Comparative Analysis of Short-Term Postoperative Complications in Outpatient Versus Inpatient Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Database Study.

Ankle arthritis is a potentially debilitating disease, with approximately 50,000 cases diagnosed annually. One treatment option for these patients is total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). This procedure has historically been performed in the inpatient setting with a 1-2-night postoperative hospital stay. Outpatient surgeries are gaining popularity due to their cost effectiveness, decreased length of hospital stay, and convenience. Therefore it is important to evaluate the safety of specific procedures in the outpatient setting compared with the inpatient setting. This study evaluated the complication rates in inpatient versus outpatient TAA. It analyzed data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for 591 patients who received TAA. Postoperative complication rates were compared between 66 outpatients and 535 inpatients. Frequencies of the following complications were analyzed: wound complications, pneumonia, hematologic complications (pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis), renal failure, stroke, and return to the operating room within 30 days. Unadjusted direct comparisons of the cohorts revealed higher complication rates in the inpatient cohort. Inpatients had higher rates of superficial surgical site infections, deep surgical site infections, number of organ/space surgical site infections, pneumonia occurrences, and return to the operating room, but these differences were not significant. These results showed no significant increase in complication rates in outpatients compared to inpatients. Our results suggest that inpatient and outpatient TAA show similar complication rates. This suggests that outpatient TAA is safe and may be a superior option for certain populations. Further investigation is warranted to verify these conclusions.

Posterior lateral meniscal overhang is associated with ACL tears: A retrospective case-control study.

Introduction: There have been several described imaging findings that correlate with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The investigators in this study observed a higher frequency of posterior translation of the lateral meniscus beyond the posterior border of the tibial plateau in patients with ACL tears. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency and degree of posterior lateral meniscal overhang (LMO) of the lateral meniscus in patients with ACL tears compared to uninjured controls. Materials and methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was analyzed in 117 knees with ACL tears and compared to a control group of 89 knees without injury. Lateral meniscus diameter, LMO, knee flexion angle, and lateral tibial plateau diameter were measured and compared between the two groups. Exclusion criteria included displaced and macerated lateral meniscus tears, multi-ligamentous knee injuries, and periarticular fractures. Difference in mean lateral meniscal overhang between ACL injured and control groups was tested using a paired T-test (alpha = 0.01). Assumptions for normality and variance were tested prior to analysis. Results: In patients with ACL tears, average LMO was significantly greater compared to the control group (0.95 mm vs. 0.08 mm; p < 0.001). Additionally, measurable LMO was found in 42.7 % of patients with ACL tears compared to 4.5 % uninjured knees (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with ACL injury show higher incidence of LMO compared to uninjured controls. Future studies are necessary to better understand its clinical significance.

Delayed Presentation of Popliteal Artery Injury after Salter-Harris III Proximal Tibia Fracture.

Introduction: Proximal tibia physeal fractures in children are not very common but can be dangerous because they can harm popliteal fossa structures, especially the popliteal artery. Popliteal artery injuries (PAI) are most commonly the result of trauma to the lower extremity, including blunt force, hyperextension injuries, complex fractures, and knee dislocations that can compromise popliteal neurovascular structures. Case Presentation. A 14-year-old boy presents to the emergency department after being transferred from an outside hospital 24 hours after a left lower extremity hyperextension injury. Radiographs demonstrated a Salter-Harris III proximal tibia fracture with posterior displacement. ABIs were deferred due to palpable distal pulses and no evidence of compartment syndrome. Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning were planned to correct the fracture. Intraoperatively, it was discovered that knee extension decreased lower extremity perfusion while knee flexion returned perfusion. An angiography revealed a popliteal artery occlusion with no distal flow. Based on this, an above-knee to below-knee popliteal bypass using the contralateral great saphenous vein was performed followed by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of the proximal tibia. Conclusion: Proximal tibia physeal injuries, especially the Salter-Harris III and IV injuries, warrant a high index of suspicion of popliteal artery injuries. Palpable pulses and delayed presentation in the distal lower extremity do not rule out a PAI because collateral flow to the anterior and posterior tibial arteries may mask signs of an avascular limb, highlighting the need for a thorough history and physical exam. The authors present this case to reaffirm the importance of an ankle-brachial index when evaluating hyperextension injuries with proximal tibial epiphyseal fractures.

Radiographic pseudosubluxation of the shoulder in pediatric proximal humeral fractures.

This study was undertaken to determine the incidence, need for intervention, and time to resolution of pseudosubluxation of the shoulder in pediatric proximal humerus fractures. One hundred and ninety-nine radiographs (199 x-rays) were analyzed for pseudosubluxation of the shoulder following pediatric proximal humeral fractures. Pseudosubluxation occurs when the center of the humeral head aligns with the inferior one-fourth of the glenoid. Fourteen patients met the inclusion criteria for pseudosubluxation. The nonoperative cohort consisted of 100 females and 93 males and the operative cohort consisted of 3 males and 3 females. Total 14 children out of 199 had pseudosubluxation. Ten pseudosubluxations were seen 7 days postinjury and four were noted immediately after injury. Pseudosubluxation was seen in nine boys (64%) and five girls (36%) in the nonoperative group. Increased relative risk (RR) was associated with: fall >3 m (RR = 25.7; 95% CI, 2.7-244.0), motorized transport (RR = 11.7; 95% CI, 1.41-96.03) and sports injuries (RR = 11.0, 95% CI, 1.2-100). No statistical analysis was conducted on the operative group given the small sample. This study establishes incidence, risk factors and expected clinical course for pseudosubluxation following proximal humerus fractures. The overall incidence in the nonoperative cohort was 7.3%, radiographic evidence of pseudosubluxation resolution was available for (n = 10) patients with 100% resolution by 6 weeks. There were no readmissions or complications in the 14 patients. Pseudosubluxation occurrence was significantly increased in four mechanisms: falls >3 m, sports trauma and motor transportation. This study provides the natural history and risk factors for pseudosubluxation following proximal humerus fractures. Pseudosubluxation is more likely to occur in higher energy fracture mechanisms and will resolve without treatment. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort.

What Are the Risk Factors for Infection After Operative Treatment of Peritalar Fracture Dislocations?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors associated with deep infection after operative treatment of peritalar fracture dislocations. DESIGN: A retrospective study was performed to identify patients who had operative treatment of a peritalar fracture dislocation over an 11-year period (2008-2019). SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: Patients were identified by review of all surgical billing that included open reduction of peritalar dislocation. Minimum follow-up for inclusion was 3 months or the outcome of interest. A total of 178 patients were identified, and 154 patients met inclusion criteria. MAIN OUTCOME: The primary outcome was deep infection, defined as return to the operating room for debridement with positive cultures. RESULTS: A total of 19 (12.3%) patients developed a postoperative deep infection. The most common associated fractures were talus (47%), calcaneus (33%), and fibula (9%) fractures. The infected group was significantly older (47.2 vs. 39.5 years, P = 0.03). Patients undergoing operative management for peritalar fracture dislocations with current smoking were found to have significantly higher odds of postoperative deep infection (74 vs. 34%, adjusted odds ratio = 7.4, 95% confidence interval, 2.3-24.1, P = 0.001). There was a significantly higher risk of infection in patients with a Gustilo-Anderson type 3 open fracture (32 vs. 12%, adjusted odds ratio = 5.7, 95% confidence interval, 1.6-20.3, P = 0.007). The infected group had high rates of below knee amputation when compared with the group without infection (47 vs. 1%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In our retrospective study, risk factors for infection after peritalar fracture dislocation included older age, smoking, and Gustilo-Anderson type 3 open fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Macroscopic changes in sural nerve after gastrocnemius recession: a cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: Gastrocnemius recession is a common foot and ankle procedure and various techniques that have been utilized are mainly delineated by the anatomic position of the gastrocnemius transection; the 2 common ones are the Baumann and Strayer procedure. Both can adversely affect the sural nerve. The objective of this study was to evaluate the macroscopic changes in the sural nerve following gastrocnemius recession, and to compare the efficacy of the two procedures, regarding the improvement of maximal ankle dorsiflexion. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen, above knee cadaveric legs were assigned to one of two gastrocnemius recession techniques: Baumann (n = 5) or Strayer (n = 5). A goniometer was used to measure degree of ankle dorsiflexion before and after the surgery. The sural nerve was meticulously dissected and marked with two suture knots, 2 cm apart. The ankle was passively dorsiflexed from 90° to maximal dorsiflexion in 5° degree increments, and the distance between two suture knots was measured at each increment. The distance between the two cut ends of gastrocnemius muscle was measured with the ankle at 90° and at maximal dorsiflexion. RESULTS: Overall, a mean increase in length between the suture knots on the sural nerve was 0.2 cm, from 90° to maximum ankle dorsiflexion (130°); both the Baumann and Strayer techniques resulted in 0.2 cm increase. The mean improvement in maximal ankle dorsiflexion in the Baumann and Strayer group was 22.6° and 22°, respectively. The mean change in distance between the two cut ends of the gastrocnemius muscle in the Baumann and Strayer group was 1.0 cm and 0.9 cm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased dorsiflexion of the ankle following Strayer or Baumann gastrocnemius recession resulted in similar macroscopic change in the sural nerve, which may contribute to the development of sural neuritis. Further clinical studies are warranted to assess clinical implications of these findings.

Risk factors for readmission within thirty days following revision total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The number of total hip arthroplasties (THA) being performed has been steadily increasing for decades. With increased primary THA surgical volume, revision THA numbers are also increasing at a steady pace. With the aging, increasingly comorbid patient populations and newly imposed financial penalties for hospitals with high readmission rates, refining understanding of factors influencing readmission following THA is a research priority. We hypothesize that numerous preoperative medical comorbidities and postoperative medical complications will emerge as significant positive risk factors for 30-day readmission. METHODS: ACS-NSQIP database identified patients who underwent revision THA from 2005 to 2015. The primary outcome assessed was hospital readmission within 30 days. Patient demographics, preoperative comorbidities, laboratory studies, operative characteristics, and postsurgical complications were compared between readmitted and non-readmitted patients. Logistic regression identified significant independent risk factors for 30-day readmission among these variables. RESULTS: 10,032 patients underwent revision THA in the ACS-NSQIP from 2005 to 2015; 855 (8.5%) were readmitted within 30-days. Increasing age, the presence of preoperative comorbidities, high ASA class, and increased operative time were significant positively associated independent risk factors for 30-day readmission. Several postoperative medical and surgical complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, pneumonia, and sepsis demonstrated significant positive associations with readmission. CONCLUSION: Identifying and understanding risk factors associated with readmission allows for the implementation of evidence-based interventions aimed at minimizing risk and reducing 30-day readmission rates following revision THA.

Hemiarthroplasty Versus Total Joint Arthroplasty for Hallux Rigidus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: When surgery is indicated for hallux rigidus, toe arthroplasty is an alternative procedure to arthrodesis for patients who wish to preserve toe range of motion. Our study investigated midterm outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthroplasty in an effort to discern whether or not partial or total joint replacement confers benefit in these patients. METHODS: A systematic review of MTPJ arthroplasty was performed for the years 2000 to 2017. A Forest plot was created comparing preoperative and postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and range of motion (ROM) results for both hemitoe and total-toe arthroplasty. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Mean postoperative AOFAS scores in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty improved by 50.7 points (95% CI = 48.5, 52.8), whereas the mean AOFAS score improvement in total joint arthroplasty patients was 40.6 points (95% CI = 38.5, 42.8). VAS outcomes were comparable. Mean postoperative MTPJ ROM improved by 43.0° (95% CI = 39.3°, 46.6°) in hemitoe patients, which exceeded the mean ROM improvement of 32.5° (95% CI = 29.9°, 35.1°) found in total joint arthroplasty cases. A meta-analysis revealed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Hemisurface implants in MTPJ arthroplasty may improve postoperative AOFAS and ROM results to a greater extent than total-toe devices. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Systematic review.

Posterior quadratus lumborum block for primary total hip arthroplasty analgesia: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare analgesia and opioid consumption for patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty with preoperative posterior quadratus lumborum block with patients who did not receive quadratus lumborum block. METHODS: The medical records of patients undergoing unilateral total hip arthroplasty between January 1st, 2017 and March 31, 2018 were reviewed, and 238 patients were included in the study. The primary outcome was postoperative opioid consumption in the first 24 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative, post anesthesia care unit, and 48-hour opioid consumption, postoperative pain Visual Analog Scale scores, and post-anesthesia care unit length of stay. Primary and secondary endpoint data were compared between patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty with preoperative posterior quadratus lumborum block with patients who did not receive quadratus lumborum block. RESULTS: For the patients who received quadratus lumborum block, the 24-hour total oral morphine equivalent (milligram) requirements were lower (53.82mg±37.41), compared to the patients who did not receive quadratus lumborum block (77.59mL±58.42), with p=0.0011. Opioid requirements were consistently lower for the patients who received quadratus lumborum block at each additional assessment time point up to 48 hours. Pain Visual Analog Scale scores were lower up to 12 hours after surgery for the patients who received a posterior quadratus lumborum block, and the post-anesthesia care unit length of stay was shorter for the patients who received quadratus lumborum block. CONCLUSION: Preoperative posterior quadratus lumborum block for primary total hip arthroplasty is associated with decreased opioid requirements up to 48 hours, decreased Visual Analog Scale pain scores up to 12 hours, and shorter post-anesthesia care unit length of stay. Level of evidence: III.

Outcomes of Inpatient Versus Outpatient Elective Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Background Complications following orthopedic surgeries are undesirable and costly. A potential method to reduce these costs is to perform traditionally inpatient surgical procedures in the outpatient setting. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes between inpatient and outpatient settings for elective foot and ankle surgeries using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Methods Patients with Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes specific to orthopedic foot and ankle surgery were identified from the 2011-2015 American College of Surgeons NSQIP database. Demographics, comorbidities, and complications were compared between patients undergoing inpatient and outpatient procedures. Results Patients receiving inpatient surgery were significantly older and more frequently male. Black patients were significantly more likely to undergo inpatient surgery than outpatient surgery while white patients were significantly more likely to undergo outpatient surgery. Outpatients had a significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI) than inpatients. Smokers were at a significantly greater risk of undergoing inpatient surgery than outpatient surgery. Outpatients had significantly longer operative times, were more likely to receive general anesthesia, had a lower American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, were more likely to be functionally independent, and were less likely to expire postoperatively. Patients who received surgery as an inpatient were significantly more likely to have comorbidities as compared to outpatients. The overall risk of surgical complications was significant between groups with 8.6% in the inpatient group and 2.0% in the outpatient group. The overall risk of medical complications was 16.9% in the inpatient group and 1.7% in the outpatient group. Similar to the surgical complications, inpatients were significantly more likely to sustain each of the individual medical complications except for stroke/CVA and venous thromboembolism. Conclusions Outpatient management is associated with decreased postoperative complications in select patients. Performing more operations in the outpatient setting in select patients may be beneficial for cost reduction and patient satisfaction.

Vascular supply at risk during lateral release of the patella during total knee arthroplasty: A cadaveric study.

INTRODUCTION: Lateral release to improve patellar tracking is commonly performed during total knee arthroplasty. Blood is supplied to the lateral patella by two main arteries: the superior and inferior lateral genicular arteries. The transverse infrapatellar artery also branches off the lateral inferior genicular artery to supply the inferior half of the patella. Severance of any of these arteries during lateral release can lead to avascular necrosis of the patella. This cadaveric study investigates the lateral vasculature to the patella and whether it can be visualized and preserved during lateral release of the patella. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved ten cadavers, each of which underwent lateral release of the patella. One senior joint surgeon performed and supervised the incisions and attempted to locate and preserve these vessels. We then quantified the number of cadavers with visualized blood vessels and analysed their location and course to determine whether they could be preserved during lateral release of the patella. RESULTS: In our study, three of the ten cadavers had an artery that was visible within the incisional plane and preserved. Two were the inferior lateral genicular artery, and one was the superior lateral genicular artery. In the other seven cadavers, no vessels were visualized during the lateral dissection. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that it is difficult to visualize blood supply to the patella during lateral release. Every attempt should be made to preserve these blood vessels to avoid devascularization to patella in the setting of an already severed medial vascularity due to standard approach to knee replacement.

Posterior quadratus lumborum block for primary total hip arthroplasty analgesia: a comparative study / Bloqueio anestésico do quadrado lombar posterior para analgesia na artroplastia total do quadril primária: estudo comparativo

ABSTRACT Objective To compare analgesia and opioid consumption for patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty with preoperative posterior quadratus lumborum block with patients who did not receive quadratus lumborum block. Methods The medical records of patients undergoing unilateral total hip arthroplasty between January 1st, 2017 and March 31, 2018 were reviewed, and 238 patients were included in the study. The primary outcome was postoperative opioid consumption in the first 24 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative, post anesthesia care unit, and 48-hour opioid consumption, postoperative pain Visual Analog Scale scores, and post-anesthesia care unit length of stay. Primary and secondary endpoint data were compared between patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty with preoperative posterior quadratus lumborum block with patients who did not receive quadratus lumborum block. Results For the patients who received quadratus lumborum block, the 24-hour total oral morphine equivalent (milligram) requirements were lower (53.82mg±37.41), compared to the patients who did not receive quadratus lumborum block (77.59mL±58.42), with p=0.0011. Opioid requirements were consistently lower for the patients who received quadratus lumborum block at each additional assessment time point up to 48 hours. Pain Visual Analog Scale scores were lower up to 12 hours after surgery for the patients who received a posterior quadratus lumborum block, and the post-anesthesia care unit length of stay was shorter for the patients who received quadratus lumborum block. Conclusion Preoperative posterior quadratus lumborum block for primary total hip arthroplasty is associated with decreased opioid requirements up to 48 hours, decreased Visual Analog Scale pain scores up to 12 hours, and shorter post-anesthesia care unit length of stay. Level of evidence: III

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar a analgesia e o uso de opioides em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total do quadril primária com bloqueio pré-operatório do quadrado lombar posterior e pacientes que não receberam o bloqueio do quadrado lombar. Métodos Revisamos os prontuários de pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total do quadril unilateral entre 1º de janeiro de 2017 e 31 de março de 2018, e 238 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. O desfecho primário foi o consumo de opioides no pós-operatório nas primeiras 24 horas. Os desfechos secundários foram consumo de opioide no intraoperatório, na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica e nas primeiras 48 horas, escores de Escala Visual Analógica de dor pós-operatória, e tempo de permanência na recuperação pós-anestésica. Os desfechos primário e secundários foram comparados entre os pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total do quadril primária com bloqueio pré-operatório do quadrado lombar posterior e aqueles que não receberam o bloqueio do quadrado lombar. Resultados Para o grupo que recebeu o bloqueio, as doses totais de morfina por via oral em 24 horas foram menores (53,82mg±37,41) em comparação ao grupo sem bloqueio (77,59mg±58,42), com p=0,0011. A utilização de opioides foi consistentemente menor para o grupo que recebeu o bloqueio em cada tempo adicional de avaliação até 48 horas. Os escores da Escala Visual Analógica até 12 horas após a cirurgia para os pacientes que receberam o bloqueio do quadrado lombar posterior e o tempo de permanência na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica foram menores para o grupo que recebeu o bloqueio. Conclusão O bloqueio anestésico do quadrado lombar posterior para artroplastia total do quadril primária está associado à diminuição do uso de opioides nas primeiras 48 horas, diminuição do escore de dor da Escala Visual Analógica em até 12 horas, e menor tempo de permanência na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica. Nível de evidência: III