Higher rates of intraoperative fractures with compaction broaching compared to conventional broaching during hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture (IPFF) is a known iatrogenic complication during hemiarthroplasty (HA) which may lead to inferior outcomes. The risk factors for IPFF during HA in displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF) remains to be fully elucidated. This study aims to compare IPFF rates between compaction broaching and conventional broaching techniques for cementless HA in FNF. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed institutional surgical data of patients who underwent cementless HA for displaced FNF from January 2010 to January 2022. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the broaching system: conventional broaching and compaction broaching. The presence, location, and treatment of IPFF were assessed for both groups. Effect of IPFF on postoperative weight-bearing status, mortality readmission and revision rates were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 1,586 patients included in the study. 1252 patients (78.9%) in the conventional broaching group and 334 patients (21.1%) in the compaction broaching group. A total of 104 IPFF were found (6.5%). As compared to conventional broaching, compaction broaching was associated with significant higher IPFF rates (12.9% vs. 4.9%, p < 0.001, OR 2.84, CI 1.88-4.30). The location of the IPFF was similar between groups (p = 0.366), as well as the intraoperative treatment (p = 0.103) and postoperative weight-bearing status (p = 0.640). Surgical time, mortality rates, readmission rates and revision rates were comparable between groups. In a multivariate regression analysis, compaction broaching (OR, 4.24; p < 0.001) was independently associated with IPFF. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals higher rates of IPFF associated with compaction broaching. Although this finding may have minimal clinical relevance, surgeons should consider these results when considering implant selection.

Perioperative Demographic and Laboratory Characteristics of Failed Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention: Can We Determine Which Patients Will Fail?

BACKGROUND: Debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) are the mainstays surgical treatment for acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, reoperation following DAIR is common and the risk factors for DAIR failure remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the perioperative characteristics of patients who failed initial DAIR treatment. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on 83 patients who underwent DAIR for acute PJI within 3 months following index surgery from 2011 to 2022, with a minimum one-year follow-up. Surgical outcomes were categorized using the Musculoskeletal Infection Society outcome reporting tool (Tiers 1 to 4). Patient demographics, laboratory data, and perioperative outcomes were compared between patients who had failed (Tiers 3 and 4) (n = 32) and successful (Tiers 1 and 2) (n = 51) DAIR treatment. Logistic regression was also performed. RESULTS: After logistic regression, Charlson Comorbidity Index (odds ratio [OR]: 1.57; P = .003), preoperative C-reactive protein (OR: 1.06; P = .014), synovial white blood cell (OR: 1.14; P = .008), and polymorphonuclear cell (PMN%) counts (OR: 1.05; P = .015) were independently associated with failed DAIR. Compared with total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty patients (OR: 6.08; P = .001) were at increased risk of DAIR failure. The type of organism and time from primary surgery were not correlated with DAIR failure. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had failed initial DAIR tended to have significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, C-reactive protein, synovial white blood cell, and PMN%. The total knee arthroplasty DAIRs were more likely to fail than the total hip arthroplasty DAIRs. These characteristics should be considered when planning acute PJI management, as certain patients may be at higher risk for DAIR failure and may benefit from other surgical treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Knotless suture in revision total joint arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The use of barbed sutures for wound closure in primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has been shown to be effective and safe. However, their effectiveness and safety in revision TJA procedures has not been thoroughly studied. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using barbed suture closure in revision TJA setting. METHODS: A total of 80 patients undergoing revision TJA between September 2020 and November 2022 were included in this randomized controlled trial study. Following informed consent, patients were computer-randomized to the treatment arm (barbed suture wound closure) or to the control arm (conventional wound closure). Closure duration, closure rate, number of sutures used and wound related outcomes including complication rates and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) score were compared between groups. RESULTS: The use of barbed sutures decreased closure time by 6 min (30.1 vs. 36.1 min, P = 0.008) with a higher wound closure rate (6.5 vs. 5.5 mm/minute, P = 0.013). Additionally, the number of sutures used for wound closure in the barbed group was significantly lower than in the control group (6.2 vs. 10.1, respectively, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the rate of postoperative wound complications (P = 0.556) or patient and observer POSAS scores (P = 0.211, P = 297, respectively) between the two groups at 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Closure of revision TJA surgical wound utilizing barbed sutures reduced closure time and the number of needles handled by operative staff, with no significant increase in intra- or post-operative complications rate when compared to traditional closure technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Increased patient body mass index is associated with increased surgeon physiologic stress during total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: While increased body mass index (BMI) in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) increases surgical complexity, there is a paucity of objective studies assessing the impact of patient BMI on the cardiovascular stress experienced by surgeons during THA. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of patient BMI on surgeon cardiovascular strain during THA. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated three fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons performing a total of 115 THAs. A smart-vest worn by the surgeons recorded mean heart rate, stress index (correlate of sympathetic activation), respiratory rate, minute ventilation, and energy expenditure throughout the procedures. Patient demographics as well as perioperative data including surgical approach, surgery duration, number of assistants, and the timing of the surgery during the day were collected. Linear regression was utilized to assess the impact of patient characteristics and perioperative data on cardiorespiratory metrics. RESULTS: Average surgeon heart rate, energy expenditure, and stress index during surgery were 98.50 beats/min, 309.49 cal/h, and 14.10, respectively. Higher patient BMI was significantly associated with increased hourly energy expenditure (P = 0.027), mean heart rate (P = 0.037), and stress index (P = 0.027) independent of surgical approach. Respiratory rate and minute ventilation were not associated with patient BMI. The number of assistants and time of surgery during the day did not impact cardiorespiratory strain on the surgeon. CONCLUSION: The physiologic burden on surgeons during primary THA significantly increases as patient BMI increases. This study suggests that healthcare systems should consider adjusting reimbursement models to account for increased surgeon workload due to obesity. Further surgeons should adopt strategies in operative planning and case scheduling to handle this added physical strain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The Impact of Obesity on Total Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes When Performed by High-Volume Surgeons-A Propensity Matched Analysis From a High-Volume Urban Center.

BACKGROUND: Previous data suggest that obesity does not impact surgical outcomes following total knee arthroplasty performed by high-volume (HV) surgeons. However, this effect has yet to be studied in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of patient obesity on THA outcomes when surgery is performed by HV surgeons. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent primary, elective THA between January 2012 and December 2022 with a HV surgeon (top 25% of surgeons by number of annual primary THA) was performed. Patients were stratified by their body mass index (BMI) into 3 cohorts: BMI ≥ 40 (morbidly obese [MO]), 30 ≤ BMI < 40 (obese), and BMI < 30 (nonobese); and 1:1:1 propensity matched based on baseline characteristics. A total of 13,223 patients were evaluated, of which 669 patients were included in the final matched analysis (223 patients per group). The average number of annual THAs performed for HV surgeons was 171 cases. RESULTS: The MO patients had significantly longer surgical times (P < .001) and hospital lengths of stay (P < .001). Rates of 90-day readmissions (P = .211) and all-cause, septic, and aseptic revisions at the latest follow-up (P = .268, P = .903, and P = .168, respectively) were comparable between groups. In a subanalysis for non-HV surgeons, MO patients had a significantly greater risk of revision (P = .021) and trended toward significantly greater readmissions (P = .056). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical outcomes and complication rates after THA performed by a HV surgeon are similar regardless of patient obesity status. Patients who have MO may experience improved outcomes and reduced procedural risks if they are referred to HV surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Age as a Risk Factor for Intraoperative Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures in Cementless Hip Hemiarthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: Understanding the risk factors and outcomes of intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (IPFF) during hip arthroplasty is crucial for appropriate perioperative management. Previous studies have identified risk factors for IPFF in total hip arthroplasty patients, but data for hip hemiarthroplasty (HA) is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the age associated with increased rates of IPFF in patients undergoing HA. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients aged 65 years and above who underwent a cementless HA for a displaced femoral neck fracture and had a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Patients were stratified into five age groups (65-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, and ≥ 95 years) and further divided into two subgroups (under 95 years and 95 years or older). The presence, location, and treatment of IPFF, as well as the effect of IPFF on the postoperative weight-bearing status, were compared between groups. A multivariate logistic regression was also performed. A total of 1,669 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Results: The rates of IPFF were significantly higher for patients 95 years or older (p = 0.030). However, fracture location (greater trochanter fractures, p = 0.839; calcar fractures, p = 0.394; and femoral shaft fractures p = 0.110), intraoperative treatment (p = 0.424), and postoperative weight-bearing status (p = 0.229) were similar between the groups. While mortality and nonorthopedic-related readmissions were significantly higher for patients 95 years or older, orthopedic-related readmissions (p = 0.148) and revisions at the latest follow-up (p = 0.253) were comparable between groups. In a regression analysis, age over 95 years (odds ratio, 2.049; p = 0.049) and body mass index (odds ratio, 0.935; p = 0.016) were independently associated with IPFF. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that age over 95 years is a significant, independent risk factor for IPFF in patients undergoing cementless HA. Although we were unable to show an impact on perioperative outcomes and orthopedic complications, when operating on patients 95 years or older, surgeons should be aware of the increased risk of IPFF and consider the use of stem designs and fixation types associated with decreased IPFF rates.

Does experience with total knee arthroplasty in morbidly obese patients effect surgical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Literature examining the risks, benefits, and potential complications of TKA in morbidly obese patients is conflicting. Surgeons with more experience performing TKA on morbidly obese patients may generate superior outcomes. This study sought to assess whether complication rates and implant survivorship in morbidly obese TKA patients varies between high (HV) and low (LV) volume surgeons. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to include all morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40) patients that underwent primary TKA between January 2016 and July 2021 at our high-volume center. Demographics and clinical outcomes were collected and compared between surgeons with a higher morbidly obese TKA volume (> 10 annual cases) and surgeons with a lower morbidly obese TKA volume. RESULTS: A total of 964 patients (HV 91 [9.4%], LV 873 [90.6%]) were identified. The HV surgeon and LV surgeons had an average annual volume of 15.3 and 5.2 cases, respectively. The average BMI for the HV and LV cohorts were 44.5 ± 3.7 and 44.0 ± 3.6, respectively (p = 0.160). The HV surgeon had significantly lower operative times (105.7 ± 17.4 vs. 110.7 ± 29.6 min, p = 0.018), and a lower 90-day minor complication rate (0.0% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.035). For patients with at least 2-year follow-up, all-cause revision (3.4% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.149) and revision due to PJI (0.0% vs. 5.8%, 0.193) rates were numerically lower in the HV cohort. Improvements in KOOS, JR and VR-12 scores were similar at 3-month and 1-year follow-up. Freedom from all-cause revision (HV: 96.6% vs. LV: 80.4%, p = 0.175) and revision due to PJI (HV: 100.0% vs. LV: 93.6%, p = 0.190, p = 0.190) at latest follow-up did not statistically differ between groups. CONCLUSION: The HV surgeon had significantly lower operative time and 90-day minor complication rates and numerically lower all-cause revision and revision due to PJI rates when performing TKA in morbidly obese patients. Surgeon's experience may affect surgical outcomes after TKA in morbidly obese patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Outcomes of Enterobacter cloacae-Associated Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Hip Arthroplasties.

Background: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) represent a serious complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and are associated with significant morbidity. While recent data suggest that Enterobacter cloacae is an emerging source of PJI, characteristics and outcomes of E. cloacae-associated infections are rarely described. The study aimed to present and describe the findings and outcomes of E. cloacae-associated PJI in our department. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of patients who underwent revision THA for E. cloacae-associated PJI between 2011 and 2020 and has a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Outcomes included organism characteristics as well as clinical outcomes, represented by the number of reoperations needed for PJI eradication and the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) outcome reporting tool score. Of 108 revision THAs, 12 patients (11.1%) were diagnosed with E. cloacae-associated PJI. Results: The majority of cases had a polymicrobial PJI (n=8, 66.7%). Five E. cloacae strains (41.7%) were gentamicin-resistant. Six patients (50.0%) underwent 2 or more revisions, while 3 of them (25.0%) required 4 or more revisions until their PJI was resolved. When utilizing the MSIS outcome score, the first surgical intervention was considered successful (MSIS score tiers 1 and 2) for 5 patients (41.7%) and failed (tiers 3 and 4) for 7 patients (58.3%). Conclusions: E. cloacae is emerging as a common source of PJI following hip arthroplasty procedures. The findings of our study suggest that this pathogen is primarily of polymicrobial nature and represents high virulence and poor postoperative outcomes, as represented by both an increased number of required revision procedures and high rates of patients with MSIS outcome scores of 3 and 4. When managing patients with E. cloacae-associated PJI, surgeons should consider these characteristics and inform patients regarding predicted outcomes.

Intraoperative three-dimensional navigation for surgical treatment of osteoid osteoma in the upper extremity: A series of 19 cases.

The surgical treatment for osteoid osteoma (OO) in the upper extremity is challenging due to the difficulty in locating the lesion and the crowding of sensitive structures within the anatomy. This study aimed to describe the outcomes of navigated minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation and those of navigated mini open-intralesional curettage in treating these lesions. Nineteen consecutive patients with OO in the upper limb who underwent navigated surgery were included. The average QuickDASH and Numeric Pain Rating Scale improved from 62.2 ± 23.7 to 11.7 ± 16.9 and from 8.1 ± 1.6 to 0.5 ± 1.8, respectively (p < .01 each) following the procedure. Two complications were recorded: one patient had persistent radial nerve palsy, and one patient had transient partial radial nerve weakness. In conclusion, navigation is an important tool in the surgical treatment of OO in the upper limb. A mini open approach to identify and protect neurovascular structures is recommended.

Addition of gentamicin for antibiotic prophylaxis in hip hemiarthroplasty does not decrease the rate of surgical site infection.

BACKGROUND: The addition of Gram-negative coverage to antibiotic prophylaxis protocols prior to elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been reported to reduce periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, it is unknown whether adding a Gram-negative-targeted antibiotic agent improves outcomes in the trauma population. This study aimed to investigate whether the addition of a single, pre-operative dose of Gentamicin is associated with lower rates of PJI in patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty (HA) as treatment for a hip fracture. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases of patients who underwent HA as treatment for a hip fracture from January 2011 to January 2022, and had a minimum 1-year of follow-up. Patients were divided into two groups based on the antibiotic prophylaxis they received during surgery: cefazolin (control group) or cefazolin with addition of Gentamicin (case group). The primary outcome was the rate of surgical site infections (SSI), and secondary outcomes included rates of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and superficial SSIs. RESULTS: The final study population consisted of 1521 patients. 336 patients (22.1%) were in the case group and 1185 (77.9%) patients were in the control group. Rates of SSI were comparable between the groups (3.8% for the case group vs. 2.8% in the control group, p = 0.34). This held true for both PJIs (3.5 vs. 2.5%, p = 0.3) and superficial SSIs (0.29 vs. 0.33%, p = 0.91). The distribution of the causing pathogen was similar between the groups (p = 0.84). Gentamicin susceptibility rates of the Gram-negative bacteria associated with PJI were similar between the cohorts (p = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a single, pre-operative dose of Gentamicin to the antibiotic prophylaxis protocol of patients undergoing HA as treatment for a hip fracture was not associated with lower rates of SSI, PJI or superficial SSI. The findings of this study indicate that the prophylactic benefits of Gentamicin may not apply to HA as they do to THA.

Go Big or Go Home: Obesity and Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Obesity is highly prevalent, and it is expected to grow considerably in the United States. The association between obesity and an increased risk of complications following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is widely accepted. Many believe that patients with body mass index (BMI) >40 have complications rates that may outweigh the benefits of surgery and should consider delaying it. However, the current literature on obesity and outcomes following TJA is observational, very heterogeneous, and full of confounding variables. BMI in isolation has several flaws and recent literature suggests shifting from an exclusively BMI <40 cutoff to considering 5 to 10% preoperative weight loss. BMI cutoffs to TJA may also restrict access to care to our most vulnerable, marginalized populations. Moreover, only roughly 20% of patients instructed to lose weight for surgery are successful and the practice of demanding mandatory weight loss needs to be reconsidered until convincing evidence exists that supports risk reduction as a result of preoperative weight loss. Obese patients can benefit greatly from this life-changing procedure. When addressing the potential difficulties and by optimizing preoperative assessment and intraoperative management, the surgery can be conducted safely. A multidisciplinary patient-centered approach with patient engagement, shared decision-making, and informed consent is recommended.

Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Patient with Ipsilateral Painless Hip Arthrodesis: Technical Surgical Tips and a Novel Method for Intraoperative Navigation-Assisted Planning.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the setting of a previous ipsilateral hip fusion/arthrodesis is an uncommon and challenging procedure. There is little information available in the literature on the challenges and techniques available to perform TKA in these patients. For a traditional TKA procedure, the patient is placed in the supine position and various knee-positioning devices are used to allow for adequate knee and hip flexion, which is required for surgical exposure and tibia preparation. Ipsilateral hip arthrodesis presents two major challenges: (1) Hip flexion is crucial for adequate knee flexion while the patient is supine during the TKA procedure, and (2) the use of advanced technology, specifically computer navigation and robotic-assisted surgery techniques, is limited due to the inability to acquire the hip center of rotation during surgery, due to the lack of hip motion. Therefore, equipment and positioning must be adjusted by the surgeon to facilitate TKA in these patients. This article reports the case of a 72-year-old male patient with a long-standing, painless right hip arthrodesis, presenting with end-stage osteoarthritis of the right knee, leg-length discrepancy, and an 11.6° difference between the mechanical and anatomical axes of the femur. We describe the unique surgical planning as well as the surgical positioning options that allow for adequate knee flexion and proper surgical exposure. Furthermore, we describe a novel method of computer-assisted navigation for intra-operative planning and execution utilizing a reflected tibia as a template for the distal femoral cut.

Trends in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty Cost, Revenue, and Contribution Margin 2011 to 2021.

BACKGROUND: Revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) is a costly procedure, and its prevalence has been steadily increasing over time. This study aimed to examine trends in hospital cost, revenue, and contribution margin (CM) in patients undergoing rTHA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent rTHA from June 2011 to May 2021 at our institution. Patients were stratified into groups based on insurance coverage: Medicare, government-managed Medicaid, or commercial insurance. Patient demographics, revenue (any payment the hospital received), direct cost (any cost associated with the surgery and hospitalization), total cost (the sum of direct and indirect costs), and CM (the difference between revenue and direct cost) were collected. Changes over time as a percentage of 2011 numbers were analyzed. Linear regression analyses were used to determine the overall trend's significance. Of the 1,613 patients identified, 661 were covered by Medicare, 449 by government-managed Medicaid, and 503 by commercial insurance plans. RESULTS: Medicare patients exhibited a significant upward trend in revenue (P < .001), total cost (P = .004), direct cost (P < .001), and an overall downward trend in CM (P = .037), with CM for these patients falling to 72.1% of 2011 values by 2021. CONCLUSION: In the Medicare population, reimbursement for rTHA has not matched increases in cost, leading to considerable reductions in CM. These trends affect the ability of hospitals to cover indirect costs, threatening access to care for patients who require this necessary procedure. Reimbursement models for rTHA should be reconsidered to ensure the financial feasibility of these procedures for all patient populations.

Does addition of gentamicin for antibiotic prophylaxis in total knee arthroplasty reduce the rate of periprosthetic joint infection?

BACKGROUND: First-generation cephalosporins are used as antibiotic prophylaxis in total joint arthroplasty patients. However, this regimen does not address Gram-negative bacteria causing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Previous studies have suggested that the addition of an aminoglycoside as antibiotic prophylaxis in THA reduces surgical site infection (SSI), and less is known on its effect in TKA. This study aimed to investigate if the addition of a single-dose gentamicin, administered pre-operatively, is associated with lower rates of infection in TKA patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent primary TKA as treatment for osteoarthritis between January 2011 and April 2021, with a minimum 1-year follow-up. The mean age was 69.9 (± 9.8), the mean BMI was 29.7 (± 5.5), and most patients had American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) score of 2-3 (92.9%). Patients were stratified based on the peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis they received: cefazolin with addition of gentamicin (case group) or cefazolin (control group). Our primary study endpoints were rates of PJI and SSI, which were compared between groups using the chi-square test. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. RESULTS: The final study population consisted of 1590 patients, 1008 (63.4%) in the control group and 582 (36.6%) patients in the case group. The total infection rate for patients that received gentamicin dropped by 34%; however, this finding did not reach statistical significance (1.3% (control) vs. 0.86% (case), p = 0.43). The same drop was seen after subdivision of infections to PJI (0.5% vs. 0.34%, 32% drop, p = 0.66) and SSI (0.8% vs. 0.52%, 35% drop, p = 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of gentamicin administered pre-operatively to a standard antibiotic prophylaxis was not associated with a statistically significant lower rate of PJI. Although the difference in infection rate did not reach statistical significance, the current study noted a drop in the rate of infection by 1/3 in the gentamicin cohort. Further investigation to evaluate the potential benefit of adding gentamicin to a peri-operative antibiotic regimen is warranted.

Combined Bankart and SLAP repair: patient-reported outcome measurements after a minimum 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Anterior shoulder instability is typically characterized by detachment of the anteroinferior labrum (Bankart lesion). Some patients also sustain a superior labrum anterior-to-posterior (SLAP) injury. The purpose of this study was to compare the medium-term clinical results of isolated anterior Bankart repairs (ABR) with those of combined Bankart and SLAP repair (ABR + SLAP). METHODS: Data on all patients treated surgically for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between 2006 and 2011 were retrospectively collected from medical charts. The minimum follow-up was 5 years. Patients were interviewed to assess patient-reported outcome measurements (PROM) as determined by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES), the Subjective Shoulder Score (SSV), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH), as well as their quality of life (QOL: SF12 questionnaire). Information on complications, re-operations, and recurrent instability was recorded and evaluated as well. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients (88% males) with a mean age 23.7 years (range 15-40) were included. Forty-two patients following ABR + SLAP repair were compared to 108 patients following ABR alone, with a mean follow-up of 7.8 years (range 5-10.7). The rate of re-dislocation was similar in both groups (26% for ABR + SLAP vs 20% for ABR, p = .44). There were no significant differences in functional outcome between the ABR + SLAP and the ABR alone groups (SSV 86.7 vs 86.5, p = .93, ASES 89.6 vs 86.5, p = .11, and DASH 4.9 vs 7, p = .17), or in QOL outcome (SF12 physical 95.6 vs 93.3, p = .27, SF12 mental 84.4 vs 85.7, p = .63). CONCLUSION: Surgical repair for anterior shoulder instability and a coexisting SLAP lesion yields clinical results as good as those of isolated ABR, as evidenced by similar PROM and re-dislocation rates after medium-term follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Increased postoperative glycemic variability is associated with increased mortality in diabetic patients undergoing hip arthroplasty for hip fracture.

BACKGROUND: Increased glycemic variability (GV) during hospitalization has been associated with increased rates of surgical site and periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) following elective total joint arthroplasty. Uncertainty exists surrounding GV as a predictor for complications in urgent arthroplasty cases following hip fractures. In this study, we evaluated the association between GV and postoperative complications in diabetic patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) for hip fractures. METHODS: We analyzed data on 2421 consecutive patients who underwent THA or HA at our institution from 2011 to 2020. Patients with a known diagnosis of diabetes mellitus who had a minimum of three postoperative glucose values taken within the first week after surgery were included. GV was assessed using a coefficient of variation. Outcomes included short- and long-term mortality, reoperations, prosthetic joint infection (PJI) requiring revision and readmissions for any cause. RESULTS: The final cohort consisted of 482 patients (294 females, 188 males). Higher GV was associated with an increased 90-day mortality (p = 0.017). GV was not associated with 30-day mortality (p = 0.45), readmissions of any cause at 30 or 90 days (p = 0.99, p = 0.91, respectively), reoperation of any cause (p = 0.91) or PJI requiring revision surgery (p = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS: Higher GV in the postoperative period is associated with increased rates of mortality in diabetic patients following THA and HA for hip fractures. Efforts should be made to monitor and control glucose variability in the postoperative period.

Does Obesity Impact Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty When Treated by High-Volume Surgeons? A Propensity-Matched Analysis From a High-Volume Urban Center.

BACKGROUND: The impact of morbid obesity (MO) on outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) when performed by high-volume (HV) surgeons has not been investigated. This study aimed to assess complication rates and implant survivorship in MO patients operated on by HV surgeons. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary, elective TKA between June 2011 and May 2022 with a HV surgeon (top 25% surgeons by the number of primary TKAs per year) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified by body mass index (BMI) into 3 groups: BMI ≥40 (MO), 30≤ BMI <40 (non-morbidly obese), and BMI <30 (nonobese) and 1:1:1 propensity matched based on baseline characteristics. Of the 12,132 patients evaluated, 1,158 were included in final matched analyses (386 per group). The HV surgeons performed a median of 104 TKAs annually (range, 90-173). RESULTS: The MO patients had significantly longer surgery duration (P = .006) and hospital lengths of stay (P < .001). The 90-day postoperative complications (P = .38) and readmission rates (P = .39) were comparable between groups. Rates of all-cause, septic and aseptic revision were similar between groups at two-year (P = .30, P = .15, and P = .26, respectively) and the latest follow-up (P = .36, P = .52, and P = .38, respectively). Improvement in Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS, JR) scores at 6 months (P = .049) and one year (P = .015) was significantly higher in MO patients. CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes and complication rates following TKA by HV surgeons are comparable regardless of obesity status. The MO patients may benefit from referral to experienced surgeons to minimize procedural risks and improve outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Would giving priority in surgery timing to the oldest patients result in lower mortality?

PURPOSE: Early hip fracture surgery in elderly patients is recognized as a positive prognostic factor. When applied as an intervention, it does not always reduce overall patient mortality. A plausible explanation for this is that not all patients equally benefit from early surgery. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of early surgery on mortality in patients ages 80 and older. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of 3463 patients with hip fractures, operated upon within seven days of admission in a tertiary medical center between 2010 and 2018. Patients were divided into five groups: ages 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, 95-99, and 100 or above. Baseline characteristics were compared between groups. Mortality at one year post-operatively as a function of surgery delay was visualized for each group, using restricted spline curve analysis. RESULTS: Patients with increasing age were operated on earlier, had increased co-morbidities with a higher ASA score and experienced higher mortality. Spline curve analysis in younger patients, ages 80 to 94, demonstrated an inflection point at 48 hours after admission, prior to which mortality was rising rapidly and after which it continued rising slowly. In the two oldest age cohorts, there was no increased mortality with an increasing surgical delay. CONCLUSIONS: In patients ages 80-94 surgery on day one may be preferable to surgery on day two. In patients ages 95 and older, surgery time did not influence mortality. Pursuit of better patient outcomes may include prioritizing early surgery in younger patients.

Trans tibial amputation with or without a tourniquet in patients with diabetic foot infection and peripheral vascular disease: Comparison of postoperative outcomes.

Background: Transtibial amputation (TTA) due to complications of diabetic foot infection (DFI) or peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a high-risk procedure in fragile patients. The risks of reoperation, blood loss requiring blood transfusion, and mortality are high. The use of a tourniquet in this procedure is controversial and scarcely reported. Objective: this study aimed to compare the outcomes of TTAs with or without a tourniquet in a single tertiary medical center. Methods: We retrospectively identified all patients who had undergone TTA in our institution (1/2019-1/2020) and included only those who underwent the procedure due to complications of DFI or PVD (n = 69). The retrieved data included demographics, comorbidities, ASA score, the use of a tourniquet, operation duration, pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels, administration of blood transfusions, hospitalization length, surgical site infection and 60-days reoperation and mortality rates. Results: TTA with a tourniquet was superior to TTA without a tourniquet in reducing the average operation length by 11 min (p = 0.05), the median postoperative hospitalization by 6 days (p = 0.04), and the use of blood transfusions (odds ratio [OR] = 0.176, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.031-0.996). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated advantages in operative time, hospitalization length, and blood transfusion requirement for TTA with a tourniquet compared to TTA without a tourniquet.

Efficacy of Oral Nutritional Supplements in Patients Undergoing Surgical Intervention for Hip Fracture.

Introduction: Malnutrition is considered a risk factor among geriatric individuals with hip fracture, affecting functional healing and recovery, increasing healthcare spending, and associated with high mortality. In this study, we sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy of oral nutritional supplements in geriatric patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of 1625 consecutive patients who underwent fixation or arthroplasty for hip fracture in a tertiary medical center between 2017 and 2020. Patients who had no available albumin or body mass index levels were excluded. The study group is of patients who received an advanced formula in the form of an oral nutritional supplement (ONS), and the control group of patients that received no ONS. Peri- and postoperative complications, readmissions, short-term mortality, and albumin levels were compared between the 2 groups. Results: The final cohort included 1123 patients, 298 in the study group and 825 controls, with a follow-up of at least 1-year. Provision of the advanced enriched formula was not associated with 30-day, 90-day, or 1-year mortality (P = .62, P = .52, and P = .72, respectively) or any perioperative complications, such as 30-day or 90-day readmission (P = .37 and P = .1, respectively), revision surgery of any cause (P = .35), and postoperative infection rates (P = .73). Albumin levels on admission and the minimum albumin levels during hospitalization were similar between the groups, but they were significantly higher in the study group before discharge (33.42 g/L vs. 32.79 g/L, P = .01). Discussion: The use of an ONS was not associated with reduced perioperative complications or mortality, although it did affect nutritional status, as indicated by increased albumin levels, a known marker of nutritional status. Conclusions. While current findings do not support ONS use to minimize major postoperative complication after hip fracture surgery, further long-term study is warranted to evaluate subjective and functional outcomes associated with improved nutritional status.