Nonoperative and Operative Soft-Tissue, Cartilage, and Bony Regeneration and Orthopaedic Biologics of the Shoulder: An Orthoregeneration Network (ON) Foundation Review.

Orthoregeneration is defined as a solution for orthopaedic conditions that harnesses the benefits of biology to improve healing, reduce pain, improve function, and optimally, provide an environment for tissue regeneration. Options include drugs, surgical intervention, scaffolds, biologics as a product of cells, and physical and electro-magnetic stimuli. The goal of regenerative medicine is to enhance the healing of tissue after musculoskeletal injuries as both isolated treatment and adjunct to surgical management, using novel therapies to improve recovery and outcomes. Various orthopaedic biologics (orthobiologics) have been investigated for the treatment of pathology involving the shoulder including the rotator cuff tendons, glenohumeral articular cartilage, glenoid labrum, the joint capsule, and bone. Promising and established treatment modalities include hyaluronic acid (HA); platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet rich concentrates (PRC); bone marrow aspirate (BMA) comprising mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs alternatively termed medicinal signaling cells and frequently, misleadingly labelled "mesenchymal stem cells"); MSC harvested from adipose, umbilical, or placental sources; factors including vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGFß), bone morphogenic protein (BMP), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs); prolotherapy; pulsed electromagnetic field therapy; microfracture and other marrow-stimulation techniques; biologic resurfacing using acellular dermal allografts, allograft Achilles tendons, allograft lateral menisci, fascia lata autografts, and porcine xenografts; osteochondral autograft or allograft); and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). Studies involving hyaluronic acid, platelet rich plasma, and medicinal signaling cells of various origin tissues have shown mixed results to-date as isolated treatments and as surgical adjuncts. Despite varied results thus far, there is great potential for improved efficacy with refinement of current techniques and translation of burgeoning preclinical work. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.

Independent Risk Factors for Revision Surgery or Conversion to Total Hip Arthroplasty After Hip Arthroscopy: A Review of a Large Statewide Database From 2011 to 2012.

PURPOSE: To use a large heterogeneous population to identify independent risk factors for revision surgery or conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) after hip arthroscopy. METHODS: The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was queried from 2011 through 2012 to identify patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. All patients aged 18 years or older who underwent hip arthroscopy according to Current Procedural Terminology coding were included. We chose to divide surgical volume into tertiles for the purposes of statistical analysis. Longitudinal analysis for a minimum of 2 years was performed to determine risk factors for revision surgery or conversion to THA. RESULTS: We identified 3,957 patients. The mean age was 35.8 years (standard deviation, 13.1 years). After a minimum follow-up period of 2 years, the overall failure rate was 9.6%: 3.7% of patients underwent revision hip arthroscopy at an average of 15.8 months, whereas 5.9% underwent conversion to THA at 14.7 months. Index surgery performed by surgeons in the third tertile of surgical volume (<40 cases per annum) was an independent risk factor for revision (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; P = .001), as well as conversion to THA (OR, 1.90; P < .001). Female patients (OR, 1.8; P < .001), older patients (OR, 3.4; P < .001), and patients with a history of obesity (OR, 5.6; P < .001) underwent conversion to THA at significantly higher rates than other patients. Young patients (OR, 4.4; P < .001) and female patients (OR, 1.6; P < .001) were more likely to undergo revision hip arthroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis of 3,957 patients found that female sex, age under 40 years, absence of a labral repair, and index procedure performed by a low-volume surgeon were independent risk factors for revision hip arthroscopy. Age over 60 years, index procedure performed by a low-volume surgeon, female sex, obesity, and the presence of pre-existing arthritis were risk factors for THA conversion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Postoperative Complications of Total Joint Arthroplasty in Obese Patients Stratified by BMI.

BACKGROUND: High body mass index (BMI) is associated with significant complications in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. Many studies have evaluated this trend, but few have looked at the rates of complications based on BMI as a continuous variable. The purpose of this study was to stratify obese patients into 3 BMI categories and evaluate their rates of complications and gauge whether transitioning from higher to lower BMI category lowers complication. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty were selected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2008-2015 and arranged into 3 groups based on BMI: O1 (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m2), O2 (BMI 35-39.9 kg/m2), and O3 (BMI >40 kg/m2). Thirty-day complications were recorded and evaluated utilizing univariate and multivariate analyses stratified by BMI. RESULTS: A total of 268,663 patients were identified. Patients with a BMI >30 kg/m2 had more infectious and medical complications compared with nonobese patients. Furthermore, there were increased complications as the BMI categories increased. Patients with a BMI >40 kg/m2 (O3) had longer operating times, length of stay, higher rates of readmissions, reoperations, deep venous thrombosis, renal insufficiency, superficial infections, deep infections, and wound dehiscence. These trends were present when comparing the O2 with O1 category as well. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated increased rates of medical and surgical complications in obese patients. Furthermore, we demonstrated a stepwise increase in complication rates when transitioning to higher BMI groups. Based on our data, we believe that preoperative counseling and interventions to decrease BMI should be explored before offering elective surgery to obese patients.

Preoperative Diagnosis Can Predict Conversion Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Compared to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for primary osteoarthritis, conversion TKAs in the post-traumatic setting are associated with increased operative times, infection rates, and readmissions. We aim at determining how post-traumatic osteoarthritis and previous knee surgery influence postoperative outcomes in conversion TKA. METHODS: Seventy-two conversion TKA procedures with prior knee trauma at a single institution between April 2012 and 2016 were examined. Twenty-seven (37.5%) cases had a preoperative site-specific diagnosis such as fracture of the proximal tibia, distal femur, or patella whereas 45 (62.5%) cases had a preoperative diagnosis of significant soft-tissue trauma. These 2 groups were compared in terms of total implant cost, length of stay, complications, and readmission and reoperation rates. A subanalysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of previous knee surgery on surgical outcomes. RESULTS: The postfracture TKA cohort suffered significantly higher early surgical site complications (22% vs 4.4%, P = .02) and 90-day readmissions (14.8% vs 2.2%, P = .042) compared to the soft-tissue trauma cohort. Operative time, total implant costs, length of stay, medical complications, 30-day readmissions, and 90-day reoperation rates did not significantly differ. It was also found that patients with multiple prior knee surgeries compared to one prior knee surgery are younger (53.0 vs 63.1, P = .003), healthier, and receive significantly more expensive implants (1.72 vs 1.07, P = .026). In addition, patients with previous open reduction internal fixations experience more surgical site complications than patients with previous arthroscopies (31% vs 3.3%, P = .042). CONCLUSION: Patients with previous site-specific fracture are more likely to experience surgical site complications and 90-day readmissions after conversion TKA than patients with previous soft-tissue knee trauma. Multiple previous knee surgeries appear to serve as an independent factor in the selection of costlier implants irrespective of preoperative diagnosis.

Athletic performance and career longevity following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the National Basketball Association.

PURPOSE: To identify the impact of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on performance and career longevity for National Basketball Association (NBA) players. METHODS: Seventy-nine players (80 knees) with acute ACL tears in the NBA between the 1984-2014 seasons, and 112 age, height, weight, and performance-matched controls were identified. Pre- and post-injury performance outcomes including seasons played, games played, games started, minutes per game, points per game, field goals, 3-point shots, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers, personal fouls, usage percentage and player efficiency ratings were compared between cases and controls using independent samples t tests and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Sixty-eight of seventy-nine players (86.1 %) returned to play in the NBA following ACL reconstruction. Mean length of post-operative play was 1.84 years shorter than matched controls (P = 0.001). There was a significantly higher rate of attrition from professional basketball for players with a history of ACL reconstruction (P = 0.014). In the first full season following surgery, players started in 15.5 fewer games (P = 0.001), they played in 17.3 fewer games (P < 0.001), and had combined player efficiency ratings 2.35 points lower (P = 0.001) when compared to matched controls. Over the length of their careers, players competed in 22.2 fewer games per season (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high rate of return to sport in the NBA following ACL reconstruction, although playing time, games played, player efficiency ratings and career lengths are significantly impacted in the post-operative period. These data should be used to manage patients' expectations regarding their abilities to return to elite levels of athletic performance.

Patterns of Ninety-Day Readmissions Following Total Joint Replacement in a Bundled Payment Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Alternative payment models aim to improve quality and decrease costs associated with total joint replacement. Postoperative readmissions within 90 days are of interest to clinicians and administrators as there is no additional reimbursement beyond the episode bundled payment target price. The aim of this study is to improve the understanding of the patterns of readmission which would better guide perioperative patient management affecting readmissions. We hypothesize that readmissions have different timing, location, and patient health profile patterns based on whether the readmission is related to a medical or surgical diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 80 readmissions out of 1412 total joint replacement patients reimbursed through a bundled payment plan was analyzed. Patients were grouped by readmission diagnosis (surgical or medical) and the main variables analyzed were time to readmission, location of readmission, and baseline Perioperative Orthopaedic Surgical Home and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores capturing pre-existing state of health. Nonparametric tests and multivariable regressions were used to test associations. RESULTS: Surgical readmissions occurred earlier than medical readmissions (mean 18 vs 33 days, P = .011), and were more likely to occur at the hospital where the surgery was performed (P = .035). Perioperative Orthopaedic Surgical Home and American Society of Anesthesiologists scores did not predict medical vs surgical readmissions (P = .466 and .879) after adjusting for confounding variables. CONCLUSION: Readmissions appear to follow different patterns depending on whether they are surgical or medical. Surgical readmissions occur earlier than medical readmissions, and more often at the hospital where the surgery was performed. The results of this study suggest that these 2 types of readmissions have different patterns with different implications toward perioperative care and follow-up after total joint replacement.

The Association Between Hospital Length of Stay and 90-Day Readmission Risk Within a Total Joint Arthroplasty Bundled Payment Initiative.

BACKGROUND: To curb the unsustainable rise in health care expenses, health care payers are developing programs to incentivize hospitals and physicians to improve the value of care delivered to patients. Payers are utilizing various metrics, such as length of stay (LOS) and unplanned readmissions, to track progression of quality metrics. Relevant to orthopedic surgeons, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in 2015 the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement Payment Model-a program aimed at improving the quality of health care delivered to patients by shifting more of the financial risk of patient care onto providers. METHODS: We analyzed the medical records of 1329 consecutive lower extremity total joint patients enrolled in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Bundled Program for Care Improvement treated over a 21-month period. The goal of this study was to ascertain if hospital LOS is associated with unplanned readmissions within 90 days of admission for a total hip or knee arthroplasty. RESULTS: After controlling for multiple demographic variables including sex, age, comorbidities and discharge location, we found that hospital LOS greater than 4 days is a significant risk factor for unplanned readmission within 90 days (odd ratio = 1.928, P = .010). Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and discharge to a location other than home are also independent risk factors for 90-day readmission. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that increased LOS is a significant risk factor for readmission within 90 days of admission for a hip or knee arthroplasty in the Medicare population.

Total Knee Arthroplasty for Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis: Is it Time for a New Classification?

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is often the best answer for end-stage, posttraumatic osteoarthritis after intra-articular and periarticular fractures about the knee. Although TKA in this setting is often considered more technically demanding, outcomes are typically worse for patients. This study examines the intraoperative differences and 30-day outcomes in posttraumatic vs primary TKA cohorts. METHODS: Patients undergoing TKA were selected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2010 to 2013. Patients were stratified on the basis of concurrent procedures and administrative codes indicating posttraumatic diagnoses. Thirty-day complications were recorded, and multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether posttraumatic arthritis was a risk factor for poor outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 67,675 primary and 674 posttraumatic TKAs were identified. Posttraumatic TKA patients were on average younger and healthier than the primary TKA population. The posttraumatic TKA group had higher rates of superficial surgical site infections and bleeding requiring transfusion. History of posttraumatic knee osteoarthritis was found to be an independent risk factor for prolonged operative time, increased length of hospital stay, and 30-day hospital readmission. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated increased intraoperative times, heightened transfusion requirements and surgical site infections, and higher readmission rates after conversion TKA in the posttraumatic cohort. In contrast to total hip arthroplasty, current diagnosis and reimbursement schemes do not differentiate posttraumatic patients from primary osteoarthritis groups undergoing TKA. We believe that classification reform would improve medical documentation and improve patient care.

The Association Between Hospital Length of Stay and 90-Day Readmission Risk for Femoral Neck Fracture Patients: Within a Total Joint Arthroplasty Bundled Payment Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Hip arthroplasty is increasingly performed as a treatment for femoral neck fractures (FNFs). However, these cases have higher complication rates than elective total hip arthroplasties (THAs). The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services has created the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model to increase the value of patient care. This model risk stratifies FNF patients in an attempt to appropriately allocate resources, but the formula has not been disclosed. The goal of this study was to ascertain if patients with FNFs have different readmission rates compared to patients undergoing elective THA so that the resource utilization can be assessed. METHODS: We analyzed all patients undergoing THA at our institution during a 21-month period. Patients classified by a diagnosis-related group of 469 or 470 were included. Multivariate and survival analyses were performed to determine risk of 90-day readmission. RESULTS: Patients admitted for FNFs were older, had higher body mass indices, longer lengths of stay, and were more likely to be discharged to inpatient facilities than patients who underwent elective THA. Increased American Society of Anesthesiologists scores and FNF were also independent risk factors for 90-day readmission, and these patient were more likely to be readmitted during the latter 60 days following admission. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that patients who undergo an arthroplasty following urgent or emergent FNFs have inferior outcomes to those receiving an arthroplasty for a diagnosis of arthritis. Fracture patients should either be risk stratified to allow appropriate resource allocation or be excluded from alternative payment initiatives such as Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement.

An opportunity to ensure high-quality melanoma care through the use of a preoperative treatment algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated variable adherence to published melanoma treatment guidelines. Payers have used algorithms to preapprove certain tests and treatments. Our objective was to develop a preoperative treatment assessment algorithm to ensure patients with melanoma receive recommended care. METHODS: A treatment algorithm was developed using existing guidelines. Records of patients presenting with melanoma between September 2010 and May 2012 were reviewed. Surgical care was classified as having been adherent or nonadherent with the guideline-based algorithm. The algorithm was incorporated into a Web site for preoperative treatment verification. RESULTS: A treatment algorithm was developed on the basis of three critical pieces of preoperative data: Breslow thickness, presence of adverse primary tumor prognostic factors, and regional lymph node metastases. Treatment options included wide local excision (WLE), sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and completion/formal lymph node dissection. Of 328 patients evaluated, 316 (96%) were treated according to the guideline-based algorithm. Causes of variation from predicted treatment included patient preference, severe comorbidities, difficult tumor location, and uncertain depth. All departures (n = 12) were in clinically node-negative patients: six patients did not undergo SLNB as indicated, and six underwent SLNB that was not concordant with the algorithm. An algorithm-embedded Web site was designed for preoperative verification of planned procedures. CONCLUSIONS: As a proof of principle, an algorithm was developed to preoperatively verify that proposed melanoma treatments are concordant with established guidelines. These three pieces of information could be required during precertification, and nonconcordant treatment plans could prompt a peer-to-peer discussion. After additional pilot testing, the algorithm could offer a novel approach for quality improvement and provide a preoperative, prospective safeguard to ensure high-quality care for melanoma patients.

A narrative review of lateral meniscus transplantation with the bridge in slot: technique and outcomes.

Objective: This narrative review aims to detail the indications, technique, and published outcomes of the bridge in slot technique for lateral meniscus allograft transplantation (LMAT) and to serve as a concise reference for orthopaedists looking to incorporate this method into their practice. Background: The menisci are crucial to normal knee function but are commonly injured; partial and subtotal meniscectomy are frequently performed to address meniscal pathology. Following these procedures, a substantial number of patients go on to develop degenerative joint changes accompanied by pain and disability. LMAT is an attractive option for young, active, lateral meniscal-deficient patients who seek pain relief and improved function but who are not yet prepared to undergo arthroplasty. In the properly indicated patient, the bridge in slot technique is a reliable and effective method for LMAT. Methods: Using a narrative style, this review outlines the indications and preoperative assessment for LMAT, the detailed technical steps for the bridge in slot technique, postoperative considerations, and trends in the surgical outcomes literature. The presented technique is consistent with the senior author's clinical experience and with published literature and the discussed outcomes are elicited from a focused review of recent peer-reviewed sources. Conclusions: The bridge in slot technique is a reliable and effective method for LMAT and is supported by the literature. This technique may confidently be used in patients with severe lateral meniscal pathology who are not yet candidates for arthroplasty.

Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures.

Acute Achilles tendon ruptures can be disabling injuries with high personal and societal costs. However, the decision to pursue operative versus nonoperative management following these injuries remains controversial. Functional rehabilitation techniques have been refined such that outcomes may be as good, if not better, with nonoperative treatment. Furthermore, while surgical treatment rates have dramatically decreased in many countries over the prior 15 years, operative repair remains the treatment of choice for most patients in the United States. A critical review is presented regarding outcomes, complications, and rates of return to sport for both pathways to determine the best course of action for patients who sustain this injury.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement Using Labral Reconstruction with Capsular Autograft.

The acetabular labrum is essential for stability during physiologic motion of the hip. Labral repairs frequently are attempted in cases of primary tears, although labral reconstruction is an important alternative in the revision setting or in the primary setting when the tissue is unsalvageable. Labral reconstruction has been shown to restore the hip's suction-seal and fluid pressurization to that of the premorbid state, and cohort studies have demonstrated significantly improved patient-reported outcomes at midterm follow-up. Notably, the cost is of consideration during any reconstruction, and techniques have been described using both allograft and autograft sources. Autograft sources include the iliotibial band, ligamentum teres, gracilis tendon, and hip capsule. A previously described technique using the capsule was noted to hinder routine capsular closure. We present an alternative method for labral reconstruction using hip capsular tissue that is easily performed and allows for routine capsular closure.

Four-Year Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Microfracture of the Hip in Patients with Advanced Chondral Lesions.

PURPOSE: This report examines 4-year patient reported outcomes and procedural survivorship in patients who underwent microfracture during hip arthroscopy compared to a matched group of non-microfracture patients as well as the risk factors for procedural failure following microfracture of articular lesions in the hip. METHODS: Data for 38 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic microfracture was retrospectively analyzed. Propensity score matching identified a matched group of hip arthroscopy patients who had Outerbridge grade 3 or grade 4 chondral lesions but did not undergo microfracture. Preoperative modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS) and NonArthritic Hip Scores (NAHS) were compared to those at 2- and 4-year follow-up. Postoperative rates of ipsilateral revision arthroscopic surgery or hip arthroplasty were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-three (86.8%) of the 38 microfracture patients were available for 4-year follow-up. Forty-six patients were matched with the microfracture group. Scores including mHHS and NAHS increased postoperatively for both groups (p < 0.05), though there were no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). Overall reoperations rates were 24.2% and 21.7% (p = 0.873) for the microfracture and non-microfracture groups, respectively. Hip arthroplasty rates were higher among microfracture patients (18.2% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.038), wherein Tonnis grade ≥ 2, cartilage lesions ≥ 400 mm2 , and femoral-sided lesions were associated with failure. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent microfracture treatment of chondral lesions fared no better than a matched group of patients who did not receive microfracture treatment. Risk of reoperation is high for both groups and microfracture patients are more likely to require conversion to total hip arthroplasty or hip resurfacing.

Patellofemoral Arthroplasty: Short-Term Complications and Risk Factors.

There is a paucity of literature regarding the short-term readmission, reoperation, and complication rates of patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA). The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and risk factors of 30-day postoperative complications in patients undergoing PFA. A retrospective cohort study of subjects who underwent PFA from 2010 to 2015 was performed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Perioperative outcomes and 30-day postoperative complications were ascertained, and patient demographics and comorbidities were analyzed using linear and binomial logistic regression analyses to determine risk factors for postoperative complications. Among the 1,069 patients identified in the NSQIP database, there was a 30-day readmission rate of 4.3% and a 30-day reoperation rate of 1.5%. The leading complications identified were bleeding requiring transfusion (11.7%), urinary tract infection (0.8%), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (0.8%). Younger age was a risk factor for superficial wound infection (p = 0.012). Older age was a significant risk factor for longer hospital stays, readmission, bleeding requiring transfusion, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia (p < 0.05 for all). Male sex was a risk factor for longer operation time and DVT (p = 0.001 and p = 0.017, respectively), while female sex was associated with greater incidence of bleeding requiring transfusion (p = 0.049). Elevated body mass index (BMI) was a risk factor for longer hospital stays, greater total operation time, and bleeding requiring transfusion (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). Nonwhite race was a significant risk factor for readmission (p = 0.008). This represents the largest study on early readmissions and the associated risk factors after PFA. PFA 30-day readmission and reoperation rates were <5%. Older age and elevated BMI were both identified as risk factors for adverse perioperative outcomes, including longer operation times, longer hospital stays, and bleeding requiring transfusion.

Thirty-Day Outcomes After Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Nationwide Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 42% of patients with end-stage osteoarthritis have bilateral disease. Although bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) is physiologically demanding, certain patients may benefit from simultaneous rather than staged bilateral procedures. This study examines the intraoperative differences and 30-day outcomes in patients receiving bilateral THA compared with those who underwent unilateral THA. METHODS: Patients undergoing THA were selected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2008 to 2015. Patients were selected according to those with primary and concurrent coding for Current Procedural Terminology 27130. Thirty-day complications were recorded, and multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether concurrent THA was a risk factor for poor outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 97,804 patients and 587 patients who underwent unilateral and bilateral THA, respectively, were identified. Patients who underwent bilateral procedures were younger (57.3 vs 64.6 years, P < .001), were of lower body mass index (29.2 vs 30.2, P < .001), and had fewer comorbidities than patients who underwent unilateral procedures. Length of stay was not increased for bilateral recipients (3.13 vs 2.93 days, P = .308), although fewer were discharged to home (62.8% vs 77.6%, P < .001). The bilateral recipients required postoperative transfusions at a higher rate (29.8% vs 10.9%, P < .001) and had an increased incidence of deep wound infections on univariate analysis (1.2% vs 0.3%, P = .002). There was no increased risk of superficial infection, medical complications, or thromboembolic events for the bilateral cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Although bilateral THA recipients are younger with fewer preoperative comorbidities, bilateral THA is associated with an increased rate of transfusion in a nationwide setting. With this knowledge, specific interventions should be instituted to target these procedure-specific risks.

The Effect of Total Knee Arthroplasty on Physical Activity and Body Mass Index: An Analysis of the Osteoarthritis Initiative Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Preliminary analysis of accelerometry measurements has shown physical activity may not increase significantly after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study evaluates the effect of TKA on physical activity accelerometry measurements and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Using the multicenter Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) database, a cohort of patients with physical activity level accelerometry measurements and BMI before and after TKA was identified. Physical activity levels and BMI were acquired at pre-TKA and post-TKA accelerometry visits 2 years apart. Survey scores pertaining to knee functionality and quality of life were also analyzed before and after knee surgery. Each patient included in the study had a unilateral TKA completed between these 2 accelerometry visits. Accelerometry measurements, BMI of the patients, and survey scores relating to knee functionality and pain relief from before and after TKA were compared using paired samples t tests. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients from the OAI database were identified for the paired analysis. They were evaluated at a mean postoperative follow-up of 15 months. There were no statistically significant differences between the post-TKA group and pre-TKA group for the accelerometry variables and BMI, though patients experienced a significant improvement in knee function and pain relief measures included in this analysis. DISCUSSION: Although TKA can successfully restore function and relieve pain, there remains no good evidence that neither physical activity nor BMI improve postoperatively. CONCLUSION: No significant differences in physical activity and BMI were observed after TKA in this study.

The Anterolateral Ligament (ALL) The New Ligament?

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in technology, graft rupture rates reported in the literature following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery range from 1.8% to 18%. Recent anatomical studies have identified a lateral structure, the anterolateral ligament (ALL), as a potential source of residual pivoting following ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this report is to review the history surrounding the ALL and recent anatomic studies, identify its biomechanical and clinical implications, and develop a practical approach to utilizing it during ACL reconstruction. METHODS: An extensive review of the historical and current literature surrounding the identification of the ALL, its biomechanical function, reconstruction, and outcomes of ALL reconstruction was performed. DISCUSSION: After the storm of media coverage surrounding the "new ligament" known as the ALL, much attention was focused on cadaveric dissection, biomechanical analysis, and reconstruction of this structure. Several techniques have been described, and currently studies are being performed both retrospectively and prospectively to evaluate the added benefit of ALL reconstruction to the rotational stability of the knee and outcomes after ACL reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The ALL is a lateral-based structure that provides rotational stability to the knee in the presence of ACL deficiency. Reconstruction of this ligament may provide added benefit to stability and outcomes following ACL reconstruction in certain patient populations. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to elucidate the true benefit of ALL reconstruction and those patients who should undergo this added procedure.

Low rates of renal injury in total joint arthroplasty patients without pre-existing renal disease.

Acute kidney injury is a reported complication of total joint arthroplasty (TJA), with potentially severe long-term complications. Our study aimed to identify the rate of perioperative renal injury in patients without pre-existing renal dysfunction who undergo TJA. Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, we identified a mean annual rate of perioperative renal injury of 0.172% between 2009 and 2015. Factors most strongly associated with perioperative renal injury are age of 70 years or older, current smoking, history of diabetes mellitus, history of hypertension, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class of 3 or greater. There was no significant increase in the rate of renal injury from year to year. In patients without pre-existing renal disease, perioperative rates of acute kidney injury remain low in patients undergoing TJA.

Nationwide 30-Day Readmissions After Elective Orthopedic Surgery: Reasons and Implications.

INTRODUCTION: Reducing readmissions after orthopedic surgery is important for decreasing hospital costs and patient morbidity. Our goals were to establish national rates and reasons for 30-day readmissions after common elective orthopedic procedures. METHODS: Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty, posterior lumbar fusion, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, or total shoulder arthroplasty were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Thirty-day readmission rates, timing, and reasons were recorded for each procedure. Multivariate analysis was used to identify risk factors of readmissions. RESULTS: A total of 3.8% of patients had an all-cause readmission, 3.6% had an unplanned readmission, and 2.4% had an unplanned readmission related to surgery (URRS). The most common reason was surgical site complication followed by venous thromboembolism and bleeding. Only 3.2% of all patients with a URRS were readmitted because of a predischarge complication. Independent predictors of URRS were current smoking, any inpatient complication, and non-home discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Unplanned readmissions were a proxy for new postdischarge complications rather than a re-exacerbation of previous inpatient events. Emphasis should be on more effective prevention strategies for surgical site infections, continuing to prevent inpatient complications and focusing on home discharge.