Outcomes After Successful Debridement, Antibiotic, and Implant Retention Therapy for Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Controversy surrounds debridement, antibiotic and implant retention (DAIR) for treatment of acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Data regarding DAIR's rate of infection resolution is variable with little investigation of functional outcomes. METHODS: We identified 191 DAIR cases at a single institution from 2008 to 2020. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS-JR) and Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System-10 (PROMIS) scores were collected. Patient Reported Outcome Scores were obtained from 60 cases. Median follow-up (IQR) was 4.5 (2.1 to 7.6) versus 3.0 (1.2 to 5.3) years for the control group. Mean scores were compared to a cohort of uncomplicated total knee arthroplasties matched by age, body mass index, and sex using generalized linear models adjusted for follow-up duration. Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves for PJI were constructed. RESULTS: Mean Patient Reported Outcome Scores for the DAIR cohort were 57.2 ± 19.7 for KOOS-JR, 41.6 ± 7.1 for PROMIS physical health (PH), and 46.6 ± 8.7 for PROMIS mental health (MH). Mean control group values were 65.8 ± 21.0 for KOOS-JR, 44.6 ± 8.4 for PROMIS PH, and 49.2 ± 9.2 for PROMIS MH. No difference was observed in KOOS-JR (P = .83) or PROMIS MH (P = .11). PROMIS PH was lower in the DAIR cohort compared to the control group (P = .048). Median follow-up (years) for all 191 cases was 5.9 (range, 0.5 to 13.1). Survivorship (years) without subsequent operation for infection was 84% at 1, 82% at 2, and 79% at 5. CONCLUSION: Knee and MH outcomes in successful DAIR procedures were similar to uncomplicated total knee arthroplasty. DAIR's success rate was 79% in treating acute PJI at 5 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Are Morbidly Obese Patients Equally Benefitting From Care Improvements in Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Morbidly obese patients have increased rates of complications following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and it is not clear whether improvements in THA care pathways are equally benefitting these patients. The purpose of this study is to assess if reductions in complications have similarly improved for both morbidly obese and non-morbidly obese patients after THA. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary THA between 2011 and 2019 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Patients were stratified by body mass index (BMI) <40 and ≥40 kg/m2. Thirty-day rates of infectious complications, readmissions, reoperation, and any complication were assessed. Trends in complications were compared utilizing odds ratios and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: In total, 234,334 patients underwent THA and 16,979 (7.8%) had BMI ≥40 kg/m2. Patients with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 were at significantly higher odds for readmission, reoperation, and infectious complications. Odds for any complication were lower for morbidly obese patients in 2011, not different from 2012 to 2014, and higher from 2015 to 2019 compared to lower BMI patients. Odds for any non-transfusion complication were higher for morbidly obese patients and there was no improvement for either group over the study period. There were improvements in rates of readmission and reoperation for patients with BMI <40 kg/m2 and readmission for BMI >40 kg/m2. CONCLUSION: Odds for readmission and reoperation for non-morbidly obese patients and readmission for morbidly obese patients improved from 2011 to 2019. Reductions in transfusions are largely responsible for improvements in overall complication rates. Although morbidly obese patients remain at higher risk for complications, there does not appear to be a growing disparity in outcomes between morbidly obese and non-morbidly obese patients.

Evaluation of point-of-care thumb-size bispectral electroencephalography device to quantify delirium severity and predict mortality.

BACKGROUND: We have developed the bispectral electroencephalography (BSEEG) method for detection of delirium and prediction of poor outcomes. AIMS: To improve the BSEEG method by introducing a new EEG device. METHOD: In a prospective cohort study, EEG data were obtained and BSEEG scores were calculated. BSEEG scores were filtered on the basis of standard deviation (s.d.) values to exclude signals with high noise. Both non-filtered and s.d.-filtered BSEEG scores were analysed. BSEEG scores were compared with the results of three delirium screening scales: the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU), the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS) and the Delirium Observation Screening Scale (DOSS). Additionally, the 365-day mortalities and the length of stay (LOS) in the hospital were analysed. RESULTS: We enrolled 279 elderly participants and obtained 620 BSEEG recordings; 142 participants were categorised as BSEEG-positive, reflecting slower EEG activity. BSEEG scores were higher in the CAM-ICU-positive group than in the CAM-ICU-negative group. There were significant correlations between BSEEG scores and scores on the DRS and the DOSS. The mortality rate of the BSEEG-positive group was significantly higher than that of the BSEEG-negative group. The LOS of the BSEEG-positive group was longer compared with that of the BSEEG-negative group. BSEEG scores after s.d. filtering showed stronger correlations with delirium screening scores and more significant prediction of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the usefulness of the BSEEG method for detection of delirium and of delirium severity, and prediction of patient outcomes with a new EEG device.

Routine Radiographs After Total Joint Arthroplasty: Is There Clinical Value?

BACKGROUND: Routine radiographs have historically been obtained during routine care after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, substantial improvements in surgical technique, biomaterials, and changes in payment models placing greater emphasis on value have occurred. Recently, there has been interest in a transition to performing follow-up visits virtually. The purpose of this study was to assess how frequently patients attend postoperative appointments and the clinical utility of routine radiographs after TJA. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty at a single tertiary institution in 2018 were included. Patients attending scheduled follow-up at 6 to 12 weeks and 1 year were assessed. Retrospective chart review was conducted to determine whether abnormalities were noted on routine radiographic surveillance by the orthopedic surgeons or radiologist and if any radiographic findings altered clinical management. RESULTS: A total of 938 TJAs were performed, and 885 met inclusion criteria, with 423 (47.8%) total hip arthroplasties and 462 (52.2%) total knee arthroplasties. Eight hundred sixty-five (97.7%) patients attended a follow-up visit at 6 or 12 weeks and 589 (66.6%) attended at 1 year postoperatively. A single radiographic abnormality was detected, occurring at the 6- to 12-week period by the radiologist and interpreted as being an artifact by the surgeon. No additional radiographic abnormalities were detected at 1 year. Information from radiographs did not change clinical management for any patients. CONCLUSION: In a large cohort of patients, routine radiographic surveillance did not detect any true abnormalities during the first year after primary TJA. For patients without symptoms attributable to the TJA prosthesis, conducting virtual care visits without routine radiographs may be considered.

Weight-Based Aspirin Dosing May Further Reduce the Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Obesity poses a challenge to thromboembolic prophylaxis following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study is to evaluate a weight-based aspirin dosing regimen for prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following TJA. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of 2403 patients who underwent primary total hip or knee arthroplasty at one institution. A weight-based aspirin dosing regimen for VTE prophylaxis was administered to 1247 patients: patients weighing ≥120 kg received 325 mg aspirin twice daily (BID) and those weighing <120 kg received 81 mg aspirin BID for 4 weeks. In total, 1156 patients in the comparison cohort received 81 mg aspirin BID. VTE and gastrointestinal bleeding events were identified through chart review at 42 days and 6 months postoperatively. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for covariates. RESULTS: The weight-based aspirin cohort had a significantly lesser incidence of VTE at 42 days (P = .03, relative risk [RR] 0.31, 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.82) and 6 months (P = .03, RR 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.18-0.80). There was no difference in VTE incidence between total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty cases (P = .8). There was no difference in gastrointestinal bleeding events between the cohorts at 42 days (P = .69) or 6 months (P = .92). Subanalysis of patients weighing ≥120 kg demonstrated a significant difference between the cohorts with a VTE incidence of 3.48% and 0% in the 81 mg and weight-based cohorts, respectively (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Patients prescribed a weight-based aspirin regimen had significantly fewer VTEs after TJA compared to historical controls with an RR reduction of 69% at 6 weeks and 62% at 6 months postoperatively. This suggests the need to factor patient weight when determining postoperative VTE prophylaxis with aspirin.

Do Extended Oral Postoperative Antibiotics Prevent Early Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Extended oral antibiotic prophylaxis after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2 may reduce the rate of early periprosthetic joint infection (PJI); however, existing data are limited. The purpose of this study was to examine rates of wound complications and PJI in patients with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 treated with and without extended oral antibiotic prophylaxis after surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively identified all primary THA and TKA performed since 2015 in patients with a BMI ≥40 kg/m2 at a single institution. Extended oral antibiotic prophylaxis for 7-14 days after surgery was prescribed at the discretion of each surgeon. Wound complications and PJI were examined at 90 days postoperatively. RESULTS: In total, 650 cases (205 THA and 445 TKA) were analyzed. Mean age was 58 years and 62% were women. Mean BMI was 44 kg/m2. Extended oral antibiotic prophylaxis was prescribed in 177 cases (27%). At 90 days, there was no difference between prophylaxis and nonprophylaxis groups in rate of wound complications (11% vs 8%; P = .41) or PJI (1.7% vs 0.6%; P = .35). The univariate analysis demonstrated increased operative time (odds ratio (OR) 1.01; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01-1.02) and diabetes mellitus (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.03-3.46) to be associated with increased risk of 90-day wound complications. No patient factors were associated with increased risk of PJI at 90 days postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Extended oral antibiotic prophylaxis after primary THA and TKA did not reduce rates of wound complications or early PJI in a morbidly obese patient population.

What is the Clinical Utility of Synovial Alpha Defensin Testing of Antibiotic Spacers Before Reimplantation?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of standalone alpha defensin (AD) testing of antibiotic spacers during two stage exchange and to determine if the addition of AD testing to other commonly used laboratory tests improves the ability to detect persistent infection in an antibiotic spacer. METHODS: Cases of two-stage exchange for periprosthetic joint infection from 2016 to 2019 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Cases were classified as persistently infected or not infected in accordance with 2014 and 2018 Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria to determine if AD provided any clinical utility beyond the other commonly used tests that make up both criteria. Delphi Consensus criteria at 1 year were used as the gold standard for determining recurrent periprosthetic joint infection. RESULTS: Fifty-two spacers (25 hips and 27 knees) in 51 patients were included for analysis. Five spacers were persistently infected based on Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. One spacer underwent reresection and the remaining 4 underwent reimplantation with no subsequent infectious complications. All 48 patients who were categorized as not infected underwent reimplantation; at 1 year postoperatively, 7 (13%) had failed due to infection. Three spacers (6%) had a positive AD test. Two spacers with positive AD tests underwent reimplantation, neither had failed at 1 year postoperatively. Sensitivity of standalone AD testing was 0%, and specificity was 96%. CONCLUSION: Standalone AD testing for the purpose of predicting repeat infection after two-stage exchange arthroplasty exhibits sensitivity of 0% and low predictive value. Addition of synovial AD testing did not increase the diagnostic performance of commonly used synovial and serologic markers of infection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV-retrospective cohort study.

Resilience and Depression Influence Clinical Outcomes Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Resilience and depression may impact clinical outcomes following primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This study aimed to quantify baseline resilience and depression prevalence in patients undergoing primary TJA and evaluate their influence on patient-reported clinical outcomes. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 98 patients undergoing primary TJA. Exclusion criteria included patients under 18 years of age, undergoing surgery for fracture, or who underwent additional surgery during the study period. Patients completed the Brief Resilience Scale to measure resilience, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to measure depression, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-10 to measure global physical and mental health preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 22% and 15% of patients demonstrated major and mild depression, respectively. High resilience was identified in 34% of patients, normal resilience in 55%, and low resilience in 11%. Preoperative depression correlated with lower resilience, global physical health, and global mental health scores preoperatively as well as at 1 year after surgery (P < .001). Higher levels of preoperative resilience correlated with higher global physical and mental health scores preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Depression symptoms are common among patients undergoing primary TJA and are associated with worse patient-reported outcomes. Patients with higher levels of resilience have higher global physical and mental health scores before and after TJA. Psychological traits and depression impact clinical outcomes following TJA.

How Has COVID-19 Affected Our Orthopedic Implant Industry Partners? Implications for the Surgeon-Industry Relationship in 2020 and Beyond.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching societal and financial consequences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how COVID-19 has affected AAHKS industry partners and the surgeon-industry relationship, emphasizing education, resource allocation, and strategic direction for the second half of 2020. METHODS: AAHKS industry partners were contacted to participate in a blinded survey and optional interview with the AAHKS Industry Relations Committee. Based on the results, a group of AAHKS member surgeons with disparate practice types were asked to postulate on how the COVID-19 pandemic has and will affect their practice and relationship with Industry. RESULTS: AAHKS industry partner responses indicated decreased resource allocation for regional, "other national," and AAHKS annual meetings (67%, 55%, and 30%, respectively). Web-based educational content was expected to increase in 2020 and will likely remain a point of emphasis in 2021 (100% and 70% of responders). For Q3/Q4 2020, a significant emphasis was placed on site of service/outpatient TJA and COVID-19-related safety measures (70% and 90% of responders), as well as increased availability of instrumentation and implants (40% and 60%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the orthopedic landscape for the foreseeable future. Survey responses by AAHKS industry partners demonstrate a continued commitment to surgeon education with an increasing shift to a web-based platform. Increased resource allocation for outpatient TJA and COVID-19-related safety measures were significant. Articulating optimal mechanisms to aid industry in supporting surgeons with different practice models to meet demand during the second half of fiscal year 2020 will be critical.

Restrictive Opioid Prescribing Protocols Following Total Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty Are Safe and Effective.

BACKGROUND: Orthopedic surgeons may overprescribe opioids postoperatively. Literature examining opioid prescribing guidelines following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is limited. METHODS: Retrospective review was conducted of primary TJAs from June 2017 to February 2018, with 3-month follow-up. Patients were divided into those who underwent surgery before (historical cohort) and after (restrictive cohort) implementation of a strict postoperative opioid prescribing protocol. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-nine total patients were included (282 in historical cohort, 117 in restrictive cohort). There was no significant difference in preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative inpatient opioid use. Historical cohort was given significantly larger initial prescriptions, received significantly more refills, and received significantly greater total quantity of opioids per patient. There were significantly fewer call-ins in the restrictive cohort. Clinical outcomes were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Drastic reductions in opioid prescriptions following TJA are possible without an increase in refills, call-ins, or adverse clinical effects.

Delirium detection by a novel bispectral electroencephalography device in general hospital.

AIM: Delirium is common and dangerous among elderly inpatients; yet, it is underdiagnosed and thus undertreated. This study aimed to test the diagnostic characteristics of a noninvasive point-of-care device with two-channel (bispectral) electroencephalography (EEG) for the screening of delirium in the hospital. METHODS: Patients admitted to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics were assessed for the presence of delirium with a clinical assessment, the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit and Delirium Rating Scale. Subsequently, we obtained a 10-min bispectral EEG (BSEEG) recording from a hand-held electroencephalogram device during hospitalization. We performed power spectral density analysis to differentiate between those patients with and without delirium. RESULTS: Initially 45 subjects were used as a test dataset to establish a cut-off. The BSEEG index was determined to be a significant indicator of delirium, with sensitivity 80% and specificity 87.7%. An additional independent validation dataset with 24 patients confirmed the validity of the approach, with a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 83.3%. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, the BSEEG method was able to distinguish delirious patients from non-delirious patients. Our data showed the feasibility of this technology for mass screening of delirium in the hospital.

Increasing Perioperative Communication With Automated Mobile Phone Messaging in Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Automated mobile phone messaging has not been reported in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Our purpose was to compare Press Ganey (PG) and Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores between TJA patients who did and did not receive perioperative automated mobile phone messages. METHODS: Patients were prospectively enrolled and received messages for 1 week prior until 2 weeks after TJA. Message content included reminders, activity, and pain control. Patients answered select PG/HCAHPS and questions regarding their experience with the automated communication platform. Average PG/HCAHPS scores were compared to historical TJA patients in the 3-year window prior (control group) with significance P < .05. RESULTS: Thirty-seven consecutive patients were approached and 92% (n = 34) were enrolled. The experimental group was 47% male, with 80% patients between 51 and 75 years. The experimental (n = 30) and control groups (n = 26) were similar. Patients receiving messages were more likely to have a good understanding of health responsibilities (P = .024) and feel that the care team demonstrated shared decision-making (P = .024). Of patients enrolled, 87% felt messages helped them be more prepared for surgery, 100% felt messages kept them better informed, and 97% would participate again. CONCLUSION: TJA patients who received perioperative communication via automated mobile phone messaging had improved patient satisfaction scores postoperatively. Patients perceived this form of communication was useful and kept them better informed. Automated mobile phone messaging can be an easily integrated, helpful adjunct to surgeons, healthcare systems, and case managers to more effectively communicate with patients undergoing TJA in this era of value-based care.

Screening for Beta-Lactam Allergy in Joint Arthroplasty Patients to Improve Surgical Prophylaxis Practice.

BACKGROUND: The reliability of patient-reported penicillin allergies has been disputed. A Drug Allergy Clinic (DAC) was established at our institution in combination with an electronic best practice alert (BPA) in the Orthopedic Clinic. Joint arthroplasty patients with a reported history of beta-lactam allergy (HOBA) were preoperatively referred via the BPA to the DAC. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of beta-lactam allergy screening in enabling the surgical team to optimize antimicrobial prophylaxis. METHODS: Between February 2013 and May 2015, 161 patients with a HOBA were referred to the DAC where they underwent penicillin skin testing (PST), a drug challenge to a beta-lactam antibiotic, and/or had no intervention depending on the history obtained. RESULTS: PST was performed on 140 of 161 (87%) patients. A negative PST was noted in 139 (99%) patients, indicating no penicillin allergy. Cefazolin was safe to use in 145 (90%) patients evaluated. Significantly more patients evaluated in the DAC vs those not seen got cefazolin in any surgical prophylaxis regimen (90% vs 77%) without any adverse perioperative reactions. Concurrently, the use of non-beta-lactam antibiotics was significantly less in the patients evaluated vs not evaluated (16% vs 27%). The overall use of cefazolin in orthopedic surgeries in patients with HOBA was >84% over the course of the study period. CONCLUSION: Beta-lactam allergy screening using a BPA and a DAC promotes the use of standard surgical prophylaxis with cefazolin. Joint arthroplasty surgeons should consider implementing allergy screening programs to promote antimicrobial stewardship.

Relationships among pain intensity, pain-related distress, and psychological distress in pre-surgical total knee arthroplasty patients: a secondary analysis.

The current study aimed to examine the relationships between movement and resting pain intensity, pain-related distress, and psychological distress in participants scheduled for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study examined the impact of anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing on the relationship between pain intensity and pain-related distress. Data analyzed for the current study (N = 346) were collected at baseline as part of a larger Randomized Controlled Trial investigating the efficacy of TENS for TKA (TANK Study). Participants provided demographic information, pain intensity and pain-related distress, and completed validated measures of depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing. Only 58% of the sample reported resting pain >0 while 92% of the sample reported movement pain >0. Both movement and resting pain intensity correlated significantly with distress (rs = .86, p < .01 and .79, p < .01, respectively). About three quarters to two thirds of the sample (78% for resting pain and 65% for movement pain) reported different pain intensity and pain-related distress. Both pain intensity and pain-related distress demonstrated significant relationships with anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing. Of participants reporting pain, those reporting higher anxiety reported higher levels of distress compared to pain intensity. These findings suggest that anxious patients may be particularly distressed by movement pain preceding TKA. Future research is needed to investigate the utility of brief psychological interventions for pre-surgical TKA patients.

Morbid Obesity and Congestive Heart Failure Increase Operative Time and Room Time in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is increasingly common in patients having total hip arthroplasty, and previous studies have shown a correlation with increased operative time in total hip arthroplasty. Decreasing operative time and room time is essential to meeting the increased demand for total hip arthroplasty, and factors that influence these metrics should be quantified to allow for targeted reduction in time and adjusted reimbursement models. This is the first study to use a multivariate approach to identify which factors increase operative time and room time in total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify a cohort of 30,361 patients having total hip arthroplasty between 2006 and 2012. Patient demographics, comorbidities including body mass index, and anesthesia type were used to create generalized linear models identifying independent predictors of increased operative time and room time. RESULTS: Morbid obesity (body mass index >40) independently increased operative time by 13 minutes and room time 18 by minutes. Congestive heart failure led to the greatest increase in overall room time, resulting in a 20-minute increase. Anesthesia method further influenced room time, with general anesthesia resulting in an increased room time of 18 minutes compared with spinal or regional anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Obesity is the major driver of increased operative time in total hip arthroplasty. Congestive heart failure, general anesthesia, and morbid obesity each lead to substantial increases in overall room time, with congestive heart failure leading to the greatest increase in overall room time.

Risk of Acute Kidney Injury After Primary and Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty Using a Multimodal Approach to Perioperative Pain Control Including Ketorolac and Celecoxib.

Safe and effective perioperative analgesia is instrumental to patient satisfaction and decreasing LOS after TJA. We evaluated rates of acute kidney injury (AKI) in primary and revision TJA using a multimodal pain control regimen including scheduled celecoxib and PRN ketorolac. Postoperative AKI was identified in 43/903 (4.8%) of 903 of patients with adequate preoperative renal function. Those who developed AKI had significantly increased LOS (P < .01), were older, more obese, and more likely to have diabetes (P < .05). With a protocol incorporating NSAIDs in patients without evidence of preoperative renal impairment, there is a 4.8% rate of AKI, which is 2.7 times higher than the reported literature. Acute postoperative kidney injury was significantly correlated with increased LOS and has important patient safety and healthcare-related cost implications.

Preoperative Risk Factors for, and Incidence of Delayed Surgery in Elective Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty After Hospital Admission: The ACS-NSQIP.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 600,000 total knee arthroplasties (TKA) are performed every year in the United States and the number of procedures has increased substantially every year. These demands may further strain the government, insurers, and patients struggling with increasing healthcare spending. A delay in proceeding to surgery after hospital admission may affect the overall healthcare costs. To our knowledge, the current literature has not addressed the incidence of, and preoperative risk factors for, a surgical delay in TKA. METHODS: The ACS-NSQIP 2011 database was reviewed to identify patients undergoing elective primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 27447. 14,881 cases were no delay in proceeding to surgery after hospital admission while 139 cases were delayed for TKA. Risk factors or comorbidities contributing to surgical delay in TKA were identified. A univariate analysis of all patient parameters was conducted to measure the difference between the two cohorts. Finally, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was then conducted to identify risk factors or comorbidities for surgical delay. RESULTS: There were 139 cases of surgical delay in TKA (0.93%). Congestive heart failure (P = 0.017), bleeding disorder (P <0.0001), sepsis (P <0.0001), a prior operation in the past 30 days (P <0.0001), dependent functional status (P <0.0001), ASA class 3 (P = 0.046), and hematocrit <38% (P <0.0001) were independent risk factors for a surgical delay. Postoperative medical complication (2.2% vs 0.8%, P < 0.0001) in surgical delay was significantly higher than non-delayed cohort. CONCLUSION: The optimization of preoperative modifiable risk factors appears to be one of the best strategies to reduce delayed surgery and therefore costs in TKA.

Minimizing Blood Transfusion in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Through a Multimodal Approach.

BACKGROUND: We introduced a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach to perioperative blood management aimed at reducing blood transfusions in primary knee (TKA) and hip (THA) arthroplasty. The protocol included (1) preoperative hemoglobin optimization through a multidisciplinary approach, (2) minimization of perioperative blood loss, and (3) adherence to evidence-based transfusion guidelines. METHODS: Evaluation of 1010 consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA (488) or THA (522) was performed. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the overall transfusion rate (1.4% vs 17.9%, P<.0001) resulted after algorithm introduction, when compared with the 1814 previous patients. Zero (0%) TKA and 4 (0.8%) THA patients adherent to protocol, and 4/488 (0.8%) TKA and 10/522 (1.9%) THA patients overall received transfusions. CONCLUSION: Adoption of a multimodal blood management algorithm can significantly reduce blood transfusions in primary joint arthroplasty.

Uncemented porous tantalum acetabular components: early follow-up and failures in 613 primary total hip arthroplasties.

Uncemented tantalum acetabular components were introduced in 1997. The purpose was to determine the 2- to 10-year results with this implant material in primary total hip arthroplasty. Our registry identified all primary total hip cases with porous tantalum cups implanted from 1997 to 2004. Clinical outcomes and radiographs were studied. 613 cases were identified. Seventeen percent of patients were lost to follow-up. Twenty-five reoperations were performed (4.4%). Acetabular cup removal occurred in 6 cases (1.2%). No cups were revised for aseptic loosening. Incomplete radiolucent lines were found on 9.3% of initial postoperative radiographs. At 2 years, 67% had resolved. Zero new radiolucent lines were detected. Two- to 10-year results of porous tantalum acetabular components for primary total hip arthroplasty demonstrate high rates of initial stability and apparent ingrowth.

Preoperative predictors of pain following total knee arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty has provided dramatic improvements in function and pain for the majority of patients with knee arthritis, yet a significant proportion of patients remain dissatisfied with their results. We performed a prospective analysis of 215 patients undergoing TKA who underwent a comprehensive array of evaluations to discover whether any preoperative assessment could predict high pain scores and functional limitations postoperatively. Patients with severe pain with a simple knee range-of-motion test prior to TKA had a 10 times higher likelihood of moderate to severe pain at 6 months. A simple test of pain intensity with active flexion and extension preoperatively was a significant predictor of postoperative pain at 6 months after surgery. Strategies to address this particular patient group may improve satisfaction rates of TKA.