A Nationwide Analysis of the Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Complications and Health Care Utilizations After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using the Area Deprivation Index: Consideration of the Disadvantaged Patient.

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic status has been demonstrated to be an important prognostic risk factor among patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. We evaluated patients living near neighborhoods with higher socioeconomic risk undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and if they were associated with differences in the following: (1) medical complications; (2) emergency department (ED) utilizations; (3) readmissions; and (4) costs of care. METHODS: A query of a national database from 2010 to 2020 was performed for primary TKAs. The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) is a weighted index comprised of 17 census-based markers of material deprivation and poverty. Higher numbers indicate a greater disadvantage. Patients undergoing TKA in zip codes associated with high ADI (90%+) were 1:1 propensity-matched to a comparison group by age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. This yielded 225,038 total patients, evenly matched between cohorts. Outcomes studied included complications, ED utilizations, readmission rates, and 90-day costs. Logistic regression models computed the odds ratios (OR) of ADI on the dependent variables. P values less than .003 were significant. RESULTS: High ADI led to higher rates and odds of any medical complications (11.7 versus 11.0%; OR: 1.05, P = .0006), respiratory failures (0.4 versus 0.3%; OR: 1.28, P = .001), and acute kidney injuries (1.7 versus 1.5%; OR: 1.15, P < .0001). Despite lower readmission rates (2.9 versus 3.5%), high ADI patients had greater 90-day ED visits (4.2 versus 4.0%; OR: 1.07, P = .0008). The 90-day expenditures ($15,066 versus $12,459; P < .0001) were higher in patients who have a high ADI. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomically disadvantaged patients have increased complications and ED utilizations. Neighborhood disadvantage may inform health care policy and improve postdischarge care. The socioeconomic status metrics, including ADI (which captures community effects), should be used to adequately risk-adjust or risk-stratify patients so that access to care for deprived regions and patients is not lost. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Inconsistent Classification of "Outpatient" Surgeries Leads to Different Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty in Medicare Beneficiaries: A Critical Analysis.

BACKGROUND: With rising utilization of outpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA) in older patients including Medicare beneficiaries, the objective was to compare differences in definition including (1) patient demographics; (2) lengths of stay (LOS); and (3) outcomes of "outpatient" (stated status) versus "same-day discharge" (SDD) (actual LOS = 0 days) utilizing a nationwide database. METHODS: A national database from 2015 to 2019 was queried for Medicare-aged patients undergoing outpatient THA. Total outpatient THAs (N = 6,072) were defined in one of 2 ways: either "outpatient" by the hospital (N = 2,003) or LOS = 0 days (N = 4,069). Demographics, LOS, discharge destinations, and complications were compared between groups. Logistic regression models computed odds ratios (ORs) for factors leading to complications, readmissions, and nonhome discharges. P values < .008 were significant. RESULTS: Women (OR: 1.19, P = .002), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.31, P = .003), general anesthesia (OR: 1.24, P = .001), and longer operative times (≥95 minutes) (OR: 1.82, P < .001) were associated with 'outpatient' designation versus SDD. Within the hospital-defined 'outpatient' cohort, 49.1% (983 of 2,003) were discharged the same day (LOS = 0 days), and 21.8% had LOS 2 or more days. The hospital-defined 'outpatient' cohort had greater odds of nonhome discharges (6.3 versus 2.8%; OR: 1.88, P < .001) compared to SDD surgeries. The incidence was higher for any complication among hospital-defined 'outpatient' designated patients compared to SDD (5.5 versus 3.9%, P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient surgeries may be misleading and often do not correlate with SDD, as over 20% remain in the hospital 2 or more days. Investigators should quantitatively define the "outpatient" status by actual LOS to allow standardization and results comparison. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Preoperative Depression Screening for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Evaluation of Its Modifiability on Outcomes in Patients Who Have Depression.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies have evaluated preoperative depression screenings in patients who have depression. We studied whether depression screenings before total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were associated with lower: 1) medical complications; 2) emergency department (ED) utilizations and readmissions; 3) implant complications; and 4) costs. METHODS: A nationwide sample from January 1, 2010 to April 30, 2021 was collected using an insurance database. Depression patients were 1:1 propensity-score matched based on those who had (n=29,009) and did not have (n=29,009) pre-operative depression screenings or psychotherapy visits within 3 months of TKA. A case-matched population who did not have depression was compared (n=144,994). A 90-day period was used to compare complications and healthcare utilization and 2-year follow-up for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and implant survivorship. Costs were 90-day reimbursements. Logistic regression models computed odds ratios (OR) of depression screening on dependent variables. P-values less than 0.001 were significant. RESULTS: Patients who did not receive preoperative screening were associated with higher medical complications (18.7 versus 5.2%, OR:4.15, P < 0.0001) and ED utilizations (11.5 versus 3.2%, OR: 3.93, P < 0.0001) than depressed patients who received screening. Patients who had screening had lower medical complications (5.2 versus 5.9%, OR: 0.88, P < 0.0001) and ED utilizations compared to patients who did not have depression (3.2 versus 3.8%, OR: 0.87, P = 0.0001). Two-year PJI incidences (3.0 versus 1.3%, OR: 2.63, P < 0.0001) and TKA revisions (4.3 versus 2.1%, OR: 2.46, P < 0.0001) were greater in depression patients who were not screened preoperatively versus screened patients. Depression patients who had screening had lower PJIs (1.3 versus 1.8%, OR: 0.74, P < 0.0001) compared to non-depressed patients. Reimbursements ($13,949 versus $11,982; P < 0.0001) were higher in depression patients who did not have screening. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative screening was associated with improved outcomes in depression patients.

The Association of Dental Caries or Dental Implant Placement Within One Year of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty on Medical and Implant Complications.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) adverse events among patients who have dental diagnoses remain unclear. We sought to determine if dental caries or dental implant placements increased (1) 90-day medical complications, (2) 90-day readmissions, and (3) 2-year implant-related complications, including periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) after THA. METHODS: A nationwide database for primary THAs from 2010 to 2021 was queried to compare 3 patient cohorts. Patients who had a history of dental implants or caries within 12 months prior to THA (n = 1,179) or 12 months after THA (n = 1,218) were case-matched to patients who did not have dental history (n = 6,090) by age and comorbidities. Outcomes included 90-day complications, 90-day readmissions, and 2-year implant-related complications. Logistic regression models computed the odds ratios (ORs) of complications and readmissions. P values less than .006 were significant. RESULTS: Patients who had dental caries or implant placement 12 months before or after THA experienced 1.6-fold greater odds of 90-day medical complications compared to case-matched patients. Readmissions within 90 days increased for patients who had a dental history before (11.7% versus 8.3%; OR: 1.49, P < .0001) and after (14.2% versus 8.3%; OR: 1.84, P < .0001) THA compared to case-matched patients. A dental caries diagnosis or dental implant placement within 12 months following THA increased 2-year implant complications compared to case-matched patients (15.2% versus 9.3%; OR: 1.69, P < .0001), including PJIs (5.3% versus 2.8%; OR: 1.98, P < .0001), dislocations (4.4% versus 2.7%; OR: 1.63, P = .002), and THA revisions (3.9% versus 2.5%; OR: 1.61, P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: Dental diagnoses within 12 months of THA are associated with increased medical complications. Dental diagnoses occurring 12 months after THA are associated with greater implant-related complications, including PJIs. Delaying invasive dental procedures for 12 months after THA may be advisable.

Preoperative Opioid Use Disorder is Associated with Longer Length of Stay, Infection Rate, and Healthcare Expenditure Following Primary Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Recent research efforts have focused on the complications and outcomes associated with opioid use disorder (OUD). However, there is a lack of evidence on the associated risks respective to each primary shoulder arthroplasty procedure. After separating patients by total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) and matching to controls, our study demonstrated significant association with longer LOS in both groups, higher risk of SSI and PJI in the TSA group, PJI in the RSA group, and higher costs regardless of procedure. Efforts to appropriately recognize OUD, optimize patients pre-operatively, and apply targeted surveillance postoperatively should be made. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 33(2):117-121, 2024).

Comparison of Patient Demographics, Utilization Trends, and Costs of Treatment for Dupuytren's Disease in the United States From 2012 to 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Dupuytren's disease is a fibroproliferative disorder of the palm leading to flexion deformities of the digits that impair hand function. Studies have evaluated treatment trends for patients with Dupuytren's disease; however, most conclude in 2012 shortly after collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injection was introduced to the market. It is unknown how provider preferences have been influenced since its introduction. We aimed to compare treatment options with regard to (1) patient demographics, (2) annual utilization rates, and (3) costs. METHODS: The PearlDiver nationwide administrative claims database from 2012 to 2019 was analyzed for patients diagnosed with Dupuytren's disease (N = 47,813). Patients receiving procedural treatment were identified using codes for percutaneous needle aponeurotomy (PNA) (current procedural terminology [CPT] 26040), open fasciotomy (CPT 26045), open fasciectomy (CPT 26121, 26123, 26125), and CCH injection (CPT 20527). Fasciectomies were further analyzed by examining the number of patients receiving release of 1 or more digits (CPT 26123, 26125) versus palmar-only surgery (CPT 26121). Outcomes included comparing patient comorbidities comprising the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), frequencies of each procedure annually, and costs. Linear regressions evaluated changes in utilization over time. Analysis of variance compared costs. P values less than 0.05 were significant. RESULTS: Patient demographics for each treatment differed with respect to age, sex, and the presence of multiple comorbidities comprising the ECI. Open fasciectomy (60.7%) was the predominant treatment, followed by CCH injection (22.9%), PNA (10.1%), and open fasciotomy (6.3%) ( P < 0.001). Multiple patient comorbidities comprising the ECI differed for each treatment. Relative to total annual procedures from 2012 to 2019, PNA declined (10.2% to 9.5%, P = 0.037), open fasciotomy declined (6.8% to 5.6%, P = 0.007), palmar fasciectomy remained constant (14.5% to 14.2%, P = 0.710), fasciectomy of digits increased (46.3% to 47.5%, P = 0.030), and CCH injection remained constant (22.2% to 23.3%, P = 0.623). Day of procedure costs were significantly different for PNA ($573), open fasciotomy ($1176), palmar open fasciectomy ($1410), open fasciectomy digits ($1560), and CCH injection ($1250) ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The overall annual Dupuytren's disease treatment did not change over time. Treatment with open fasciectomy continues to be preferred. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum utilization has remained constant since its introduction. This study may assist hand surgeons in educating patients on the treatment and costs related to Dupuytren's disease.

How does depressive disorder impact outcomes in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis undergoing primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Current literature shows that the prevalence of depressive disorders (DD) is increasing in the United States. Patients with DD have worse outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty; however, properly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria evaluating the effects of DD on primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are limited. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients with and without DD undergoing primary RSA, evaluating: (1) in-hospital length of stay (LOS), (2) medical complications, (3) emergency department (ED) utilizations, and (4) cost of care. METHODS: A retrospective query was performed using a nationwide administrative claims database from 2010 to 2020 for all patients who underwent primary RSA for the treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis. The query yielded a total of 24,326 patients within the study (DD, n = 4084) and comparison (without DD, n = 20,242) cohorts. The primary end points were in-hospital LOS, 90-day medical complications, and total 90-day episode of care costs. Subanalyses compared whether DD diagnosis and preoperative ED utilization within 6 months of RSA were associated with increased incidence and odds of postoperative ED utilization within 90 days. P values less than .004 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Patients with DD undergoing primary RSA had significantly longer LOS (3 vs. 2 days, P < .0001) compared with patients without DD. The study group also had higher frequency and odds ratio (OR) of complications (47.40% vs. 17.63%; OR: 2.27, P < .0001) such as pneumonia (10.04% vs. 2.15%; OR: 2.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.47-3.35, P < .0001), cerebrovascular accidents (3.13% vs. 0.86%; OR: 2.69, 95% CI: 2.09-3.46, P < .0001), myocardial infarctions (1.98% vs. 0.51%; OR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.84-3.50, P < .0001), and other adverse events. Among patients who had a diagnosis of DD, preoperative ED utilization within 6 months of RSA was associated with increased odds of postoperative ED utilization within 90 days compared with those without ED utilization preoperatively (15.08% vs. 13.64%; OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.04-1.28, P = .003). Controlling for preoperative ED utilization and comorbidities, patients with DD experienced a 2- to 3-fold increase in postoperative ED use within 90 days after surgery (P < .0001). Patients with DD also incurred significantly higher episode of care costs ($19,363.10 vs. $17,927.55, P < .0001). CONCLUSION: This retrospective study shows that patients with DD undergoing primary RSA for the treatment of glenohumeral osteoarthritis have longer in-hospital LOS, higher rates of complications, and increased costs of care. Preoperative health care utilization among patients with DD may be associated with increased utilization postoperatively.

Surgical Trends for Managing Knee Osteonecrosis: A 2010 to 2020 United States Nationwide Study.

BACKGROUND: Knee osteonecrosis (ON) is rare, with an estimated incidence of 0.01-0.17 per 1,000 person years. Our study aimed to do the following: 1) quantify total operative procedures with rates normalized to the United States population; 2) compare arthroplasty versus joint-preserving procedural trends; and 3) determine rates of specific operative techniques/demographics in patients aged <50 versus >50 years. METHODS: Using a nationwide database, 8,269 patients diagnosed with knee ON underwent surgical treatment from 2010 to 2020. Documented surgical procedures included total knee arthroplasty (TKA), unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), and core decompression. Primary outcomes included procedural utilization with subanalyses comparing arthroplasty versus joint-preserving procedures, and age-stratified by under/over 50 years. Linear regressions were evaluated for trends in procedural volumes over time. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2014, 0.54% of all knee procedures were to treat ON compared to 0.71% from 2015 to 2020 (P < .001). Overall rates of TKA (85.4%) and UKA (10.3%) far exceeded rates of joint preserving procedures (4.3%). Comparing 2010-2014 with 2015-2019, joint-preserving procedures proportionally increased (0.7 to 5.0%, P < .001). Patients <50 years had significantly more joint-preserving procedures (19.5 versus 2.7%). Overall, TKA was the most common procedure (7,062; 85.40%), following by UKA 853; 10.32%) and core decompression (354; 4.28%). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize surgical trends in management of knee ON. Overall surgical volume for knee ON has continued to increase, outpacing population growth. Patients who have knee ON are most commonly managed with arthroplasty procedures, specifically TKA. Younger aged patients (<50 years) are more likely to undergo joint-preserving procedures, namely core decompression.

The Importance of Oral History: Does Dental Implant Placement or Caries One Year Before or After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Increase Medical Complications and Periprosthetic Joint Infections?

BACKGROUND: Consensus regarding prior dental problems on the outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients is lacking. Therefore, our objectives were to determine the association of dental caries or dental implant placement in TKA patients on the following: (1) medical complications; (2) health care utilization (lengths of stay and readmissions); (3) implant-related complications; and (4) expenditures. METHODS: A retrospective query was performed using an administrative claims database for 3 patient cohorts undergoing primary TKA from 2010 to 2020. Patients who had a history of dental caries or implant placement 1 year prior to TKA (n = 1,466) and 1 year after TKA (n = 1,127) were case-matched to patients who did not have a dental history by age and comorbidities. Outcomes included 90-day complications, health care utilization parameters, 2-year implant complications, and expenditures. Logistic regression models computed odds ratios (OR) of complications and readmissions. P values less than 0.005 were significant. RESULTS: Patients who had a dental implant placement prior to TKA had higher frequency of complications (20.05 versus 14.01%; OR: 1.53, P < .0001), including myocardial infarctions (2.52 versus 1.23%; OR: 2.08, P = .0002) and pneumonia (2.52 versus 1.24%; OR: 2.06, P = .0002). Lengths of stay (3.28 versus 2.98 days; P = .255), readmission rates (4.71 versus 4.28%; P = .470), and implant-related complications including periprosthetic joint infections (3.14 versus 2.63%; OR: 1.20, P = .279) were similar between patients lacking dental history. Expenditures were higher in patients who had a postoperative and preoperative dental history ($19,252 versus $19,363 versus 17,980; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Dental caries or implant placement may reflect overall worse medical condition resulting in more complications and higher costs after TKA. Dental history screening preoperatively may assist arthroplasty surgeons in minimizing complications.

Postoperative Complications, Readmissions, Lengths of Stay, and Cost Analyses of Patients Who Have Atrial Septal Defects After Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Atrial septal defects (ASDs) are a common congenital heart defect. This study aimed to determine whether patients diagnosed with ASDs undergoing total joint arthroplasty have differences in 1) medical complications, 2) readmissions, 3) lengths of stay (LOS), and 4) costs. METHODS: Using an administrative claims data set, a retrospective query from 2010 to 2020 was performed. The ASD patients were 1:5 ratio matched with controls, yielding a total of 45,695 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (ASD = 7,635, control = 38,060) and 18,407 total hip arthroplasty (THA) (ASD = 3,084, control = 15,323) patients. Outcomes included medical complications, readmissions, LOS, and costs. Logistical regressions were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and P values. P values < 0.001 were significant. RESULTS: The ASD patients had higher odds of medical complications after TKA (38.8 versus 21.0%; OR 2.09; P < .001) and THA (45.2 versus 23.5%; OR 2.1; P < .001), noticeably deep vein thromboses, strokes, and other thromboembolic complications. The ASD patients were not significantly more likely to be readmitted after TKA (5.3 versus 4.7%; OR 1.13; P = .033) or THA (6.0 versus 5.7%; OR 1.05; P = .531). Patient LOS was not significantly greater in ASD patients undergoing TKA (3.2 versus 3.2 days; P = .805) but was greater after THA (5.3 versus 3.76 days; P < .001). Same-day surgery costs were not significantly increased in ASD patients after TKA ($23,892.53 versus $23,453.40; P = .066) but were after THA ($23,981.93 versus $23,579.18; P < .001). Costs within 90 days were similar between cohorts. CONCLUSION: The ASD patients have greater 90-day complications following primary total joint arthroplasty. Providers may consider preoperative cardiac clearance or adjusting anticoagulation in this population to mitigate these risks. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Trends in Surgical Management of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: A 2010 to 2020 Nationwide Study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is estimated at more than 20,000 patients annually in the US. Our study aimed to provide a 10-year analysis: 1) evaluating total operative procedures with rates normalized to the population; 2) determining trends of arthroplasty versus joint-preserving procedures; and 3) quantifying specific operative techniques in patients <50 versus >50 years of age. METHODS: A total of 64,739 patients who were diagnosed with ONFH and underwent hip surgery were identified from a nationwide database between 2010 and 2020. The percentage of patients managed by each operative procedure was calculated and normalized to the overall population annually. Patients were grouped into joint-preserving versus non-joint-preserving (arthroplasty) procedures, and divided by age under/over 50 years. Linear regression modeling was performed to evaluate trends/differences in procedural volume by year. RESULTS: The number of operative procedures to treat ONFH has relatively declined from 2010 to 2020. The relative proportion of joint-preserving procedures increased (8.6% to 11.2%) during this time period. There were significantly more joint-preserving procedures in patients aged <50 years relative to >50 years (15.3% versus 2.7%, P < .001). Overall, THA was the most common procedure (57,033;88.1%) relative to hemiarthroplasty (3,875;6.0%), core decompression (2,730;4.2%), bone graft (467;0.7%), and osteotomy (257;0.4%). CONCLUSION: Surgical management of patients who have ONFH remains predominantly arthroplasty procedures (94% overall). Our findings suggest an increase in joint-preserving procedures, particularly core decompression, in patients <50 years (15.3%). Our findings provide insight into surgical management trends for ONFH, and suggest opportunities for joint-preserving procedures.

Comparison of patient demographics, utilization trends, and costs of total ankle arthroplasty and ankle fusion in the United States from 2010 to 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Contemporary studies evaluating utilization and trends of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and ankle fusion (AF) for tibiotalar osteoarthritis are sparse. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to utilize a nationwide administrative claims database from 2010 to 2019 to compare: (1) baseline demographics; (2) utilization, (3) in-hospital length of stay (LOS), and (4) costs of care. METHODS: Using the PearlDiver database, a retrospective query from January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2019 was performed for all patients who underwent TAA and AF for tibiotalar osteoarthritis. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and geographic utilization were compared using Pearson Chi-square analyses. Linear regression was used to compare differences in procedure utilization and in-hospital LOS during the study interval. Reimbursements between the two cohorts during the study interval were compared. A p value less than 0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: In total, 14,248 patients underwent primary TAA (n = 5544) or AF (n = 8704). Patients undergoing AF were generally younger (< 60) with greater comorbidity burden driven by hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and tobacco use compared to TAA patients (p < 0.0001). Over the study interval, TAA utilization remained constant (912 vs 909 procedures; p = 0.807), whereas AF utilization decreased by 42.5% (1737 vs 998 procedures; p = 0.0001). Mean in-hospital LOS for patients undergoing TAA decreased (2.5 days vs. 2.0 days, p = 0.0004), while AF LOS increased (2.6 days vs. 3.5 days, p = 0.0003). Reimbursements for both procedures significantly declined over the study interval (TAA: $4559-$2156, AF: $4729-$1721; p < 0.013). CONCLUSION: TAA utilization remained constant, while AF utilization declined by 42.5% from 2010 to 2019. There was divergence in the LOS for TAA versus AF patients. Both procedures significantly declined by over 50% in reimbursements over the study interval.

Social determinants of health in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty: are they associated with medical complications, healthcare utilization, and payments for care?

INTRODUCTION: Social determinants of health (SDOH) have previously been shown to impact orthopedic surgery outcomes. This study assessed whether greater socioeconomic disadvantage in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty following femoral neck fracture was associated with differences in (1) medical complications, (2) emergency department (ED) utilization, (3) readmission rates, and (4) payments for care. METHODS: A US nationwide database was queried for hemiarthroplasties performed between 2010 and 2020. Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a validated measure of socioeconomic disadvantage reported on a scale of 0-100, was used to compare two cohorts of greater and lesser deprivation. Patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty from high ADI (95% +) were 1:1 propensity score matched to a comparison group of lower ADI (0-94%) while controlling for age, sex, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index. This yielded 75,650 patients evenly distributed between the two cohorts. Outcomes studied were 90-day medical complications, ED utilizations, readmissions, and payments for care. Multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to calculate odds ratios (ORs) of the relationship between ADI and outcomes. p Values < 0.05 were significant. RESULTS: Patients of high ADI developed greater medical complications (46.74% vs. 44.97%; OR 1.05, p = 0.002), including surgical site infections (1.19% vs. 1.00%; OR 1.20, p = 0.011), cerebrovascular accidents (1.64% vs. 1.41%; OR 1.16, p = 0.012), and respiratory failures (2.27% vs. 2.02%; OR 1.13, p = 0.017) compared to patients from lower ADIs. Although comparable rates of ED visits (2.92% vs. 2.86%; OR 1.02, p = 0.579), patients from higher ADI were readmitted at diminished rates (10.57% vs. 11.06%; OR 0.95, p = 0.027). Payments were significantly higher on the day of surgery ($7,570 vs. $5,974, p < 0.0001), as well as within 90 days after surgery ($12,700 vs. $10,462, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomically disadvantaged patients experience increased 90-day medical complications and payments, similar ED utilizations, and decreased readmissions. These findings can be used to inform healthcare providers to minimize disparities in care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on elective unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in the USA: further evidence that outpatient arthroplasty is safe and effective.

PURPOSE: In response to COVID-19, elective surgeries including unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKA) decreased. We aimed to quantify and compare temporal trends in utilization and complications in the calendar year 2019 (pre-pandemic) to 2020 in the USA. METHODS: The 2019 to 2020 ACS-NSQIP database was queried for patients undergoing elective UKA. Patients prior to COVID-19 (2019 and 2020 Q1) were compared to those after (2020 Q2-Q4). Case volumes, patient demographics, complications, and lengths of stay (LOS) were compared between years. Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare patient demographics. Linear regression was conducted to evaluate the change in case volumes. P values less than 0.05 were significant. RESULTS: In total, 3361 patients underwent UKA: 1880 in 2019 and 1481 in 2020. The number of outpatient UKAs increased (56.4% vs. 65.6%; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the volume of cases in 2019Q1 through 2020Q1 (p = 0.424). Case volumes fell by 60% in 2020Q2 compared with the average quarterly volume in 2019. Comparing 2019 to 2020, there was no significant difference in rates of total complications (2.1% vs. 2.2%; p = 0.843), minor complications (1.2% vs. 0.9%; p = 0.529), major complications (1.1% vs. 1.4%; p = 0.447), infection complications (1.0% vs. 0.8%; p = 0.652), wound complications (0.1% vs. 0.1%; p = 1.0), cardiac complications (0.0% vs. 0.1%; p = 0.111), pulmonary complications (0.1% vs. 0.2%; p = 0.473), hematology complications (0.1% vs. 0.1%; p = 1.0), renal complications (0.1% vs. 0.0%; p = 1.0), and Clavien-Dindo IV complications (0.1% vs. 0.4%; p = 0.177). CONCLUSION: UKA case volumes declined during the second quarter of 2020. A significant proportion of surgeries were transitioned outpatient, despite no change in complication rates.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is associated with increased 90-day medical complications but not peri-prosthetic joint infections following reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown male sex to be a predisposing factor for peri-prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been suggested as an additional risk for PJI. This study aimed to assess the impact of BPH on (1) lengths of stay (LOS), (2) complications (medical and implant-related), (3) readmission rates, and (4) healthcare expenditures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). METHODS: Utilizing a nationwide sample from the 2010-2020 PearlDiver insurance database, an analysis was performed retrospectively for all males who underwent primary RSA. Males with BPH (n = 2,184) represented the study group and were ratio-matched with men without a history of BPH (n = 10,832) in a 1:5 manner by medical comorbidities. T-tests compared LOS and healthcare expenditures. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the effect of BPH on 90-day medical complications, 2-year implant complications, and readmissions. A p value less than 0.001 was statistically significant. RESULTS: In-hospital LOS (1.96 days vs. 1.99 days, p = 0.683) did not significantly differ between cohorts. Males with BPH had significantly greater occurrence and odds (34.3% vs. 21.2%, odds ratio (OR):1.84, p < 0.0001) of all 90-day medical complications, including urinary tract infections (9.3% vs. 3.1%, OR:3.23, p < 0.0001), pneumonias (6.0% vs. 3.9%, OR:1.61, p < 0.0001), and acute kidney injuries (7.7% vs. 5.0%, OR:1.60, p < 0.0001). Two-year implant-related complications were comparable between study and control groups (12.2% vs 10.9%, OR:1.14, p = 0.073), including PJIs (2.3% vs. 2.2%, OR:1.02, p = 0.874). Readmission rates (1.88% vs. 2.11%, p = 0.482) and average global 90-day reimbursements ($26,301 vs. $24,399), p = 0.535) were similar between men with and without BPH. DISCUSSION: Males with a history of BPH have greater rates of medical complications, including UTIs and acute kidney injuries, within 90 days following RSA. BPH does not appear to be a risk factor for 2-year implant-related complications including PJIs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Clostridium difficile colitis following geriatric hip fracture surgery: incidence, trends, and risk factors from 45,910 patients.

PURPOSE: Clostridium difficile colitis is a serious complication in elderly patients undergoing surgery. The objectives of this study were: (1) to use a nationwide sample of patients to report the incidence and timing of C. difficile colitis in geriatric patients who underwent surgery for hip fractures, (2) to identify preoperative factors associated with developing C. difficile colitis and mortality. METHODS: This was a retrospective evaluation of the 2016-2019 ACS Targeted Hip Fracture database merged with the ACS-NSQIP database. Patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture were included. Outcomes studied were incidence, preoperative, and postoperative risk factors for occurrence of C. difficile infection and mortality. Chi-squared tests were used to compare demographics between the patients infected (study) and not infected (control). Logistic regression models were utilized to compute the odds ratios (OR) testing for the association of independent factors on developing C. difficile infection postoperatively and mortality. A statistical threshold was set at p < 0.008. RESULTS: The incidence of C. difficile infection within 30 days of hip fracture surgery was 0.81%. Fifty percent of infections were diagnosed within 9 days postoperatively. Preoperative and hospital-associated factors associated with development of C. difficile infection were ≥ 2 days until operation (OR 1.88 [95% CI 1.39-2.55], p < 0.001) and dependent functional status (OR 1.43 [95% CI 1.14-1.79], p = 0.002). After adjusting for multiple comorbidities, increased age, male sex, COPD, CHF, dependent functional status, and C. difficile infection were associated with increased mortality within 30 days of surgery (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Clostridium difficile colitis is a serious infection after hip fracture surgery in geriatric patients with an incidence of about 1%. Patients at increased risk should be targeted with preventative measures to prevent the morbidity from this complication.

The association of dementia on perioperative complications following primary total hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Studies evaluating the association of dementia in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) for femoral neck fractures are limited. The aim was to investigate whether patients who have dementia undergoing THA for femoral neck fractures have higher rates of (1) in-hospital lengths of stay (LOS); 2) complications (medical and prostheses-related); and 3) healthcare expenditures. METHODS: A retrospective query using the PearlDiver database from January 1st, 2005 to March 31st, 2014 to identify patients with dementia undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of femoral neck fractures was performed. Dementia patients were 1:5 ratio matched to controls which yielded 22,758 patients in the study with (n = 3,798) and without (n = 18,960) dementia. Primary outcomes included comparing LOS, complications, and costs. A logistic regression was constructed to calculate the odds-ratios (OR) of dementia on complications. A p-value less than 0.004 was significant. RESULTS: Dementia patients had longer LOS (7-days vs. 6-days, p < 0.0001) and higher incidence and odds of medical complications (41.52 vs. 17.77%; OR 3.76, p < 0.0001), including cerebrovascular events (5.66 vs. 1.64%; OR 2.35, p < 0.0001), pneumoniae (9.98 vs. 3.82%; OR 1.82, p < 0.0001), and acute kidney injury (8.37 vs. 3.27%; OR 1.62, p < 0.0001). Study group patients had higher frequency of prostheses-related complications (9.53 vs. 8.31%; OR: 1.16, p = 0.012). The study group had greater total healthcare expenditures ($28,879.57 vs. $26,234.10, p < 0.0001) when analyzing ninety-day episode of care charges. CONCLUSION: Patients with dementia undergoing THA due to femoral neck fracture have increased LOS, medical and prostheses-related complications, and cost of care compared to their counterparts.

Risk factors for nonunion following open reduction and internal fixation for proximal humerus fractures.

PURPOSE: The incidence of proximal humerus fractures (PHF) is rising and surgical intervention carries risk for fracture nonunion. The purpose was (1) to compare patient demographics of those that developed nonunion and (2) identify patient risk factors that predispose to nonunion following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for PHF. METHODS: A retrospective review of the Medicare Claims Database from 2005 to 2014 for patients who underwent primary ORIF for PHFs. Patients who developed nonunion were identified as the study group (n = 1020) and compared to a control group (n = 51,209). Primary endpoints were to compare demographics of the study group and the comparison cohorts and to identify patient-related risk factors associated with nonunion within 6-months following the index procedure. A logistic regression model was constructed to determine the association of comorbid conditions on developing a nonunion. A p value of 0.001 was the significance threshold. RESULTS: Patients who developed nonunion were younger, more likely to be male, and had higher Elixhauser-Comorbidity Index scores (7 vs. 5; p < 0.0001) when compared with controls. Iron deficiency anemia (OR: 1.32; p = 0.0001), tobacco use (OR: 1.32; p = 0.0004), rheumatoid arthritis (OR: 1.29; p = 0.0001), depression (OR: 1.28; p = 0.0002), and BMI range from 30-39 kg/m2 (OR: 1.21; p = 0.001) were significant risk factors for nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: Certain patient risk factors including tobacco use, iron deficiency anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and a BMI in the range of 30-39 were associated with nonunion within 6 months of ORIF for PHF. This study may help in the risk stratification of these patients.

The influence of prior dental pathology on medical complications and peri-prosthetic joint infections following primary shoulder arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Antibiotic prophylaxis before invasive dental procedures is a common practice in the USA. Consensus regarding the influence of prior dental pathology (DP) on postoperative complications is lacking. The objectives are to determine the association of DP prior to shoulder arthroplasty (SA) on: (1) lengths of stay (LOS), (2) medical complications, (3) readmissions, (4) implant-related complications including peri-prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and (5) healthcare expenditures. METHODS: The PearlDiver database was queried for primary shoulder arthroplasty from 2010 to 2020. Patients with history of dental caries or dental implant placement before SA represented the study group (n = 1419). Patients without prior DP represented controls (n = 7062). Study group patients were 1:5 ratio matched to controls by age, sex, and comorbidities. Outcomes included LOS, 90-day complications, readmissions, 2-year implant-related complications, and healthcare reimbursements. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) of complications and readmissions. T tests compared LOS and costs. P values < 0.003 were significant. RESULTS: LOS (2.17 vs. 2.07 days; p = 0.071) were similar between groups. Patients with DP had higher 90-day medical complications compared to controls (OR: 1.74, p < 0.0001), including myocardial infarctions (2.2% vs. 0.8%; OR: 2.79, p < 0.0001), acute kidney injuries (8.3% vs. 4.6%; OR: 1.92, p < 0.0001), and pneumonias (8.7% vs. 5.3%; OR: 1.72, p < 0.0001). Readmission rates (1.97% vs. 1.54%; p = 0.248) were similar. Two-year implant complications were higher in patients with DP compared to controls (16.1% vs. 11.5%; OR: 1.38, p = 0.0003), including dislocations (6.4% vs. 4.5%; OR: 1.45, p = 0.002) and mechanical loosenings (4.0% vs. 2.4%; OR: 1.67, p = 0.001); however, PJIs were similar (2.2% vs. 1.9%; OR: 1.12, p = 0.583). Healthcare expenditures between groups were similar ($12,611 vs. $12,059; p = 0.075). CONCLUSION: Patients with prior DP have higher 90-day medical complications and 2-year implant-related complications. Two-year incidence of PJIs were similar between groups. These findings can help shoulder surgeons counsel patients with a pertinent dental history. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: Retrospective comparative study.

How Did Coronavirus-19 Impact the Expenses for Medical Students Applying to an Orthopaedic Surgery Residency in 2020 to 2021?

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic surgery is one of the most competitive specialties for residency applicants. For the 2021 residency match, the coronavirus-19 pandemic introduced complexity for programs and applicants because away rotations were limited and in-person interviews were cancelled. This may have changed the landscape in terms of expenses for candidates in important ways, but this topic has been insufficiently studied. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Given that in 2021, students did not attend away rotations and all interviews were held virtually, we asked (1) What were the financial savings associated with this change? (2) Was medical school geographic region associated with differences in expenses when applying to residency? METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of the 2020 and 2021 Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency Dashboard database was performed. The data were derived from an online survey of a nationwide pool of applicants from 87% (123 of 141) of US allopathic medical schools upon conclusion of the match. The response percentage was 29% (521 of 1794). We believe this nationwide dataset represents the largest and most current data for this applicant group. Responses from applicants applying to orthopaedic surgery residency in the year before the COVID-19 pandemic application changes (2020) and during COVID-19 (2021) were queried and compared. After the orthopaedic surgery match, the database was evaluated for individual (application costs, away rotation expenses, and interview expenses) and total expenses for medical school seniors applying to orthopaedic surgery residency. Applicant characteristics were compared between application cycles. The 2020 to 2021 Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency Dashboard database had 521 responses (n = 263 in 2020 and n = 258 in 2021) from applicants applying to orthopaedic surgery residency. Demographic and applicant characteristics were comparable between application cycles. Median expenses are reported with percentile distributions and geographic comparisons. A Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to determine whether there were statistically significant differences in expenses between years and between medical school regions at a p value threshold of < 0.05. RESULTS: For all applicants, the median total expenses (USD 7250 versus USD 2250), application costs (USD 2250 versus USD 1750), away rotation expenses (USD 2750 versus USD 250), and interview expenses (USD 2250 versus USD 75) declined in 2021 compared with 2020 (all p < 0.001). The median total savings in expenses for all applicants in 2021 compared with 2020 was USD 5000. In 2021, median total expenses were lower in all geographic regions with the greatest savings from applicants in the West (USD 6000); in addition, the difference in median total expenses between the geographic region with the highest total expenses and the lowest total expenses was lower in the pandemic year than it was in the year prior (USD 1000 versus USD 1500; p < 0.001). In 2021, there were differences in total expenses between the Northeast (USD 1750), West (USD 1750), and Central (USD 2750) regions (p < 0.001). From 2020 to 2021, only application fees from Northeast applicants differed (USD 2250 versus USD 1250; p < 0.001). In 2020, interview expenses were not different between all regions (USD 2250 Northeast and West versus USD 2750 Central and South; p = 0.19); similarly in 2021, interview expenses were similar between all regions (USD 75 versus USD 75; p = 0.82). Finally, in 2020, Northeast (USD 3250) and Western (USD 3250) applicants spent more for away rotations than Southern (USD 2750) and Central (USD 2250) applicants (p = 0.01). In 2021, applicants from schools in the South (USD 250) and Central (USD 250) regions spent more than their counterparts (USD 0; p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: In the COVID-19 application cycle, the median expenditures of orthopaedic residency candidates were USD 5000 lower than they were in the previous year; the difference can be attributed to the use of virtual interviews and the lack of away rotations. There are geographic implications, with applicants from Western United States medical schools potentially saving the most. Despite the financial savings during the 2021 match, further study related to the long-term success of the current application process (both for applicants and programs) is needed. The recommendation in May 2020 by the AOA Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors (CORD) to limit the number of applications submitted by candidates with USMLE Step 1 scores greater than 235 did not result in any considerable decline in applications submitted or expenses. A better understanding of how differences in these expenses may influence our specialty's ability to attract socioeconomically diverse candidates would be important, and we need to explore perceived and actual financial obstacles to obtaining this diversity in the application process. Finally, avenues should be explored by program directors and chairpersons to reduce the expenses of the traditional application process while maintaining recruitment of top candidates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, economic analysis.