Cannabis Use Following Total Joint Arthroplasty is Associated With Increased Risks? A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: With the increased legalization of cannabis, a new unknown emerges for orthopaedic surgeons and their patients. This systematic review aimed to (1) evaluate complications of cannabis use; (2) determine the effects of cannabis on pain and opioid consumption; and (3) evaluate healthcare utilizations associated with cannabis use among patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA). METHODS: A systematic review was performed. A search of the literature was performed in 5 databases. We included studies between January 2012 and July 2022 reporting cannabis use and complications, pain management, opioid consumption, length of stay, costs, or functional outcomes following TJA. A meta-analysis of odds ratios (ORs) and continuous variables was performed. A total of 19 articles were included in our final analysis. RESULTS: Cannabis use was associated with higher odds for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (OR: 1.46, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.13 to 1.89) and revisions (OR: 1.47 [95% CI: 1.41 to 1.53]) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Cannabis use was associated with similar odds for DVT in total hip arthroplasty (THA) (OR: 1.30 [95% CI: 0.79 to 2.13]), pulmonary embolus in both TKA (OR: 1.29 [95% CI: 0.95 to 1.77]), THA (OR: 0.55 [95% CI: 0.09 to 3.28]), and cardiovascular complications in TKA (OR: 1.97 [95% Cl: 0.93 to 4.14]). Cannabis use did not alter pain scores, opioid consumption, or cost of care in THA (estimate: $2,550.51 [95% CI: $356.58 to $5,457.62]) but was associated with higher costs in TKA (estimate: $3,552.46 [95% CI: $1,729.71 to $5,375.22]). There was no difference in lengths of stay or functional outcomes; however, there may be a potentially increased risk for prosthetic complications, pneumonia, and cerebrovascular accidents among cannabis users. CONCLUSION: Cannabis use may be associated with an increased risk of DVTs, revisions, pneumonia, cerebrovascular accidents, and cardiac complications after TJA. Higher-level studies are needed to ascertain the impact of cannabis use for patients undergoing TJA.

Massive Hemoperitoneum Secondary to Splenic Laceration After Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is considered a safe technique, but not without complications, though the vast majority are minor complications. We describe a rare case of splenic injury after ESWL. A 33-year-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) after three weeks experiencing severe intermittent left-sided flank pain that he contributed to a previous motor vehicle accident. Then computerized tomography (CT) revealed a left renal stone. ESWL was performed after three weeks. After being discharged home, he returned the same day to the ED with persistent, worsening abdominal pain, hypotension, and multiple syncopes. CT demonstrated the presence of active contrast extravasation from the spleen likely due to active bleeding. Initial resuscitation was with intravenous fluids and blood products. The following day, the embolization of the splenic artery was done. The patient was discharged home after nine days of conservative management. After one month, he had shortness of breath due to a large left-sided pleural effusion and lung collapse managed with thoracocentesis and thoracoscopic surgery. Subsequent follow-up reveals much improvement and successful conservative management. Splenic injury is a rare complication of ESWL, and all of the 11 reported cases in the literature were managed with splenectomy. Our case is unique in being successfully managed conservatively.