patients aged 30-49 had 1.666 times greater odds of leaving AMA following spine surgery (P<0.001), patients aged 50-64 had 1.222 times greater odds of leaving AMA (P=0.001), and patients older than 65 had 0.490 times lesser odds of leaving AMA (P<0.001). Additionally, black patients were 1.612 times more likely to leave AMA (P<0.001), whereas white patients were 0.675 times less likely to do so (<0.001). Women were 0.555 times less likely to leave AMA than the rest of the population (P<0.001). Moreover, patients with private insurance were 0.268 times less likely to leave AMA (P<0.001), while patients on Medicare and Medicaid were 1.692 times (P<0.001) and 3.958 times more likely to leave AMA (P<0.001) following spine surgery, respectively. Finally, patients in the lowest quartile of income were 1.691 times more likely to leave AMA (P<0.001), while patients in the higher quartile of income were 0.521 times less likely to do so (P<0.001). Conclusions: It is critical that spine surgeons are aware of the factors that predispose patients to leave AMA in order to mitigate postoperative complications.

Effective Risk Assessment for Distal Radius Fractures: A Rigorous Multivariable Regression Analysis, Using a Novel 8-Item Modified Frailty Index.

Introduction Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are among the most common orthopaedic injuries. The prevalence of DRFs is increasing across all age groups but remains the second most common fracture in the elderly. The modified frailty index (MFI) often predicts morbidity and mortality in orthopaedic injuries. This study aims to determine the predictive value of MFI on complication rates following DRF and the patient length of stay and discharge outcomes. Methods We utilized our MFI to perform a retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Results In a total of 22,313 patients, the average age was 46 ± 16. An increase in MFI led to an increase in the odds ratio of readmission and reoperation ( p < 0.001). MFI predicted complications, doubling the rate as the score increased from 1 to 2 ( p < 0.001). An MFI of 2 also led to a delayed hospital stay of 5 days ( p < 0.001), as well as an increase in the odds of patients not being sent home at discharge ( p < 0.001). Finally, life-threatening complications were also predicted with an increased MFI, the odds of a life-threatening complication increasing 488.20 times at an MFI of 3 ( p < 0.001). Discussion and Conclusion While surgical decision-making for frail patients with DRFs remains contentious, this novel 8-item MFI score was significantly associated with the probability of hospital readmission/reoperation, postoperative complications, and delayed hospital length of stay. Three new parameters were incorporated into our 8-item score compared with the conventional 5; hypoalbuminemia status (< 3.5 mg/dL), previous diagnosis of osteoporosis, and severe obesity (body mass index > 35) enhancing its sensitivity. Future studies are warranted for its prospective utility in ruling out postsurgical comorbidity.

Risk Factors for Leaving Against Medical Advice in Patients Admitted for Upper Extremity Orthopedic Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Patients who leave against medical advice (AMA) face increased risks of negative health outcomes, presenting a challenge for healthcare systems. This study examines demographic and hospital course factors associated with patients leaving AMA after an upper extremity (UE) orthopaedic procedure. METHODS: We analyzed 262,912 patients who underwent UE orthopaedic procedures between 2011 and 2020, using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database. We then compared demographic and hospital course factors between patients who left AMA and those who did not leave AMA. RESULTS: Of 262,912 UE orthopaedic patients, 0.45% (1,173) left AMA. Those more likely to leave AMA were aged 30 to 49 (OR, 5.953, P < 0.001), Black (OR, 1.708, P < 0.001), had Medicaid (OR, 3.436, P < 0.001), and were in the 1st to 25th income percentile (OR, 1.657, P < 0.001). Female patients were less likely to leave AMA than male patients (OR, 0.647, P < 0.001). Patients leaving AMA had longer stays (3.626 versus 2.363 days, P < 0.001) and longer recovery times (2.733 versus 1.977, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We found that male, Black, younger than 49 years old, Medicaid-insured, and lowest income quartile patients are more likely to leave AMA after UE orthopaedic treatment.

Decade-long Trends in Incidence of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in the United States: A Nationwide Database Analysis of Over 33 Million Patients.

PURPOSE: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a prevalent pediatric hip disorder linked to severe complications, with childhood obesity as a crucial risk factor. Despite the rising obesity rates, contemporary data on SCFE's epidemiology remain scarce in the United States. This study examined SCFE incidence trends and demographic risk factors in the United States over a decade. METHODS: A decade-long (2011 to 2020) retrospective cohort study was undertaken using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample. Patients aged younger than 18 years were identified and further analyzed if diagnosed with SCFE through ICD-9 or ICD-10 codes. Key metrics included demographics variables, with multivariate regression assessing demographic factors tied to SCFE, and yearly incidence calculated. RESULTS: Of 33,180,028 pediatric patients, 11,738 (0.04%) were diagnosed with SCFE. The incidence escalated from 2.46 to 5.96 per 10,000 children, from 2011 to 2020, mirroring childhood obesity trends. Lower socioeconomic status children were predominantly affected. Multivariate analysis revealed reduced SCFE risk in female patients, while Black and Hispanic ethnicities, alongside the Western geographic location, had an increased risk. CONCLUSION: This study underscores a twofold increase in SCFE incidence over the past decade, aligning with childhood obesity upsurge. Moreover, SCFE disproportionately affects lower SES children, with male sex, Black and Hispanic ethnicities amplifying the risk. This calls for targeted interventions to mitigate SCFE's effect, especially amidst the vulnerable populations.

The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity on Perioperative Total Joint Arthroplasty Outcomes: The Obesity Paradox and Risk Assessment in Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Background: The relationship between elevated body mass index (BMI) and adverse outcomes in joint arthroplasty is well established in the literature. This paper aims to challenge the conventional thought of excluding patients from a total knee or hip replacement based on BMI alone. Instead, we propose using the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its defining components to better identify patients at high risk for intraoperative and postoperative complications. Methods: Patients who underwent primary, elective total knee and total hip arthroplasty were identified in the 2015-2020 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Several defining components of MetS, such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, were compared to a metabolically healthy cohort. Postoperative outcomes assessed included mortality, length of hospital stay, 30-day surgical and medical complications, and discharge. Results: The outcomes of 529,737 patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program who underwent total knee and total hip arthroplasty were assessed. MetS is associated with increased complications and increased mortality. Both hypertension and diabetes are associated with increased complications but have no impact on mortality. Interestingly, while obesity was associated with increased complications, there was a significant decrease in mortality. Conclusions: Our results show that the impact of MetS is more than the sum of its constitutive parts. Additionally, obese patients experience a protective effect, with lower mortality than their nonobese counterparts. This study supports moving away from strict BMI cutoffs alone for someone to be eligible for an arthroplasty surgery and offers more granular data for risk stratification and patient selection.

Impact of COVID-19 on Elective Orthopaedic Surgery Outcomes During the Peak of the Pandemic, an Uptick of Complications: An Analysis of the ACS-NSQIP.

INTRODUCTION: Since the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in March 2020, COVID-19 has pressured the healthcare system. Elective orthopaedic procedures for American seniors were canceled, delayed, or altered because of lockdown restrictions and public health mandates. We sought to identify differences in the complication rates for elective orthopaedic surgeries before and atfter the pandemic onset. We hypothesized that complications increased in the elderly during the pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database in patients older than 65 years undergoing elective orthopaedic procedures from 2019 (prepandemic) and April to December 2020 (during the pandemic). We recorded readmission rates, revision surgery, and 30-day postoperative complications. In addition, we compared the two groups and adjusted for baseline features with standard multivariate regression. RESULTS: We included 146,430 elective orthopaedic procedures in patients older than 65 years (94,289 before the pandemic and 52,141 during). Patients during the pandemic had a 5.787 times greater chance of having delayed wait time to the operating room (P < 0.001), a 1.204 times greater likelihood of readmission (P < 0.001), and a 1.761 times increased chance of delayed hospital stay longer than 5 days (P < 0.001) when compared with prepandemic. In addition, during the pandemic, patients were 1.454 times more likely to experience any complication (P < 0.001) when compared with patients prepandemic undergoing orthopaedic procedures. Similarly, patients were also 1.439 times more likely to have wound complication (P < 0.001), 1.759 times more likely to have any pulmonary complication (P < 0.001), 1.511 times more likely to have any cardiac complication (P < 0.001), and 1.949 times more likely to have any renal complication (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, elderly patients faced longer wait times within the hospital and increased odds of complications after elective orthopaedic procedures than similar patients before the pandemic.

The Effect of Obesity on Distal Radius Fractures: An Analysis from the NSQIP Database.

The rate and severity of obesity has risen over the past 40 years, and class III (formerly morbid) obesity presents additional sequelae. The effect of obesity on the incidence and recovery of hand and wrist fractures remains unclear. We sought to quantify the relationship between class III obesity and postoperative distal radius fracture (DRF) complications. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database for surgical DRF patients more than 50 years old from 2015 to 2020. We then stratified patients into class III obese (BMI > 40) and compared the rates of postoperative complications to a control group with BMI less than 40. Results: We included 10,022 patients (570 class III obese vs. 9,452 not class III obese). Patients with class III obesity had significantly increased odds of experiencing any complication (OR 1.906, p<0.001), adverse discharge (OR 2.618, p<0.001), delayed hospital stay of longer than three days (OR 1.91, p<0.001), and longer than seven days (OR 2.943, p<0.001) than controls. They also had increased odds of unplanned reoperation (OR 2.138, p = 0.026) and readmission (OR 2.814, p < 0.001) than non-class III obese patients. Class III obese patients had a significantly longer average operation time (79.5 min vs. 72.2 min, p < 0.001). They also spent more time in the hospital postoperatively (0.86 days vs. 0.57 days, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Class III obese patients undergoing DRF repair are more likely to experience postoperative complications than non-class III obese patients.

The 8-item Modified Frailty Index Is an Effective Risk Assessment Tool in Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. OBJECTIVE: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is one of the most common procedures for cervical diseases often with reliable outcomes. However, morbidity rates can be as high as 19.3% so appropriate patient selection and risk stratification is imperative. Our modified frailty index (MFI) predicts postoperative complications after other orthopaedic procedures. We hypothesized that this index would predict complications in a large cohort of ACDF patients. METHODS: We reviewed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, including patients who underwent ACDF from 2015-2020. An 8-item MFI score was calculated for each patient. We recorded 30-days postoperative complications, readmission, and reoperation rates, adjusting for baseline features using standard multivariate regression. This project was approved of by the University of Texas Health Science Center Institutional Review Board and an IRB exception was granted. RESULTS: We identified 17 662 ACDF cases. Patients with MFI of 5 or greater had a 37.53 times increased odds of incurring postoperative complications compared to patients with MFI of 0 (P < .001) even when age, sex, race, and ethnicity were controlled for. Specifically, life-threatening Clavien-Dindo IV complications, as well as wound, cardiac, renal, and pulmonary complications were significantly increased in patients with an MFI of 5 or greater. Also, as MFI increased from 1-2 to 3-4 to 5 or greater, the odds of readmission increased from 1.36 to 2.31 to 5.42 times (P < .001) and odds of reoperation from 1.19 (P = .185) to 2.3 to 6.54 times (P < .001). Frailty was still associated with increased complications, readmission, and reoperation after controlling for demographic data, including age, as well as operative time and length of stay. CONCLUSION: Frailty is highly predictive of postoperative complications, readmission, and reoperation following ACDF. Employing a simple frailty evaluation can guide surgical decision-making and patient counseling for cervical disease.

Prenatal treprostinil reduces the pulmonary hypertension phenotype in the rat model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

BACKGROUND: Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PH) causes significant mortality and morbidity in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Since pulmonary vascular abnormalities in CDH develop early during foetal development, we hypothesized that prenatal maternal administration of treprostinil, through its anti-remodelling effect, would improve the PH-phenotype in the nitrofen rat model of CDH. METHODS: In a dose-finding study in normal, healthy pregnant rats, we demonstrated target-range foetal plasma treprostinil concentrations without signs of toxicity. Next, an efficacy study was performed assessing the effects of treprostinil administration at 900 and 1500ng/kg/min from gestational day (GD) 16 until term (GD 21) in CDH and control pups. Pulmonary vascular and airway morphometry, lung mechanics, and expression patterns of genes implicated in the prostaglandin vasoactive pathway were studied. FINDINGS: In rats maternal administration of 1500ng/kg/min treprostinil reached target foetal concentrations, with no detrimental maternal or foetal side-effects. Prenatal exposure to 900 and 1500 ng/kg/min treprostinil reduced the medial wall thickness (%MWT) (CDH·900, 38.5± 8·4%; CDH.1500, 40·2±9·7%; CDH, 46·6±8·2%; both p < 0·0001) in rat pups with CDH, however increased the %MWT in normal foetuses (C.T.900, 36·6±11·1%; C.T.1500, 36·9±9·3%; C.P., 26·9±6·2%; both p < 0·001). Pulmonary airway development, lung hypoplasia and pulmonary function were unaffected by drug exposure. INTERPRETATION: In pregnant rats maternally administered treprostinil crosses the placenta, attains foetal target concentrations, and is well tolerated by both mother and foetuses. This report shows a significant reduction of pulmonary arteriole muscularization with prenatal treprostinil in a nitrofen rat model, supporting the promise of this treatment approach for PH of CDH. FUNDING: United Therapeutics Corporation provided treprostinil and financial support (ISS-2020-10879).