Utilization Patterns, Efficacy, and Complications of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Strategies in Revision Hip and Knee Arthroplasty as Reported by American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part II Candidates.

BACKGROUND: The optimum venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis strategy to minimize risk of VTE and bleeding complications following revision total hip and knee arthroplasty (rTHA/rTKA) is controversial. The purpose of this study is to describe current VTE prophylaxis patterns following revision arthroplasty procedures to determine efficacy, complication rates, and prescribing patterns for different prophylactic strategies. METHODS: The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part II (oral) examination case list database was analyzed. Current Procedural Terminology codes for rTHA/rTKA were queried and geographic region, VTE prophylaxis strategy, and complications were obtained. Less aggressive prophylaxis patterns were defined if only aspirin and/or sequential compression devises were utilized. More aggressive VTE prophylaxis patterns were considered if any of low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin), warfarin, rivaroxaban, fondaparinux, or other strategies were used. RESULTS: In total, 6387 revision arthroplasties were included. The national rate of less aggressive VTE prophylaxis strategies was 35.3% and more aggressive in 64.7%. Use of less aggressive prophylaxis strategy was significantly associated with patients having no complications (89.8% vs 81.9%, P < .001). Use of more aggressive prophylaxis patterns was associated with higher likelihood of mild thrombotic (1.2% vs 0.3%, P < .001), mild bleeding (1.7% vs 0.6%, P < .001), moderate thrombotic (2.6% vs 0.4%, P < .001), moderate bleeding (6.2% vs 4.0%, P < .001), severe bleeding events (4.4% vs 2.4%, P < .001), infections (6.4% vs 3.8%, P < .001), and death within 90 days (3.1% vs 1.3%, P < .001). There were no significant differences in rates of fatal pulmonary embolism (0.1% vs 0.04%, P = .474). Subgroup analysis of rTHA and rTKA patients showed similar results. CONCLUSION: The individual rationale for using a more aggressive VTE prophylaxis strategy was unknown; however, more aggressive strategies were associated with higher rates of bleeding and thrombotic complications. Less aggressive strategies were not associated with a higher rate of thrombosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III.

Use of Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Products in the Perioperative Period Around Primary Unilateral Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Given the opioid crisis in America, patients are trying alternative medications including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabidiol (CBD) containing products in the perioperative period, especially in states where these products are legal. This study sought to analyze usage rates of CBD/THC products in the perioperative period for primary unilateral total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA) patients and identify a possible association with post-operative opioid use. METHODS: A prospective cohort of primary unilateral THA/TKA patients were enrolled at a single institution. Patients who completed detailed pain journals were retrospectively surveyed for CBD/THC product usage. Pain medications were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME). RESULTS: Data from 195 of the 210 patients (92.9% response rate) following primary arthroplasty were analyzed. Overall, 16.4% of arthroplasty-22.6% (n = 19) of TKA and 11.7% (n = 13) of THA-patients used CBD/THC products in the perioperative period. There was a wide variety of usage patterns among those using CBD/THC products. In comparing CBD/THC users and non-users, there was no significant difference in the length of narcotic use, total morphine milligram equivalents taken, narcotic pills taken, average post-op pain scores, the percentage of patients requiring a refill of narcotics, or length of stay. CONCLUSION: Understanding that CBD/THC usage was not consistent for patients who used these products, 22.6% of TKA and 11.7% of THA patients tried CBD/THC products in the perioperative period. In this small sample, CBD/THC use was not associated with a major effect on narcotic requirements. Further studies on the effects of CBD/THC are needed as these therapies become more widely available.

Opioid Use After Discharge Following Primary Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: How Much Are We Over-Prescribing?

BACKGROUND: The opioid crisis pressures orthopedic surgeons to reduce the amount of narcotics prescribed for post-operative pain management. This study sought to quantify post-operative opioid use after hospital discharge for primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort of primary unilateral TKA patients performed by one of 5 senior fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons were enrolled at a single institution. Detailed pain journals tracked all prescriptions and over-the-counter pain medications, quantities, frequencies, and visual analog scale pain scores. Narcotic and narcotic-like pain medications were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test with α < 0.05. RESULTS: Data from 89 subjects were analyzed; the average visual analog scale pain score was 6.92 while taking narcotics. The average number of days taking narcotics was 16.8 days. The distribution of days taking narcotics was right shifted with 52.8% of patients off narcotics after 2 week, and 74.2% off by 3 weeks post-op. The average MME prescribed was significantly greater than MME taken (866.6 vs 428.2, P < .0001). The average number of narcotic pills prescribed was significantly greater than narcotic pills taken (105.1 vs 52.0, P < .0001). The average excess narcotic pills prescribed per patient was 53.1 pills. About 48.3% took fewer than 40 narcotic pills; 75.3% took fewer than 75 narcotic pills. About 3.4% did not require any narcotics; 40.5% required a refill of narcotics. Also, 9.0% went home the day of surgery. CONCLUSION: Significantly more narcotics were prescribed than were taken in the post-operative period following TKA with an average 53.1 excess narcotic pills per patient. Adjusting prescribing patterns to match patient narcotic usage could reduce the excess narcotic pills following TKA.

Opioid Use After Discharge Following Primary Unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty: How Much Are We Overprescribing?

BACKGROUND: The opioid crisis pressures orthopedic surgeons to reduce the amount of narcotics prescribed for postoperative pain management. This study sought to quantify postoperative opioid use after hospital discharge for primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort of primary unilateral THA patients were enrolled at a single institution. Detailed pain journals tracked all prescription and over-the-counter pain medication, quantity, frequency, and visual analog scale pain scores. Pain medications were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MME). RESULTS: Data from 121 subjects were analyzed; the average visual analog scale pain score was 3.44 while taking narcotics. The average number of days taking narcotics was 8.46 days. The distribution of days taking narcotics was right shifted with 50.5% of patients off narcotics after 1 week, and 82.6% off by 2 weeks postoperatively. The average number of narcotic pills prescribed was significantly greater than narcotic pills taken (72.5 vs 28.8, P < .0001). The average MME prescribed was significantly greater than MME taken (452.1 vs 133.8, P < .0001). The average excess narcotic pills prescribed per patient was 51.7 pills. And 71.9% took fewer than 30 narcotic pills; 90.9% patients took fewer than 50 narcotic pills. Also, 10.7% did not require any narcotics; 9.9% required a refill of narcotics; and 33.1% went home the day of surgery. CONCLUSION: Significantly more narcotics were prescribed than were taken in the postoperative period following THA with an average 51.7 excess narcotic pills per patient. Adjusting prescribing patterns to match patient narcotic usage could reduce the excess narcotic pills following THA.

Unhelmeted Motorcycle Riders Have Increased Injury Burden: A Need to Revisit Universal Helmet Laws.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare hospital outcomes for patients in a motorcycle collision with and without helmet use. The study was conducted as a retrospective analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank's 2013 data set, which included reported data from 100 hospitals across the United States. METHODS: Inclusion criterion for this study is a motorcycle crash involving a driver or passenger. The total number of patients in motorcycle crashes as reported by the National Trauma Data Bank in 2013 was 10,345. Helmet use, hospital stay, ICU and ventilation days, mortality, Glasgow Coma Score, Injury Severity Score, patient payer mix, and complication data were obtained. RESULTS: Patients were divided into two groups: those wearing a helmet (n = 6250) and those without (n = 4095). Patients not wearing a helmet had an increased risk of admission to the ICU (OR = 1.36, P < 0.001, CI 1.25-1.48), requiring ventilation support (OR = 1.55, P < 0.001, CI 1.39-1.72), presenting with a Glasgow Coma Score of eight or below (OR = 2.15, P < 0.001), and in-patient mortality (OR = 2.00, P < 0.001, CI 1.58-2.54). Unhelmeted patients were more likely to have government insurance or be uninsured than those patients wearing a helmet (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It is not well understood why many states are repealing or have repealed universal helmet laws. Lack of helmet use increases the severity of injury in traumatized patients leading to a substantial financial impact on health care costs. Our analysis suggests the need to revisit the issue regarding laws that require protective headwear while riding motorcycles because of the individual and societal impact. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Utilization Patterns, Efficacy, and Complications of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Strategies in Primary Hip and Knee Arthroplasty as Reported by American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Part II Candidates.

BACKGROUND: Many strategies for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following hip and knee arthroplasty exist, with extensive controversy regarding the optimum strategy to minimize risk of VTE and bleeding complications. Data from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Part II (oral) Examination case list database was analyzed to determine efficacy, complication rates, and prescribing patterns for different prophylactic strategies. METHODS: The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery case database was queried utilizing Current Procedural Terminology codes 27447 and 27130 for primary total knee and hip arthroplasty, respectively. Geographic region, patient age, gender, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis strategy, and complications were obtained. Less aggressive prophylaxis patterns were considered if only aspirin and/or sequential compression devises were utilized. More aggressive VTE prophylaxis patterns were considered if any of low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin), warfarin, rivaroxaban, fondaparinux, or other strategies was used. RESULTS: In total, 22,072 cases of primary joint arthroplasty were analyzed from 2014 to 2016. The national rate of less aggressive VTE prophylaxis strategies was 45.4%, while more aggressive strategies were used in 54.6% of patients. Significant regional differences in prophylactic strategy patterns exist between the 6 regions. The predominant less aggressive prophylaxis pattern was aspirin with sequential compression devises at 84.8% with 14.8% receiving aspirin alone. Use of less aggressive prophylaxis strategy was significantly associated with patients having no complications (95.5% vs 93.0%). Use of more aggressive prophylaxis patterns was associated with higher likelihood of mild thrombotic (0.9% vs 0.2%), mild bleeding (1.3% vs 0.4%), moderate thrombotic (1.2% vs 0.4%), moderate bleeding (2.7% vs 2.1%), severe thrombotic (0.1% vs 0.0%), severe bleeding events (1.2% vs 0.9%), infections (1.9% vs 1.3%), and death within 90 days (0.7% vs 0.3%). Similar results were found in subgroup analysis of total hip and knee arthroplasty patients. CONCLUSION: It was not possible to ascertain the individual rationale for use of more aggressive VTE prophylaxis strategies; however, more aggressive strategies were associated with higher rates of bleeding and thrombotic complications. Less aggressive strategies were not associated with a higher rate of thrombosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. DISCLAIMER: All views expressed in the study are the sole views of the authors and do not represent the views of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

Misdiagnosis and Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Considering the Distal Biceps Tendon.

Radial tunnel syndrome (RTS) has long been a difficult therapeutic and diagnostic entity for upper extremity surgeons. The presentation is vague and the diagnosis is typically one of exclusion. Multiple clinical entities are known to mimic RTS, but little attention has been paid to the distal biceps. Experience suggests that insertional biceps tendonitis is a potential confounding diagnosis in suspected RTS and that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be of diagnostic benefit in chronic cases before surgical intervention is undertaken. This study is a 13-patient case series. The included patients presented with proximal forearm pain and positive provocative maneuvers for RTS. All included patients were found to have distal biceps pathology on MRI evaluation. At final follow-up (average 6.9 years), all patients had resolution of symptoms with therapy aimed specifically at addressing the distal biceps tendon. A diagnosis of insertional biceps tendonitis could explain both the typical success with conservative treatment and the poor results from surgical intervention for RTS. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 28(1):35-40, 2019).

Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Injury After Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Direct anterior total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an increasingly utilized and patient-requested approach for arthroplasty carrying a unique set of complications. Injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) can have a wide range of clinical symptoms ranging from hypesthesia to painful paresthesia. Long-term effects of this injury have not been well studied. We describe duration and severity of these symptoms and correlate their relationship with hip functional scores. METHODS: Between January 2009 and January 2016, 1665 patients with 1871 hips who underwent direct anterior THA by a single surgeon were surveyed for reported outcomes including Douleur Neuropathique 4-Interview (DN4-I), Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (HOOS, JR), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form Global Health Assessment. The DN4-I was considered positive if 3 (or more) of 7 neuropathic pain symptoms were affirmed at present in the distribution of the LFCN of the affected leg. RESULTS: Six hundred eighty patients accounting for 778 hips completed the survey. Overall, 16% of responders had positive DN4-I scores for continued neuropathic symptoms with a mean time since surgery of 3.9 years at assessment. Twenty-four percent of those responding within 2 years of surgery had positive scores compared with 15% from 2 to 4 years, 14% from 4 to 6 years, and 11% positive from 6 to 8 years after surgery. Of those with positive DN4-I scores, the most commonly affirmed neuropathic symptom was "numbness", reported in 37% of patients. The overall average interval HOOS, JR score was 89.8. There were no differences in HOOS, JR or Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scores for patients further out from surgery. CONCLUSION: The most commonly experienced neuropathic symptom in the distribution of the LFCN following direct anterior THA is "numbness" that occurred in 37% of patients with a positive DN4-I score. Neuropathic symptoms improved in patients further out from surgery with pain reported in 11% of patients from 6 to 8 years postoperatively. Neuropathic symptoms significantly improve with time and appear to be independent of hip function scores.

Efficacy of Hybrid Plasma Scalpel in Reducing Blood Loss and Transfusions in Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic blood transfusions have inherent risk and direct cost in total hip arthroplasty. Anterior total hip arthroplasty has grown in popularity with increased utilization. This approach may offer an enhanced recovery but has been associated with increased blood loss. Several technologies have been developed including the Canady Hybrid Plasma Scalpel (CHPS) and Aquamantys Bipolar Sealer (BS) to decrease blood loss. METHODS: Two hundred forty-four consecutive patients undergoing anterior supine intermuscular total hip arthroplasty were separated by intraoperative cautery device (CHPS vs BS). Exclusion criteria included blood dyscrasias and contraindication to tranexamic acid. Demographic data, blood loss, transfusion requirements, and Harris Hip Scores were obtained. Differences between groups were evaluated using the Student t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographic data between the groups. Patients in the CHPS group had a significantly smaller decrease in postoperative hemoglobin (-2.3 mg/dL vs -2.7 mg/dL, P < .05), estimated blood loss (240.3 mL vs 384.4 mL, P < .001), and calculated actual blood loss (1.11 L vs 2.47 L, P < .001). There were 12 transfusions in the BS group and none in CHPS group (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The use of the hybrid plasma scalpel resulted in significantly less blood loss and transfusions than the BS. Additionally, patients treated with the hybrid plasma scalpel had significantly shorter operative times and reduced hospital length of stay. The hybrid scalpel shows promise in reducing blood loss in anterior total hip arthroplasty and is a valuable tool in the multimodal approach to avoiding transfusions.

Modified Frailty Index Is an Effective Risk Assessment Tool in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: "Frailty" is a marker of physiological decline of multiple organ systems, and the frailty index identifies patients who are more susceptible to postoperative complications. The purpose of this study is to validate the modified frailty index (MFI) as a predictor of postoperative complications, reoperations, and readmissions in patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005 to 2014 was queried by the Current Procedural Terminology code for primary TKA (27447). A previously described MFI was used to summate 11 variables in 5 organ systems. Bivariate analysis was performed for postoperative complications. A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the relationship between MFI, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and 30-day reoperation, controlling for age, gender, and body mass index. RESULTS: A total of 90,260 patients underwent primary TKA during the study period. As MFI score increased, 30-day mortality significantly increased (P < .001). In addition, significantly higher rates of postoperative complications (all P < .001) were observed with increasing MFI: infection, wound, cardiac, pulmonary, and renal complications; and any occurrence. More frail patients also had increasing odds of adverse hospital discharge disposition, reoperation, and readmission (all P < .001). Length of hospital stay increased from 3.10 to 5.16 days (P < .001), while length of intensive care unit stay increased from 3.47 to 5.07 days (P < .001) between MFI score 0 and ≥0.36. MFI predicts 30-day reoperation with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.32 (95% confidence interval, 1.36-8.11; P < .001). Comparatively, MFI was a stronger predictor of reoperation compared with American Society of Anesthesiologists score and age with adjustment for gender and body mass index. CONCLUSION: Utilization of the MFI is a valid method in predicting postoperative complications, reoperations, and readmissions in patients undergoing primary TKA and can provide an effective and robust risk assessment tool to appropriately counsel patients and aid in preoperative optimization.

Modified Frailty Index Is an Effective Risk Assessment Tool in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is described as decreased physiological reserve and typically increasing with age. Hospitals are being penalized for reoperations and readmissions, which can affect reimbursement. The purpose of this study was to determine if the modified frailty index (MFI) could be used as a risk assessment tool for preoperative counseling and to make an objective decision on whether to perform total hip arthroplasty (THA) on a frail patient. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried by Current Procedural Terminology code for primary THA (27130) from 2005 to 2014. MFI was calculated using 11 variables extracted from the medical record. Bivariate analysis was performed for outcomes and complications, and the multiple logistic regression model was used to compare MFI with other predictors of readmission, any complication, and reoperation. RESULTS: A total of 51,582 patients underwent primary THA during the study period. MFI was a significant and stronger predictor than the American Society of Anesthesiologists class and age for readmission (odds ratio [OR], 14.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.95-31.18; P < .001), any complication (OR, 3.63; 95% CI, 1.64-8.05; P = .002), and reoperation (OR, 8.78; 95% CI, 3.67-20.98; P < .001). As MFI increased, adverse discharge, any complication, readmission, reoperation, and mortality significantly increased (P < .001). Rates of systemic complications and length of stay significantly increased with increasing MFI. CONCLUSION: MFI is a simple and effective risk assessment tool to preoperatively counsel and make an objective decision on whether to perform THA on a frail patient.

Continuing Delay in the Diagnosis of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the time from symptom onset to diagnosis of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) has improved over a recent decade compared with reports of previous decades. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of 481 patients admitted with a diagnosis of SCFE at three large pediatric hospitals between January 2003 and December 2012. RESULTS: The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis of SCFE was 17 weeks (range, 0-to 169). There were no significant differences in time from symptom onset to diagnosis across 2-year intervals of the 10-year study period (P = .94). The time from evaluation by first provider to diagnosis was significantly shorter for patients evaluated at an orthopedic clinic (mean, 0 weeks; range, 0-0 weeks) compared with patients evaluated by a primary care provider (mean, 4 weeks; range, 0-52 weeks; r = 0.24; P = .003) or at an emergency department (mean, 6 weeks, range, 0-104 weeks; r = 0.36; P = .008). Fifty-two patients (10.8%) developed a second SCFE after treatment of the first affected side. The time from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis for the second episode of SCFE was significantly shorter (r = 0.19; P < .001), with mean interval of 11 weeks (range, 0-104 weeks) from symptom onset to diagnosis. There were significantly more cases of mildly severe SCFE, as defined by the Wilson classification scheme, in second episodes of SCFE compared with first episodes of SCFE (OR, 4.44; P = .001). CONCLUSION: Despite reports documenting a lag in time to the diagnosis of SCFE more than a decade ago, there has been no improvement in the speed of diagnosis. Decreases in both the time to diagnosis and the severity of findings for the second episode of SCFE suggest that the education of at-risk children and their families (or providers) may be of benefit in decreasing this delay.

Anthropometric Computed Tomography Reconstruction Identifies Risk Factors for Cortical Perforation in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of revision hip arthroplasty is increasing with nearly 100,000 annual procedures expected in the near future. Many surgeons use straight modular tapered stems in revisions; however, complications of periprosthetic fracture and cortical perforation occur, resulting in poor outcomes. Our objective was to identify patient demographics and femoral characteristics that predispose patients to cortical perforation when using the straight modular stems. METHODS: We used a computed tomography database and modeling software to identify patient demographics and morphologic femoral characteristics that predispose patients to cortical perforation during revision hip arthroplasty. Overall, 561 femurs from patients of various backgrounds were used, and statistical analysis was performed via the 2-sample t test. RESULTS: Decreased patient height (mean 163.0 vs 168.8 cm), radius of curvature (818 vs 939 mm), anterior-posterior (8.5 vs 13.8 mm) and medial-lateral (7.9 vs 11.3 mm) width of the isthmus, and distance of the isthmus from the greater trochanter (179 vs 186 mm) were all statistically significant risk factors for cortical perforation (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This study identifies several patient-specific risk factors for cortical perforation during revision hip arthroplasty using straight modular tapered stems and highlights the importance of preoperative planning especially in patients with shorter stature, proximal location of the femoral isthmus, narrow femoral canal, and smaller radius of curvature. Also, when using a mid-length modular tapered stem without an extended trochanteric osteotomy, consideration should be given to using a kinked stem to avoid anterior cortical perforation.

Macrophage Mal1 deficiency suppresses atherosclerosis in low-density lipoprotein receptor-null mice by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ-regulated genes.

OBJECTIVE: The adipocyte/macrophage fatty acid-binding proteins aP2 (FABP4) and Mal1 (FABP5) are intracellular lipid chaperones that modulate systemic glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and atherosclerosis. Combined deficiency of aP2 and Mal1 has been shown to reduce the development of atherosclerosis, but the independent role of macrophage Mal1 expression in atherogenesis remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We transplanted wild-type (WT), Mal1(-/-), or aP2(-/-) bone marrow into low-density lipoprotein receptor-null (LDLR(-/-)) mice and fed them a Western diet for 8 weeks. Mal1(-/-)→LDLR(-/-) mice had significantly reduced (36%) atherosclerosis in the proximal aorta compared with control WT→LDLR(-/-) mice. Interestingly, peritoneal macrophages isolated from Mal1-deficient mice displayed increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) activity and upregulation of a PPARγ-related cholesterol trafficking gene, CD36. Mal1(-/-) macrophages showed suppression of inflammatory genes, such as COX2 and interleukin 6. Mal1(-/-)→LDLR(-/-) mice had significantly decreased macrophage numbers in the aortic atherosclerotic lesions compared with WT→LDLR(-/-) mice, suggesting that monocyte recruitment may be impaired. Indeed, blood monocytes isolated from Mal1(-/-)→LDLR(-/-) mice on a high-fat diet had decreased CC chemokine receptor 2 gene and protein expression levels compared with WT monocytes. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results demonstrate that Mal1 plays a proatherogenic role by suppressing PPARγ activity, which increases expression of CC chemokine receptor 2 by monocytes, promoting their recruitment to atherosclerotic lesions.

Femoral Head Autograft Can Reliably Reconstruct Dysplastic Acetabula Through the Direct Anterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: Bone deficiencies in dysplastic acetabula create technical difficulties during total hip arthroplasty (THA). Bulk femoral head autograft (FHA) is one method to increase cup coverage and bone stock of the true acetabulum; however, only limited data exist on its efficacy through a direct anterior approach (DAA). This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of FHA during THA via a DAA in dysplastic hips. Methods: Retrospective review of 34 patients (41 hips) with hip dysplasia (Crowe I-III) who underwent primary THA via a DAA with FHA at a single institution was performed. Surgical procedures were performed on a traction table with intraoperative fluoroscopy and highly porous-coated cup placement in the true acetabulum. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively (range, 2 to 7). Results: The average modified Harris Hip Score improved from 31.9 ± 10.8 to 94.1 ± 5.8, Merle d'Aubigné Hip Score from 7.5 ± 2.8 to 16.6 ± 1.1, and visual analog pain score from 7.9 ± 2.7 to 1.4 ± 1.4 (all P < .001). All hips had an "anatomic" inferomedial cup position postoperatively, with an average increase in horizontal coverage of 43.4%. Mean postoperative limb-length discrepancy improved from 21.8 ± 16.1 mm to 1.6 ± 5.7 mm (P < .001). There were no cases of revision THA, nor complications such as dislocation, infection, or osteolysis. Conclusion: Reconstructing dysplastic acetabula (Crowe I-III) with FHA during THA can be successfully accomplished via the DAA with increased acetabular bone stock and accurate correction of limb-length discrepancy.

Outcomes of an Institutional Rapid Recovery Protocol for Total Joint Arthroplasty at a Safety Net Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Rapid recovery protocols (RRPs) for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) can reduce hospital length of stay (LOS) and improve patient care in select cohorts; however, there is limited literature regarding their utility in marginalized patient populations. This report aimed to evaluate the outcomes of an institutional RRP for TJA at a safety net hospital. METHODS: A retrospective review of 573 primary TJA patients was done, comparing the standard recovery protocol (n = 294) and RRP cohorts (n = 279). Measured outcomes included LOS, 90-day complications, revision surgeries, readmissions, and emergency department visits. RESULTS: The mean LOS reduced from 3.0 ± 3.1 days in the standard recovery protocol cohort to 1.6 ± 0.9 days in the RRP cohort (P < 0.001). The RRP cohort had significantly fewer 90-day complications (11.1% versus 21.4%, P = 0.005), readmissions (1.4% versus 5.8%, P = 0.007), and revision surgeries (1.4% versus 4.4%, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: A RRP for primary TJA can be successfully implemented at a safety net hospital with a shorter LOS and fewer acute adverse events. Such protocols require a coordinated, multidisciplinary effort with strict adherence to evidence-based practices to provide high-quality, value-based surgical health care to an underserved cohort.

Staged Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty for Neglected Blount Disease Using a Gap Balancing Technique.

Blount disease is an acquired, asymmetrical disorder of proximal tibial growth that results in a complex three-dimensional proximal tibial deformity, with tibial varus being the dominating feature. Although the exact pathophysiology is unknown, Blount disease is separated into 2 clinical variants, infantile and adolescent, based on the onset of symptoms occurring before or after the age of 10 years. If recognized and treated early, affected patients generally have a favorable prognosis; however, if neglected, it can lead to progressive malalignment and premature osteoarthritis. We present a patient with bilateral neglected Blount disease who underwent successful bilateral total knee arthroplasty performed in a staged fashion using a gap balancing technique with constrained condylar knee implants.

Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty With Bulk Femoral Head Autograft in a Patient With Camurati-Engelmann Disease.

Camurati-Engelmann disease (CED) is an extremely rare, sclerosing bone disorder of intramedullary ossification with only 300 reported cases worldwide. The pathogenesis is related to activating mutations in transforming growth factor beta 1, which results in bilateral, symmetric hyperostosis affecting primarily the diaphysis of long bones. Despite effective pharmacological treatment options, the diagnosis of CED is problematic owning to its rarity and variability of clinical presentation. We present a patient with known CED with advanced early hip osteoarthritis, secondary to underlying hip dysplasia, for which she underwent a successful total hip arthroplasty via a direct anterior approach with the use of bulk femoral head autograft to reconstruct her native acetabulum.

Outpatient Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Performed in a Safety Net Hospital System.

INTRODUCTION: High-percentage outpatient total joint arthroplasty (TJA) performed in a safety net hospital system has not been described. A rapid recovery protocol (RRP) was instituted at our safety net hospital that allowed eventual transition to outpatient TJA. METHODS: Retrospective review of all primary total knee and hip arthroplasty performed by a single surgeon (RR) using an RRP was performed. The initial cohort of patients was monitored overnight with the goal of next-day discharge (n = 57), and as the RRP evolved, the subsequent cohort of patients had the possibility of same-day discharge (PSDD, n = 61). Outcome measures included the rate of same-day discharge in the PSDD cohort and short-term adverse event rates. RESULTS: In the PSDD cohort, 86.9% (n = 53) of patients were successfully discharged on the day of surgery, and hospital length of stay was decreased by 17.7 hours (13.5 versus 31.2 hours, P < 0.0001). Comparing the next-day discharge and PSDD groups, no significant differences were found in 30-day emergency department visits (5.3% versus 3.3%, P = 0.67), 90-day complications (15.8% versus 13.1%, P = 0.79), 90-day readmissions (0% versus 3.3%, P = 0.50), or 90-day revision surgeries (0% versus 3.3%, P = 0.50). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the transition to outpatient TJA can be successfully performed in a safety net hospital system without increasing short-term adverse events.

An Orthopedic Surgeon's Dental Examination: Reducing Unnecessary Delays in Joint Replacement Surgery for Marginalized Patients in a Safety Net Hospital System.

BACKGROUND: Selective dental clearance before total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has been proposed; however, effective strategies of carrying out this practice are lacking. This study aims to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of a novel oral examination performed by an orthopedic surgeon to better direct limited resources for marginalized patients in a safety net hospital system. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 105 consecutive patients who had an oral examination performed by a single surgeon before elective TJA. Patients who screened negative proceeded to surgery without further formal dental clearance. Patients who screened positive underwent formal examination/intervention by a dentist before surgery. The rate of correct referral that resulted in patients undergoing an oral surgical intervention was determined. Complications during a minimum 90-day postoperative follow-up period were collected and compared. RESULTS: Thirty patients (28.6%) screened positive while 75 patients (71.4%) screened negative and proceeded to surgery without referral. The PPV of the screening test was high, with 73.3% of patients receiving a major surgical oral intervention before TJA. Patients sent for formal referral required 89.1 more days to receive their surgery than those that screened negative (54.9 days ± 4.24 vs 144.0 days ± 82.4, P < .001). CONCLUSION: An orthopedic surgeon's oral examination demonstrates a high PPV to identify high-risk patients in need of an oral surgical intervention before TJA. This provides a unique solution regarding over-referral for preoperative dental clearance and avoids delays for marginalized patients considering elective TJA in a safety net hospital system.