Effect of Vitamin D Deficiency on Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Complications After Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is a global problem, and 13 to 75% of patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have vitamin D deficiency. Several studies have shown that low preoperative vitamin D levels may increase the risk of postoperative complications, including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), in patients undergoing primary TJA. Most of the studies are underpowered. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and surgical and medical complications after primary TJA, with a specific focus on PJI. METHODS: Prospectively collected institutional multicenter arthroplasty databases were reviewed to identify patients who underwent primary total knee and hip arthroplasty. The study group was defined as patients whose vitamin D level is < 30 ng/dL and who received a single oral dose of 7.5 mg (300,000 IU) D3 within two weeks before index surgery (n = 488; mean age 63 years). Patients in the control group were those whose preoperative vitamin D levels were unknown and who did not receive vitamin D supplementation (n = 592, mean age 66). The groups were compared regarding 90-day medical and surgical complications, including PJI, mortality, and readmission rates. RESULTS: The total number of complications (8.6 and 4.3%; respectively; P = .005), superficial wound infection (2.5 and 0.2%, respectively; P < .001), and postoperative cellulitis (2.2 and 0% respectively; P < .001) were statistically significantly higher in the patient group who did not receive vitamin D supplementation. However, 90-day mortality (P = .524), PJI (P = .23), and readmission rate (P = .683) were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that preoperative optimization of vitamin D levels may be beneficial in reducing postoperative complications, including superficial wound infection and postoperative cellulitis. Administering an oral 300,000 U single-dose vitamin D regimen to correct vitamin D deficiency can positively impact outcomes following primary TJA.

Unseen Threefold Mortality After the First Ten Days in Hemodialysis Patients Following Joint Arthroplasty: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study of 1,287 Arthroplasty Patients on Hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: The study addresses the growing number of hemodialysis (HD) patients undergoing joint arthroplasty, who are at higher risk of complications and mortality. Previous research has often overlooked deaths after discharge. This study aimed to examine early outcomes in a large nationwide cohort of patients who underwent arthroplasty for elective and fracture-related reasons. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2022, a study was conducted using the e-Nabiz database of the Türkiye Ministry of Health, focusing on patients aged 18 years and above who underwent elective or fracture-related arthroplasty. This study included 1,287 patients reliant on dialysis who underwent total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, or hemiarthroplasty (HA), with 7.7% of them receiving dialysis for the first time. Propensity score matching was used to create an equally sized group of non-dialysis-dependent patients, ensuring demographic balance in terms of age, sex, a comorbidity index, and surgery type. The primary objective was to compare mortality rates 10, 30, and 90 days after arthroplasty. RESULTS: The first-time dialysis patients who underwent HA had significantly higher 30- and 90-day mortality rates compared to the chronic dialysis group (P = .040 and P < .001, respectively). Also, the HD patients consistently exhibited higher 90-day mortality rates across all surgery types. With total knee arthroplasty, HD patients had a mortality rate of 8.7%, in stark contrast to 0% among non-HD patients (P < .001). Similarly, with total hip arthroplasty, HD patients had a 12% mortality rate, while non-HD patients had a markedly lower rate of 2.7% (P = .008). In the case of HA, HD patients had a significantly elevated 90-day mortality rate of 31.9%, in contrast to 17.1% among non-HD patients (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Joint arthroplasty has higher rates of mortality and complications among HD patients. Surgical decisions must be based on patients' overall health, necessitating collaboration among specialists. These patients should be closely monitored.

Venous thromboembolism in orthopedic surgery: Global guidelines.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a severe complication that can occur after major orthopedic procedures. As VTE-related morbidity and mortality are a significant concern for both medical professionals and patients, and preventative measures are typically employed. Multiple organizations, including the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), have developed guidelines for VTE prophylaxis specifically in patients undergoing joint replacement procedures. However, recently, the International Consensus Meeting (ICM) was convened, which brought together over 600 experts from 68 countries and 135 international societies. These experts, spanning a range of medical disciplines including orthopedic surgery, anesthesia, cardiology, hematology, vascular, and internal medicine, conducted a comprehensive review of the literature using a strict Delphi process to generate practical recommendations for VTE prophylaxis across all types of orthopedic procedures. This review article summarizes some of the recommendations of the ICM.

Predictive value of different glycemic control markers in total hip or knee arthroplasty: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal glycemic control marker before total hip or knee arthroplasty remains inconclusive. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is widely used, while fructosamine may be valuable for predicting periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Fructosamine levels can be affected by serum albumin levels; albumin-corrected fructosamine (AlbF) can be calculated to overcome this issue. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of different markers for complications after primary total hip or knee arthroplasty. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 304 patients (mean age: 65 years [range, 16-85), mean follow-up: 32 months (range, 12-49)] who underwent primary total hip or knee arthroplasty between 2018 and 2021. Of them, 156 patients had diabetes. Mean HbA1c was 6.5% (range, 4.8%-13%), fructosamine 244 µmol/L (range, 98-566 µmol/L), and AlbF 632 (range, 238-2308). Patients who did and did not have diabetes were matched 1 : 1. Hemoglobin A1c 7% and fructosamine 292 µmol/L were used as cutoff. Complications were documented. Glycemic markers were compared using logistic regression analyses, with a special focus on PJI. RESULTS: In the logistic regression analyses, HbA1c was strongly associated with total complications [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 3.61; 95% CI, 1.65-7.91, P = .001], while fructosamine was associated with PJI (adjusted OR: 13.68; 95% CI, 1.39-134.89, P = .025). Albumin-corrected fructosamine did not show any additional benefits. CONCLUSION: Preoperative assessment before total hip or knee arthroplasty must not focus on a single marker; HbA1c is a good predictor of total complications, while fructosamine is a better predictor of PJI. To the best of our knowledge, in its first orthopedic study, AlbF did not show any advantages. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, Prognostic Study.

Is Intraoperative Bleeding Control Useful After Tourniquet Release in Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction?

Background Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common orthopedic surgery, and rehabilitation is very important to achieve successful postoperative results. Postoperative hemarthrosis causes pain and limitation of movement, which prolongs the rehabilitation period. For these reasons, various strategies are used to reduce hemarthrosis in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bleeding control after releasing the tourniquet in ACL reconstruction surgery on the amount of hemarthrosis and pain in the postoperative period. Methodology A total of 60 patients who underwent arthroscopic single-bundle ACL reconstruction were enrolled in this prospective randomized control study. Bleeding control with the radiofrequency (RF) probe after releasing the tourniquet was done at the end of the arthroscopic ACL reconstruction in 30 patients (coagulation group) while bleeding control was not done for the other 30 patients (control group). Both groups were compared in terms of the degree of hemarthrosis using the Coupens and Yates classification in the early postoperative period and the degree of pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and postoperative complications. Results In both groups, isolated ACL reconstruction was performed in 10 patients, additional partial meniscectomy in three patients, and additional arthroscopic meniscus repair in 17 patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the coagulation and control groups in terms of VAS (p > 0.05) and the degree of hemarthrosis (p > 0.05). Although the duration of tourniquet application was similar in both groups (p = 0.78), the duration of anesthesia was significantly longer in the coagulation group (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of postoperative complications. Conclusions Bleeding control with the RF probe after tourniquet release does not yield superior outcomes. More research with larger populations is needed to confirm these findings.

Diagnosis of Periprosthetic Joint Infection: The Utility of Biomarkers in 2023.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare yet devastating complication following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Early and accurate diagnosis of PJI is paramount in order to maximize the chances of successful treatment. However, we are yet to identify a single "gold standard" test for the diagnosis of PJI. As a result, the diagnosis of PJI is often challenging. Currently, the 2018 ICM definition of PJI is the only validated diagnostic criteria available. This article will review the importance of serum and synovial biomarkers in the diagnosis of PJI. In addition, it will provide a brief overview of the emerging modalities for the identification of infections in this setting.

Cementless modular total hip arthroplasty with subtrochanteric transverse shortening osteotomy for high hip dislocations.

BACKGROUND: Performing a total hip arthroplasty for a high hip dislocation is technically demanding and presents several challenges, with appropriate evaluation of the bone morphology of the hip and proper implant selection being critical for successful outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of cementless modular total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of high hip dislocations with sub-trochanteric transverse shortening osteotomy. METHODS: Sixty-eight hips with a high hip dislocation, were treated using a sub-trochanteric transverse shortening osteotomy and cementless modular total hip arthroplasty, retrospectively reviewed. Hip function was assessed using the Harris hip score, with hip abduction strength evaluated using the Trendelenburg test. Radiographic assessment included the measurement of leg length discrepancy, identification of implant loosening, localization of the hip center, and union at the osteotomy site. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 12.9 (range 5.2-16.8) years. The mean Harris hip score improved from a pre-operative score of 48.6 ± 3.6 to 82.4 ± 4.2 (p < 0.05). The hip was within the true acetabulum in all patients, postoperatively. Osteotomy union was achieved in 67 of the 68 hips (98.5%) in a mean latency of 12.5 ± 0.6 weeks. The mean length of femoral shortening was 66.5 ± 4.5 mm, with a mean pull-down length of the proximal part of 35.5 ± 3.5 mm. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of high hip dislocations with satisfactory clinical outcomes, the modular stem offers an adjustable anteversion angle to restore sufficient rotational stability and the transverse osteotomy provides sufficient compression pressure across the osteotomy site to facilitate union. Trial registration It was a retrospective study and approved by Istanbul Research and Training Hospital institutional Ethics Review Board (772-05/02/2016).

Is denervation surgery possible in the treatment of hallux rigidus? An anatomic study of cadaveric specimens.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide anatomic considerations in the first metatarsophalangeal joint (FMPJ) innervation and to evaluate the feasibility of the denervation surgery in the treatment of hallux rigidus. METHODS: In this cadaveric study, 14 fresh frozen cadaveric transtibial amputation specimens was used. For nerve dissection, dorsal and plantar longitudinal incision centered over the FMPJ were performed. Deep peroneal and dorsomedial cutaneous nerves were dissected in the dorsal aspect of the joint. Medial plantar nerve branches, medial and lateral hallucal nerves, were dissected in the plantar aspect of the joint. The presence, number, and location of articular branches to the FMPJ capsule were recorded. Dorsal and plantar incision length for proper dissection were also recorded. RESULTS: Nerve dissection of the 14 specimens revealed the following number of articular branches from the relevant nerves: 14 from dorsomedial cutaneous nerves, 11 from deep peroneal nerves, 6 from medial hallucal nerve, and 5 from lateral hallucal nerve. Dorsal incision mean length was 60.53 (range, 42.48-85.12) mm, and the plantar incision mean length was 88.08 (range, 77.32-111.21) mm. CONCLUSION: Evidence from this study has shown that partial dorsal denervation of the FMPJ may be a technically feasible procedure along with the presence of superficially easily dissected nerves with relatively small incision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 5.

The Natural Course of Serum D-Dimer, C-Reactive Protein, and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Levels After Uneventful Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the baseline levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and monitor the natural course of these serum markers after uneventful primary total joint arthroplasty. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 81 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty. The level of serum D-dimer, CRP, and ESR was measured preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 15, and 45. Mean peak values, peak times, and distribution were compared between D-Dimer, CRP, and ESR. RESULTS: The mean preoperative serum D-dimer, CRP, and ESR level was 412 ± 260 (range 200-980) ng/mL, 2.93 ± 2.1 (range 1-18) mg/L, and 22.88 ± 17.5 (range 3-102) mm/h, respectively. The highest mean peak for D-dimer, CRP, and ESR was at postoperative day 1, 3, and 5, respectively. CONCLUSION: D-dimer levels reached peak levels on postoperative day 1 and then declined rapidly to a plateau level by postoperative day 3. A second, albeit small, peak in the level of D-dimer occurred on postoperative day 15. The level of CRP and ESR remained elevated for much longer with CRP returning to baseline on postoperative day 45 and the level of ESR had not returned back to normal on postoperative day 45.

Comparison of Iliac and Femoral Autograft Practices in Pemberton Pelvic Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus in regard to grafts used after pelvic osteotomy in developmental dysplasia of the hip in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare iliac and femoral autografts used after Pemberton pelvic osteotomy (PPO). METHODS: In this prospective, randomized study, 60 hips with dysplasia of the hip were included. All patients underwent open reduction, PPO, and femoral shortening osteotomy. Iliac autograft (group I; n=30 hips; mean age, 39.07; range, 18 to 72 mo) and femoral autograft (group II; n=30 hips; mean age, 42.53; range, 19 to 70 mo) were used to fill the iliac osteotomy. The height and width of the iliac and femoral autografts were measured intraoperatively. Anteroposterior pelvic radiographs were obtained on the 45th day, and in the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 12th months postoperatively. Acetabular index angle, height of the graft, loss of graft position, graft resorption, operative time, blood loss, and union time were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in each group in terms of loss of graft height between the intraoperative measurement and the postoperative measurement at the 6th week and 3rd month. The intraoperative width of the grafts was significantly greater, loss of graft height was significantly less, and the amount of bleeding was significantly lower in group II (P<0.001 for all 3). However, time to union was significantly shorter in group I (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of acetabular index angle at the last controls. There were loss of graft position in 2 cases and graft resorption in 1 case for group I, but no such cases occurred for group II. CONCLUSIONS: Graft height and position loss, donor site morbidity, and graft resorption were less in the femoral autografts group compared with the iliac autografts group in the treatment PPO with femoral shortening osteotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Online resources for platelet-rich plasma injections for orthopedic therapy: What are patients reading? A survey of Turkish websites.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the quality, accuracy, and readability of Turkish online resources for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for orthopedic therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, online searches using Google, Yandex, and Yahoo search engines were performed on 21-22-23 May 2019, respectively. "Platelet-rich plasma", "platelet-rich plasma treatment", "PRP", and "PRP treatment" were entered in Turkish into these three search engines. The first 50 websites from each search were collected. The quality and accuracy of online information related to PRP injections for orthopedic therapy were evaluated by three reviewers with the use of scoring criteria specific to PRP. The Flesch-Kincaid (FK) score was used to determine readability. RESULTS: Eighty-six unique websites were evaluated. The average quality and accuracy scores of all websites were 7.1±4.3 out of a maximum of 25 points and 7.3±2 out of a maximum of 12 points, respectively. The average FK score of all websites was 10.8±2.2. Only 27 websites (31.4%) had a FK score that was at or below the eighth-grade level. There were no significant differences among the mean scores of websites categorized by search terms, search results ranking, owners or reading level for both quality and accuracy scores. CONCLUSION: The information regarding PRP usage in orthopedic conditions provided by Turkish online resources has low quality and low accuracy ratings and is also difficult to read.

Assessment of periprosthetic joint infection prevention methods amongst Turkish orthopedic surgeons in total joint replacement: A survey.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the methods employed by Turkish orthopedic surgeons to prevent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The data obtained for this study, conducted between January 2019 and February 2019, were gathered by sending out an online survey to Turkish Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology members (n=2,267). A total of 354 orthopedic surgeons responded and completed survey. The survey had 23 questions which include the experience, academic position, hospital where the physician works, monthly arthroplasty numbers, and infection prevention methods employed before, during, and after surgery. RESULTS: The period for antibiotics prophylaxis showed variability, with about 63% of surgeons using prophylaxis longer than 24 hours. In terms of academic position, 52.4% of professors and 52.8% of associate professors used prophylaxis for the first 24 hours whereas this rate was 31.3% in operators (p=0.01). Of surgeons, 50.7% who perform more than 10 arthroplasties per month and 33.6% of surgeons who perform less than 11 arthroplasties per month used 24-hour antibiotic prophylaxis (p=0.006). Blood glucose level assessment prior to surgery was performed by the majority of surgeons (94%). A total of 118 orthopedic surgeons (33.3%) performed methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) decolonization with 54.7% of associate professors, 59.5% of professors, and 24.7% of operators (p=0.001). Only 60 surgeons (16.9%) checked vitamin D levels. CONCLUSION: Our study results demonstrated that the majority of orthopedic surgeons in Turkey do not follow the antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations and they use antibiotic prophylaxis for longer periods. Professors and associate professors, and surgeons with higher monthly arthroplasty numbers than surgeons with lower monthly arthroplasty numbers follow the recommended periods more than their counterparts. Most surgeons assess blood glucose levels whereas a small number of surgeons perform MRSA decolonization and check vitamin D levels.

Academic productivity and obstacles encountered during residency training: A survey among residents in orthopedics and traumatology programs in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the academic productivity of and the obstacles encountered by orthopedic residents in Turkey. METHODS: Overall, 220 orthopedic specialists who were registered in the Ministry of Health and had started orthopedic residency between 2009 and 2010 were invited to participate in a survey through e-mail. The survey comprised a total of 19 questions to evaluate the academic works conducted and obstacles encountered during residency. Academic work was defined as an article published in the peer-reviewed journals as well as an oral or poster presentation at a national or international congress. Case reports, letters to the editor, and technical notes were excluded. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 116 respondents who completed the survey. In peer-reviewed journals in Science Citation Index (SCI) or SCI-Expanded, the mean number of articles published with and without the first name per resident was 0.09 and 0.73, respectively. In peer-reviewed journals other than those in SCI and SCI-Expanded, the mean number of articles published with and without the first name per resident was 0.37 and 1, respectively. The mean number of oral and poster presentations per resident at national and international congresses was 2.63 and 4.67, respectively. No significant difference in the number of academic works was noted between the regions and institutions (p>0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between the number of associate professors and assistant professors in the clinic and the total number of academic works (article plus presentation) (p<0.01 and p=0.017, respectively). Regarding encouragement and support to academic works, 6.9% of the respondents found the clinic to be excellent, 20.7% good, 24.1% moderate, and 48.3% bad. No significant difference in encouragement and support to academic works was noted among the institutions (p=0.115). The most common obstacle encountered in conducting academic works was long working hours (74.5%). CONCLUSION: Regardless of the region and institution, the participation of orthopedic residents in academic works is low in Turkey. Several obstacles were encountered in conducting academic works, with the most common being long working hours. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Diagnostic study.

Mini-Open Femoroacetabular Osteoplasty: Risk Factors for Failure and Conversion to Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been increasing over the past decade with reports of favorable results in alleviating patient symptoms. However, progression of osteoarthritis in these patients may necessitate total hip arthroplasty (THA) for the treatment of unresolved or recurrent hip pain and accompanying disability. Identifying the risk factors for disease progression and treatment failure can help orthopaedic surgeons to select the appropriate patients for joint-preservation procedures and allow more informative discussions. METHODS: With use of the prospective database of hip-preservation surgery at our institution, 652 patients (324 men and 328 women) with FAI who had undergone femoroacetabular osteoplasty (FAO) between December 2004 and April 2016 were identified. Treatment failure was defined as the need for THA. At the latest follow-up, 68 (9.08%)of 749 hips had undergone THA because of the recurrence of symptoms and the development of osteoarthritis. The groups of patients who had or had not undergone conversion to THA were compared with respect to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), surgeon experience, duration of preoperative symptoms, preoperative and postoperative alpha angles, radiographic parameters of hip dysplasia, a perioperative chondral lesion, labral abnormalities and interventions, acetabular retroversion, and severity of osteoarthritis (Tönnis grade). RESULTS: The mean age (and standard deviation) at the time of the index FAO was 41.9 ± 10.5 years for patients who had had a failure of FAO, compared with 33.4 ± 11.1 years for those who had not. Risk factors for treatment failure included a longer mean symptomatic period before the FAO procedure, older age, higher mean BMI, the presence of hip dysplasia, acetabular retroversion, higher preoperative alpha angle, a full-thickness acetabular chondral lesion, Tönnis grade-1 and 2 osteoarthritis, labral hypertrophy, and total labral resection during FAO. The rate of failure was related to the experience of the surgeon, with fewer failures occurring in the later years of surgery as compared with the earlier years. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identified a number of variables that influence the outcome of FAO. Surgeons performing hip-preservation procedures should be aware of these risk factors for failure, and a more cautious approach is recommended for patients with these risk factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Causes of in-hospital mortality after hip fractures in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES: Although there are numerous studies reporting early mortality after hip fracture, the incidence and aetiology of in-hospital mortality following hip fractures is largely unknown. This study aimed to determine the causes and the incidence of in-hospital mortality in patients with a hip fracture who received surgical treatment. METHODS: This was a multi-institutional retrospective study identifying 2464 consecutive patients >65 years of age who were treated for a hip fracture from 2000 to 2016 at 2 institutions. Revision surgeries were excluded. An electronic query followed by manual chart review was performed to collect patient demographics, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), type of anaesthesia, and cause of death. RESULTS: The overall in-hospital mortality rate for patients undergoing surgical intervention for an acute hip fracture was 3.0% (75/2464). The most common causes of death in descending order were: respiratory failure (n = 26), cardiac failure (n = 13), multiorgan failure (n = 6), septic shock (n = 6), pulmonary embolism (n = 5), end stage renal disease (n = 5) and others (n = 14). In-hopsital mortality was associated with older age (p = 0.001) and higher CCI scores (p = 0.001). There was no association with gender (p = 0.165), type of anaesthesia (p = 0.497), extracapsular versus intracapsular fracture (p = 0.627), pathologic versus non-pathologic fracture (0.799), or body mass index (p = 0.781). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that hip fracture patients are at relatively high risk of in-hospital mortality following surgical intervention with a high proportion of patients succumbing to respiratory failure. The findings compel us to investigate strategies that can minimize mortality related to respiratory failure in this patient population such as minimising opioid use, early mobilisation, and implementing greater respiratory monitoring.

Low-Dose Aspirin Is Adequate for Venous Thromboembolism Prevention Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA) are at risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) without adequate prophylaxis. Since the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons issued guidelines in 2007 recommending aspirin 325 mg bis in die for 6 weeks, aspirin has been favored as the main VTE prophylaxis. However, the appropriate dose and duration of aspirin are not well-studied. This systematic review aims to identify any differences between high and low dose as well as duration for aspirin thromboprophylaxis after TJA as outlined by previous studies. METHODS: A search was performed using Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed, including articles up to July 2016. Studies were included if they contained at least 1 cohort that underwent TJA with aspirin as the sole chemoprophylaxis and reported either (1) symptomatic VTE or (2) secondary outcomes such as major bleeding or 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Forty-five papers were included. There were no significant differences in symptomatic pulmonary embolism, symptomatic deep vein thrombosis, 90-day mortality, or major bleeding between patients receiving low-dose or high-dose aspirin. Patients treated with aspirin for <4 weeks had a higher risk of major bleeding (1.59%) vs patients treated for 4 weeks (0.15%), which may be attributed to premature cessation or differential reporting. Patients treated with aspirin for <4 weeks had a statistically higher 90-day mortality (1.95%) vs patients treated for 4 weeks (0.07%). There was no significant difference between incidence of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis and the durations of aspirin treatment. CONCLUSION: This review suggests that low-dose aspirin is not inferior to high-dose aspirin for VTE thromboprophylaxis in TJA patients. Additionally, patients treated with aspirin for less than 4 weeks may have a higher risk of major bleeding and 90-day mortality compared to patients treated for a longer duration.

Fluid retention after shoulder arthroscopy: gravity flow vs. automated pump-a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue fluid retention due to irrigation is relatively common after shoulder arthroscopy. The objective of this study was to compare fluid retention of 2 irrigation systems of shoulder arthroscopy: gravity flow irrigation and automated pump. METHODS: Patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy were enrolled prospectively and randomized into 2 groups using gravity flow system (GFS) or automated pump system (APS) for irrigation. Net weight gain was the primary outcome measurement to determine periarticular fluid retention. Change in deltoid diameter and postoperative pain were also compared. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included in the study. There were no statistically significant differences between the GFS and APS groups regarding demographics, surgical procedures, duration of surgery, or the amount of irrigation fluid used. The APS group had greater weight gain per hour (1.46 ± 0.36 kg/h vs. 1.1 ± 0.38 kg/h) than the GFS group. A strong correlation was found between the amount of fluid used and the weight gain in both the GFS and APS groups. But a strong correlation between duration of surgery and weight gain was found in the APS group only. The APS group also had a greater mean deltoid diameter increase (3.33 ± 1.56 cm vs. 2.1 ± 1.44 cm) and a higher postoperative first-hour visual analog pain scale score (5.81 ± 2 vs. 3.62 ± 1.6). CONCLUSION: APS causes more fluid retention than GFS in shoulder arthroscopy when used for equal duration in similar procedures. Use of APS, prolongation of surgery, and increased amounts of irrigation fluid increase weight gain as a result of fluid retention.