COVID-19 Pandemic Did not Influence Number of Oncologic and Emergency Surgeries: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a Tertiary Hospital in Austria.

BACKGROUND: Many articles described a massive decline in surgical procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic waves. Especially the reduction in oncologic and emergency procedures led to the concern that delays and cancelling surgical activity might lead to a substantial increase in preventable deaths. METHODS: Overall numbers and types of surgery were analysed in a tertiary hospital in Austria during the winter period (October-April) from 2015/16 to 2021/22. The half-years 2019/20, 2020/21 and 2021/22 were defined as pandemic half-years and were compared with the mean results of the previous, four, pre-pandemic half-years. RESULTS: A reduction was found for overall numbers and elective surgeries during 2019/20 (4.62%; p < 0.0001 and 12.14; p < 0.0001 respectively) and 2021/22 (14.94%; p < 0.0001 and 34.27; p < 0.0001 respectively). Oncologic surgery increased during 2021/22 (- 12.59%; p < 0.0001) and remained unchanged during the other periods. Emergency surgeries increased during 2019/20 (- 6.97%; p < 0.0001) and during 2021/22 (- 9.44%; p < 0.0001) and remained unchanged during 2020/21. CONCLUSIONS: The concern that the pandemic led to a decrease in oncologic and emergency surgeries cannot be supported with the data from our hospital. A flexible, day-by-day, resource allocation programme with central coordination adhering to hospital resilience recommendations may have helped to adapt to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during the first three pandemic half-years.

Academic anaesthesiology: a global perspective on training, support, and future development of early career researchers.

As anaesthesiologists face increasing clinical demands and a limited and competitive funding environment for academic work, the sustainability of academic anaesthesiologists has never been more tenuous. Yet, the speciality needs academic anaesthesiologists in many roles, extending beyond routine clinical duties. Anaesthesiologist educators, researchers, and administrators are required not only to train future generations but also to lead innovation and expansion of anaesthesiology and related specialities, all to improve patient care. This group of early career researchers with geographically distinct training and practice backgrounds aim to highlight the diversity in clinical and academic training and career development pathways for anaesthesiologists globally. Although multiple routes to success exist, one common thread is the need for consistent support of strong mentors and sponsors. Moreover, to address inequitable opportunities, we emphasise the need for diversity and inclusivity through global collaboration and exchange that aims to improve access to research training and participation. We are optimistic that by focusing on these fundamental principles, we can help build a more resilient and sustainable future for academic anaesthesiologists around the world.

The 'long shadow' of perioperative complications: association with increased risk of death up to one year after surgery.

Thirty-day mortality is widely used in medical and surgical outcomes research as a quality indicator, and as an endpoint in perioperative clinical trials. However, the validity of this metric has recently been questioned. In this issue of the British Journal of Anaesthesia, Fowler and colleagues quantify, update, and put into perspective the looming suspicion that perioperative adverse events cast a 'long shadow' of increased mortality, far beyond the 30-day time frame. Their work not only raises important questions on how we should think about, analyse, and report 'perioperative' complications and mortality, but also stresses anaesthesiologist and surgeon roles as key stakeholders in patient long-term survival.

Differential Perioperative Outcomes in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Obesity, or a Combination of Both Undergoing Open Colectomy: A Population-Based Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: An increasing body of evidence demonstrates an association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and adverse perioperative outcomes. However, large-scale data on open colectomies are lacking. Moreover, the interaction of obesity with OSA is unknown. This study examines the impact of OSA, obesity, or a combination of both, on perioperative complications in patients undergoing open colectomy. We hypothesized that while both obesity and OSA individually increase the likelihood for perioperative complications, the overlap of the 2 conditions is associated with the highest risk. METHODS: Patients undergoing open colectomies were identified using the national Premier Healthcare claims-based Database (2006-2016; n = 340,047). Multilevel multivariable models and relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) analysis quantified the impact of OSA, obesity, or both on length and cost of hospitalization, respiratory and cardiac complications, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, and inhospital mortality. RESULTS: Nine thousand twenty-eight (2.7%) patients had both OSA and obesity diagnoses; 10,137 (3.0%) had OSA without obesity; and 33,692 (9.9%) had obesity without OSA. Although there were overlapping confidence intervals in the binary outcomes, the risk increase was found highest for OSA with obesity, intermediate for obesity without OSA, and lowest for OSA without obesity. The strongest effects were seen for respiratory complications: odds ratio (OR), 2.41 (2.28-2.56), OR, 1.40 (1.31-1.49), and OR, 1.50 (1.45-1.56), for OSA with obesity, OSA without obesity, and obesity without OSA, respectively (all P < .0001). RERI analysis revealed a supraadditive effect of 0.51 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.68) for respiratory complications, 0.11 (-0.04 to 0.26) for cardiac complications, 0.30 (0.14-0.45) for ICU utilization, 0.34 (0.21-0.47) for mechanical ventilation utilization, and 0.26 (0.15-0.37) for mortality in patients with both OSA and obesity, compared to the sum of the conditions' individual risks. Inhospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with both OSA and obesity (OR [CI], 1.21 [1.07-1.38]) but not in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both OSA and obesity are individually associated with adverse perioperative outcomes, with a supraadditive effect if both OSA and obesity are present. Interventions, screening, and perioperative precautionary measures should be tailored to the respective risk profile. Moreover, both conditions appear to be underreported compared to the general population, highlighting the need for stringent perioperative screening, documentation, and reporting.

Regional anesthesia and pain management in patients with sleep apnea: can they improve outcomes?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In several guidelines, regional anesthesia and analgesia have been suggested as safer alternatives for general anesthesia and systemic analgesia for their safety profile in patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, the underlying scientific basis is still evolving. The present review is intended to provide an up-to-date account on the question whether the use of regional anesthesia improves outcomes in patients with OSA. RECENT FINDINGS: A number of studies found favorable effects of regional anesthesia used in patients with OSA, including reduced incidence of major perioperative complications such as the need for mechanical ventilation, reintubation and pulmonary/cardiac complications. No negative effects of regional anesthesia specific to patients with OSA were found. Regional anesthesia was most effective when used as a sole technique, but also carried benefits when added to general anesthesia. The majority of available literature focuses on orthopedic surgery and neuraxial anesthesia. SUMMARY: Regional anesthesia can be recommended as a good strategy to treat patients with OSA whenever feasible, as it reduces the incidence of potentially catastrophic perioperative complications. However, the breadth of both surgical and regional anesthetic techniques analyzed is limited; further research should focus on extending the knowledge base beyond neuraxial anesthesia and orthopedics.

Changes in the augmentation index and postoperative orthostatic intolerance in orthopedic surgery: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative orthostatic intolerance (OI) can be a major obstacle to early ambulation and its determinants are poorly understood. We aimed to study postoperative changes in vascular tone and their potential association with OI in various orthopedic surgical settings. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 350 patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty under neuraxial anesthesia or spine surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled. We determined the augmentation index (AI) as a measure of vascular tone and studied symptoms of OI using a validated questionnaire at various postoperative time points. RESULTS: The AI was significantly reduced postoperatively (at spinal resolution in patients with neuraxial anesthesia or two hours postoperatively in general anesthesia) compared with baseline values in all procedures and did not subsequently return to baseline throughout the postoperative period in the majority of patients [252/335 (75.2%); P < 0.001]. The majority [260/342 (76.0%); P < 0.001] of patients had postoperative symptoms of OI. Nevertheless, no association was found between postoperative change in AI from baseline and postoperative symptoms of OI. CONCLUSIONS: A significantly prolonged decrease in AI and symptoms of OI are common after orthopedic surgery. Nevertheless, an association between the two measures was not observed. While compensatory mechanisms may limit the influence of an AI decrease on symptoms of OI, more research is needed to understand the contributing factors and aid in the identification of patients at risk of OI.

Ropivacaine 0.375% vs. 0.75% with prilocaine for intermediate cervical plexus block for carotid endarterectomy: A randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy is widely performed under regional anaesthesia. Ultrasound guidance is increasingly used in many regional anaesthetic procedures to improve safety and efficacy, and because it can reduce the amount of local anaesthetic required. Despite this, an ideal approach and dosing regimen for cervical plexus block remain elusive. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare two different concentrations of ropivacaine in terms of analgesic adequacy, haemodynamic effects and plasma concentration using an ultrasound-guided triple approach for intermediate cervical plexus blockade. DESIGN: A randomised, placebo-controlled, blinded study. SETTING: University Clinic Salzburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria, from 16 November 2012 to 17 September 2013. PATIENTS: Forty-six patients prospectively randomised to receive ultrasound-guided intermediate cervical block with either 20 ml ropivacaine 0.75% or 20 ml ropivacaine 0.375% each with 20 ml prilocaine 1%. INTERVENTION: After subcutaneous infiltration, blocks were performed using ultrasound-guided infiltration below the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and ultrasound-guided infiltration of the carotid sheath. Ropivacaine and prilocaine plasma concentrations were measured at intervals. MAIN OUTCOME: The primary study endpoint was the volume of supplementary lidocaine 1% required to achieve adequate surgical anaesthesia. Perioperative haemodynamic variables and pain scores were recorded. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the volume of supplementary lidocaine given: 5.0 (±3.63) ml in the ropivacaine 0.375% group and 5.17 (±2.76) ml in the ropivacaine 0.75% group (P = 0.846). Pain scores were similarly low across both groups. Measured concentrations of ropivacaine and prilocaine did not reach toxic levels in either group. Levels of ropivacaine were approximately two-fold higher in the 0.75% group [mean area under the curve (AUC) 10 531.11 (±2912.84) vs. 5264.34 ng (±1594.69), P < 0.0001]. Perioperative cardiovascular stability was excellent in both groups. There were no serious block-related complications. CONCLUSION: An ultrasound-guided intermediate block provides adequate anaesthesia for carotid thrombendarterectomy with a little need for supplementary local anaesthetic. Use of 0.375% ropivacaine provided similarly effective analgesia as 0.75%, but resulted in significantly lower plasma concentrations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at the European Clinical Trial Database (Eudra CT No.: 2012-002769) as well as at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01759940).

Impact of Melatonin on Sleep and Pain After Total Knee Arthroplasty Under Regional Anesthesia With Sedation: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.

This pilot study explores sleep disruption after total knee arthroplasty and the impact of melatonin on sleep and postoperative pain. Sleep time was decreased on the last preoperative night and first two postoperative nights. Sleep efficiency was decreased on all three postoperative nights. Compared to placebo, melatonin increased sleep efficiency by 4.4% (mean; 95% CI -1.6, 10.4; P=0.150) and sleep time by 29 min (mean; 95% CI -2.0, 60.4; P=0.067). Melatonin appeared to have no effect on subjective sleep quality or daytime sleepiness, pain at rest or pain with standardized activity. In conclusion, sleep quality is impaired after total knee arthroplasty and exogenous melatonin does not appear to improve postoperative sleep or pain to a significant degree.

Patient, Surgery, and Hospital Related Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections following Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Surgical site infections (SSI) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) have a significantly adverse impact on patient outcomes and pose a great challenge to the treating surgeon. Therefore, timely recognition of those patients at risk for this complication is very important, as it allows for adopting measures to reduce this risk. This review discusses literature reported risk factors for SSI after THA. These can be classified into patient-related factors (age, gender, obesity, comorbidities, history of infection, primary diagnosis, and socioeconomic profile), surgery-related factors (allogeneic blood transfusion, DVT prophylaxis and coagulopathy, duration of surgery, antibiotic prophylaxis, bearing surface and fixation, bilateral procedures, NNIS index score, and anesthesia type), and hospital-related factors (duration of hospitalization, institution and surgeon volume, and admission from a healthcare facility). All these factors are discussed with respect to potential measures that can be taken to reduce their effect and consequently the overall risk for infection.

Subsartorial adductor canal vs femoral nerve block for analgesia after total knee replacement.

PURPOSE: Providing effective analgesia for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients remains challenging. Femoral nerve block (FNB) offers targeted pain control; however, its effect on motor function, related fall risk and impact on rehabilitation has been the source of controversy. Adductor canal block (ACB) potentially spares motor fibres of the femoral nerve, but the comparative effect of the two approaches has not yet been well defined due to considerable variability in pain perception. Our study compares both single-shot FNB and ACB, side to side, in the same patients undergoing bilateral TKA. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for bilateral TKA were randomised to receive ultrasound-guided FNB on one leg and ACB on the other, in addition to combined spinal epidural anaesthesia. The primary outcome was comparative postoperative pain in either extremity at six to eight, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. Secondary comparative outcomes included motor strength (manually and via dynamometer), physical therapy milestones and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: While pain levels were lowest at six to eight hours postoperatively and increased thereafter (P < 0.001), no significant differences were seen between extremities at any time point with regard to pain in the quantitative comparison using visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (P = 0.4154), motor strength (P = 0.7548), physical therapy milestones or patient satisfaction. However, in the qualitative comparison, a significant proportion of patients reported the leg receiving ACB to be more painful than that receiving FNB at 24 h [50.9 % (n = 30) vs 25.42 % (n = 15), P = 0.0168)]. CONCLUSIONS: Although we could not confirm a benefit in motor function between ACB and FNB, given the equivalent analgesic potency combined with its potentially lower overall impact if neuropraxia should occur, ACB may represent an attractive alternative to FNB.

Inpatient falls after total knee arthroplasty: the role of anesthesia type and peripheral nerve blocks.

BACKGROUND: Much controversy remains on the role of anesthesia technique and peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) in inpatient falls (IFs) after orthopedic procedures. The aim of the study is to characterize cases of IFs, identify risk factors, and study the role of PNB and anesthesia technique in IF risk in total knee arthroplasty patients. METHODS: The authors selected total knee arthroplasty patients from the national Premier Perspective database (Premier Inc., Charlotte, NC; 2006-2010; n = 191,570, >400 acute care hospitals). The primary outcome was IF. Patient- and healthcare system-related characteristics, anesthesia technique, and presence of PNB were determined for IF and non-IF patients. Independent risk factors for IFs were determined by using conventional and multilevel logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall, IF incidence was 1.6% (n = 3,042). Distribution of anesthesia technique was 10.9% neuraxial, 12.9% combined neuraxial/general, and 76.2% general anesthesia. PNB was used in 12.1%. Patients suffering IFs were older (average age, 68.9 vs. 66.3 yr), had higher comorbidity burden (average Deyo index, 0.77 vs. 0.66), and had more major complications, including 30-day mortality (0.8 vs. 0.1%; all P < 0.001). Use of neuraxial anesthesia (IF incidence, 1.3%; n = 280) had lower adjusted odds of IF compared with adjusted odds of IF with the use of general anesthesia alone (IF incidence, 1.6%; n = 2,393): odds ratio, 0.70 (95% CI, 0.56-0.87). PNB was not significantly associated with IF (odds ratio, 0.85 [CI, 0.71-1.03]). CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies several risk factors for IF in total knee arthroplasty patients. Contrary to common concerns, no association was found between PNB and IF. Further studies should determine the role of anesthesia practices in the context of fall-prevention programs.

Critical care in patients undergoing lumbar spine fusion: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Data on the utilization of critical care services (CCSs) among patients who underwent spine fusion are rare. Given the increasing popularity of this procedure, information regarding demographics and risk factors for the use of these advanced services is needed in order to appropriately allocate resources, educate clinical staff, and identify targets for future research. METHODS: We analyzed hospital discharge data of patients who underwent lumbar spine fusion in approximately 400 US hospitals between 2006 and 2010. Patient, procedure, and health care system-related demographics for those requiring CCS were compared to those who did not. Outcomes such as mortality, complications, disposition status, and hospital charges were compared among groups and risk factors for the utilization of CCS identified. RESULTS: A total of 95 434 entries of patients who underwent posterior lumbar spine fusion surgery between 2006 and 2010 were identified. Approximately 10% of the patients required CCS. On average, patients requiring CCS were older and had a higher comorbidity burden, developed more complications, had longer hospital stays and higher costs, and were less likely to be discharged home compared to non-CCS patients. Risk factors with increased odds for requiring CCS included advanced age, increasing comorbidity burden, increasing surgical invasiveness, and presence of postoperative complications, especially pulmonary. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately, 10% of the patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery require CCS. Utilizing the present data, critical care physicians and administrators can identify patients at risk, educate clinical staff, identify targets for intervention, and allocate resources to meet the needs of this particular patient population.

The impact of sleep apnea on postoperative utilization of resources and adverse outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Despite the concern that sleep apnea (SA) is associated with increased risk for postoperative complications, a paucity of information is available regarding the effect of this disorder on postoperative complications and resource utilization in the orthopedic population. With an increasing number of surgical patients suffering from SA, this information is important to physicians, patients, policymakers, and administrators alike. METHODS: We analyzed hospital discharge data of patients who underwent total hip or knee arthroplasty in approximately 400 U.S. Hospitals between 2006 and 2010. Patient, procedure, and health care system-related demographics and outcomes such as mortality, complications, and resource utilization were compared among groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to assess the association between SA and various outcomes. RESULTS: We identified 530,089 entries for patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty. Of those, 8.4% had a diagnosis code for SA. In the multivariate analysis, the diagnosis of SA emerged as an independent risk factor for major postoperative complications (OR 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-1.55). Pulmonary complications were 1.86 (95% CI, 1.65-2.09) times more likely and cardiac complications 1.59 (95% CI, 1.48-1.71) times more likely to occur in patients with SA. In addition, SA patients were more likely to receive ventilatory support, use more intensive care, stepdown and telemetry services, consume more economic resources, and have longer lengths of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of SA is a major clinical and economic challenge in the postoperative period. More research is needed to identify SA patients at risk for complications and develop evidence-based practices to aid in the allocation of clinical and economic resources.

Peripheral nerve blocks in shoulder arthroplasty: how do they influence complications and length of stay?

BACKGROUND: Regional anesthesia has proven to be a highly effective technique for pain control after total shoulder arthroplasty. However, concerns have been raised about the safety of upper-extremity nerve blocks, particularly with respect to the incidence of perioperative respiratory and neurologic complications, and little is known about their influence, if any, on length of stay after surgery. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Using a large national cohort, we asked: (1) How frequently are upper-extremity peripheral nerve blocks added to general anesthesia in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty? (2) Are there differences in the incidence of and adjusted risk for major perioperative complications and mortality between patients receiving general anesthesia with and without nerve blocks? And (3) does resource utilization (blood product transfusion, intensive care unit admission, length of stay) differ between groups? METHODS: We searched a nationwide discharge database for patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty under general anesthesia with or without addition of a nerve block. Groups were compared with regard to demographics, comorbidities, major perioperative complications, and length of stay. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to measure complications and resource use. A negative binomial regression was fitted to measure length of stay. RESULTS: We identified 17,157 patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasty between 2007 and 2011. Of those, approximately 21% received an upper-extremity peripheral nerve block in addition to general anesthesia. Patients receiving combined regional-general anesthesia had similar mean age (68.6 years [95% CI: 68.2-68.9 years] versus 69.1 years [95% CI: 68.9-69.3 years], p < 0.0043), a slightly lower mean Deyo (comorbidity) index (0.87 versus 0.93, p = 0.0052), and similar prevalence of individual comorbidities, compared to those patients receiving general anesthesia only. Addition of regional anesthesia was not associated with different odds ratios for complications, transfusion, and intensive care unit admission. Incident rates for length of stay were also similar between groups (incident rate ratio = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.97-1.02; p = 0.467) CONCLUSIONS: Addition of regional to general anesthesia was not associated with an increased complication profile or increased use of resources. In combination with improved pain control as known from previous research, regional anesthesia may represent a viable management option for shoulder arthroplasty. However, further research is necessary to better clarify the risk of neurologic complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Does limb preconditioning reduce pain after total knee arthroplasty? A randomized, double-blind study.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can be associated with considerable postoperative pain. Ischemic preconditioning of tissue before inducing procedure-related underperfusion may reduce the postoperative inflammatory response, which further may reduce associated pain. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In this prospective, randomized study, we aimed at evaluating the impact of ischemic preconditioning on postoperative pain at rest and during exercise; use of pain medication; levels of systemic prothrombotic and local inflammatory markers; and length of stay and achievement of physical therapy milestones. METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing unilateral TKA under tourniquet were enrolled with half (N = 30) being randomized to an episode of limb preconditioning before induction of ischemia for surgery (tourniquet inflation). Pain scores, analgesic consumption, markers of inflammation (interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α in periarticular drainage), and periarticular circumference were measured at baseline and during 2 days postoperatively. Changes in prothrombotic markers were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients in the preconditioning group had significantly less pain postoperatively at rest (mean difference = -0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.40 to -0.02, p = 0.043) and with exercise (mean difference = -1.38, 95% CI = -2.32 to -0.44, p = 0.004), but showed no differences in analgesic consumption. No differences were seen between the study and the control group in terms of muscle oxygenation and intraarticular levels of IL-6 and TNF-α as well as levels of prothrombotic markers. No differences were found between groups in regard to hospitalization length and time to various physical therapy milestones. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemic preconditioning reduces postoperative pain after TKA, but the treatment effect size we observed with the preconditioning routine used was modest. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Given the ease of this intervention, ischemic preconditioning may be considered as part of a multimodal analgesic strategy. However, more study into the impact of different preconditioning strategies, elucidation of mechanisms, safety profiles, and cost-effectiveness of this maneuver is needed.

Purtscher's retinopathy after intramedullary nailing of a femoral shaft fracture in a 20-year old healthy female - report of a rare case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Purtscher's retinopathy is a sight threatening, occlusive microvasculopathy associated with trauma, it is rarely reported after long bone fractures. CASE PRESENTATION: A 20-year-old female sustained a femoral shaft fracture (AO 32-A2.3) in a ski accident colliding with a snowgun and was treated with intramedullary nailing one hour after the accident. 14 hours after surgery the patient complained of loss of vision in both eyes and was therefore referred to a neurologist, furthermore an MRI scan of the brain was performed. Neither showed any pathological findings. The patient was finally transferred to an ophthalmology department. After slit lamp examination and funduscopy Purtscher's retinopathy was diagnosed. Treatment was started right after diagnosis and 5 days after the onset of symptoms. The patient was administered intravenous haemo-rheologic therapy for five days as well as low molecular heparine in therapeutic dose and Vasonit® 400 mg bid orally.At follow-up 4 weeks and 6 months later visual acuity had improved after 4 weeks before that exam. At final follow-up the symptoms had almost resolved completely and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity had improved from originally 0.25 decimal in both eyes to 0.8 decimal UCVA and BCVA in both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients suffering from perioperative loss of vision have to be referred for ophthalmological and neurological assessment as soon as possible. History of trauma and visual loss can point to the diagnosis of Purtscher's retinopathy.

Rheumatoid arthritis vs osteoarthritis in patients receiving total knee arthroplasty: perioperative outcomes.

There is a paucity of data available on perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We determined differences in demographics and risk for perioperative adverse events between patients suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) versus RA using a population-based approach. Of 351,103 entries for patients who underwent TKA, 3.4% had a diagnosis of RA. RA patients were on average younger [RA: 64.3 years vs OA: 66.6 years; P<0.001] and more likely female [RA: 79.2% vs OA: 63.2%; P<0. 001]. The unadjusted rates of mortality and most major perioperative adverse events were similar in both groups, with the exception of infection [RA: 4.5% vs. OA: 3.8%; P<0.001]. RA was not associated with increased adjusted odds for combined adverse events.