A novel method for predicting superior gluteal nerve safe zones in the lateral approach to the hip.

INTRODUCTION: The superior gluteal nerve (SGN) is at risk for laceration during lateral approach total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study is to assess the accuracy of the trochanter-to-iliac crest distance (TCD) and the nerve-to-trochanter distance (NTD) ratio in determining a reproducible safe zone around the SGN independent of height. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen hemipelvises were dissected and the SGNs were exposed. The distance (NTD) from greater trochanter (GT) to the most inferior branch of the SGN encountered in each of the three approaches (Bauer et al., 1979) was measured. A reference distance (TCD) was measured from the GT to the highest point on the iliac crest. The NTD was divided by the TCD to generate standardized ratios. Coefficient of variation CV = (SD/mean) × 100 was calculated for each distance and ratio to measure relative variability. RESULTS: The standardized ratios (and CV) were determined for the nerve branches in three different surgical approaches: Hardinge 0.464 (0.9%), Bauer 0.406 (1.7%), and Frndak 0.338 (4.1%). There was a strong correlation of the individual NTDs with the TCD: NTD for Hardinge (r = 0.996, p < .001), NTD for Bauer (r = 0.984, p < .001), and NTD for Frndak (r = 0.932, p < .001). CONCLUSION: By measuring the TCD preoperatively and using the respective standardized ratios, surgeons can accurately predict the NTD and how proximal to the GT each SGN branch can be expected to be encountered during lateral approach to the hip. This will allow surgeons to work with a more precise safe zone around the SGN and minimize the possibility for a nerve injury.

Role of Depression in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Analysis of Perioperative Outcomes in Patients in the United States.

We evaluate the patient demographics, perioperative outcomes, in-hospital complications, and assess recent national trends in clinically depressed and non-depressed patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Using the National Hospital Discharge Survey from 2001 and 2010, patients undergoing primary TKA in the United States were identified based upon the diagnosis of depression. Differences in gender, patient-demographics, comorbidities, complications, length of stay, and discharge disposition were analyzed. A total of 32,761 TKA patients were identified, consisting of 1,880 patients with a diagnosis of depression and 30,881 patients without. The depression group had an average age significantly younger than the non-depression cohort (p < 0.01). The depression group contained a significantly greater percentage of females when compared to the non-depression group. The non-depression group had a significantly greater percentage of African-Americans (p < 0.01), and a significantly smaller percentage of Caucasians (p < 0.01). Our findings contribute to the literature on the role of depression on perioperative outcomes of TKA. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 30(1):007-009, 2021).

Importance of Proper Utilization of International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision and Clinical Documentation in Modern Payment Models.

BACKGROUND: Health care payment models are changing rapidly, and the measurement of outcomes and costs is increasing. METHODS: With the implementation of International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10) codes, providers now have the ability to introduce a precise array of diagnoses for their patients. RESULTS: More specific diagnostic codes do not eliminate the potential for vague application, as was seen with the utility of ICD-9. Complete, accurate, and consistent data that reflect the risk, severity, and complexity of care are becoming critically important in this new environment. Orthopedic specialty organizations must be actively involved in influencing the definition of value and risk in the patient population. CONCLUSION: Now is the time to use the ICD-10 diagnostic codes to improve the management of patient conditions in data.

The ratio of patient body mass index to age: a cost-effective implant selection guideline for total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: We sought to develop an objective implant selection guideline based on the ratio of patient body mass index (BMI) to age in order to select implants preoperatively and reduce cost while maintaining quality. The BMI-to-age ratio can be used to distinguish patient demand and select those patients who may benefit from newer technology and higher cost implants and those who would do well with standard-demand implants. METHODS: A retrospective analysis investigated the types of implants received by patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty from January 2012 to August 2014. Patients with a BMI-to-age ratio >0.60 were categorized as high demand and were eligible for either a high-demand implant or a standard-demand implant. Patients with a BMI-to-age ratio ≤0.60 were recognized as standard demand and would be eligible for only standard-demand implants. The actual implant received was identified and compared with the implant as predicted by the BMI-to-age ratio and potential cost savings were identified. RESULTS: A total of 1507 operative knees were identified. The high-demand implant carries a 31% greater cost than that of a standard-demand implant. Thirty-eight of 1084 high-demand implants were placed in standard-demand knees. An additional 1.1% cost was realized with 38 standard-demand knees receiving high-demand implants and 28.6% if high-demand knees had been used in all standard-demand patients. CONCLUSIONS: Limiting the use of high-demand implants to high-functional-demand patients based on the BMI-to-age ratio may guide the surgeon's choice in optimizing implant selection while providing value-based purchasing criteria to the selection of total knee arthroplasty implants.

The Role of Patient Education in Arthritis Management: The Utility of Technology.

Technologies continue to shape the path of medical treatment. Orthopedic surgeons benefit from becoming more aware of how twenty-first century information technology (IT) can benefit patients. The percentage of orthopedic patients utilizing IT resources is increasing, and new IT tools are becoming utilized. These include disease-specific applications. This article highlights the opportunity for developing IT tools applicable to the growing population of patients with osteoarthritis (OA), and presents a potential solution that can facilitate the way OA education and treatment are delivered, and thereby maximize efficiency for the health care system, the physician, and the patient.

Strategies to Prevent Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Total Knee Arthroplasty and Lessen the Risk of Readmission for the Patient.

There is yet to be a standardized total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgical protocol that has been studied to a sufficient degree to offer evidence-based practices regarding infection and readmission prevention. Although high-level evidence is often sought to provide guidance concerning protocol- and process-level decisions, the literature is often confusing and nondefinitive in its conclusions and recommendations regarding periprosthetic joint infection and readmission prevention. Areas of study that require further investigation include the following: the role of patient optimization and preoperative mitigation of risk; perioperative antibiotics; operating room environment; blood management; operative techniques, implants, and infection prevention measures; wound care management; and post acute care. Patient-associated modifiable risk must be optimized to decrease poly joint infection rates after TKA. Protocol measures for TKA need to be standardized, and evidence-based practice measures need to be validated.

The utility of bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: We describe the features of modern and historical bicruciate-retaining (BCR) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants compared with other TKA implant designs, reviewing kinematics, proprioception, operative technique, and clinical results. METHODS: We performed a review based on PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus, and Cochrane databases from January 1990 to April 2016 using combinations of the following keywords: "bicruciate-retaining arthroplasty," "bicruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty," "bicruciate-retaining TKA," "kinematics," "knee kinematics," and "TKA kinematics." RESULTS: Four studies have supported the notion that preservation of both cruciate ligaments in TKA preserves more "normal" knee kinematics. BCR implants provide greater proprioceptive performance when compared with posterior cruciate-retaining (CR) TKA implants. However, the operative implantation is more challenging with BCR TKAs, requiring the surgeon to take additional precautions. Overall, there did not seem to be a significant difference in short-term clinical outcomes between the BCR and CR implants. CONCLUSIONS: The utility of BCR TKA is still debatable. The literature has not shown clear indications and guidelines for the value and use of this implant. Although kinematics have been shown to mirror the native knee more closely, the clinical outcomes of BCR vs CR TKAs do not differ significantly. Moreover, additional care must be taken when inserting a BCR implant. The anterior cruciate ligament exploration and preservation is more challenging and certain preparation and precautions must take place. Overall, we have not found that BCR implants are significantly superior to CR implants with regards to short term clinical outcomes despite the BCR TKA having improved kinematics and proprioception.

Variance in predicted cup size by 2-dimensional vs 3-dimensional computerized tomography-based templating in primary total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative total hip arthroplasty templating can be performed with radiographs using acetate prints, digital viewing software, or with computed tomography (CT) images. Our hypothesis is that 3D templating is more precise and accurate with cup size prediction as compared to 2D templating with acetate prints and digital templating software. METHODS: Data collected from 45 patients undergoing robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty compared cup sizes templated on acetate prints and OrthoView software to MAKOplasty software that uses CT scan. Kappa analysis determined strength of agreement between each templating modality and the final size used. t tests compared mean cup-size variance from the final size for each templating technique. Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) determined reliability of digital and acetate planning by comparing predictions of the operating surgeon and a blinded adult reconstructive fellow. RESULTS: The Kappa values for CT-guided, digital, and acetate templating with the final size was 0.974, 0.233, and 0.262, respectively. Both digital and acetate templating significantly overpredicted cup size, compared to CT-guided methods (P < .001). There was no significant difference between digital and acetate templating (P = .117). Interclass correlation coefficient value for digital and acetate templating was 0.928 and 0.931, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided planning more accurately predicts hip implant cup size when compared to the significant overpredictions of digital and acetate templating. CT-guided templating may also lead to better outcomes due to bone stock preservation from a smaller and more accurate cup size predicted than that of digital and acetate predictions.