Costs of shoulder and elbow procedures are significantly reduced in ambulatory surgery centers compared to hospital outpatient departments.

BACKGROUND: Recent literature has shown the advantages of outpatient surgery for many shoulder and elbow procedures, including cost savings with equivalent safety in appropriately selected patients. Two common settings for outpatient surgeries are ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), which function as independent financial and administrative entities, or hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs), which are owned and operated by hospital systems. The purpose of this study was to compare shoulder and elbow surgery costs between ASCs and HOPDs. METHODS: Publicly available data from 2022 provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) was accessed via the Medicare Procedure Price Lookup Tool. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify shoulder and elbow procedures approved for the outpatient setting by CMS. Procedures were grouped into arthroscopy, fracture, or miscellaneous. Total costs, facility fees, Medicare payments, patient payment (costs not covered by Medicare), and surgeon's fees were extracted. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate means and standard deviations. Cost differences were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Fifty-seven CPT codes were identified. Arthroscopy procedures (n = 16) at ASCs had significantly lower total costs ($2667 ± $989 vs. $4899 ± $1917; P = .009), facility fees ($1974 ± $819 vs. $4206 ± $1753; P = .008), Medicare payments ($2133 ± $791 vs. $3919 ± $1534; P = .009), and patient payments ($533 ± $198 vs. $979 ± $383; P = .009) compared with HOPDs. Fracture procedures (n = 10) at ASCs had lower total costs ($7680 ± $3123 vs. $11,335 ± $3830; P = .049), facility fees ($6851 ± $3033 vs. $10,507 ± $3733; P = .047), and Medicare payments ($6143 ± $2499 vs. $9724 ± $3676; P = .049) compared with HOPDs, although patient payments were not significantly different ($1535 ± $625 vs. $1610 ± $160; P = .449). Miscellaneous procedures (n = 31) at ASCs had lower total costs ($4202 ± $2234 vs. $6985 ± $2917; P < .001), facility fees ($3348 ± $2059 vs. $6132 ± $2736; P < .001), Medicare payments ($3361 ± $1787 vs. $5675 ± $2635; P < .001), and patient payments ($840 ± $447 vs. $1309 ± $350; P < .001) compared with HOPDs. The combined cohort (n = 57) at ASCs had lower total costs ($4381 ± $2703 vs. $7163 ± $3534; P < .001), facility fees ($3577 ± $2570 vs. $6539.1 ± $3391; P < .001), Medicare payments ($3504 ± $2162 vs. $5892 ± $3206; P < .001), and patient payments ($875 ± $540 vs. $1269 ± $393; P < .001) compared with HOPDs. CONCLUSION: Shoulder and elbow procedures performed at HOPDs for Medicare recipients were found to have average total cost increase of 164% compared with those performed at ASCs (184% savings for arthroscopy, 148% for fracture, and 166% for miscellaneous). ASC use conferred lower facility fees, patient payments, and Medicare payments. Policy efforts to incentivize migration of surgeries to ASCs may translate into substantial health care cost savings.

Superior Capsular Reconstruction: Proposed Biomechanical Advantages.

The intact rotator cuff provides dynamic stability for the glenohumeral joint through range of motion by compressing the humeral head to the center of the glenoid. Maintenance of articular congruity provides a stable fulcrum for the more forceful muscles of the shoulder girdle. Massive rotator cuff tears disrupt the concavity-compression mechanism and lead to unopposed superior pull of the deltoid. As a result, superior migration of the humerus, abutment of the acromion, and, in some cases, progression to cuff tear arthropathy occur. Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction has emerged as an effective treatment in select indications. Several potential biomechanical advantages to SCR have been described on the basis of cadaver studies. By tethering the greater tuberosity to the glenoid, superior migration is resisted, and the center of rotation is stabilized. The interpositional spacer effect describes reduced subacromial contact pressure, and the reduction is greater with thicker grafts. Side-to-side suturing of the graft to residual tendon and capsule achieves capsular continuity and may further improve the stabilizing function of the residual capsule and prevent medial-lateral elongation of the graft. Although these biomechanical principles overlap to some degree, their summation offers an explanation for the improved pain and function seen in patients who undergo superior capsular reconstruction.

Moderate Return to Play and Previous Performance After SLAP Repairs in Competitive Overhead Athletes: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To perform a systematic review of return to play (RTP) and return to previous level of performance (RPP) in competitive overhead athletes after SLAP repair to identify factors associated with failure to RTP. METHODS: Systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Review was registered with PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42020215488). Inclusion criteria were literature reporting RTP or RPP following SLAP repair in overhead athletes were run in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar. Categories for data collection for each full article included (1) article information; (2) patient demographics; (3) surgical techniques; (4) level of competition; (5) rotator cuff treatment; (6) player position; (7) patient-reported outcome measures; and (8) RTP and RPP rates. The Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies checklist was used to evaluate quality of all included studies. RESULTS: Eight studies with 333 subjects were identified. Overall RTP and RPP rates were 50% to 83.6% and 35.3% to 64%, respectively. Patients with surgically treated rotator cuff pathology had lower RTP (12.5%-64.7%) rates compared with those without (80.0%-83.6%). Professional athletes had similar RTP rates (62.5%-81.5%) compared with high-school (75.0%-90.0%) and college athletes (12.5%-83.3%). However, professional athletes demonstrated the lowest relative range of reported RPP rates (27.7%-55.6%). Pitchers had lower RTP (62.5%-80.0%) and RPP (52.0%-58.9%) compared with position players (91.3% RTP, 76.3%-78.2% RPP). CONCLUSIONS: Studies reviewed reported moderate RTP and RPP rates following SLAP repairs in competitive overhead athletes. Those with associated rotator cuff tear requiring treatment, and baseball pitchers were less likely to RTP and RPP. Professional athletes had similar RTP to an amateur; however, they were less likely to RPP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level III-IV studies.

Incidence and risk factors for symptomatic venous thromboembolism following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a large national database and to identify corresponding independent risk factors. METHODS: The Humana administrative claims database was reviewed for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction from 2007 to 2017. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, as well as concurrent procedures were recorded. Postoperative incidence of VTE was measured by identifying symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year postoperatively. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were performed to determine independent risk factors for VTE following surgery. RESULTS: A total of 11,977 patients were included in the study. The incidence of VTE was 1.01% (n = 120) and 1.22% (n = 146) at 30 and 90 days, respectively. Analysis of VTE events within the first postoperative year revealed that 69.6% and 84.3% of VTEs occurred within 30 and 90 days of surgery, respectively. Logistic regression identified age ≥ 45 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-2.68; p < 0.001), inpatient surgery (OR = 2.07; 95% CI 1.01-4.24; p = 0.045), COPD (OR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.02-2.24; p = 0.041), and tobacco use (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.17-2.62; p = 0.007), as well as concurrent PCL reconstruction (OR = 3.85; 95% CI 1.71-8.67; p = 0.001), meniscal transplant (OR = 17.68; 95% CI 3.63-85.97; p < 0.001) or osteochondral allograft (OR = 15.73; 95% CI 1.79-138.43; p = 0.013) as independent risk factors for VTE after ACL reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of symptomatic postoperative VTE is low following ACL reconstruction, with the majority of cases occurring within 90 days of surgery. Risk factors include age ≥ 45, inpatient surgery, COPD, tobacco use and concurrent PCL reconstruction, meniscal transplant or osteochondral allograft. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

An evidence-based approach to managing unexpected positive cultures in shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Unexpected positive cultures (UPCs) are very commonly found during shoulder arthroplasty when surgeons send intraoperative cultures to rule out periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) without clinical or radiographic signs of infection. Cutibacterium acnes is thought to be the most common bacteria cultured in this setting; however, the implications of an unexpected positive result are neither well defined nor agreed upon within the literature. The current review evaluates the incidence of UPCs and C acnes in reverse total arthroplasty; the clinical significance, if any, of these cultures; and various prognostic factors that may affect UPC incidence or recovery following PJI. METHODS: A systematic review was performed with PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases. Inclusion criteria included studies published from January 1, 2000, to May 20, 2021, that specifically reported on UPCs, native or revision shoulder surgery, and any study that directly addressed one of our 6 proposed clinical questions. Two independent investigators initially screened 267 articles for further evaluation. Data on study design, UPC rate/speciation, UPC risk factors, and UPC outcomes were analyzed and described. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria for this study. There was a pooled rate of 27.5% (653/2373) deep UPC specimen positivity, and C acnes represented 76.4% (499/653) of these positive specimens. Inanimate specimen positivity was reported at a pooled rate of 20.1% (29/144) across 3 studies. Male patients were more likely to have a UPC; however, the significance of prior surgery, surgical approach, and type of surgery conflicted across multiple articles. Patient-reported outcomes and reoperation rates did not differ between positive-UPC and negative-UPC patients. The utilization of antibiotics and treatment regimen varied across studies; however, the reinfection rates following surgery did not statistically differ based on the inclusion of antibiotics. CONCLUSION: UPCs are a frequent finding during shoulder surgery and C acnes represents the highest percentage of cultured bacteria. Various preoperative risk factors, surgical techniques, and postoperative treatment regimens did not significantly affect the incidence of UPCs as well as the clinical outcomes for UPC vs. non-UPC patients. A standardized protocol for treatment and follow-up would decrease physician uncertainty when faced with a UPC from shoulder surgery. Given the results of this review, shoulder surgeons can consider not drastically altering the postoperative clinical course in the setting of UPC with no other evidence of PJI.

Does native glenoid anatomy predispose to shoulder instability? An MRI analysis.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear if native glenohumeral anatomic features predispose young patients to instability and if such anatomic risk factors differ between males and females. The purpose of this study was to compare glenoid and humeral head dimensions between patients with a documented instability event without bone loss to matched controls and to evaluate for sex-based differences across measurements. The authors hypothesized that a smaller glenoid width and glenoid surface area would be significant risk factors for instability, whereas humeral head width would not. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was queried for patients aged <21 years who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for shoulder instability. Patients with prior shoulder surgery, bony Bankart, or glenoid or humeral bone loss were excluded. Patients were matched by sex and age to control patients who had no history of shoulder instability. Two blinded independent raters measured glenoid height, glenoid width, and humeral head width on sagittal MRI. Glenoid surface area, glenoid index (ratio of glenoid height to width), and glenohumeral mismatch ratio (ratio of humeral head width to glenoid width) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 107 instability patients and 107 controls were included (150 males and 64 females). Among the entire cohort, there were no differences in glenoid height, glenoid width, glenoid surface area, humeral head width, or glenoid index between patients with instability and controls. Overall, those with instability had a greater glenohumeral mismatch ratio (P = .029) compared with controls. When stratified by sex, female controls and instability patients showed no differences in any of the glenoid or humerus dimensions. However, males with instability had a smaller glenoid width by 3.5% (P = .017), smaller glenoid surface area by 5.2% (P = .015), and a greater glenohumeral mismatch ratio (P = .027) compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Compared with controls, males with instability were found to have smaller glenoid width and surface area, and a glenoid width that was proportionally smaller relative to humeral width. In contrast, bony glenohumeral morphology did not appear to be a significant risk factor for instability among females. These sex-based differences suggest that anatomic factors may influence risk of instability for male and female patients differently.

Corticosteroid Injections 1 Month Before Arthroscopic Meniscectomy Increase the Risk of Surgical-Site Infection.

PURPOSE: To define the incidence of postoperative infections in patients who receive corticosteroid injections prior to arthroscopic meniscectomy, to determine whether there is a temporal relation between injections and the risk of surgical-site infections, and to identify corresponding risk factors. METHODS: The Humana administrative claims database was reviewed for patients undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy within 1 year of injection and those undergoing arthroscopic meniscectomy without prior injection. Patients with preoperative injections were further stratified by the duration in months between the injection and the surgical procedure. Surgical-site infection within 6 months of surgery was recorded. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression were performed to determine independent risk factors for surgical-site infection. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05. RESULTS: We identified patients with (n = 11,652) and without (n = 37,261) a history of a knee corticosteroid injection within 1 year of arthroscopic meniscectomy with at least 6 months of database activity from 2007 to 2017. In patients who received knee injections within 1 month prior to surgery, the rate of development of postoperative infections was twice that in patients who did not receive an injection (1.28% vs 0.63%; odds ratio [OR], 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-2.62; P = .001). Multivariate logistic regression identified male sex (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.14-1.71; P = .001), diabetes (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.19-1.85; P < .001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.27-1.94; P < .001), obesity (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.07-1.63; P = .010), tobacco use (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.30-1.98; P < .001), and preoperative injections within 1 month of surgery (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.21-2.54; P = .002) as significant predictors, whereas injections administered more than 1 month before surgery were not significantly associated with postoperative surgical-site infection after arthroscopic meniscectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Injections 1 month before arthroscopic meniscectomy significantly increase the risk of surgical-site infection. However, injections can be safely administered more than 1 month prior to surgery because there is no increased risk of postoperative infection at this time point. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Establishing Clinically Significant Outcomes for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System After Biceps Tenodesis.

PURPOSE: To establish thresholds for improvement in patient-reported outcome scores that correspond with clinically significant outcomes (CSOs) including the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) upper extremity (UE) computer adaptive testing (CAT) and pain interference (PIF) CAT after biceps tenodesis (BT) and to assess patient variables that are associated with achieving these outcomes. METHODS: After institutional review board approval was obtained, a prospectively maintained institutional database was queried for patients undergoing BT between December 2017 and August 2019. Patients undergoing BT in isolation or BT in conjunction with rotator cuff debridement, SLAP repair, subacromial decompression, or distal clavicle excision were included in the analysis. Anchor- and distribution-based methods were used to calculate the MCID whereas an anchor-based method was used to calculate SCB and the PASS for PROMIS UE CAT and PIF CAT. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients (86.8% follow-up) who underwent BT were included for analysis. The MCID, net SCB, absolute SCB, and PASS for PROMIS UE CAT were 4.02, 9.25, 43.4, and 41.1, respectively. The MCID, net SCB, absolute SCB, and PASS for PROMIS PIF CAT were -4.12, -10.7, 52.4, and 52.4, respectively. Higher preoperative UE CAT and PIF CAT scores, preoperative opioid use, depression, and living alone were negative predictors of CSO achievement. Male sex and regular participation in exercise were positive predictors of CSO achievement. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with higher preoperative UE scores were less likely to achieve the MCID (odds ratio [OR], 0.84), whereas patients with higher preoperative PIF scores were less likely to achieve absolute SCB and the PASS (OR, 0.83-0.89). Most patients achieved the MCID for PIF CAT (70.5%) and UE CAT (62.5%) at final follow-up. Male sex (OR, 4.38-9.15) and regular exercise participation (OR, 6.45-18.94) positively predicted CSO achievement, whereas preoperative opioid use (OR, 0.06), depression (OR, 0.23), and living alone (OR, 0.90) were negative predictors of CSO achievement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Machine learning can reliably identify patients at risk of overnight hospital admission following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: Overnight admission following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has implications on clinical outcomes as well as cost benefit, yet there are few validated risk calculators for reliable identification of appropriate candidates. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a machine learning algorithm that can effectively identify patients requiring admission following elective anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review of a national surgical outcomes database was performed to identify patients who underwent elective ACL reconstruction from 2006 to 2018. Patients admitted overnight postoperatively were identified as those with length of stay of 1 or more days. Models were generated using random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), linear discriminant classifier (LDA), and adaptive boosting algorithms (AdaBoost), and an additional model was produced as a weighted ensemble of the four final algorithms. RESULTS: Overall, of the 4,709 patients included, 531 patients (11.3%) required at least one overnight stay following ACL reconstruction. The factors determined most important for identification of candidates for inpatient admission were operative time, anesthesia type, age, gender, and BMI. Smoking history, history of COPD, and history of coagulopathy were identified as less important variables. The following factors supported overnight admission: operative time > 200 min, age < 35.8 or > 53.5 years, male gender, BMI < 25 or > 31.2 kg/m2, positive smoking history, history of COPD and the presence of preoperative coagulopathy. The ensemble model achieved the best performance based on discrimination assessed via internal validation (AUC = 0.76), calibration, and decision curve analysis. The model was integrated into a web-based open-access application able to provide both predictions and explanations. CONCLUSION: Modifiable risk factors identified by the model such as increased BMI, operative time, anesthesia type, and comorbidities can help clinicians optimize preoperative status to prevent costs associated with unnecessary admissions. If externally validated in independent populations, this algorithm could use these inputs to guide preoperative screening and risk stratification to identify patients requiring overnight admission for observation following ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Social media use by shoulder and elbow surgeons increases the number of ratings on physician review websites.

BACKGROUND: The use of physician review websites by patients is increasingly frequent. One potential way for shoulder and elbow surgeons to enhance their online reputation and attract patients is via social media, yet its impact is unknown. This study sought to analyze the effect of social media use on the number of online ratings and overall rating of shoulder and elbow surgeons. We secondarily studied variables affecting social media use. METHODS: The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons directory was probed to identify practicing surgeons. Surgeon evaluation data, including ratings, comments, and reviews, were compiled from 3 physician review websites (Google, Healthgrades, and Vitals). Google was queried to assess for a professional Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account, as well as obtain information on surgeon training, practice location, and other demographic variables. RESULTS: A total of 646 surgeons met the inclusion criteria (93.8% male and 6.2% female surgeons). Overall, 37% had a professional social media account (Facebook, 23.1%; Twitter, 24.1%; and Instagram, 9.4%). Linear regression analysis showed that Facebook use correlated with an average increase of 48.6 in the number of ratings. No social media platform correlated with physician rating. The surgeons more likely to use social media were those who graduated residency in 2000 or later (40.8% vs. 29.2%), those who practiced in cities with higher populations (mean, 1188.9 vs. 708.4 [per 1000]), and those with more surgeons practicing in the same city (mean, 7.0 vs. 5.0). CONCLUSION: The majority of shoulder and elbow surgeons do not have a professional social media account. Those using this platform are younger and located in more populous cities with more competition. Having a professional social media profile was not correlated with ratings, but there was a positive association with the number of online ratings, and Facebook had the strongest association. Surgeon ratings are overwhelmingly positive with minimal variability; therefore, a high number of ratings confirms a surgeon's exceptional reputation. The residency graduation year, city population, and number of nearby surgeons affected ratings, although the absolute differences were minimal. For shoulder and elbow surgeons, a professional social media account correlates with an increase in the number of online physician ratings. Recent graduates practicing in competitive locations may feel increased pressure to leverage this in an attempt to build their practices.

Establishing clinically significant outcome thresholds for the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation 2 years following total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) is a simple, time-efficient patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) used to assess postoperative shoulder function. Clinically significant outcome values and ability to correlate with longer legacy PROM scores at 2 years following shoulder arthroplasty are unknown. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed using SANE, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), and Constant scores that were collected at a minimum 2-year follow-up. A total of 153 patients who underwent anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) were included. A distribution-based method was used to determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). An anchor-based method was used to determine substantial clinical benefit (SCB). The following anchor question was collected alongside the PROMs and graded on a 15-point Likert-type scale to establish the SCB: "Since your surgery, has there been any change in the pain in your shoulder?" Linear regression was used to assess correlations between PROMs. RESULTS: SANE showed moderate correlation with ASES (R2 = 0.493) and Constant (R2 = 0.586) scores (P < .001). The MCID value was 14.9, and the SCB absolute value was 80.4 (area under the curve = 0.663) for SANE. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that patients undergoing RTSA were less likely to achieve SCB on all 3 outcome measures (P < .02). CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes concurrent construct validity for SANE and suggests that it is a valid metric to assess the MCID and SCB at 2 years following anatomic TSA and RTSA. SANE demonstrated moderate correlations with ASES and Constant scores. Patients undergoing RTSA demonstrated a lower propensity to achieve SCB at 2 years postoperatively compared with anatomic TSA.

Perioperative Opioid Use Predicts Postoperative Opioid Use and Inferior Outcomes After Shoulder Arthroscopy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to define the impact of preoperative opioid use on postoperative opioid use, patient-reported outcomes, and revision rates in a cohort of patients receiving arthroscopic shoulder surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy were identified from an institutional database. Inclusion criteria were completion of preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 1-year follow-up and completion of a questionnaire on use of opioids and number of pills per day. Outcomes assessed included postoperative PROM scores, postoperative opioid use, persistent pain, and achievement of the patient acceptable symptomatic state. A matched cohort analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of opioid use on achievement of postoperative outcomes, whereas a multivariate regression was performed to determine additional risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to establish threshold values in oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) that predicted each outcome. RESULTS: A total of 184 (16.3%) patients were included in the opioid use (OU) group and 1,058 in the no opioid use (NOU) group. The OU and NOU groups showed statistically significant differences in both preoperative and postoperative scores across all PROMs (P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression identified preoperative opioid use as a significant predictor of reduced achievement of the patient acceptable symptomatic state (odds ratio [OR], 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-0.83, P = .008), increased likelihood of endorsing persistent pain (OR, 1.73, 95% CI, 1.17-2.56, P = .006), and increased opioid use at 1 year (OR, 21.3, 95% CI, 12.2-37.2, P < .001). Consuming a high dosage during the perioperative period increased risk of revision surgery (OR, 8.59, 95% CI, 2.12-34.78, P < .003). Results were confirmed by matched cohort analysis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis found that total OME >1430 mg/d in the perioperative period (area under the curve, 0.76) and perioperative daily OME >32.5 predicted postoperative opioid consumption (area under the curve, 0.79). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a history of preoperative opioid use can achieve significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, preoperative opioid use negatively impacts patients' level of satisfaction and is a significant predictor of pain and continued opioid usage. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Preoperative Opioid Use Predicts Prolonged Postoperative Opioid Use and Inferior Patient Outcomes Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: (1) To determine patient factors associated with prolonged opioid use following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and (2) to evaluate the influence of preoperative opioid use on patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent ACLR and used opioids before the perioperative period, which was defined as the window 30 days before 15 days following the index surgery, were designated as preoperative opioid users. Patients who used opioids only in the perioperative period or post-operative period were designated as opioid-naïve. Predictors of opioid use at 6 and 12 months postoperatively and associations between preoperative opioid use and patient outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: After institutional review board approval, we identified 253 patients (225 opioid-naïve and 28 opioid users ) who underwent ACLR from 2014 to 2018 at a single institution and had one year follow up (median: 11.6 months; interquartile range [8.9-14.3]). Patients with a history of preoperative opioid use (odds ratio [OR] 3.63, P = .034), greater preoperative visual analog scale pain scores (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04-1.67; P = .003), and greater body mass index (OR 1.09, P = .018) were significantly more likely to be taking opioids at 6 months postoperatively. Patients with a perioperative opioid intake of greater than 513 oral morphine equivalents were significantly more likely to continue taking opioids at the 6 month (OR 3.17, P = .024) and the 1 year (OR 3.34, P = .048) postoperative time points. Patients with preoperative opioid use were significantly less likely to achieve the patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) on the International Knee Documentation Committee, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Sport, KOOS Joint Replacement, KOOS Pain, KOOS Symptoms, KOOS Quality of Life, and KOOS Activities of Daily Living. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative opioid use, body mass index >30, and greater visual analog scale pain scores were predictors of continued opioid use at 6 months postoperatively. Preoperative opioid users were more likely to continue taking opioids, demonstrate significantly worse patient reported outcomes at baseline and 1-year postoperatively, and were less likely to achieve patient acceptable symptomatic state. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Cohort Study.

Is There a Benefit to Modularity for Femoral Revisions When Using a Splined, Tapered Titanium Stem?

BACKGROUND: Proposed benefits of modularity for femoral revisions in total hip arthroplasty (THA) include more precise biomechanical restoration and improved stability, but this has not been proven with use of a splined, tapered design. This study's purpose is to compare (1) complication rates, (2) functional outcomes, and (3) radiographic measures of subsidence, offset, and leg length discrepancy with the use of modular vs monoblock splined, tapered titanium stems in revision THA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 145 femoral revisions with minimum 2-year follow-up (mean, 5.12 years; range, 2-17.3 years). Patients receiving a modular (67) or monoblock (78) splined, tapered titanium stem for femoral revision were included. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in rates of reoperation (22.3% vs 17.9%; P = .66), intraoperative fracture (9.0% vs 3.8%; P = .30), postoperative fracture (3.0% vs 1.3%; P = .47), dislocation (11.9% vs 5.1%; P = .23), or aseptic loosening (4.5% vs 6.4%; P = .73) between the modular and monoblock cohorts, respectively. There were similar results regarding subsidence >5 mm (10.4% vs 12.8%; P = .22), LLD >1 cm (35.8% vs 38.5%; P = .74), restoration of hip offset (-5.88 ± 10.1 mm vs -5.07 ± 12.1 mm; P = .67), and Harris Hip Score (70.7 ± 17.9 vs 73.9 ± 19.7; P = .36) between groups. Multivariate regression showed no differences in complications (P = .44) or reoperations (P = .20) between groups. CONCLUSION: Modular and monoblock splined, tapered titanium stems demonstrated comparable complication rates, functional outcomes, and radiographic parameters for femoral revisions. However, a limited number of patients with grade IIIB or IV femoral bone loss received a monoblock stem. Future investigations are required to determine whether modularity is beneficial for more complex femoral defects.

Perceptions of dietary factors promoting and preventing nephrolithiasis: a cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge of both promoting and preventive dietary factors on nephrolithiasis in a diverse patient population. Precipitating factors of kidney stone disease include diet, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity. However, patient awareness of these influences is poorly described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 24-question survey, assessing intake-related risk factors for stone disease, was administered prospectively to 1018 patients. Responses were summarized with frequency and percent. Statistical comparisons were made using a propensity scoring method in order to account for potential confounding variables. Propensity scores were stratified into quintiles. Further analysis with multiple imputation was performed to account for any missing data in the survey. The results of the propensity-adjusted log-binomial regression model are presented as prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Respondents demonstrated limited knowledge of nutrient factors that influence stone development. However, most study participants (70.3%) reported a willingness to make lifestyle changes aimed at lowering their risk for stone disease. Respondents reporting previous nephrolithiasis education were less likely to report that diet had no effect on kidney stone formation (PR = 0.795, 95% CI 0.65, 0.96, p = 0.01) The type of physician who counseled the respondent had no association with patient knowledge for stone disease (PR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.63, 1.10, p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of diet-related risk factors for nephrolithiasis is limited among this population. Respondents who received prior education appeared to maintain the knowledge of dietary risk for nephrolithiasis. Participants also expressed a willingness to make requisite dietary changes if that information is provided. Given that most stone formers experience a recurrence, these findings highlight the need for more comprehensive patient education strategies on the modifiable risk factors for nephrolithiasis.

Microsurgically Assisted Inguinal Hernia Repair and Simultaneous Male Fertility Procedures: Rationale, Technique and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Inguinal herniorrhaphy is the most common general surgical procedure. It is associated with frequent complications such as recurrence in 2.0% to 14.1% of cases with mesh as well as postoperative hematoma in 4.5% of cases, reduced sensation in 0% to 42.8%, chronic postoperative pain in 5.1%, vasal injury in 0.1% to 0.53% and infection in 3% to 6%. Drawing on our experience with the operating microscope for varicocelectomy, vasectomy reversal and repair of iatrogenic vasal obstruction from hernia repair, we applied the operating microscope for inguinal hernia repair. This study describes the rationale, technique and outcomes of microsurgically assisted inguinal hernia repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 291 microsurgically assisted inguinal hernia repairs were performed in 253 men by the same urologist (MG). Simultaneous microsurgical varicocelectomy or other testicular procedures were performed in 83% of cases. All were open repairs through an inguinal incision with the vas deferens, ilioinguinal nerve, genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve, and spermatic vasculature identified and preserved. Median followup was 8.6 months. Outcomes were assessed by examination, pain reporting and pathology reports. RESULTS: Chronic postoperative pain, sensory loss, infection, hematoma, vasal injury and recurrence were assessed. The incidence of hematoma was 0.85%. No recurrent hernia, chronic postoperative pain, sensory loss, infection or vasal injury was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Using an operating microscope the complications of inguinal hernia repair, such as vasal obstruction, testicular atrophy, recurrence, infection, hematoma, chronic postoperative pain and loss of sensation, are minimized. Microsurgically assisted hernia repair is a promising technique, especially when performed by a urologist who simultaneously performs microsurgical varicocelectomy or procedures involving spermatic cord structures or the testis.

Risk Factors for 30-Day Postoperative Complications Following Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Proximal Ulna Fractures.

PURPOSE: Fractures of the proximal ulna are common injuries in the elderly population. These fractures can be managed nonsurgically or with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Whereas nonsurgical management may lead to a relative loss of elbow extension and to nonunion, ORIF carries a risk of complications. Although complications specific to the orthopedic intervention have been reported, few studies have identified postoperative systemic complications in this higher-risk group. The purposes of this study were to determine the rate of systemic complications in patients undergoing surgical fixation of proximal ulna fractures and to determine risk factors for complications. METHODS: We queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for all cases of proximal ulna fracture ORIF between 2005 and 2013. Demographic, historical, and preoperative laboratory data and 30-day postoperative complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for complications. RESULTS: A total of 650 patients met inclusion criteria. Within the 30-day postoperative period, 61 complications occurred in 45 patients (6.9%). Return to the operating room, which occurred in 19 patients (2.9%), was the most common major morbidity. American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or IV and dialysis dependence were independent risk factors for any complication. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal ulna fracture ORIF has a low rate of systemic complications. The most common morbidities are return to the operating room, blood transfusion, and urinary tract infections. Dialysis and American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or IV are independent risk factors for complications. These complications may be nonspecific and related more to the patient population than procedure. We believe that the relatively low risk of short-term complications makes operative treatment a suitable option even in elderly patients with multiple morbidities. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty to Treat Proximal Humerus Fracture Sequelae: A Review.

While several proximal humerus fractures treated nonsurgically reach satisfactory outcomes, some become symptomatic malunions or nonunions with pain and dysfunction. When joint-preserving options such as malunion or nonunion repair are not optimal because of poor remaining bone stock or glenohumeral arthritis, shoulder arthroplasty is a good option. Because of the semiconstrained design of reverse shoulder arthroplasty, it is effective at improving function when there is notable bony deformity or a torn rotator cuff. Clinical studies have demonstrated reliable outcomes, and a classification system exists that is helpful for predicting prognosis and complications. By understanding the associated pearls and pitfalls and with careful management of the tuberosities, reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a powerful tool for managing proximal humerus fracture sequelae.

Pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty and the shoulder: biomechanical and clinical results of an emerging treatment option.

While shoulder hemiarthroplasty is still used to treat young patients with shoulder pathology, the use of this procedure has substantially declined in recent years due to its significant complication profile. Glenoid wear with arthrosis is one of the major postoperative complications following shoulder hemiarthroplasty, and efforts to prevent this complication led many scientists to explore alternative weight-bearing surfaces on arthroplasty implants to decrease joint wear and improve patient outcomes. Pyrolytic carbon, or pyrocarbon, is a material that has better biocompatibility, survivorship, strength, and wear resistance compared to the materials used in traditional shoulder hemiarthroplasty. Pyrocarbon implants have been used in orthopedics for over 50 years; recently, their utility in shoulder hemiarthroplasty has garnered much interest. The purpose behind the use of pyrocarbon in shoulder hemiarthroplasty is to decrease the risk of progressive glenoid wear, especially in young active patients in whom joint preservation is important. Promising survivorship and outcomes have been demonstrated by recent studies, including limited glenoid wear following pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty. Nevertheless, these clinical studies have been limited to relatively small case series with limited long-term follow-up. Accordingly, additional research and comparative studies need to be conducted in order to properly assess the therapeutic efficacy and value of pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty.

Brief smoking cessation intervention: a prospective trial in the urology setting.

PURPOSE: Urologists have an important role in the treatment of tobacco related diseases, such as kidney and bladder cancer. Despite this role, urologists receive little training in promoting tobacco cessation. We prospectively evaluated a brief smoking cessation intervention offered by a urologist at an outpatient clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2011 adult smokers from a single institution urology clinic were enrolled in a prospective, brief intervention trial or in usual care as controls. All patients were assessed by the validated Fagerström test for nicotine dependence and the readiness to quit questionnaire. Trial patients received a 5-minute brief smoking cessation intervention. The primary outcome was abstinence at 1 year and the secondary outcome was the number of attempts to quit. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the quit rate and quit attempts. RESULTS: A total of 179 patients were enrolled in the study, including 100 in the brief smoking cessation intervention, 41 in the brief smoking cessation intervention plus nicotine replacement therapy and 38 usual care controls. Of the participants 81.0% were 40 years old or older with a mean ± SD 11.26 ± 7.23 pack-year smoking history. Mean readiness to quit and tobacco dependence scores were similar in the 2 arms (p = 0.25 and 0.92, respectively). The 1-year quit rate in the brief smoking cessation intervention group was 12.1% vs 2.6% in the usual care group (OR 4.44, p = 0.163) Adding nicotine replacement therapy increased the quit rate to 19.5% (vs usual care OR 9.91, p = 0.039). Patients who received the brief smoking cessation intervention were significantly more likely to attempt to quit (OR 2.31, p = 0.038). Increased readiness scores were associated with an increased quit rate and increased quit attempts. CONCLUSIONS: Urologists can successfully implement a brief smoking cessation intervention program. Our study highlights the role of the urologist in providing smoking cessation assistance and the significant impact of brief, simple advice about quitting smoking on the smoker quit rate.