Trends in Open Versus Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release From 2010 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: This study compared trends in use, predictive factors, and reimbursement of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) withthose of open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) from 2010 to 2021 using a national administrative database. METHODS: ECTR and OCTR patients were identified in the PearlDiver M151Ortho data set. Numeric and proportional utilization of these procedures was characterized for each year of study. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictive factors for having ECTR performed. The average 90-day reimbursement of ECTR and OCTR was determined. RESULTS: From 2010 through 2021, 441,023 ECTR and 1,767,820 OCTR procedures were identified. The proportional use of ECTR compared with OCTR rose from 2010 (15.7% of procedures) to 2021 (26.1%). Independent predictors of having ECTR performed rather than OCTR included geographic variation (compared with having surgery in the Midwest, Northeast odds ratio [OR], 1.53; West OR, 1.62; and South OR, 1.66), having Medicare or commercial insurance (compared with commercial, Medicare OR, 0.94, and Medicaid OR, 0.69), female sex, and fewer comorbidities. The average 90-day reimbursement for ECTR was $3,114.82, compared with $3,087.62 for OCTR. DISCUSSION: As of 2021, over one-fourth of carpal tunnel releases are done endoscopically. Several factors independently predict whether patients receive ECTR or OCTR.

Billing rules / global period affect postoperative follow-up practices following total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common procedure following which postoperative visits are important to optimize outcomes. The associated global billing period includes the 90 postoperative days (or approximately 13 weeks), during which professional billing is included with the surgery itself. The current study assessed clinical practice patterns relative to the global billing period. METHODS: Using the PearlDiver M91Ortho dataset, the incidence and timing of Evaluation and Management (E&M) codes in the 26 weeks following THA were assessed. The follow-up visits within and beyond the global billing period, and those conducted by surgeons versus non-surgeon advanced practice providers (APPs) were determined. RESULTS: 77,843 THAs were identified. Follow-up visits peaked at postoperative weeks 3, 7, and 14. The greatest week-to-week variation in the number of follow-ups was from weeks 13 to 14 immediately following the global billing period (representing a greater than 4-fold increase in visits.) During the first 13 postop weeks, 73.8% of patients were seen by orthopedic surgeons (as opposed to APPs). In the following 13 weeks, a significantly greater percentage of visits were with surgeons (86.8%, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Following the THA global billing period, there was marked increase in the number of follow-ups and transition to a greater percentage being performed by the surgeons. These results provide interesting insight into the potential impact of the billing structure on how practice is pursued.

A 10-year perspective on the question of whether surgeries for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis are "one and done"?

PURPOSE: Posterior scoliosis fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is considered a highly successful surgery with excellent outcomes. However, especially as many patients "graduate" from their pediatric surgeons, there is the need to quantify the long-term outcomes of such surgeries. METHODS: The 2010-2022 Pearldiver M161 dataset was queried for those who were 10 to 18 years old with AIS undergoing PSF with at least 10 years follow-up. Patient characteristics were abstracted. Reoperations were identified based on coding for any subsequent thoracic/lumbar surgery/revision. The 10-year reoperation rate and reasons for reoperation were determined, and multivariate regression was performed to determine risk factors. RESULTS: In total, 3,373 AIS PSF patients were identified. Of the study cohort, 324 (9.6%) underwent reoperation within 10-years with an interquartile range for timing of surgery of 81-658 days, of which 29.6% were done for infection. Reoperations were done within the first three months for 152 (46.9% of reoperations), three months to 2 years for 97 (29.9%), and 2 years to 10 years for 74 (22.8%). Based on multivariate regression, need for reoperation was associated with male sex (OR: 1.70), asthma (OR: 1.36) and greater than thirteen segments of instrumentation (OR: 1.48) (p < 0.05 for each) but not age, other comorbidities, or insurance. CONCLUSIONS: The current study of a large national AIS PSF population found 9.6% to undergo reoperation in the 10 years following their index operation. Although specifics about the curve pattern could not be determined, the reoperation incidence and correlation with specific risk factors are notable and important for patient counselling.

Utilization of PROMIS Neuropathic Pain Quality for Detection and Monitoring Neuropathic Pain in Heel Pain Patients.

Background: Diagnosis and management of neuropathic pain (NP) in foot and ankle patients remain challenging. We investigated the plausibility of using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Neuropathic Pain Quality (PQ-Neuro) as an initial screening tool to detect NP and track the treatment effects. Methods: Patients with heel pain were prospectively recruited and grouped to no-NP, mild-NP, and severe-NP based on the initial PROMIS PQ-Neuro t scores. Pain Interference (PI), Physical Function (PF), and Self-Efficacy (SE) scores were evaluated at baseline, 30-day, and 90-day follow-up. Other factors such as age, smoking, body mass index (BMI), low back/neck pain, anxiety/depression, and medications were analyzed. Linear mixed modeling was used to assess the main effects of time and NP on PROMIS t scores, comparing minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Results: Forty-eight patients with mean age of 52.4 years were recruited. Using the PROMIS PQ-Neuro as the assessment tool, 33 patients (69%) were detected to have NP at baseline-23 (48%) mild and 10 (21%) severe. BMI was the only independent factor associated with NP (P = .011). Higher baseline PQ-Neuro t score was significantly associated with higher follow-up PQ-Neuro (P < .001), PI (P = .005), and lower SE (P = .04) across time points. Patients with NP showed lower PF at baseline with significantly less improvement in PF (3 vs 9.9, P = .035) and did not meet MCID. Conclusion: Baseline PROMIS PQ-Neuro ≥46 was significantly associated with worse PI and SE across all time points, with less clinically significant improvements in PF. Prevalence of NP in heel pain patients was high. The PROMIS PQ-Neuro may serve as a valuable tool for detection of NP and guiding clinical treatment decision pathways for heel pain patients. Level of Evidence: Level III, prospective cohort study.

Racial Disparities in Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Management of Distal Radius Fractures in a Medicare Population.

BACKGROUND: As racial/ethnic disparities in management of distal radius fractures (DRFs) have not been well elucidated in the literature, this study sought to evaluate the correlation of race/ethnicity on surgical versus nonsurgical management of DRFs in a Medicare population. METHODS: The PearlDiver Standard Analytical Files Medicare claims database was used to identify patients ≥65 years old with isolated DRF. Patients with polytrauma or surgery performed for upper extremity neoplasm were excluded. Surgical versus nonsurgical management was compared based on demographics, comorbidity (Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, ECI), race/ethnicity, and whether the fracture was open or closed. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to assess for independent predictors. RESULTS: Of 54 564 isolated DRFs identified, surgery was performed for 20 663 (37.9%). On multivariable analysis, patients were independently less likely to receive surgical management if they were: older (relative to 65- to 69-year-olds, incrementally decreasing by age bracket up to >85 years where odds ratio [OR] was 0.27, P < .001), higher ECI (per 2 increase OR: 0.96, P < .001), and closed fractures (OR: 0.35, P < .001). For race/ethnicity: black (OR: 0.64, P < .001), Hispanic (OR: 0.71, P < .001), and Asian (OR: 0.60, P < .001) patients were less likely to undergo surgery. CONCLUSIONS: While age, comorbidities, and fracture type are known to affect surgical decision-making for DRF, race/ethnicity has not previously been reported, and its independent prediction of nonsurgical management for several groups points to a disparity in surgical decision-making/access to care. This highlights the need for increased attention to initiatives that seek to provide equitable care to all patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-Retrospective review of national database.

Factors Associated With Increased Opioid Prescriptions Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Opioid-Naïve Patients.

Purpose: To identify the mean morphine milligram equivalent (MME) opioid prescriptions for opioid-naïve patients undergoing isolated anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) between 4 weeks before surgery and the first 90 days after surgery and to describe opioid prescriptions filled per patient and mean MMEs per year within 90 days following ACLR. Methods: Exclusion criteria were patients having concurrent other cruciate or collateral ligament repair or reconstruction, meniscus procedures (repair and debridement), any cartilage procedure, lower-extremity osteotomy, or knee procedures for fracture, infection, or neoplasms; patients with substance use disorder or chronic pain also were excluded. Opioid use between 4 weeks before surgery and the first 90 days after surgery was recorded. Prescribing physician specialty also was tracked. The correlation of patient factors and prescriber specialty of MME were compared using the Student's t-test. Significance was defined at P < .05. Results: Opioid-naïve patients undergoing isolated ACLR were included. Isolated arthroscopic ACLRs performed between 2010 and Q3 2020 in opioid-naïve patients were identified within the PearlDiver M91 national database. A total of 37,200 patients were identified. Mean MME per patient was 340.9 ± 198.2, with an average MME per day of 59.9. Factors associated with increased opioid use during the 90 days following ACLR were older age (P < .001) and preoperative diagnosis of depression (P < .001). Orthopaedic surgeons were primarily responsible for the number of opioid prescriptions after ACLR (n = 29,326, 73.0%) but 27% (n = 10,797) of prescriptions came from nonorthopaedic surgeon medical providers who prescribed significantly greater MMEs of opioids than orthopaedic surgeons (456.5 vs 339.2, P < .001) per patient. Lastly, decreasing yearly opioid prescriptions per patient (2.4 to 1.6 prescriptions) and the mean MME per patient (428.4 to 257.1) occurred from 2010 to 2020. Conclusions: Older age and preoperative diagnosis of depression are associated with greater opioid doses after ACLR. In addition, the vast majority of opioid prescriptions are written by orthopaedic surgeons on the day of ACLR and decreased considerably by four weeks after surgery. Patients receiving opioid prescriptions by nonorthopaedic surgeon medical providers receive significantly greater doses. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Previous Isolated Medial Bucket-Handle Meniscus Repair Significantly Increases Risk of Subsequent Ipsilateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Purpose: (1) To define the incidence of surgically treated isolated bucket-handle meniscus tears (BHMTs); (2) to investigate risk of subsequent ipsilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in patients who underwent previous isolated bucket handle (BH) meniscus repair; and (3) to investigate the risk of subsequent ACLR for various types of surgically treated meniscal tears. Methods: A retrospective review of a national database was conducted to identify patients, aged 10 to 40 years, who underwent primary isolated BH meniscus surgery from 2015 to 2020. Patients were stratified by operative method. A control group of 500,000 age-matched patients was randomly selected to establish a benchmark rate of ACLR. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to compare the timing and incidence of subsequent ipsilateral ACLR after primary isolated BH meniscus surgery to the control group within 2 and 5 years. Results: In total, 1,767 patients with isolated BHMTs treated with surgery were identified and met inclusion criteria. The incidence of isolated BHMTs among all surgically treated (repair or meniscectomy) meniscal injuries was 1.67%. Isolated BH repairs had significantly greater odds of ACLR within 5 years compared to the control group (odds ratio [OR] 6.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.86-12.99; P < .001). Medial BH repairs had the greatest odds of ACLR within 5 years (OR 9.15; 95% CI 4.27-19.57; P < .001). Lateral BH repair was not associated with subsequent ipsilateral ACLR within 5 years (OR 2.63; CI 0.37-18.90; P = .340). Conclusions: Isolated BHMTs comprised 1.67% of all surgically treated meniscal injuries. Patients who underwent prior surgery for isolated BHMT were at increased risk of undergoing subsequent ipsilateral ACLR compared with the general population. Isolated medial BHMTs treated with repair had the highest risk for subsequent ACLR. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Single-level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Results in Lower Five-year Revisions than Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy in a Large National Cohort.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study using the 2010-2020 MSpine PearlDiver administrative data set. OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative adverse events and five-year revisions for single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) versus posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cervical disk disease can often be treated surgically using single-level ACDF or PCF. Prior studies have suggested that posterior approaches provide similar short-term outcomes as ACDF; however, posterior procedures may have an increased risk of revision surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The database was queried for patients undergoing elective single-level ACDF or PCF (excluding cases performed for myelopathy, trauma, neoplasm, and/or infection). Outcomes, including specific complications, readmission, and reoperations, were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain odds ratios (OR) of 90-day adverse events controlling for age, sex, and comorbidities. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to determine five-year rates of cervical reoperation in the ACDF and PCF cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 31,953 patients treated by ACDF (29,958, 93.76%) or PCF (1995, 6.24%) were identified. Multivariable analysis, controlling for age, sex, and comorbidities, demonstrated that PCF was associated with significantly greater odds of aggregated serious adverse events (OR 2.17, P <0.001), wound dehiscence (OR 5.89, P <0.001), surgical site infection (OR 3.66, P <0.001), and pulmonary embolism (OR 1.72, P =0.04). However, PCF was associated with significantly lower odds of readmission (OR 0.32, P <0.001), dysphagia (OR 0.44, P <0.001), and pneumonia (OR 0.50, P =0.004). At five years, PCF cases had a significantly higher cumulative revision rate compared with ACDF cases (19.0% vs. 14.8%, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The current study is the largest to date to compare short-term adverse events and five-year revision rates between single-level ACDF and PCF for nonmyelopathy elective cases. Perioperative adverse events differed by procedure, and it was notable that the incidence of cumulative revisions was higher for PCF. These findings can be used in decision-making when there is clinical equipoise between ACDF and PCF.

Weight loss makes the difference: perioperative outcomes following posterior lumbar fusion in patients with and without weight loss following bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Morbid obesity (MO) has been associated with increased risk of adverse events following procedures such as posterior lumbar fusion (PLF). While preemptive bariatric surgery (BS) has been considered for those with MO (body mass index [BMI] ≥35 kg/m2), not all undergoing such intervention have significant weight loss, and the impact of BS has been shown to correlate with weight loss after different related procedures. PURPOSE: To examine outcomes following isolated single level PLF among patients with history of BS who subsequently did and did not transition out of the morbidly obese category. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Retrospective case-control study. PATIENT SAMPLE: The PearlDiver 2010-Q1 2020 MSpine database was used to identify adult patients undergoing elective isolated PLF. Patients were excluded if they had a history of infection, neoplasm, or trauma in the 90-days prior to their PLF and if they were not active in the database for at least 90 days following their surgery. Three sub-cohorts were defined: 1) MO controls without a history of BS (-BS+MO), 2) patients with prior BS procedure who remained MO (+BS+MO), and 3) patients with prior BS who were no longer MO at the time of PLF (+BS-MO). Matched 1:1:1 populations were created for these three sub-cohorts based on age, sex and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI). OUTCOME MEASURES: Ninety-day adverse events and readmission rates were assessed and compared between the three sub-cohorts (-BS+MO, +BS+MO, +BS-MO). METHODS: Univariable analyses and multivariable logistic regression were performed on the matched population to compare 90-day adverse events and readmission rates controlling for age, sex, and ECI. RESULTS: The current study identified PLF patients who were MO at the time of surgery but did not have a history of BS (-BS+MO, n=34,236), those who had BS and remained MO (+BS+MO, n=564), and those who had MS and were no longer MO (+BS-MO, n=209 which was only 27% of those who had BS). On multivariable analysis of the matched populations, those that had BS but remained MO (+BS+MO) were not at reduced odds of 90-day adverse events. However, those that had BS and were no longer MO (+BS-MO) were at reduced odds of 90-day any, severe, and minor adverse events (OR 0.41, 0.51, and 0.37, respectively with p<0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Only 27% of those with a history of BS prior to PLF transitioned out of the MO category. Compared to those who were morbidly obese without BS, those who had BS were only at reduced risk of 90-day adverse events if they actually lost weight sufficient to drop out of morbidly obesity. These findings should be taken into account when counseling patients and interpreting prior studies.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Year Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Potential Overutilization of Healthcare Resources.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for late-stage degenerative changes, a situation for which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically not considered useful. In an era attempting to contain healthcare expenditures, the rate, timing, and predictors for MRI before TKA were assessed in a large, national, administrative data set. METHODS: The 2010 to Q3 2020 MKnee PearlDiver data set was used to identify patients undergoing TKA for osteoarthritis. Those with lower extremity MRI for knee indications within 1 year before TKA were then defined. Patient age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, region in the country, and insurance plan were characterized. Predictors of having had an MRI were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. The costs and timing of the obtained MRIs were also assessed. RESULTS: Of 731,066 TKAs, MRI was obtained within 1 year prior for 56,180 (7.68%) with 28,963 (51.9%) within the 3 months of TKA. Independent predictors of having had an MRI included younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.74 per decade increase), female sex (OR, 1.10), higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (OR, 1.15), region of the country (relative to South, Northeast OR, 1.08, West OR, 1.22, Midwest OR, 1.36), and insurance (relative to Medicare, Medicaid OR, 1.36 and Commercial OR, 1.35) with P < 0.0001 for each. The total cost of MRIs among patients who received a TKA is $44,686,308. CONCLUSION: Noting that TKA is typically done for advanced degenerative changes, MRI should rarely be indicated in the preoperative period for this procedure. Nonetheless, this study found that MRI was done within the year before TKA for 7.68% of the study cohort. In an era striving for evidence-based medicine, the almost $45 million dollars spent on MRI in the year before TKA may represent overutilization.

Comparing Race/Ethnicity and Zip Code Socioeconomic Status for Surgical versus Nonsurgical Management of Proximal Humerus Fractures in a Medicare Population.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) on surgical utilization after proximal humerus fractures in a large Medicare cohort. METHODS: The PearlDiver Medicare claims database was used to identify patients aged 65years and older with isolated, closed proximal humerus fractures, for whom race/ethnicity data were available (65.5% of identified fractures). Patients with polytrauma or neoplasm were excluded. Patient demographic, race/ethnicity, comorbidity, and median household income were compared for surgical versus nonsurgical management. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine disparities of surgical utilization based on the abovementioned factors. RESULTS: Of 133,218 patients with proximal humerus fracture identified, surgery was conducted for 4446 (3.3%). Those less likely to receive surgery were older (incrementally by increasing age bracket up to 85 years and older odds ratio [OR], 0.16, P < 0.001), male (OR, 0.79, P < 0.001), Black (OR, 0.51, P < 0.001) or Hispanic (0.61, P = 0.005), higher Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (per 2 increase OR, 0.86, P < 0.001), and low median household income (OR, 0.79, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The independent significance of race/ethnicity and SES point to disparities in surgical decision making/access to care. These findings highlight the need for increased attention on initiatives and policies that seek to eliminate racial disparities and improve health equity independent of SES.

Opioid Prescription Patterns 90 Days After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A 10-Year National Database Analysis.

Background: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is a common procedure that typically requires opioid prescription for postoperative pain management. Purpose: To investigate the current prescription patterns and factors influencing 90-day postoperative opioid prescription trends for opioid-naïve patients who underwent ARCR. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Opioid-naïve adult patients who underwent ARCR between January 2010 and September 2020 and had a record of opioid prescriptions during the 90-day postoperative period were identified in the PearlDiver Mariner91 national administrative database. Exclusions included patients with prior shoulder procedures, a history of chronic pain, and opioid prescription records dated earlier than 4 weeks before surgery. Covariates included age group, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and prescriber specialty (orthopaedic or nonorthopaedic). The primary outcome-90-day postoperative morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) prescribed per patient-was compared using univariate and multivariate regression analyses, and 90-day postoperative opioid prescription trends over the 10-year study period were analyzed with linear regression. Results: In total, 55,345 ARCR cases were identified. The mean ± SD amount prescribed within the first 90 days was 742.4 ± 256.5 MMEs, and the median was 487.5 MMEs. Multivariate linear regression analysis predicted higher 90-day postoperative MMEs for female patients and younger patients (P < .01 for both). From 2010 to 2020, there was a 66% decrease in mean MME prescribed per patient (▵ = 660.4 MME; P < .01), with a mean reduction of 55.1 MME per patient per year. In 2020, the mean 90-day postoperative amount prescribed was 341.1 MME, which is equivalent to 51 tablets of 5-mg oxycodone (Percocet). Conclusion: Female sex and younger age were predictors of more MME being prescribed after ARCR. While opioid prescriptions following ARCR have substantially decreased over the past decade, the amount prescribed warrants further attention.

Incidental Durotomy After Posterior Lumbar Decompression Surgery Associated With Increased Risk for Venous Thromboembolism.

INTRODUCTION: Incidental durotomies can occur during posterior lumbar decompression surgery. Not only can this slow patient recovery but many surgeons recommend a period of bed rest in these situations, which can further slow mobilization. This immobility might be associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after spinal surgery. This study aims to determine whether incidental durotomies are associated with increased risk of VTE in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery. METHODS: Adult patients undergoing laminectomy or laminotomy (excluding any with concomitant fusion procedures) for degenerative etiologies and with a minimum of 90-day follow-up were identified from the MSpine Pearldiver dataset. Incidental durotomies were identified based on hospital administrative coding, and patient demographics, comorbidities, and the occurrence and timing of VTE (deep vein thrombosis [DVT] and/or pulmonary embolism) were defined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 156,488 lumbar decompression patients included in the study, incidental durotomies was noted for 2,036 (1.3%). Markedly more VTEs were observed in the first five days in the incidental durotomies group ( P < 0.001) but not incrementally any day after ( P > 0.05). On univariate analyses, a significant increased risk of VTE, DVT, and PE was observed ( P < 0.001 for each). On multivariate analyses controlling for age, sex, and comorbidities, odds were significantly increased for VTE (Odds ratios = 1.75, P < 0.001) and DVT (OR = 1.70, P < 0.001) but not independently significant for pulmonary embolism. DISCUSSION: Patients who have incidental durotomies during lumbar laminectomy or laminotomy surgery were found to have increased odds of VTE, primarily in the first five days. Although not all factors associated with this could be directly determined, slower mobilization would seem to be a likely contributing factor. Increasing mobilization and/or adjusting chemoprophylaxis in this group would seem appropriately considered.

Comparative Success of Repair Versus Reconstruction for Knee Extra-articular Ligament Injuries.

Background: Surgical techniques and associated outcomes in treating acute and chronic extra-articular ligament knee injuries are in evolution, and there is question as to whether repair or reconstruction is optimal. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare the subsequent surgery rate between surgical repair versus reconstruction for all extra-articular ligament injuries of the knee utilizing a large database. Our hypothesis was that overall surgical repair of both lateral and medial extra-articular knee injuries would have a higher revision rate than those treated by reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The PearlDiver Mariner data set (2010-2019), with 122 million patients, was utilized to generate 2 patient cohorts: those who underwent surgical repair and those who underwent surgical reconstruction of a knee extra-articular ligament injury. All patients had a minimum of 2 years follow-up. Rates of concomitant or subsequent cruciate ligament reconstruction and rates of secondary procedures were assessed and compared between the 2 cohorts. Results: In total, 3563 patients were identified: extra-articular ligament reconstruction was performed for 2405 (67.5%), and repair was performed for 1158 (32.5%). Cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed for 986 (27.7%), of which 888 of 986 (90.1%) were performed on the same day as their extra-articular ligament procedure. At 2-year follow-up, the reconstruction cohort had higher rates of revision surgery compared with the repair cohort (8.2% vs 2.5%; P < .001). Conclusion: Using a large national database, knee extra-articular ligamentous reconstructions (those on both the lateral and the medial side) had a 3.3 times higher rate of revision surgery compared with repair at 2-year follow-up. Further study is needed to investigate the causes leading to revision surgery and to determine the optimal surgical treatment for both medial and lateral extra-articular knee ligament injuries.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Outcomes in Patients With and Without Bariatric Surgery-Weight Loss Does Make a Difference.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective comparative cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of elective non-obese anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) patients with those that underwent bariatric surgery (BS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Morbid obesity (MO) has been associated with an increased risk of complications following procedures such as elective ACDF. While pre-emptive BS has been considered for those with MO (body mass index [BMI] ≥35 kg/m 2 ), the impact of this intervention on BMI and its resultant correlation with surgical outcomes remains limited. METHODS: The PearlDiver 2010-Q1 2020 MSpine database was used to identify patients undergoing elective isolated ACDF. Three sub-cohorts were defined as follows: (1) Non-obese controls without a history of BS, (2) patients with BS procedure within two years with a BMI <35 kg/m 2 (BS+MO-), and (3) patients with BS procedure within the two years with a BMI ≥35 kg/m 2 (BS+MO+). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to compare 90-day adverse event rates adjusting for age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, and length of stay. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess five-year cervical reoperation rates. RESULTS: Of 160,166 elective ACDF patients, prior BS was identified for 479. Of these, 136 patients were BS+MO- and 343 were BS+MO+. On multivariate analysis, BS+MO- were not at increased odds of adverse events, but BS+MO+ were at greater odds of 90-day pulmonary embolism (odds ratio 3.28, P =0.043), wound dehiscence (5.02, P <0.001), hematomas (2.52, P =0.042), and overall minor adverse events (1.61, P =0.011) compared with controls. Five-year reoperation rates were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Twenty-eight percent of those with BS before ACDF fell out of the categorization of MO. Among this group, the odds of adverse events were similar to non-obese patients. These findings suggest that the psychological preparation and BS alone are insufficient to reduce the risk of adverse events after ACDF. Weight reduction must be achieved as well, ideally moving patients out of the BMI range for morbid obesity.

Total Hip Arthroplasty Imageless Navigation Does Not Reduce 90-Day Adverse Events or Five-Year Revisions in a Large National Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Computer navigation is an increasingly utilized technology that is considered with total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the evidence to support this practice is mixed. The current study leveraged a large national administrative database to compare 90-day adverse events as well as 5-year all-cause revision and dislocation rates following THA performed with and without imageless navigation. METHODS: From 2010 to 2020, a large national database was queried for THA cases performed for osteoarthritis. Cases with or without imageless navigation were matched at 1:4 based on age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) score. Ninety-day adverse events were assessed and compared with multivariate analyses. Five-year incidence of revision and dislocation were also assessed between cohorts. RESULTS: Use of THA imageless navigation increased from 2010 (2.5% of cases) to 2020 (5.5% of cases; P < .001). After matching, 11,990 THA patients with navigation and 47,948 without navigation were identified. Overall, 90-day adverse events were observed in 7.0% of the population. Multivariate analysis controlling for age, sex, and ECI demonstrated a difference in only one 90-day adverse event; wound dehiscence, which had higher odds in the navigation group (odds ratio, 1.60, P < .001). At 5 years, revisions for the navigated group were higher (4.4 versus 3.6%: P = .006), while dislocations were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: THA imageless navigation was not found to be associated with improved 90-day postoperative adverse events or differences in the 5-year rates of revision or dislocation. The current data were unable to identify clear advantages of this evolving technology for primary THA.

Ninety-Day Emergency Department Visits After Ankle Fracture Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency department (ED) visits after orthopaedic procedures such as ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) have received less attention than other outcomes. This study analyzed 90-day ED visits after ankle fracture surgery in a national database to better characterize the incidence, timing, risk factors, and reasons. METHODS: Ankle fractures undergoing ORIF were extracted from the PearlDiver M91Ortho 2010 to 2020Q3 data set. Patients were excluded for age younger than 18 years, presence of concomitant fractures, and <90 days of database follow-up. Patient age, sex, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score, region of the country, and insurance plan were analyzed as predictors for 90-day ED utilization using multivariate logistic regression. Incidence of readmissions and incidence, timing, risk factors, and reasons for ED visits were determined. RESULTS: Of 87,662 ankle fracture ORIF patients identified, ED visits were noted within 90 days of surgery for 10,087 (11.5%) while 4,030 (4.6%) were readmitted. One ED visit was noted for 6,102 patients, two visits for 2,654, three visits for 787, and more than three visits for 544. The greatest weekly incidence of ED visits was observed in weeks 1 and 2, with 2.9% and 3.1% of the entire cohort visiting in each week respectively. Factors independently associated with 90-day ED utilization included younger age (odds ratio [OR] 1.21 per decade decrease, P < 0.001), greater Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score (OR 1.40 per two-point increase, P < 0.001), and Medicaid insurance (OR 1.92, P < 0.001). In the first two postoperative weeks, 71% of ED visits were attributed to issues directly involving the surgical site while in subsequent weeks, most visits did not involve the surgical site (65%). DISCUSSION: Many patients visit the ED after ankle fracture surgery. The greatest ED utilization was during the first two postoperative weeks, and reasons for visits were defined. These findings have implications for optimizing care pathways and targeting resource allocation.

Posteromedial tibial plateau bone bruises are associated with medial meniscal ramp lesions in patients with concomitant anterior cruciate ligament ruptures: a systematic review & meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if posteromedial tibial plateau (PMTP) bone bruising on pre-operative MRI is significantly associated with a ramp lesion identified during arthroscopy in patients with concomitant ACL ruptures. METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Sciences, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched systematically for studies that investigated the association between PMTP bone bruises on preoperative MRI and ramp lesions confirmed during arthroscopy. Eight studies met inclusion criteria. The Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) checklist was used to assess quality. A meta-analysis was performed to analyze odds of a ramp lesion after PMTP bone bruising identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and Egger's linear regression test. RESULTS: There are 2.05 greater odds of medial meniscal ramp lesions in patients with an ACL rupture when PMTP bone bruising is found on preoperative MRI (95% CI, 1.29-3.25; p = 0.002). Heterogeneity of the pooled studies may be substantial (I2 = 65%; p = 0.006). Funnel plot analysis and Egger's linear regression test (p > 0.5) determined no publication bias among the studies included in the meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: Patients with acute ACL injuries and PMTP bone bruising on MRI have 2.05 times greater odds of a concomitant medial meniscal ramp lesion than those without this bone bruise pattern.

Subsequent Surgery Up to 10 Years After Osteochondral Allograft and Osteochondral Autograft: An Analysis of More Than 2000 Patients.

Background: Osteochondral allograft transplant (OCA) and osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT) replace damaged cartilage with a plug of bone and overlying articular cartilage; however, limited research is available regarding the survival of these osteoarticular grafting procedures. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that patients who underwent OCA would have a higher rate of subsequent surgery over the course of 5 years compared with patients who underwent OAT. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The PearlDiver Mariner administrative database was used to identify patients 10 to 59 years old who had undergone OCA or OAT between 2010 and 2018. All included patients were assessed for subsequent knee surgeries, defined by the occurrence of a subsequent osteochondral procedure (OCA or OAT) or any type of knee arthroplasty for the duration of the time they were included in the data set (maximum of 10 years). Analyses were performed for the total population and those with allograft versus autograft (compared using the Fisher exact test). The 5-year Kaplan-Meier survival curves for operation-free survival were compared using a Mantel-Cox log-rank test. Results: In total, 2598 patients were identified: 1631 patients who underwent OCA (34.5 ± 12.1 years old; 51.6% female) and 967 patients who underwent OAT (32.1 ± 12.9 years old; 51.0% female). Both groups had similarly high rates of subsequent knee surgeries (23.9% vs 21.9%, respectively; P = .249), with no statistical differences in rates of subsequent surgery between groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves comparing operation-free survival at 5 years indicated no significant difference between the groups (OCA, 88.0% vs OAT, 89.5%; P = .235). Conclusion: Both osteochondral grafting procedures carried a relatively high rate of secondary surgery, which increased with time. The 5-year survival analysis revealed similarly high rates of subsequent surgery.

Comparison of postoperative outcomes in patients with and without osteoporosis undergoing single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Background: Osteoporosis is ubiquitous in elderly populations, such as those undergoing ACDF. Short- and longer-term outcomes might be affected in the setting of osteoporosis related to graft subsidence, bony union, and stresses on adjacent segments. Better understanding the potential correlation of osteoporosis and outcomes after ACDF might affect patient counseling and surgical planning. The current study compares 90-day adverse events and 5-year reoperations following single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) between patients with and without osteoporosis. Methods: Single-level ACDF procedures were identified in a national administrative database. Exclusion criteria included age under 18 years, less than 90 days of follow-up in the database, multi-level procedures, posterior concomitant procedures, and surgeries performed for trauma, neoplasm, or infection. After matching based on patient characteristics, 90-day perioperative adverse events were compared with multivariate analyses and five-year reoperations were compared with log-rank analysis. Reasons for reoperations were also evaluated. Results: Relative to age, sex, and comorbidity-matched patients without osteoporosis, those with osteoporosis had a small but statistically greater incidence of experiencing any 90-day adverse event (10.9% vs 9.4%, p < 0.001) and 5-year reoperations (19.1% vs 17.0%, p < 0.001). Of those requiring reoperation, those in the osteoporosis group had a greater proportion for nonunion (7.5% vs 5.6% p = 0.003). Conclusions: Following single-level ACDF, patients with osteoporosis experience slightly greater 90-day adverse events and 5-year reoperations. These results suggest the importance of recognizing osteoporosis in the ACDF population and accounting for this with surgical planning and patient counselling.