Trabecular Metal Augments During Complex Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: Trabecular metal augments (TMAs) have been extensively used in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) to address acetabular bone defects. However, limited data exists regarding TMA utilization during primary THA. This study aims to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of TMAs used during primary THA. Methods: A single-institution retrospective case series of primary THA patients treated with TMA between 2010 and 2019 was performed. Patient demographics, complications, and revisions were recorded. Cup position, center of rotation, leg length, and radiolucent lines were assessed radiographically. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compute implant survivorship. Results: Twenty-six patients (30 hips) were included with average age of 52.6 ± 15.3 years (range: 22-78) and mean follow-up of 4.1 ± 2.1 years (range: 2.0-8.9). Most TMAs were indicated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (n = 18; 60.0%). On average, hip center of rotation was lowered 1.5 ± 1.3 cm and lateralized 1.2 ± 1.5 cm, while leg length and global offset were increased by 2.4 ± 1.2 cm and 0.4 ± 1.0 cm, respectively. At final follow-up, 3 hips (10.0%) required revision: one (3.3%) for aseptic loosening and 2 (6.7%) for instability. No patients had progressive radiolucent lines at final follow-up. Five-year survival with aseptic loosening and all-cause revision as endpoints was 100% (95% confidence interval: 90.0%-100.0%) and 92.1% (95% confidence interval: 81.3%-100.0%), respectively. One patient required revision for aseptic loosening after the 5-year mark. Conclusions: Trabecular metal augmentation during primary THA demonstrates satisfactory early to mid-term outcomes. TMA is a viable option for complex primary THA when bone loss is encountered or secondary support is required. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Five-Year Incidence of Progression to Osteoarthritis and Total Joint Arthroplasty in Patients Prescribed Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists.

BACKGROUND: Research has suggested that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1-RAs) may have therapeutic effects on osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, in addition to managing diabetes and obesity. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the association between GLP-1-RA use and the diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee. METHODS: A collaborative network analytics platform was queried for obese diabetic (n = 1,094,198), obese nondiabetic (n = 916,235), and nonobese diabetic (n = 157,305) patients who had an index visit between 2015 and 2017. Patients who had pre-existing hip and/or knee OA were excluded. A 1:1 propensity score matching was used to balance GLP-1-RA use in stratified cohorts for age, sex, race, body mass index, and hemoglobin A1c. The primary outcomes were rates of progression to hip OA, knee OA, major joint injections, total hip arthroplasty, and total knee arthroplasty. Cox proportional hazards models determined hazard ratios (HRs) between cohorts prescribed and not prescribed GLP-1-RAs. RESULTS: All patients had a five-year follow-up. Rates of progression to hip and knee OA were higher among the GLP-1-RA users in both obese diabetic (hip HR: 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46 to 1.82; knee HR: 1.52, CI: 1.41 to 1.64) and nonobese diabetic (hip HR: 1.78, CI: 1.50 to 2.10; knee HR: 1.58, CI: 1.39 to 1.80) cohorts. These diabetic cohorts received higher rates of major joint injections, though there was no difference in rates of total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty. No differences in five-year outcomes were seen when comparing obese, nondiabetic patients who were prescribed GLP-1-RAs with obese, nondiabetic patients not exposed to GLP-1-RAs. CONCLUSIONS: This five-year analysis found a greater risk of progression to hip and knee OA among obese and non-obese diabetic GLP-1-RA users. Further studies should explore GLP-1-RA effects upon glucose management, weight loss, and lower extremity arthritis development. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective cohort study.

The Association Between Surgeon Volume and Dislocation After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Nationwide Evaluation of 5,106 Orthopaedic Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between surgeon volume and risk of dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is debated. This study sought to characterize this association and assess patient outcomes using a nationwide patient and surgeon registry. METHODS: The Premier Healthcare Database was queried for adult primary elective THA patients from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019. Annual surgeon volume and 90-day risk of dislocation were modeled using multivariable logistic regression with restricted cubic splines. Bootstrap analysis identified a threshold annual case volume, corresponding to the maximum decrease in dislocation risk. Surgeons with an annual volume greater than the threshold were deemed high volume, and those with an annual volume less than the threshold were low volume. Each surgeon within a given year was treated as a unique entity (surgeon-year unit). 90-day complications of patients treated by high-volume and low-volume surgeons were compared. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2019, 352,131 THAs were performed by 5,106 surgeons. The restricted cubic spline model demonstrated an inverse relationship between risk of dislocation and surgeon volume (threshold: 109 cases per year). A total of 9,967 (87.8%) low-volume surgeon-year units had individual dislocation rates lower than the average of the entire surgeon cohort. Patients treated by high-volume surgeons had decreased risk of dislocation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.60; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.67), periprosthetic fracture (aOR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.99), periprosthetic joint infection (aOR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.69), readmission (aOR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.73), and in-hospital death (aOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.80). CONCLUSION: While most of the low-volume surgeons had dislocation rates lower than the cohort average, increasing annual surgeon case volume was associated with a reduction in risk of dislocation after primary elective THA. THERAPEUTIC LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Complete Blood Count Ratios Predict Adverse Events After Total Joint Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Complete blood count-based ratios (CBRs), including neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) are biomarkers associated with the proinflammatory surgical stress response. This study sought to determine whether preoperative CBRs are associated with postoperative complications, protracted hospital length of stay (LOS), and mortality after total joint arthroplasty, as well as establish threshold values for these outcomes for use in future investigations. METHODS: The Premier Healthcare Database was retrospectively queried for adult patients who underwent primary elective total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Approximate cut-point values for CBRs were identified by bootstrap simulation using the Youden index. Multivariable adjusted restricted cubic spline models using the predicted cut-point value as the threshold for odds of outcomes were created to identify a final threshold value associated with increased adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of study outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 32,868 total joint arthroplasties (THA: 12,807, TKA: 20,061) were identified. All measures predicted odds of aggregate postoperative complications (THA: NLR TV: 4.60 [aOR = 2.35], PLR TV: 163.4 [aOR = 1.32], MLR TV: 0.40 [aOR = 2.02], SII TV: 977.00 [aOR = 1.54]; TKA: NLR TV: 3.7 [aOR = 1.69], MLR TV: 0.41 [aOR = 1.62], PLR TV: 205.10 [aOR = 1.43], SII TV: 1,013.10 [aOR = 1.62]; all P < 0.05). A MLR > 0.40 [aOR = 1.54] P < 0.001) was associated with LOS ≥3 days after total hip arthroplasty while an NLR > 13.1 [aOR = 1.38] and an MLR > 0.41[aOR = 1.29] were associated with LOS ≥3 days after total knee arthroplasty (both P < 0.001). No association between inflammatory markers and inpatient mortality was observed. CONCLUSION: Given CBRs' ability to both predict outcomes and identify patients with a proinflammatory phenotype, the findings of this study provide a framework for future investigations aimed at identifying and treating high-risk patients with immune-modulating therapies. Continued work to validate these findings by applying TVs to interventional clinical trials is needed before wide clinical adoption.

Preoperative Laboratory Values Predicting Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Morbidly obese patients are an ever-growing high-risk population undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for end-stage osteoarthritis. This study sought to identify preoperative laboratory values that may serve as predictors of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in morbidly obese patients undergoing THA or TKA. METHODS: All morbidly obese patients with preoperative laboratory data before undergoing primary elective TKA or THA were identified using the Premier Healthcare Database. Patients who developed PJI within 90 days after surgery were compared with patients without PJI. Laboratory value thresholds were defined by clinical guidelines or primary literature. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were utilized to assess the association between PJI and preoperative laboratory values, including total lymphocyte count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), albumin level, platelet count, albumin-globulin ratio, hemoglobin level, and hemoglobin A1c. RESULTS: Of the 6,780 patients identified (TKA: 76.67%; THA: 23.33%), 47 (0.69%) developed PJI within 90 days after surgery. The rate of PJI was 1.69% for patients with a hemoglobin level of <12 g/dL (for females) or <13 g/dL (for males), 2.14% for those with a platelet count of <142,000/µL or >417,000/µL, 1.11% for those with an NLR of >3.31, 1.69% for those with a PLR of >182.3, and 1.05% for those with an SII of >776.2. After accounting for potential confounding factors, we observed an association between PJI and an abnormal preoperative NLR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04 to 5.44, p = 0.039), PLR (aOR: 4.86, 95% CI: 2.15 to 10.95, p < 0.001), SII (aOR: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.09 to 5.44, p = 0.029), platelet count (aOR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.11 to 10.99, p = 0.032), and hemoglobin level (aOR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.06 to 6.50, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified preoperative anemia, abnormal platelet count, and elevated NLR, PLR, and SII to be associated with an increased risk of PJI among patients with a body mass index of ≥40 kg/m2. These findings may help surgeons risk-stratify this high-risk patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Super-Obesity is Associated With an Increased Risk of Complications Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30, is an ever-growing epidemic, with > 35% of adults in the United States currently classified as obese. Super-obese individuals, defined as those who have a BMI ≥ 50, are the fastest-growing portion of this group. This study sought to quantify the infection risk as well as the incidence of surgical, medical, and thromboembolic complications among super-obese patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: An all-payer claims database was used to identify patients who underwent elective, primary TKA between 2016 and 2021. Patients who had a BMI ≥ 50 were compared to those who had a normal BMI of 18 to 25. Demographics and the incidence of 90-days postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups. Univariate analysis and multivariable regression were used to assess differences between groups. RESULTS: In total, 3,376 super-obese TKA patients were identified and compared to 17,659 patients who had a normal BMI. Multivariable analysis indicated that the super-obese cohort was at an increased postoperative risk of periprosthetic joint infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1 to 6.4, P < .001), pulmonary embolism (aOR 2.2, 95%-CI: 1.0 to 5.0, P = .047), acute respiratory failure (aOR 4.1, 95%-CI: 2.7 to 6.1, P < .001), myocardial infarction (aOR 2.5, 95%-CI: 1.1 to 5.8, P = .026), wound dehiscence (aOR 2.3, 95%-CI: 1.4 to 3.8, P = .001), and acute renal failure (aOR 3.2, 95%-CI: 2.4 to 4.2, P < .001) relative to patients who have normal BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Super-obese TKA patients are at an elevated risk of postoperative infectious, surgical, medical, and thromboembolic complications. As such, risk stratification, as well as appropriate medical management and optimization, is of utmost importance for this high-risk group.

Perioperative Dexamethasone is Associated With a Decreased Risk of Pulmonary Embolism and Deep Vein Thrombosis Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 70,000 High-Risk Patients.

BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone (DEX) has demonstrated promise with respect to decreasing postoperative thromboembolic complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of perioperative intravenous DEX on rates of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after primary TJA in patients who have a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE). METHODS: Patients who have a history of VTE who underwent primary elective TJA from 2015 to 2021 were identified using a commercial health care database. Patients were divided based on receipt of perioperative intravenous DEX [DEX(+) versus DEX(-)] on the day of index TJA. Patient demographics and hospital factors were collected. The 90-day risk of postoperative complications, readmission, and in-hospital mortality were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 70,147 patients who had a history of VTE underwent TJA, of which 40,607 (57.89%) received DEX and 29,540 (42.11%) did not. The DEX(+) patients were younger (67 ± 9.8 versus 68 ± 9.9 years, P < .001) and had a significantly shorter length of stay compared to the DEX(-) patients (1.8 ± 1.6 versus 2.2 ± 1.8 days, P < .001). The DEX(+) patients demonstrated lower rates of PE (1.37 versus 1.75%, P < .001) and DVT (2.37 versus 3.01%, P < .001) compared to DEX(-) patients. The DEX(+) patients experienced a lower risk of PE (adjusted odds ratio: 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.66 to 0.93, P = .006) and DVT (adjusted odds ratio: 0.84, 95% confidence interval: 0.74 to 0.95, P = .006) compared to DEX(-) patients. The DEX(+) patients demonstrated no differences in the odds of surgical site infection, periprosthetic joint infection, or sepsis compared to the DEX(-) patients (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of DEX was associated with a decreased risk of PE and DVT in patients who have a history of VTE who underwent TJA. These data warrant further study investigating the postoperative benefits of perioperative DEX administration for high-risk patients undergoing TJA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

How-To Create an Orthopaedic Systematic Review: A Step-by-step Guide Part II: Study Execution.

Systematic reviews are the apex of the evidence-based pyramid, representing the strongest form of evidence synthesizing results from multiple primary studies. In particular, a quantitative systematic review, or meta-analysis, pools results from multiple studies to help answer a respective research question. The aim of this review is to serve as a guide on how to: (1) design, (2) execute, and (3) publish an orthopaedic arthroplasty systematic review. In Part II, we focus on methods to assess data quality through the Cochrane Risk of Bias, Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies criteria, or Newcastle-Ottawa scale; enumerate various methods for appropriate data interpretation and analysis; and summarize how to convert respective findings to a publishable manuscript (providing a previously published example). Use of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines is recommended and standard in all scientific literature, including that of orthopedic surgery. Pooled analyses with forest plots and associated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals are common ways to present data. When converting to a manuscript, it is important to consider and discuss the inherent limitations of systematic reviews, including their inclusion and/or exclusion criteria and overall quality, which can be limited based on the quality of individual studies (eg, publication bias, heterogeneity, search/selection bias). We hope our papers will serve as starting points for those interested in performing an orthopaedic arthroplasty systematic review.

Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis Have a Higher Rate of Spinal Reoperation Following Lumbar Spinal Fusion.

BACKGROUND: Lumbar spinal pathology is known to affect outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the effect of hip osteoarthritis (OA) on outcomes following lumbar fusion has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between hip OA and spinal reoperation following lumbar spinal fusion. METHODS: The 5% Medicare Part B claims database was queried for all patients who underwent primary elective lumbar fusion from 2005 to 2019. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who underwent elective THA within 1 year after primary lumbar fusion, indicating that they had severe hip OA at the time of lumbar fusion, and those who underwent lumbar fusion with no diagnosed hip OA and no THA during the study period. Exclusion criteria included THA as a result of trauma, revision THA or primary THA in the 5-year period before primary lumbar fusion, <65 years of age, and no enrollment in the database for 5 years before and 1 year after primary lumbar fusion. The primary outcome was spinal reoperation within 1, 3, and 5 years. Multivariable Cox regression was performed with age, sex, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, smoking status, osteoporosis, number of levels fused, use of posterior instrumentation, use of an interbody device, use of bone graft, and surgical approach as covariates. RESULTS: Overall, 1,123 patients (63.4% female; 91.3% White; mean age, 76.8 ± 4.1 years) were included in the hip OA group and 8,893 patients (56.2% female; 91.3% White; mean age, 74.8 ± 4.9 years) were included in the control group. After multivariable analysis, patients with severe hip OA had significantly greater rates of revision surgery at 3 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.61; p < 0.001) and 5 years (OR, 1.87; p < 0.001) after the index lumbar fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe hip OA at the time of primary lumbar fusion had a significantly increased risk of spinal reoperation at 3 and 5 years postoperatively. These data provide further evidence to support performing THA prior to lumbar fusion in the unsettled debate regarding which surgery should be prioritized for patients with simultaneous degenerative diseases of the hip and lumbar spine. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Risk Factors Associated with Thromboembolic Complications After total Hip Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 1,129 Pulmonary Emboli.

INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a dangerous complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA), despite advances in chemoprophylactic measures. This study aimed to identify risk factors of developing pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after THA using a modern cohort of patients reflecting contemporary practices. METHODS: The Premier Healthcare Database was queried for primary, elective THAs from January 1st, 2015, to December 31st, 2021. Patients who developed PE or DVT within 90 days of THA were compared with patients who did not develop any postoperative VTE. Differences in patient demographics, comorbidities, hospital factors, perioperative medications, chemoprophylactic agents, and allogeneic blood transfusion were compared between cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify independent risk factors of PE and DVT. In total, 544,298 THAs were identified, of which 1,129 (0.21%) developed a PE and 1,799 (0.33%) developed a DVT. RESULTS: Patients diagnosed with a PE had significantly higher rates of in-hospital death (2.6% vs 0.1%, P < 0.001) compared with those without a PE. Age (adjusted odds ratio: 1.02 per year, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01 to 1.03) and Black race (aOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.24 to 1.87) were associated with an increased risk of PE. Comorbidities associated with increased risk of PE included chronic pulmonary disease (aOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.36 to 1.84), pulmonary hypertension (aOR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.39 to 3.04), and history of VTE (aOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.98 to 2.86). Allogeneic blood transfusion (aOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.88 to 3.06) was also associated with an increased risk of PE while dexamethasone utilization was associated with a reduced risk (aOR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.73 to 0.95). DISCUSSION: Increasing age; Black race; allogeneic blood transfusion; and comorbidities, including chronic pulmonary disease, pulmonary hypertension, and history of VTE, were independent risk factors of PE after THA. Given the increased mortality associated with PE, patients should be carefully evaluated for these factors and managed with an appropriate chemoprophylactic regimen.

How-To Create an Orthopaedic Systematic Review: A Step-by-Step Guide. Part III: Executing a Meta-Analysis.

At the top of the evidence-based pyramid, systematic reviews stand out as the most powerful, synthesizing findings from numerous primary studies. Specifically, a quantitative systematic review, known as a meta-analysis, combines results from various studies to address a specific research question. This review serves as a guide on how to: (1) design; (2) perform; and (3) publish an orthopedic arthroplasty systematic review. In Part III, we focus on how to design and perform a meta-analysis. We delineate the advantages and disadvantages of meta-analyses compared to systematic reviews, acknowledging their potential challenges due to time constraints and the complexities posed by study heterogeneity and data availability. Despite these obstacles, a well-executed meta-analysis contributes precision and heightened statistical power, standing at the apex of the evidence-based pyramid. The design of a meta-analysis closely mirrors that of a systematic review, but necessitates the inclusion of effect sizes, variability measures, sample sizes, outcome measures, and overall study characteristics. Effective data presentation involves the use of forest plots, along with analyses for heterogeneities and subgroups. Widely-used software tools are common in this domain, and there is a growing trend toward incorporating artificial intelligence software. Ultimately, the intention is for these papers to act as foundational resources for individuals interested in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses in the context of orthopaedic arthroplasty, where applicable.

How-To Create an Orthopaedic Systematic Review: A Step-by-Step Guide Part I: Study Design.

Systematic reviews are conducted through a consistent and reproducible method to search, appraise, and summarize information. Within the evidence-based pyramid, systematic reviews can be at the apex when incorporating high-quality studies, presenting the strongest form of evidence given their synthesis of results from multiple primary studies to level IV evidence, depending on the studies they incorporate. When combined and supplemented with a meta-analysis using statistical methods to pool the results of 3 or more studies, systematic reviews are powerful tools to help answer research questions. The aim of this review is to serve as a guide on how to: (1) design; (2) execute; and (3) publish an orthopaedic arthroplasty systematic review and meta-analysis. In Part I, we discuss how to develop an appropriate research question as well as source and screen databases. To date, commonly used databases to source studies include PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. Although not all-encompassing, this paper serves as a starting point for those interested in performing and/or critically reviewing lower extremity arthroplasty systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Risk Factors for Peripheral Nerve Injury Following Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in 112,310 Patients.

Background: Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) following revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) can be a devastating complication. This study assessed the frequency of and risk factors for postoperative PNI following rTHA. Methods: Patients who underwent rTHA from 2003 to 2015 were identified using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Demographics, medical history, surgical details, and complications were compared between patients who sustained a PNI and those who did not, to identify risk factors for the development of PNI after rTHA. Results: Overall, 112,310 patients who underwent rTHA were identified, 929 (0.83%) of whom sustained a PNI. Univariate analysis found that younger patients (p < 0.0001), females (p = 0.025), and those with a history of flexion contracture (0.65% vs. 0.22%, p = 0.005), hip dislocation (24.0% vs. 18.0%, p < 0.001), and spine conditions (4.8% vs. 2.7%, p < 0.001) had significantly higher rates of PNI. In-hospital complications associated with PNI included postoperative hematoma (2.6% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.0001), postoperative seroma (0.75% vs. 0.30%, p = 0.011), superficial wound dehiscence (0.65% vs. 0.23%, p = 0.008), and postoperative anemia (36.1% vs. 32.0%, p = 0.007). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that a history of pre-existing spine conditions (aOR: 1.7; 95%-CI: 1.3-2.4, p < 0.001), prior dislocation (aOR 1.5; 95%-CI: 1.3-1.7, p < 0.001), postoperative anemia (aOR 1.2; 95%-CI: 1.0-1.4, p = 0.01), and hematoma (aOR 2.1; 95%-CI: 1.4-3.2, p < 0.001) were associated with increased risk for PNI. Conclusions: Our findings align with the existing literature, affirming that sciatic nerve injury is the prevailing neuropathic complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Furthermore, we observed a 0.83% incidence of PNI following rTHA and identified pre-existing spine conditions, prior hip dislocation, postoperative anemia, or hematoma as risk factors. Orthopedic surgeons may use this information to guide their discussion of PNI following rTHA, especially in high-risk patients.

Is the Rise of Medicare Advantage Impacting the Fidelity of Traditional Medicare Claims Data? Implications for Reporting of Long-Term Total Hip Arthroplasty Survivorship.

BACKGROUND: Arthroplasty registries often use traditional Medicare (TM) claims data to report long-term total hip arthroplasty (THA) survivorship. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the large number of patients leaving TM for Medicare Advantage (MA) has compromised the fidelity of TM data. METHODS: We identified 10,962 THAs in 9,333 Medicare-eligible patients who underwent primary THA from 2000 to 2020 at a single institution. Insurance type was analyzed, and 83% of patients had TM at the time of THA. Survivorship free from any revision or reoperation was calculated for patients who have TM. The same survivorship end points were recalculated with censoring performed when a patient transitioned to an MA plan after their primary THA to model the impact of losing patients from the TM dataset. Differences in survivorship were compared. The mean follow-up was 7 years. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2020, there was a decrease in TM insurance (93 to 73%) and a corresponding increase in MA insurance (0 to 19%) among THA patients. Following THA, 23% of TM patients switched to MA. For patients who had TM at the time of surgery, 15-year survivorship free from any reoperation or revision was 90% and 93%, respectively. When censoring patients upon transition from TM to MA, survivorship free from any reoperation became significantly higher (92 versus 90% at 15 years; hazard ratio = 1.16, P = .033), and there was a trend toward higher survivorship free from any revision (95 versus 93% at 15 years; hazard ratio = 1.16, P = .074). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 4 patients left TM for MA after primary THA, effectively making them lost to follow-up within TM datasets. The mass exodus of patients out of TM appears to have led to a slight overestimation of survivorship free from any reoperation and trended toward overestimating survivorship free from any revision. If MA continues to grow, efforts to obtain MA data will become even more important.

An Updated Estimate of Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty Inpatient Case Volume During the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States.

Background: Inpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) practices were dramatically affected in the United States in 2020 as elective surgeries were paused in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to provide an updated estimate of inpatient total joint arthroplasty (TJA) case volumes in the United States in 2020. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed by identifying all adult patients who underwent primary, elective TJA from January 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2020, using the National Inpatient Sample. Monthly and annual case volumes were reported with descriptive statistics. Baseline case volumes were established by taking the average number of monthly cases performed in 2017, 2018, and 2019. These monthly averages were compared to 2020 values. Results: From 2017 to 2019, the average case volume was 1,056,669 cases per year (41.0% THA, 59.0% TKA) and 88,055 cases per month. In 2020, 535,441 cases were identified (45.4% THA, 54.6% TKA), corresponding to a 49.3% reduction from the 2017-2019 annual average. Monthly cases decreased to 4515 in April during the "first wave" of COVID-19, corresponding to a 94.8% decrease from prior years. In June, cases rebounded to 55,520 before decreasing again in July to 50,100 during the "second wave" of COVID-19. During the "third wave," COVID-19 cases decreased month-over-month from October through December (56.5% decrease). Conclusions: This updated estimate identified a 49.3% decrease in inpatient TJA cases in 2020 compared to prior years. This is similar to the 46.5-47.7% decrease in case volume previously reported.

Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty in Obese Patients.

Background: Robotic-assisted systems have gained popularity in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate operative characteristics and radiographic outcomes of obese patients undergoing robotic-assisted TKA. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive cases performed by a single surgeon was performed from January 1, 2016, to January 31, 2022. Adult patients with body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 who underwent primary TKA using a computed tomography-assisted robotic system were compared to patients who underwent primary TKA using conventional instrumentation. Demographics, preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements, and intraoperative outcomes were compared between cohorts. In total, 119 patients were identified, 60 in the robotic-assisted cohort and 59 in the conventional instrumentation cohort. Results: Age, body mass index, and estimated blood loss were not significantly different between the cohorts. The robotic-assisted cohort experienced longer tourniquet times (93.3 vs 75.5 minutes, P < .001). Preoperative hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) was similar between the robotic-assisted and conventional cohorts (8.4° ± 4.9° vs 9.3° ± 5.3°, P = .335). Postoperative HKA was 2.0° ± 1.4° in the robotic-assisted group and 3.1° ± 3.23° in the conventional group (P = .040). The proportion of patients with postoperative HKA > 3° of varus or valgus was 9 of 60 (15.0%) in the robotic-assisted cohort compared to 18 of 59 (30.5%) using conventional instrumentation (P = .043). Conclusions: Obese patients treated with robotic-assisted TKA had postoperative alignment closer to neutral and fewer postoperative radiographic outliers than patients treated with conventional instrumentation. The results of this study support use of robotic-assisted technologies in TKA, particularly in obese patients.

Metal artifact reduction sequence-MRI abnormalities in asymptomatic patients with dual-mobility hip prostheses.

Aims: Modular dual-mobility (DM) articulations are increasingly used during total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, concerns remain regarding the metal liner modularity. This study aims to correlate metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS)-MRI abnormalities with serum metal ion levels in patients with DM articulations. Methods: A total of 45 patients (50 hips) with a modular DM articulation were included with mean follow-up of 3.7 years (SD 1.2). Enrolled patients with an asymptomatic, primary THA and DM articulation with over two years' follow-up underwent MARS-MRI. Each patient had serum cobalt, chromium, and titanium levels drawn. Patient satisfaction, Oxford Hip Score, and Forgotten Joint Score-12 (FJS-12) were collected. Each MARS-MRI was independently reviewed by fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists blinded to serum ion levels. Results: Overall, two patients (4.4%) had abnormal periprosthetic fluid collections on MARS-MRI with cobalt levels > 3.0 µg/l. Four patients (8.9%) had MARS-MRI findings consistent with greater trochanteric bursitis, all with cobalt levels < 1.0 µg/l. A seventh patient had a periprosthetic fluid collection with normal ion levels. Of the 38 patients without MARS-MRI abnormalities, 37 (97.4%) had cobalt levels < 1.0 µg/l, while one (2.6%) had a cobalt level of 1.4 µg/l. One patient (2.2%) had a chromium level > 3.0 µg/l and a periprosthetic fluid collection. Of the 41 patients with titanium levels, five (12.2%) had titanium levels > 5.0 µg/l without associated MARS-MRI abnormalities. Conclusion: Periprosthetic fluid collections associated with elevated serum cobalt levels in patients with asymptomatic DM articulations occur infrequently (4.4%), but further assessment is necessary due to implant heterogeneity.

Excessive posterior pelvic tilt from preoperative supine to postoperative standing after total hip arthroplasty.

Aims: Excessive posterior pelvic tilt (PT) may increase the risk of anterior instability after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in PT occurring from the preoperative supine to postoperative standing position following THA, and identify factors associated with significant changes in PT. Methods: Supine PT was measured on preoperative CT scans and standing PT was measured on preoperative and one-year postoperative standing lateral radiographs in 933 patients who underwent primary THA. Negative values indicate posterior PT. Patients with > 13° of posterior PT from preoperative supine to postoperative standing (ΔPT ≤ -13°) radiographs, which corresponds to approximately a 10° increase in functional anteversion of the acetabular component, were compared with patients with less change (ΔPT > -13°). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess preoperative demographic and spinopelvic parameters predictive of PT changes of ≤ -13°. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) determined the diagnostic accuracy of the predictive factors. Results: PT changed from a mean of 3.8° (SD 6.0°)) preoperatively to -3.5° (SD 6.9°) postoperatively, a mean change of -7.4 (SD 4.5°; p < 0.001). A total of 95 patients (10.2%) had ≤ -13° change in PT from preoperative supine to postoperative standing. The strongest predictive preoperative factors of large changes in PT (≤ -13°) from preoperative supine to postoperative standing were a large posterior change in PT from supine to standing, increased supine PT, and decreased standing PT (p < 0.001). Flexed-seated PT (p = 0.006) and female sex (p = 0.045) were weaker significant predictive factors. When including all predictive factors, the accuracy of the AUC prediction was 84.9%, with 83.5% sensitivity and 71.2% specificity. Conclusion: A total of 10% of patients had > 13° of posterior PT postoperatively compared with their supine pelvic position, resulting in an increased functional anteversion of > 10°. The strongest predictive factors of changes in postoperative PT were the preoperative supine-to-standing differences, the anterior supine PT, and the posterior standing PT. Surgeons who introduce the acetabular component with the patient supine using an anterior approach should be aware of the potentially large increase in functional anteversion occurring in these patients.

Intravenous tranexamic acid reduces complications following surgical treatment of pathologic fractures of the lower extremity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative complications associated with administering intravenous (IV) tranexamic acid (TXA) in patients undergoing surgical fixation for neoplastic pathologic fractures of the lower extremities. METHODS: Patients ≥18 years old who underwent surgical intervention for neoplastic pathologic lower extremity fractures from 2015 to 2021 were identified using the Premier Healthcare Database. This cohort was divided by TXA receipt on the index surgery day. Patient demographics, hospital factors, patient comorbidities, and 90-day complications were assessed and compared between the cohorts. RESULTS: From 2015 to 2021, 4497 patients met inclusion criteria (769 TXA[+] and 3728 TXA[-]). Following propensity score matching, patients who received TXA had a significantly shorter length of stay than those who did not (7.6 ± 7.3 days vs. 9.0 ± 15.2, p = 0.036). Between the two cohorts, there were no significant differences in comorbidities. Regarding differences in postoperative complications, TXA(+) patients had significantly decreased odds of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (1.87% vs. 5.46%; odds ratio [OR]:0.33; 95% confidence interval: 0.17-0.62; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Administration of IV TXA may be associated with a decreased risk of postoperative DVT without an increased risk of other complications. Orthopedic surgeons should consider the utilization of IV TXA in patients treated surgically for neoplastic pathologic fractures of the lower extremity.

Characteristics of Very Young Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Contemporary Assessment.

Background: This study aims to compare indications, patient characteristics, hospital factors, and complication rates between total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients aged 30 years or younger and those older than 30 years using a large national database. Methods: The Premier Healthcare Database was utilized to identify primary THA patients from 2015 to 2021 who were aged ≤30 or >30 years. Patient demographics, hospital factors, and primary indications were compared for each cohort. Rates of complications and readmissions were assessed for each cohort by primary indication. Differences were assessed through univariate analysis. Results: Overall, 539,173 primary THA patients were identified (age ≤30: 1849; >30: 537,234). Compared to the >30 cohort, the ≤30 cohort was more likely to be male (56.5% vs 44.9%, P < .001) and non-White (34.0% vs 14.2%, P < .001). The most common indications for THA in the ≤30 cohort were osteonecrosis (49.3%), osteoarthritis (17.8%), and congenital hip deformities (16.0%), and in the >30 cohort, they were osteoarthritis (77.0%), other arthritis (11.3%), and osteonecrosis (5.4%). Patients aged ≤30 years had lower rates of respiratory failure (0.16% vs 0.57%, P < .001), acute renal failure (0.32% vs 1.72%, P < .001), and urinary tract infection (0.38% vs 1.11%, P = .003) than those aged >30 years, but higher rates of wound dehiscence (0.59% vs 0.29%, P = .015) and transfusion (3.68% vs 2.21%, P < .001). There were no differences in 90-day readmission rates (P = .811) or 90-day in-hospital death (P = .173) between cohorts. Conclusions: Younger patients undergoing THA differed significantly in indication, patient characteristics, and hospital factors compared to the older population on univariate analysis. Despite differences in indications, the cohorts did not differ markedly with regard to complication rates in this study.