Perioperative Differences Between Outpatient and Inpatient Pathways Following Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Optimization of clinical pathways and logistics led to the introduction of outpatient joint arthroplasty of the hip and knee. Nevertheless, little is known about what these current protocols look like and how they differ from "standard" inpatient protocols. This study aimed to find preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative differences between outpatient and inpatient pathways. Methods: A questionnaire (ranging between 23 and 37 items) was developed and administered by email to orthopedic surgeons who were a member of the Dutch Hip Society and Dutch Knee Society. Survey response rate was 38% (N = 117). Results: No significant differences were found in preoperative pathway characteristics. The administration regime for tranexamic acid significantly differed between outpatient and inpatient pathways (P < .001 and P = .002 for hip and knee arthroplasty, respectively), with outpatient pathways using a combined (eg, oral and intravenous) administration regime more frequently. The perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis regime also significantly differed between outpatient and inpatient pathways (P < .001 and P = .014, respectively), with outpatient pathways more frequently incorporating fewer antibiotic doses. Same-day postoperative mobilization significantly less often occurred if surgery took place later that day in inpatient hip arthroplasty pathways (24%; P = .034). Postoperative hemoglobin-check occurred significantly more often on indication in outpatient than in inpatient hip and knee arthroplasty pathways (∼75% vs ∼25%; P = .001). Conclusions: Few intraoperative and postoperative differences in outpatient and inpatient pathways were found and probably mainly relied on logistical grounds. Nonetheless, findings suggested that outpatient pathways tended to be more up-to-date and innovative than inpatient pathways.

Postoperative Load Bearing in Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures Around Hip Arthroplasty: A Survey Among Orthopedic Surgeons in the Netherlands.

INTRODUCTION: Permissive weight bearing (PWB) has relatively recently been implemented to optimize rapid clinical recovery and restoration of function in patients suffering lower extremity fractures. PWB shows outcome advantages in this patient category. Currently, there are no decisive recommendations on postoperative load-bearing management after surgically treated periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFF) around hip arthroplasty. The objective is to investigate the current postoperative practice of weight-bearing instructions for patients with surgically treated PPFF, accounting for differences in types of periprosthetic fractures and treatment options among Dutch orthopedic surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was distributed among the members of the hip and trauma working groups of the Dutch Orthopedic Association. RESULTS: The response rate was 13% (n=75). The main finding was that postoperative load bearing regimes in Vancouver A, B, and C PPFFs differed greatly among Dutch orthopedic surgeons, and there was no decisive guideline or consensus in postoperative load bearing regimes after surgically treated PPFF was used in the Netherlands. CONCLUSION: In the absence of decisive guidelines or consensus, more research is needed to explore the efficacy of PWB after surgically treated PPFF.

[Network medicine for people with movement complaints in the Netherlands: the Beweeghuis and other orthopaedic initiatives]. / Netwerkgeneeskunde voor mensen met beweegklachten.

The prevalence of disorders related to the movement apparatus such as osteoarthritis and neck/back complaints is increasing, thereby compromising the accessibility and affordability of movement care. Besides, these complaints cause high burden of disease, high sick leave and decreased self-sustainability. These developments demand an integral multidisciplinary and line transcending approach. Within the field of movement care several initiatives are already developed such as the Beweeghuis Network, Network Osteoarthritis, One-and-a-half line outpatient clinic Zuyderland. If healthcare evaluation of these initiatives show positive effects, these examples of network medicine can give answer and substance to the challenges and assignments discussed in the Integral Care Act. An important condition for upscaling on a national level is a new funding model in which prevention of care is being rewarded as well.

Prognosis of shoulder pain in those with and without a psychological disorder: A prospective cohort study with a six-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Because shoulder pain can have an unfavorable prognosis, it is important to have a better understanding of factors that may influence recovery. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between recovery from shoulder pain and the presence of depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study with a six months follow-up, we included patients visiting an orthopaedic department with shoulder pain. Primary outcome was recovery from shoulder pain measured with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index at three and six months. Information about depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), and demographic and clinical factors were collected at baseline. A linear mixed model was used to estimate the effects of depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and underlying shoulder disorders on recovery. RESULTS: We included 190 patients. There were no statistically significant associations between the presence of depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing, and three- and six-month recovery. Also between the underlying shoulder disorders and recovery at three and six months, there were no statistically significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: We could not prove that depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing, as well as underlying shoulder disorders, were associated with recovery of shoulder pain at six months.

Patients' experiences of an information brochure for knee arthroplasty. A brief qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Patient information holds an important role in knee arthroplasty surgery regarding patients' expectations and outcomes after surgery. The purpose of the present study was to explore the experiences and opinions of patients undergoing knee arthroplasty (KA) surgery on an information brochure provided preoperatively. METHODS: A qualitative case study of 8 patients using individual semi-structured interviews was conducted to explore patients' opinions on an information brochure in KA surgery. RESULTS: Patients rated the brochure as good and recommended its use. Unsatisfactory information regarding wound healing, pain expectations, postoperative exercises and use of walking aids was reported. Patients stated that the table of contents was insufficient and the size of the brochure (A4-format) too large. Patients reported to have no need for additional digital sources (e.g. applications, websites). CONCLUSION: These opinions support the use of an information brochure. The reported opinions were used to improve the brochure. Future research should focus on the improvement of information sources by involving patients (and other users) in the development process in which the information is tailored towards patient needs.

[A man with blisters after a knee replacement]. / Een man met blaren na een knieprothese.

A 62-year old male patient was seen four days after total knee arthroplasty with pain, itchy erythema and blistering surrounding the wound. European Standard Series and wound dressing patch testing was performed. This confirmed the diagnosis allergic contact dermatitis, with the wound dressing as the offending allergen.

Reasons for Unsuccessful Same-Day Discharge Following Outpatient Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: 5½ Years' Experience From a Single Institution.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient joint arthroplasty (OJA) is considered safe and feasible in selected patients but should be further optimized to improve success rates. The purposes of this study are to (1) identify the main reasons of unsuccessful same-day discharge (SDD) following hip and knee arthroplasty; (2) determine the hospital length of stay (LOS) following unsuccessful SDD; and (3) assess which independent variables are related to specific reasons for unsuccessful SDD. METHODS: Five hundred twenty-five patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively identified. SDD to home was planned in all patients. Specific reasons for unsuccessful SDD and LOS were assessed. Bivariate analysis was performed to find differences in independent variables between patients experiencing a specific reason for unsuccessful SDD and control patients. RESULTS: One hundred ten patients (21%) underwent unsuccessful SDD. The main reason was postoperative reduced motor function and sensory disturbances (33%). The mean LOS in the unsuccessful SDD group was 1.7 days (standard deviation ± 1.0 days). Postoperative transient reduced motor function and sensory disturbances occurred more often in patients undergoing TKA (P < .001). CONCLUSION: An option for overnight stay should be available when performing outpatient hip and knee arthroplasty. The main reason for unsuccessful SDD in this study was transient postoperative reduced motor function and sensory disturbance, most likely due to intraoperative local infiltration analgesia in TKA. No other studies have found local infiltration analgesia to be an issue preventing SDD.

Reduced opiate use after total knee arthroplasty using computer-assisted cryotherapy.

PURPOSE: Despite multimodal pain management and advances in anesthetic techniques, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains painful during the early postoperative phase. This trial investigated whether computer-assisted cryotherapy (CAC) is effective in reduction of pain and consumption of opioids in patients operated for TKA following an outpatient surgery pathway. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for primary TKA were included in this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial receiving CAC at 10-12 °C (Cold-group, n = 30) or at 21 °C (Warm-group, n = 30) during the first 7 days after TKA according to a fixed schedule. All patients received the same pre-, peri- and postoperative care with a multimodal pain protocol. Pain was assessed before and after every session of cryotherapy using the numerical rating scale for pain (NRS-pain). The consumption of opioids was strictly noted during the first 4 postoperative days. Secondary outcomes were knee swelling, visual hematoma and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). These parameters were measured pre-, 1, 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: In both study groups, a reduction in NRS-pain after every CAC session were seen during the postoperative period of 7 days. A mean reduction of 0.9 and 0.7 on the NRS-pain was seen for respectively the Cold- (P = 0.008) and Warm-group (n.s.). A significant (P = 0.001) lower number of opioids were used by the Cold-group during the acute postoperative phase of 4 days, 47 and 83 tablets for respectively the Cold and Warm-group. No difference could be observed for secondary outcomes and adverse effects between both study groups. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative CAC can be in added value in patients following an outpatient surgery pathway for TKA, resulting in reduced experienced pain and consumption of opioids during the first postoperative days.

Outpatient surgery for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is effective and safe.

PURPOSE: There has been increasing interest in accelerated programs for knee arthroplasty. We examined the efficacy and safety of an outpatient surgery (OS) pathway in patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). METHODS: This case-controlled study evaluates patients operated for UKA in an OS pathway (n = 20) compared to rapid recovery (RR), the current standard (n = 20). We investigated whether patients could be discharged on the day of surgery, resulting in comparable or better outcome by means of adverse events (AEs) in terms of pain (numerical rating scale, NRS), incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and opiate use (<48 h postoperatively), complication and readmission rates (<3 months postoperatively). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) were obtained preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Postoperative pain (NRS > 5) was the most common reason for prolonged hospital stay in the OS pathway. Eighty-five per cent of the patients were discharged on the day of surgery, whereas 95 % of the patients were discharged on postoperative day 3 in the RR pathway. Overall, median pain scores in both pathways did not exceed a NRS score of 5, without significant differences (RR vs. OS) in the number of patients with PONV (4 vs. 2) and opiate use (11 vs. 9) <48 h postoperatively. At 3 months postoperatively, no significant differences were found for AEs and PROMS between both pathways. CONCLUSION: The results of this study illustrates that an OS pathway for UKA is effective and safe with acceptable clinical outcome. Well-established and adequate standardized protocols, inclusion and exclusion criteria and a change in mindset for both the patient and the multidisciplinary team are the key factors for the implementation of an OS pathway. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case-control study, Level III.

No advantage of adrenaline in the local infiltration analgesia mixture during total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is widely applied in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In daily practice, adrenaline is added to the LIA mixture to achieve vasoconstriction. However, adrenaline has some possible negative side effects (e.g. tissue necrosis). This trial investigated whether ropivacaine alone is at least as effective for postoperative pain relief after LIA. METHODS: Fifty patients scheduled for primary TKA were included in this prospective randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot study receiving high-volume (150 mL) single-shot intra-capsular LIA with ropivacaine (2 %) with (Ropi+) or without (Ropi-) adrenaline (0.01 %). All patients received the same pre-, peri- and postoperative care with multimodal oral pain protocol. Postoperative pain was assessed before and after the first mobilization and during the first 48 h postoperative using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were rescue medication use, early mobilization, length of hospital stay, adverse events (AE's) and readmission rates. Patient reported outcomes measures (PROMS); Oxford Knee Score and WOMAC, were obtained preoperative and 3 months postoperative. RESULTS: VAS scores were not significantly different before (n.s.) and after the first mobilization (n.s.), neither over the first 48 h postoperative (n.s.). Patients who needed rescue medication (n.s.), who mobilized <6 h postoperative (n.s.), who were discharged before postoperative day 3 (n.s.), AE's and readmission rate (n.s.) were comparable between both groups. At 3-month follow-up, PROMS significantly improved within both groups. CONCLUSION: To prevent possible negative side effects (e.g. tissue necrosis), adrenaline should be omitted from the LIA mixture. Single-shot LIA with ropivacaine alone results in clinical acceptable adequate pain control and can be used in daily TKA practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical trial, Level I.

Patient selection criteria for outpatient joint arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: General consensus of patient selection criteria for outpatient joint arthroplasty is lacking, which is paramount to prevent prolonged hospital stay, adverse events and/or readmissions. This review highlights patient selection criteria for OJA based on the current literature and expert opinion. METHODS: A search of the English and International electronic healthcare databases including MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, AMED and the Cochrane library was performed in November 2015 to include studies published during the last 10 years. Furthermore, a survey of physicians from different specialties was performed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies described results regarding outpatient joint arthroplasty. Studies on outpatient hip and/or knee arthroplasty resulted in similar outcome in preselected patients. Patients who are able and willing to participate, with a low ASA classification (II), bleeding disorders, poorly controlled and/or severe cardiac (e.g. heart failure, arrhythmia) or pulmonary (e.g. embolism, respiratory failure) comorbidities, uncontrolled DM (type I or II), a high BMI (>30 m2/kg), chronic opioid consumption, functional neurological impairments, dependent functional status, chronic/end-stage renal disease and/or reduced preoperative cognitive capacity should be excluded from outpatient joint arthroplasty. The expert opinion-based selection criteria were comparable to literature with a further extension of exclusion for patients with practical issue's, urologic medical history and/or severe mobility disorders. CONCLUSION: Based on the current literature, the presented patient selection criteria provide a basis for outpatient joint arthroplasty and can be useful when selecting patients. Together with a change in mindset, a multidisciplinary approach and literature-based protocols, outpatient joint arthroplasty can be applied in daily orthopaedic practice while ensuring patients' safety. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Clinical review, Level III.