Semaglutide Use Prior to Total Hip Arthroplasty Results in Fewer Postoperative Prosthetic Joint Infections and Readmissions.

BACKGROUND: Semaglutide, a novel diabetes management medication, is known for its efficacy in inducing weight loss. Despite this, its impact on outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate if THA patients on semaglutide demonstrate: (1) fewer medical complications; (2) fewer implant-related complications; (3) fewer readmissions; and (4) lower costs. METHODS: Using a national claims database from 2010 to 2021, we retrospectively examined diabetic patients prescribed semaglutide who underwent primary THA. This yielded 9,465 patients (Semaglutide = 1,653; Control = 7,812). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the following outcomes: 90-day postoperative medical complications, 2-year implant-related complications, 90-day readmissions, in-hospital lengths of stay, and day-of-surgery and 90-day episode of care costs. RESULTS: Semaglutide users exhibited lower 90-day readmission rates (6.2 versus 8.8%; odds ratio 0.68; P < .01) and reduced prosthetic joint infections (1.6 versus 2.9%; odds ratio 0.56; P < .01). However, medical complication rates, hospital stays, same-day surgical costs, and 90-day episode costs showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights semaglutide users undergoing THA with fewer 90-day readmissions and 2-year prosthetic joint infections. Although no variance appeared in medical complications, hospital stays, or costs, the medication's notable glycemic control and weight loss benefits could prompt pre-surgery consideration. Further research is essential for a comprehensive understanding of semaglutide's impact on post-THA outcomes.

Economic Studies for Lower Extremity Joint Arthroplasty: An Example-Based Review.

As healthcare costs in the United States continue to rise, understanding the various economic studies and what constitutes them will become increasingly important for orthopaedic surgeons. In this review, we discuss the three major types of economics studies and provide examples of each. Cost-effective analyses are the gold standard for economic analyses and allow for the direct comparison of monetary costs and patient-centered outcomes. Cost-benefit analyses are similar to cost-effective analyses but compare both costs and benefits in monetary terms. Cost minimization analyses are the most common type of economic analysis, and they simply compare costs between two experimental groups. Also, we discuss the different types of costs, i.e., healthcare system costs and reimbursements, and how the use of each type affects the conclusions that researchers can draw.

Preoperative Depression Screening for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Evaluation of Its Modifiability on Outcomes in Patients Who Have Depression.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated preoperative depression screenings in patients who have depression. We studied whether depression screenings before total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were associated with lower: 1) medical complications; 2) emergency department (ED) utilizations and readmissions; 3) implant complications; and 4) costs. METHODS: A nationwide sample from January 1, 2010, to April 30, 2021, was collected using an insurance database. Depression patients were 1:1 propensity-score matched based on those who had (n = 29,009) and did not have (n = 29,009) preoperative depression screenings or psychotherapy visits within 3 months of TKA. A case-matched population who did not have depression was compared (n = 144,994). A 90-day period was used to compare complications and health-care utilization and 2-year follow-up for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and implant survivorship. Costs were 90-day reimbursements. Logistic regression models computed odds ratios (ORs) of depression screening on dependent variables. P values less than .001 were significant. RESULTS: Patients who did not receive preoperative screening were associated with higher medical complications (18.7 versus 5.2%, OR: 4.15, P < .0001) and ED utilizations (11.5 versus 3.2%, OR: 3.93, P < .0001) than depressed patients who received screening. Patients who had screening had lower medical complications (5.2 versus 5.9%, OR: 0.88, P < .0001) and ED utilizations compared to patients who did not have depression (3.2 versus 3.8%, OR: 0.87, P = .0001). Two-year PJI incidences (3.0 versus 1.3%, OR: 2.63, P < .0001) and TKA revisions (4.3 versus 2.1%, OR: 2.46, P < .0001) were greater in depression patients who were not screened preoperatively versus screened patients. Depression patients who had screening had lower PJIs (1.3 versus 1.8%, OR: 0.74, P < .0001) compared to nondepressed patients. Reimbursements ($13,949 versus $11,982; P < .0001) were higher in depression patients who did not have screening. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative screening was associated with improved outcomes in depression patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

How-To Create an Orthopaedic Systematic Review: A Step-by-Step Guide. Part III: Executing a Meta-Analysis.

At the top of the evidence-based pyramid, systematic reviews stand out as the most powerful, synthesizing findings from numerous primary studies. Specifically, a quantitative systematic review, known as a meta-analysis, combines results from various studies to address a specific research question. This review serves as a guide on how to: (1) design; (2) perform; and (3) publish an orthopedic arthroplasty systematic review. In Part III, we focus on how to design and perform a meta-analysis. We delineate the advantages and disadvantages of meta-analyses compared to systematic reviews, acknowledging their potential challenges due to time constraints and the complexities posed by study heterogeneity and data availability. Despite these obstacles, a well-executed meta-analysis contributes precision and heightened statistical power, standing at the apex of the evidence-based pyramid. The design of a meta-analysis closely mirrors that of a systematic review, but necessitates the inclusion of effect sizes, variability measures, sample sizes, outcome measures, and overall study characteristics. Effective data presentation involves the use of forest plots, along with analyses for heterogeneities and subgroups. Widely-used software tools are common in this domain, and there is a growing trend toward incorporating artificial intelligence software. Ultimately, the intention is for these papers to act as foundational resources for individuals interested in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses in the context of orthopaedic arthroplasty, where applicable.

The Association of Dental Caries or Dental Implant Placement Within One Year of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty on Medical and Implant Complications.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) adverse events among patients who have dental diagnoses remain unclear. We sought to determine if dental caries or dental implant placements increased (1) 90-day medical complications, (2) 90-day readmissions, and (3) 2-year implant-related complications, including periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) after THA. METHODS: A nationwide database for primary THAs from 2010 to 2021 was queried to compare 3 patient cohorts. Patients who had a history of dental implants or caries within 12 months prior to THA (n = 1,179) or 12 months after THA (n = 1,218) were case-matched to patients who did not have dental history (n = 6,090) by age and comorbidities. Outcomes included 90-day complications, 90-day readmissions, and 2-year implant-related complications. Logistic regression models computed the odds ratios (ORs) of complications and readmissions. P values less than .006 were significant. RESULTS: Patients who had dental caries or implant placement 12 months before or after THA experienced 1.6-fold greater odds of 90-day medical complications compared to case-matched patients. Readmissions within 90 days increased for patients who had a dental history before (11.7% versus 8.3%; OR: 1.49, P < .0001) and after (14.2% versus 8.3%; OR: 1.84, P < .0001) THA compared to case-matched patients. A dental caries diagnosis or dental implant placement within 12 months following THA increased 2-year implant complications compared to case-matched patients (15.2% versus 9.3%; OR: 1.69, P < .0001), including PJIs (5.3% versus 2.8%; OR: 1.98, P < .0001), dislocations (4.4% versus 2.7%; OR: 1.63, P = .002), and THA revisions (3.9% versus 2.5%; OR: 1.61, P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: Dental diagnoses within 12 months of THA are associated with increased medical complications. Dental diagnoses occurring 12 months after THA are associated with greater implant-related complications, including PJIs. Delaying invasive dental procedures for 12 months after THA may be advisable.

How-To Create an Orthopaedic Systematic Review: A Step-by-Step Guide Part I: Study Design.

Systematic reviews are conducted through a consistent and reproducible method to search, appraise, and summarize information. Within the evidence-based pyramid, systematic reviews can be at the apex when incorporating high-quality studies, presenting the strongest form of evidence given their synthesis of results from multiple primary studies to level IV evidence, depending on the studies they incorporate. When combined and supplemented with a meta-analysis using statistical methods to pool the results of 3 or more studies, systematic reviews are powerful tools to help answer research questions. The aim of this review is to serve as a guide on how to: (1) design; (2) execute; and (3) publish an orthopaedic arthroplasty systematic review and meta-analysis. In Part I, we discuss how to develop an appropriate research question as well as source and screen databases. To date, commonly used databases to source studies include PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. Although not all-encompassing, this paper serves as a starting point for those interested in performing and/or critically reviewing lower extremity arthroplasty systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

How-To Create an Orthopaedic Systematic Review: A Step-by-step Guide Part II: Study Execution.

Systematic reviews are the apex of the evidence-based pyramid, representing the strongest form of evidence synthesizing results from multiple primary studies. In particular, a quantitative systematic review, or meta-analysis, pools results from multiple studies to help answer a respective research question. The aim of this review is to serve as a guide on how to: (1) design, (2) execute, and (3) publish an orthopaedic arthroplasty systematic review. In Part II, we focus on methods to assess data quality through the Cochrane Risk of Bias, Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies criteria, or Newcastle-Ottawa scale; enumerate various methods for appropriate data interpretation and analysis; and summarize how to convert respective findings to a publishable manuscript (providing a previously published example). Use of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines is recommended and standard in all scientific literature, including that of orthopedic surgery. Pooled analyses with forest plots and associated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are common ways to present data. When converting to a manuscript, it is important to consider and discuss the inherent limitations of systematic reviews, including their inclusion and/or exclusion criteria and overall quality, which can be limited based on the quality of individual studies (eg, publication bias, heterogeneity, search/selection bias). We hope our papers will serve as starting points for those interested in performing an orthopaedic arthroplasty systematic review.

History of Diabetic Foot Ulcer is Associated With Increased Risk of Prosthetic Joint Infection and Sepsis After Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are common sequelae of diabetes mellitus. Currently, the effect of DFUs on total joint arthroplasty (TJA) outcomes is sparsely evaluated. This study investigated whether DFU patients undergoing TJA increases risk of (1) prosthetic joint infections (PJI), (2) surgical site infections (SSI), (3) sepsis, (4) readmissions, and (5) revisions. METHODS: Using PearlDiver, a retrospective query from January 1, 2010 to October 31, 2020 was performed. DFU patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) were included and 1:5 propensity score matched with controls using age, sex, body mass index, and various comorbidities (33,155 TKA patients [DFU = 5,529; control = 27,626]; 17,146 THA patients [DFU = 2,862; control = 14,284]). Outcomes included rates of PJI, SSI, sepsis, readmissions, and revisions. Multivariate logistical regressions calculated odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals, and P values (P < .001 as significance threshold). RESULTS: DFU increased risk of sepsis within 90 days of TKA (OR 4.59; P < .001) and THA (OR 4.87; P < .001). DFU did not increase risk of PJI at 90 days for TKA (OR 0.8; P = .1) or THA (OR 0.85; P = .34) but did by 2 years post-TKA (OR 1.51; P < .001) and THA (OR 1.55; P < .001). Risk of SSI increased in DFU cohort following TKA and THA at 90 days and 2 years and at 90-day readmissions and 2-year revisions. CONCLUSION: DFU patients undergoing TJA demonstrated increased risk of postoperative sepsis and PJI. Furthermore, DFU patients demonstrated an increased risk of SSI, readmissions, and revisions. Providers should counsel DFU patients about postoperative risks.

Assessing Ability for ChatGPT to Answer Total Knee Arthroplasty-Related Questions.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence in the field of orthopaedics has been a topic of increasing interest and opportunity in recent years. Its applications are widespread both for physicians and patients, including use in clinical decision-making, in the operating room, and in research. In this study, we aimed to assess the quality of ChatGPT answers when asked questions related to total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: ChatGPT prompts were created by turning 15 of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines into questions. An online survey was created, which included screenshots of each prompt and answers to the 15 questions. Surgeons were asked to grade ChatGPT answers from 1 to 5 based on their characteristics: (1) relevance, (2) accuracy, (3) clarity, (4) completeness, (5) evidence-based, and (6) consistency. There were 11 Adult Joint Reconstruction fellowship-trained surgeons who completed the survey. Questions were subclassified based on the subject of the prompt: (1) risk factors, (2) implant/intraoperative, and (3) pain/functional outcomes. The average and standard deviation for all answers, as well as for each subgroup, were calculated. Inter-rater reliability (IRR) was also calculated. RESULTS: All answer characteristics were graded as being above average (ie, a score > 3). Relevance demonstrated the highest scores (4.43 ± 0.77) by surgeons surveyed, and consistency demonstrated the lowest scores (3.54 ± 1.10). ChatGPT prompts in the Risk Factors group demonstrated the best responses, while those in the Pain/Functional Outcome group demonstrated the lowest. The overall IRR was found to be 0.33 (poor reliability), with the highest IRR for relevance (0.43) and the lowest for evidence-based (0.28). CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT can answer questions regarding well-established clinical guidelines in total knee arthroplasty with above-average accuracy but demonstrates variable reliability. This investigation is the first step in understanding large language model artificial intelligence like ChatGPT and how well they perform in the field of arthroplasty.

Crohn's disease is associated with higher rates of implant-related complications following primary total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: In Western countries, there has been a rise in the prevalence of Crohn's Disease (CD) and primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study delves deeper into the effects of CD on TKA patients by examining (1) the length of in-hospital stay (LOS); (2) the rates of readmission; (3) complications related to implants; and (4) the costs associated with care. METHODS: A retrospective analysis using the PearlDiver database was conducted, encompassing the time frame between January 1st, 2005 and March 31st, 2014, focusing on patients who underwent TKA and were either diagnosed with CD or not. Patients with CD were paired with control subjects at a 1:5 ratio based on age, gender, and medical comorbidities. The analysis comprised a total of 96,229 patients (CD = 16,039; non-CD = 80,190). RESULTS: Patients with CD had a notably longer hospital stay (3 v. 2 days, p < 0.0001) and faced significantly higher rates of 90-day readmissions and complications (19.80% v. 14.91%, OR: 1.40, p < 0.0001; 6.88% v. 4.88%, OR: 1.43, p < 0.0001 respectively). Additionally, CD patients incurred greater expenses on the surgery day ($18,365.98 v. $16,192.00) and within 90 days post-surgery ($21,337.46 v. $19,101.42). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates longer in-hospital LOS, higher rates of readmissions, implant-related complications, and costs of care among CD patients following primary TKA.

Postoperative Complications, Readmissions, Lengths of Stay, and Cost Analyses of Patients Who Have Atrial Septal Defects After Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are a common congenital heart defect. This study aimed to determine whether patients diagnosed with ASDs undergoing total joint arthroplasty have differences in 1) medical complications, 2) readmissions, 3) lengths of stay (LOS), and 4) costs. METHODS: Using an administrative claims data set, a retrospective query from 2010 to 2020 was performed. The ASD patients were 1:5 ratio matched with controls, yielding a total of 45,695 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (ASD = 7,635, control = 38,060) and 18,407 total hip arthroplasty (THA) (ASD = 3,084, control = 15,323) patients. Outcomes included medical complications, readmissions, LOS, and costs. Logistical regressions were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and P values. P values < 0.001 were significant. RESULTS: The ASD patients had higher odds of medical complications after TKA (38.8 versus 21.0%; OR 2.09; P < .001) and THA (45.2 versus 23.5%; OR 2.1; P < .001), noticeably deep vein thromboses, strokes, and other thromboembolic complications. The ASD patients were not significantly more likely to be readmitted after TKA (5.3 versus 4.7%; OR 1.13; P = .033) or THA (6.0 versus 5.7%; OR 1.05; P = .531). Patient LOS was not significantly greater in ASD patients undergoing TKA (3.2 versus 3.2 days; P = .805) but was greater after THA (5.3 versus 3.76 days; P < .001). Same-day surgery costs were not significantly increased in ASD patients after TKA ($23,892.53 versus $23,453.40; P = .066) but were after THA ($23,981.93 versus $23,579.18; P < .001). Costs within 90 days were similar between cohorts. CONCLUSION: The ASD patients have greater 90-day complications following primary total joint arthroplasty. Providers may consider preoperative cardiac clearance or adjusting anticoagulation in this population to mitigate these risks. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Does Semaglutide Use Decrease Complications and Costs Following Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity are associated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) complications. Semaglutide, a medication for DM and weight loss, can potentially affect TKA outcomes. This study investigated whether semaglutide use during TKA demonstrates fewer: (1) medical complications; (2) implant-related complications; (3) readmissions; and (4) costs. METHODS: A retrospective query was performed using a National database to 2021. Patients undergoing TKA for osteoarthritis with DM and semaglutide use were successfully propensity score-matched to controls semaglutide = 7,051; control = 34,524. Outcomes included 90-day postoperative medical complications, 2-year implant-related complications, 90-day readmissions, in-hospital lengths of stay, and costs. Multivariate logistical regressions calculated odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals, and P values (P < .003 as significance threshold after Bonferroni correction). RESULTS: Semaglutide cohorts had higher incidence and odds of myocardial infarction (1.0 versus 0.7%; OR 1.49; P = .003), acute kidney injury (4.9 versus 3.9%; OR 1.28; P < .001), pneumonia (2.8 versus 1.7%; OR 1.67; P < .001), and hypoglycemic events (1.9 versus 1.2%; OR 1.55; P < .001), but lower odds of sepsis (0 versus 0.4%; OR 0.23; P < .001). Semaglutide cohorts also had lower odds of prosthetic joint infections (2.1 versus 3.0%; OR 0.70; P < .001) and readmission (7.0 versus 9.4%; OR 0.71; P < .001), and trended toward lower odds of revisions (4.0 versus 4.5%; OR 0.86; P = .02) and 90-day costs ($15,291.66 versus $16,798.46; P = .012). CONCLUSION: Semaglutide use during TKA decreased risk for sepsis, prosthetic joint infections, and readmissions, but also increased risk for myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, pneumonia, and hypoglycemic events.

Sex-Specific Postoperative Outcomes of Primary Total Hip Replacements: The Performance of Total Hip Replacement Procedures Leads to Worse Outcomes in Men.

INTRODUCTION: The demand for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, and women are expected to account for the greatest proportion of this increased demand. The purpose of this study was to determine, using a national database, the effect of sex on 90-day outcomes in primary THA patients while matching for confounding variables. Specifically, we evaluated: (1) in-hospital lengths of stay; (2) 90-day readmission rates; (3) 90-day medical complications; (4) and total global 90-day episode-of-care (EOC) costs in men and women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the 100% Medicare Standard Analytical Files (SAF), a query from January 1, 2005 to March 31, 2014 from a nationwide database was performed to analyze patients who received a primary THA. The series was divided into two cohorts: men (n=436,737) and women (n=436,737). Male and female patients were matched according to age and Elixhauser-Comorbidity Index (ECI). Uni- and multi-variable regression analyses were performed to analyze the effects of sex on in-hospital lengths of stay, 90-day readmission rates, 90-day medical complications, and total global 90-day EOC costs. RESULTS: Men had greater overall 90-day medical complications compared to women following primary THA (1.28 vs. 1.19%, p<0.001). Men were found to have higher rates of acute kidney failure (0.12 vs 0.05%, p<0.0001), acute pancreatitis (0.02 vs. 0.01%, p<0.0001), cerebrovascular accidents (0.03 vs. 0.01%, p<0.0001), deep vein thromboses (0.06 vs. 0.04%, p<0.0001), and myocardial infarctions (0.02 vs. 0.01%, p<0.0001). Women were found to have higher rates of acute post-hemorrhagic anemiae (0.31 vs. 0.30%, p<0.001) and urinary tract infections (UTI; 0.40 vs. 0.28%, p<0.0001) compared to men. Men had shorter in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS) (3.42 vs. 3.54 days, p<0.001) but greater 90-day readmission rates (7.67 vs. 6.39% p<0.0001). Both cohorts had similar total global 90-day EOC costs ($14,869.85 ± $12,333.50 vs. $14,957.34 ± $10,915.61, p=0.36). CONCLUSION: Men undergoing THA have a greater number of overall 90-day medical complications and readmission rates while women have higher incidence of UTI, post-hemorrhagic anemia, and longer LOS. Understanding sex-based differences in complication rates and outcomes can help surgeons with preoperative counseling and targeted preoperative optimization.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on elective unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in the USA: further evidence that outpatient arthroplasty is safe and effective.

PURPOSE: In response to COVID-19, elective surgeries including unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKA) decreased. We aimed to quantify and compare temporal trends in utilization and complications in the calendar year 2019 (pre-pandemic) to 2020 in the USA. METHODS: The 2019 to 2020 ACS-NSQIP database was queried for patients undergoing elective UKA. Patients prior to COVID-19 (2019 and 2020 Q1) were compared to those after (2020 Q2-Q4). Case volumes, patient demographics, complications, and lengths of stay (LOS) were compared between years. Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare patient demographics. Linear regression was conducted to evaluate the change in case volumes. P values less than 0.05 were significant. RESULTS: In total, 3361 patients underwent UKA: 1880 in 2019 and 1481 in 2020. The number of outpatient UKAs increased (56.4% vs. 65.6%; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the volume of cases in 2019Q1 through 2020Q1 (p = 0.424). Case volumes fell by 60% in 2020Q2 compared with the average quarterly volume in 2019. Comparing 2019 to 2020, there was no significant difference in rates of total complications (2.1% vs. 2.2%; p = 0.843), minor complications (1.2% vs. 0.9%; p = 0.529), major complications (1.1% vs. 1.4%; p = 0.447), infection complications (1.0% vs. 0.8%; p = 0.652), wound complications (0.1% vs. 0.1%; p = 1.0), cardiac complications (0.0% vs. 0.1%; p = 0.111), pulmonary complications (0.1% vs. 0.2%; p = 0.473), hematology complications (0.1% vs. 0.1%; p = 1.0), renal complications (0.1% vs. 0.0%; p = 1.0), and Clavien-Dindo IV complications (0.1% vs. 0.4%; p = 0.177). CONCLUSION: UKA case volumes declined during the second quarter of 2020. A significant proportion of surgeries were transitioned outpatient, despite no change in complication rates.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is associated with increased 90-day medical complications but not peri-prosthetic joint infections following reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown male sex to be a predisposing factor for peri-prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been suggested as an additional risk for PJI. This study aimed to assess the impact of BPH on (1) lengths of stay (LOS), (2) complications (medical and implant-related), (3) readmission rates, and (4) healthcare expenditures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). METHODS: Utilizing a nationwide sample from the 2010-2020 PearlDiver insurance database, an analysis was performed retrospectively for all males who underwent primary RSA. Males with BPH (n = 2,184) represented the study group and were ratio-matched with men without a history of BPH (n = 10,832) in a 1:5 manner by medical comorbidities. T-tests compared LOS and healthcare expenditures. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the effect of BPH on 90-day medical complications, 2-year implant complications, and readmissions. A p value less than 0.001 was statistically significant. RESULTS: In-hospital LOS (1.96 days vs. 1.99 days, p = 0.683) did not significantly differ between cohorts. Males with BPH had significantly greater occurrence and odds (34.3% vs. 21.2%, odds ratio (OR):1.84, p < 0.0001) of all 90-day medical complications, including urinary tract infections (9.3% vs. 3.1%, OR:3.23, p < 0.0001), pneumonias (6.0% vs. 3.9%, OR:1.61, p < 0.0001), and acute kidney injuries (7.7% vs. 5.0%, OR:1.60, p < 0.0001). Two-year implant-related complications were comparable between study and control groups (12.2% vs 10.9%, OR:1.14, p = 0.073), including PJIs (2.3% vs. 2.2%, OR:1.02, p = 0.874). Readmission rates (1.88% vs. 2.11%, p = 0.482) and average global 90-day reimbursements ($26,301 vs. $24,399), p = 0.535) were similar between men with and without BPH. DISCUSSION: Males with a history of BPH have greater rates of medical complications, including UTIs and acute kidney injuries, within 90 days following RSA. BPH does not appear to be a risk factor for 2-year implant-related complications including PJIs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

How Did Coronavirus-19 Impact the Expenses for Medical Students Applying to an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency in 2020 to 2021?

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic surgery is one of the most competitive specialties for residency applicants. For the 2021 residency match, the coronavirus-19 pandemic introduced complexity for programs and applicants because away rotations were limited and in-person interviews were cancelled. This may have changed the landscape in terms of expenses for candidates in important ways, but this topic has been insufficiently studied. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Given that in 2021, students did not attend away rotations and all interviews were held virtually, we asked (1) What were the financial savings associated with this change? (2) Was medical school geographic region associated with differences in expenses when applying to residency? METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of the 2020 and 2021 Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency Dashboard database was performed. The data were derived from an online survey of a nationwide pool of applicants from 87% (123 of 141) of US allopathic medical schools upon conclusion of the match. The response percentage was 29% (521 of 1794). We believe this nationwide dataset represents the largest and most current data for this applicant group. Responses from applicants applying to orthopaedic surgery residency in the year before the COVID-19 pandemic application changes (2020) and during COVID-19 (2021) were queried and compared. After the orthopaedic surgery match, the database was evaluated for individual (application costs, away rotation expenses, and interview expenses) and total expenses for medical school seniors applying to orthopaedic surgery residency. Applicant characteristics were compared between application cycles. The 2020 to 2021 Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency Dashboard database had 521 responses (n = 263 in 2020 and n = 258 in 2021) from applicants applying to orthopaedic surgery residency. Demographic and applicant characteristics were comparable between application cycles. Median expenses are reported with percentile distributions and geographic comparisons. A Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to determine whether there were statistically significant differences in expenses between years and between medical school regions at a p value threshold of < 0.05. RESULTS: For all applicants, the median total expenses (USD 7250 versus USD 2250), application costs (USD 2250 versus USD 1750), away rotation expenses (USD 2750 versus USD 250), and interview expenses (USD 2250 versus USD 75) declined in 2021 compared with 2020 (all p < 0.001). The median total savings in expenses for all applicants in 2021 compared with 2020 was USD 5000. In 2021, median total expenses were lower in all geographic regions with the greatest savings from applicants in the West (USD 6000); in addition, the difference in median total expenses between the geographic region with the highest total expenses and the lowest total expenses was lower in the pandemic year than it was in the year prior (USD 1000 versus USD 1500; p < 0.001). In 2021, there were differences in total expenses between the Northeast (USD 1750), West (USD 1750), and Central (USD 2750) regions (p < 0.001). From 2020 to 2021, only application fees from Northeast applicants differed (USD 2250 versus USD 1250; p < 0.001). In 2020, interview expenses were not different between all regions (USD 2250 Northeast and West versus USD 2750 Central and South; p = 0.19); similarly in 2021, interview expenses were similar between all regions (USD 75 versus USD 75; p = 0.82). Finally, in 2020, Northeast (USD 3250) and Western (USD 3250) applicants spent more for away rotations than Southern (USD 2750) and Central (USD 2250) applicants (p = 0.01). In 2021, applicants from schools in the South (USD 250) and Central (USD 250) regions spent more than their counterparts (USD 0; p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: In the COVID-19 application cycle, the median expenditures of orthopaedic residency candidates were USD 5000 lower than they were in the previous year; the difference can be attributed to the use of virtual interviews and the lack of away rotations. There are geographic implications, with applicants from Western United States medical schools potentially saving the most. Despite the financial savings during the 2021 match, further study related to the long-term success of the current application process (both for applicants and programs) is needed. The recommendation in May 2020 by the AOA Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors (CORD) to limit the number of applications submitted by candidates with USMLE Step 1 scores greater than 235 did not result in any considerable decline in applications submitted or expenses. A better understanding of how differences in these expenses may influence our specialty's ability to attract socioeconomically diverse candidates would be important, and we need to explore perceived and actual financial obstacles to obtaining this diversity in the application process. Finally, avenues should be explored by program directors and chairpersons to reduce the expenses of the traditional application process while maintaining recruitment of top candidates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, economic analysis.

The resiliency of elective total shoulder arthroplasty case volumes in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide temporal trends analysis.

BACKGROUND: Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is one of the fastest growing procedures in terms of volume performed in hospitals in the United States. In 2020, elective surgery was suspended nationwide as a result of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, and the use trends in the wake of the pandemic have yet to be evaluated substantially. Nationwide case volume reduction for TSA is unknown; therefore, the aim of this study is to compare patient demographics, complications, and temporal trends in case volume of elective TSA in the calendar year 2019 (prepandemic) to 2020 in the United States. METHODS: Using a multicenter, nationwide representative sample from 2019 to 2020, a retrospective query was conducted for all patients undergoing elective TSA. Patients undergoing surgery pre-COVID (2019 and 2020 Q1) were compared to those during COVID (2020 Q2-Q4). Temporal trends in case volumes were compared between time frames. TSA use, patient demographics, complications, and length of stay were compared between years. Linear regression was used to evaluate for changes in the case volume over the study period. A statistical significance threshold of P <.05 was used. RESULTS: In total, 9667 patients underwent elective TSA in 2019 (n = 5342) and 2020 (n = 4325). The proportion of patients who underwent outpatient TSA in 2020 was significantly greater than the year prior (20.6% vs. 13.9%; P < .001). Overall, elective TSA case volume declined by 19.0% from 2019 to 2020. There was no significant difference in the volume of cases in 2019 Q1 (n = 1401) through 2020 Q1 (n = 1296) (P = .216). However, elective TSA volumes declined by 54.6% in 2020 Q2. Elective TSA case volumes recovered to prepandemic baseline in 2020 Q3 and 2020 Q4. The average length of stay was comparable in 2020 vs. 2019 (1.29 vs. 1.32 days; P = .371), with the proportion of same-day discharge increasing per quarter from 2019 to 2020 (from 11.8% to 26.8% of annual cases). There was no significant difference in the total complication rates in 2019 (4.6%) vs. 2020 (4.9%) (P = .441). CONCLUSION: Using a nationwide sample, elective TSA precipitously declined during the second quarter of 2020. Patient demographics of those undergoing elective TSA in 2020 were similar in comorbidity burden. A large proportion of surgeries were transitioned to the outpatient setting, with rates of same-day discharge doubling over the study period despite no change in overall complication rates.

Gut microbiota profiles and fecal beta-glucuronidase activity in kidney transplant recipients with and without post-transplant diarrhea.

Post-transplant diarrhea is a common complication after solid organ transplantation and is frequently attributed to the widely prescribed immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Given recent work identifying the relationship between MMF toxicity and gut bacterial ß-glucuronidase activity, we evaluated the relationship between gut microbiota composition, fecal ß-glucuronidase activity, and post-transplant diarrhea. We recruited 97 kidney transplant recipients and profiled the gut microbiota in 273 fecal specimens using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We further characterized fecal ß-glucuronidase activity in a subset of this cohort. Kidney transplant recipients with post-transplant diarrhea had decreased gut microbial diversity and decreased relative gut abundances of 12 genera when compared to those without post-transplant diarrhea (adjusted p value < .15, Wilcoxon rank sum test). Among the kidney transplant recipients with post-transplant diarrhea, those with higher fecal ß-glucuronidase activity had a more prolonged course of diarrhea (≥7 days) compared to patients with lower fecal ß-glucuronidase activity (91% vs 40%, p = .02, Fisher's exact test). Our data reveal post-transplant diarrhea as a complex phenomenon with decreased gut microbial diversity and commensal gut organisms. This study further links commensal bacterial metabolism with an important clinical outcome measure, suggesting fecal ß-glucuronidase activity could be a novel biomarker for gastrointestinal-related MMF toxicity.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis and diarrhea in kidney transplant recipients.

Posttransplant diarrhea is associated with kidney allograft failure and death, but its etiology remains unknown in the majority of cases. Because altered gut microbial ecology is a potential basis for diarrhea, we investigated whether posttransplant diarrhea is associated with gut dysbiosis. We enrolled 71 kidney allograft recipients for serial fecal specimen collections in the first 3 months of transplantation and profiled the gut microbiota using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene V4-V5 deep sequencing. The Shannon diversity index was significantly lower in 28 diarrheal fecal specimens from 25 recipients with posttransplant diarrhea than in 112 fecal specimens from 46 recipients without posttransplant diarrhea. We found a lower relative abundance of 13 commensal genera (Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted P ≤ .15) in the diarrheal fecal specimens including the same 4 genera identified in our prior study. The 28 diarrheal fecal specimens were also evaluated by a multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for 22 bacterial, viral, and protozoan gastrointestinal pathogens, and 26 specimens were negative for infectious etiologies. Using PICRUSt (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) to predict metagenomic functions, we found that diarrheal fecal specimens had a lower abundance of metabolic genes. Our findings suggest that posttransplant diarrhea is not associated with common infectious diarrheal pathogens but with a gut dysbiosis.

Gastrointestinal pathogen colonization and the microbiome in asymptomatic kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: In kidney transplant recipients, gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens in feces are only evaluated during diarrheal episodes. Little is known about the prevalence of GI pathogens in asymptomatic individuals in this population. METHODS: We recruited 142 kidney transplant recipients who provided a non-diarrheal fecal sample within the first 10 days after transplantation. The specimens were evaluated for GI pathogens using the BioFire® FilmArray® GI Panel (BioFire Diagnostics, LLC), which tests for 22 pathogens. The fecal microbiome was also characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V4-V5 hypervariable region. We evaluated whether detection of Clostridioides difficile and other GI pathogens was associated with post-transplant diarrhea within the first 3 months after transplantation. RESULTS: Among the 142 subjects, a potential pathogen was detected in 43 (30%) using the GI Panel. The most common organisms detected were C difficile (n = 24, 17%), enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (n = 8, 6%), and norovirus (n = 5, 4%). Detection of a pathogen on the GI panel or detection of C difficile alone was not associated with future post-transplant diarrhea (P > .05). The estimated number of gut bacterial species was significantly lower in subjects colonized with C difficile than those not colonized with a GI pathogen (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Colonization with GI pathogens, particularly C difficile, is common at the time of kidney transplantation but does not predict subsequent diarrhea. Detection of C difficile carriage was associated with decreased microbial diversity and may be a biomarker of gut dysbiosis.