How Does the Physician Patient Fare After Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty?

Background: Physician patients requiring surgery present with occupational risks and personality traits that may affect outcomes. This study compared implant survivorship, complications, and clinical outcomes of physicians undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: A retrospective review of our institutional total joint registry identified 185 physicians undergoing primary THA (n = 94) or TKA (n = 91). Physicians were matched 1:2 with nonphysician controls according to age, sex, body mass index, joint (hip or knee), and surgical year. Physician type (medical, n = 132 vs surgical, n = 53) subanalysis was performed. Implant survivorship was assessed via Kaplan-Meier methods. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by Harris hip scores and Knee Society Scores. Mean follow-up was 5 years. Results: There was no significant difference in 5-year implant survivorship free of any reoperation (P > .5) or any revision (P > .2) between physician and nonphysician patients after THA and TKA. Similarly, the 90-day complication risk was not significantly different after THA or TKA (P = 1.0 for both). Physicians and nonphysicians demonstrated similar improvement in Harris hip scores (P = .6) and Knee Society Scores (P = .4). When comparing physician types, there was no difference in implant survivorship (P > .4), complications (P > .6), or patient reported outcomes (P > .1). Conclusions: Physician patients have similar implant survivorship, complications, and clinical outcomes when compared to nonphysicians after primary THA and TKA. Physicians should feel reassured that their profession does not appear to increase risks when undergoing lower extremity total joint arthroplasty.

Do All Postoperative Vancouver B2 Fractures Require Revision Arthroplasty With Cementless Stems?

Background: Management of periprosthetic fractures has been guided by the Vancouver classification, which recommends revision for fractures around a loose femoral implant (B2). New studies have challenged this approach, demonstrating acceptable outcomes with internal fixation. This study evaluates our experience with Vancouver B2 fractures, comparing internal fixation to femoral revision. We hypothesized that in select cases with cementless stems, internal fixation would provide acceptable results with reduced morbidity. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of periprosthetic hip fractures treated at our institution between 1 January 2012 and 4 November 2022. We excluded patients who did not have prior radiographs and evidence of stem subsidence, suggestive of a Vancouver B2 fracture. Thirteen patients were included in the analysis. Results: Four patients (31%) underwent revision of the femoral component, 4 patients (31%) underwent plating, and 5 patients (38%) underwent internal fixation with cerclage cabling. The average operative duration was 158 minutes, 203 minutes, and 62 minutes for the revision, plating, and cabling cohorts, respectively (P = .009). Blood loss was 463 cc, 510 cc, and 90 cc for the revision, plating, and cabling cohorts, respectively (P = .036). Three patients in both the revision and plating cohorts each received a transfusion (75%), whereas no patients in the cabling cohort required a transfusion (P = .033). All patients demonstrated fracture healing on the postoperative radiographs. No patients required additional surgery during the follow-up period. Conclusions: We have demonstrated that Vancouver B2 periprosthetic fractures with intact lateral cortices may be treated with internal fixation with cerclage cabling with excellent results.

Timing of Renal Transplant Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty Impacts 90-Day Postoperative Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplant (RT) patients are at increased risk for complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, it is unknown if the time from RT to TKA influences such risks. This study evaluated RT patients undergoing primary TKA at various time intervals after transplant. We hypothesized that increased time between RT and TKA would decrease the risk of complications after TKA. METHODS: There were 499 RT patients in a national database undergoing subsequent primary TKA from 2010 to 2020. Patients were stratified by intervals of less than 1 year, between 1 and 2 years, and more than 2 years from RT to TKA. Medical complications up to 90 days, readmissions, and 2-year revisions were compared via univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Patients who underwent TKA less than 1 year after RT were associated with higher 90-day medical complications when compared to those who underwent TKA 1 to 2 years after RT (odds ratio [OR] 0.4, confidence interval [CI] 0.2 to 0.8, P = .01) and more than 2 years (OR 0.3, CI 0.2 to 0.7, P < .01) after RT. Acute kidney injury and blood transfusion were the most common complications. The TKAs performed 2 years after RT were less likely to have 90-day readmissions when compared to TKAs performed less than 1 year after RT (OR 0.4, CI: 0.2 to 0.9, P < .01). However, time from RT to TKA did not increase the risk of revision at 2 years (P > .30). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing TKA within 1 year of RT have an increased risk of 90-day postoperative medical complications and readmissions, but the time interval from RT does not appear to affect revision risk. These findings suggest waiting 1 year after RT before proceeding with TKA may be advantageous.

Do breast cancer patients have increased risk of complications after primary total hip and total knee arthroplasty?

Aims: Breast cancer survivors have known risk factors that might influence the results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study evaluated clinical outcomes of patients with breast cancer history after primary THA and TKA. Methods: Our total joint registry identified patients with breast cancer history undergoing primary THA (n = 423) and TKA (n = 540). Patients were matched 1:1 based upon age, sex, BMI, procedure (hip or knee), and surgical year to non-breast cancer controls. Mortality, implant survival, and complications were assessed via Kaplan-Meier methods. Clinical outcomes were evaluated via Harris Hip Scores (HHSs) or Knee Society Scores (KSSs). Mean follow-up was six years (2 to 15). Results: Breast cancer patient survival at five years was 92% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89% to 95%) after THA and 94% (95% CI 92% to 97%) after TKA. Breast and non-breast cancer patients had similar five-year implant survival free of any reoperation or revision after THA (p ≥ 0.412) and TKA (p ≥ 0.271). Breast cancer patients demonstrated significantly lower survival free of any complications after THA (91% vs 96%, respectively; hazard ratio = 2 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.4); p = 0.017). Specifically, the rate of intraoperative fracture was 2.4% vs 1.4%, and venous thromboembolism (VTE) was 1.4% and 0.5% for breast cancer and controls, respectively, after THA. No significant difference was noted in any complications after TKA (p ≥ 0.323). Both breast and non-breast cancer patients experienced similar improvements in HHSs (p = 0.514) and KSSs (p = 0.132). Conclusion: Breast cancer survivors did not have a significantly increased risk of mortality or reoperation after primary THA and TKA. However, there was a two-fold increased risk of complications after THA, including intraoperative fracture and VTE.

A Survey of Personal Health Habits, Wellness, and Burnout in Practicing Orthopaedic Surgeons-Are We Taking Care of Ourselves?

INTRODUCTION: The personality traits of those who become orthopaedic surgeons may also lead to overwork, work-life balance issues, and burnout. Health and wellness practices of orthopaedic surgeons have not been widely explored. This study evaluated the personal health habits, wellness, and burnout of practicing orthopaedic surgeons in the United States. METHODS: An anonymous self-assessment survey was completed by 234 practicing orthopaedic surgeon alumni from two large residency programs. The survey assessed exercise habits according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, compliance with preventive medical care practices according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force, prioritization of occupational wellness strategies, and the presence of burnout via an adapted Maslach Burnout Inventory. Survey responders' mean age was 52 years, 88% were male, and 93% had a body mass index <30 kg/m2. Surgeons were stratified according to practice type, years in practice, and subspecialty. RESULTS: Among orthopaedic surgeons, compliance with aerobic and strength exercise recommendations was 31%. Surgeons in academic practice were significantly (P = 0.007) less compliant with exercise recommendations (18%) compared with private (34%) or employed (43%) practicing surgeons. Most (71%) had seen their primary care provider within 2 years and were up to date on age-appropriate health care screening including a cholesterol check within 5 years (79%), colonoscopy (89%), and mammogram (92%). Protecting time away from work for family/friends and finding meaning in work were the most important wellness strategies. The overall burnout rate was 15% and remained not significantly different (P > 0.3) regardless of years in practice, practice type, or subspecialty. CONCLUSION: This survey study identifies practicing orthopaedic surgeons' health habits and wellness strategies, including limited compliance with aerobic and strength exercise recommendations. Orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of areas of diminished personal wellness to improve quality of life and avoid burnout.

The Fate of the Patient With Superficial Dehiscence Following Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been associated with higher rates of superficial incisional dehiscence. However, limited data are available regarding the outcomes following initial treatment of this complication. This study aimed to evaluate patient risk factors, reoperations, and revisions in those who developed superficial wound dehiscence following DAA THA. METHODS: We identified 3,687 patients who underwent a primary DAA THA between 2010 and 2019 from our enterprise total joint registry. Of these, 98 (2.7%) patients developed a superficial wound dehiscence requiring intervention [irrigation and debridement (n = 42) or wound care with or without antibiotics (n = 56)]. Dehiscence was noted at a median of 27 (range, 2-105) days. These patients were compared to patients who did not have a superficial wound complication (n = 3,589). Landmark survivorship analysis was performed to account for immortal time bias with a 45-day landmark time. RESULTS: Patients who had superficial wound dehiscence compared to those who did not, were more often women (64 versus 53%, P = .02) and had increased mean body mass index (33 versus 29, P < .001). There was no difference in 4-year survivorship free from any revision between cohorts (97 versus 98%, respectively, P = .14). There were 2 (2.0%) revisions in the superficial dehiscence group: 1 for periprosthetic joint infection and 1 for aseptic femoral loosening. CONCLUSION: Superficial wound dehiscence following DAA THA was associated with higher body mass index and was more common in women. Fortunately, with proper index management, the risk of revision THA and periprosthetic joint infection was not increased for these patients.

Direct anterior approach associated with lower dislocation risk after primary total hip arthroplasty in patients with prior lumbar spine fusion.

BACKGROUND: While there has been much interest in the increased dislocation rate in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients with a lumbar spine fusion (LSF), there is minimal literature comparing the risk based on surgical approach. The purpose of this study was to determine if a direct anterior (DA) approach was protective against dislocation when compared to the anterolateral and posterior approaches in this high-risk patient population. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 6554 THAs performed at our institution from January 2011 to May 2021. 294 (4.5%) patients had a prior LSF and were included in the analysis. The surgical approach, timing of LSF in relation to THA, vertebral levels fused, timing of THA dislocation, and the need for revision surgery were recorded for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In total, 39.7.3% of patients underwent a DA approach (n = 117), 25.9% underwent an anterolateral approach (n = 76), and 34.3% underwent a posterior approach (n = 101). There was no difference in number of vertebral levels fused between groups (mean 2.5, all p > 0.05). There was a total of 13 (4.4%) THA dislocation events, with an average time from surgery to dislocation of 5.6 months (0.3-30.5 months). There were fewer dislocations in the DA cohort (0.9%) in comparison to both the anterolateral (6.6%, p = 0.036) and posterior groups (6.9%, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: The DA approach demonstrated a significantly lower THA dislocation rate compared to both the anterolateral and posterior approaches in patients with a concomitant LSF.

Femoral Head Length Impact on Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty in 36 Millimeter Cobalt Chrome-on-Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene Articulations.

BACKGROUND: Despite concerns for corrosion, dislocation, and periprosthetic femur fractures, minimal literature has investigated the effect of adjusting femoral head length on outcomes after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of femoral head length on the risk of any revision and reoperation following cobalt chromium (CoCr)-on-highly crosslinked polyethylene (HXLPE) THAs. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2018, we identified 1,187 primary THAs with CoCr-on-HXLPE articulations using our institutional total joint registry. The mean age at THA was 71 years (range, 19-97), 40% were women, and mean body mass index was 30 (range, 10-68). All THAs using 36 mm diameter femoral heads were included. Neutral (0 mm), positive, or negative femoral head lengths were used in 42, 31, and 27% of the THAs, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survivorship was assessed. The mean follow-up was 7 years (range, 2-16). RESULTS: The 10-year survivorships free of any revision or reoperation were 94 and 92%, respectively. A total of 47 revisions were performed, including periprosthetic femur fracture (17), periprosthetic joint infection (8), dislocation (7), aseptic loosening of either component (6), corrosion (4), and other (5). Nonrevision reoperations included wound revision (11), open reduction and internal fixation of periprosthetic femur fracture (4), and abductor repair (2). Multivariable analyses found no significant associations between femoral head length and revision or reoperation. CONCLUSION: Altering femoral head lengths in 36 mm CoCr-on-HXLPE THAs did not affect outcomes. Surgeons should select femoral head lengths that optimize hip stability and center of rotation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The Development and Early Experience of a Destination Center of Excellence Program for Total Joint Arthroplasty.

High-volume total joint arthroplasty centers are becoming designated as destination centers of excellence to ensure quality of care while containing costs. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical patient journey through a new destination center of excellence program, review acute perioperative course trajectories, and report clinical outcomes. Our institution developed and implemented a destination center of excellence program to integrate into the existing total joint arthroplasty practice. A retrospective record review and analysis were performed for the first 100 destination center of excellence total knee arthroplasties and total hip arthroplasties enrolled in the program to evaluate program efficacy at a minimum 1-year follow-up. The study initially screened 213 patients, of whom 100 (47%) met program criteria and completed surgery (67 total knee arthroplasties and 33 total hip arthroplasties). The complication rate was 2%, and five patients (7.5%) required manipulation under anesthesia for stiffness after total knee arthroplasty. Two reoperations were needed: a neurectomy after total knee arthroplasty and a revision after total hip arthroplasty. The early experience of a destination center of excellence program has been favorable, with low complication rates and excellent outcomes.

Does Metabolic Syndrome Impact the Risk of Reoperation, Revision, or Complication After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an increasingly frequent condition characterized by insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. This study evaluated implant survivorship, complications, and clinical outcomes of primary TKAs performed in patients who have MetS. METHODS: Utilizing our institutional total joint registry, 2,063 primary TKAs were performed in patients with a diagnosis of MetS according to the World Health Organization criteria. MetS patients were matched 1:1 based on age, sex, and surgical year to those who did not have the condition. The World Health Organization's body mass index (BMI) classification was utilized to evaluate the effect of obesity within MetS patients. Kaplan-Meier methods were utilized to determine implant survivorship. Clinical outcomes were assessed with Knee Society scores. The mean follow-up was 5 years. RESULTS: MetS and non-MetS patients did not have significant differences in 5-year implant survivorship free from any reoperation (P = .7), any revision (P = .2), and reoperation for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI; P = .2). When stratifying, patients with MetS and BMI >40 had significantly decreased 5-year survivorship free from any revision (95 versus 98%, respectively; hazard ratio = 2.1, P = .005) and reoperation for PJI (97 versus 99%, respectively; hazard ratio = 2.2, P = .02). Both MetS and non-MetS groups experienced significant improvements in Knee Society Scores (77 versus 78, respectively; P < .001) that were not significantly different (P = .3). CONCLUSION: MetS did not significantly increase the risk of any reoperation after TKA; however, MetS patients with BMI >40 had a two-fold risk of any revision and reoperation for PJI. These results suggest that obesity is an important condition within MetS criteria and remains an independent risk factor. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3, Case-control study.

Short Course of Oral Antibiotic Treatment After Two-Stage Exchange Arthroplasty Appears to Decrease Early Reinfection.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence has suggested a benefit to extended postoperative prophylactic oral antibiotics after two-stage exchange arthroplasty for treatment of periprosthetic joint infections. We sought to determine reinfection rates with and without a short course of oral antibiotics after two-stage exchange procedures. METHODS: A retrospective review identified patients undergoing two-stage exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection of the hip or knee. Patients were excluded if they failed a prior two-stage exchange, had positive cultures at reimplantation, prolonged intravenous antibiotics postoperatively, and/or life-long suppression. This resulted in 444 reimplantations (210 hips and 234 knees). Patients were divided into three cohorts based on the duration of oral antibiotics after reimplantation: no antibiotics (102), ≤2 weeks (266), or >2 weeks (76). The primary endpoint was reinfection within 1 year of reimplantation. RESULTS: Within 1 year of reimplantation, there were 34 reinfections. In the no-antibiotic, ≤ 2-week, and >2-week cohorts the reinfection rates were 14.1, 7.0, and 6.4%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression showed a reduced reinfection rate in the ≤2-week cohort relative to no antibiotics (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.38, P = .01). While the smaller cohort with >2 weeks of antibiotics did not significantly reduce the reinfection rate (HR: 0.41, P = .12), when combined with the ≤2-week cohort, use of oral antibiotics had an overall reduction of the reinfection rate (HR: 0.39, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: These data support the hypothesis that a short course of oral antibiotics after reimplantation decreases the 1-year reinfection rate. Future randomized studies should seek to examine the efficacy of different durations of oral antibiotics to reduce reinfection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV.

What are the Outcomes After Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Prior Cerebrovascular Accidents?

BACKGROUND: For patients who have a history of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) with neurological sequelae undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), we sought to determine mortality rate, implant survivorship, complications, and clinical outcomes. METHODS: Our total joint registry identified CVA sequelae patients undergoing primary THA (n = 42 with 25 on affected hip) and TKA (n = 56 with 34 on affected knee). Patients were 1:2 matched based upon age, sex, body mass index, and surgical year to a non-CVA cohort. Mortality and implant survivorship were evaluated via Kaplan-Meier methods. Clinical outcomes were assessed via Harris Hip scores or Knee Society scores . Mean follow-up was 5 years (range, 2-12). RESULTS: For CVA sequelae and non-CVA patients, respectively, the 5-year patient survivorship was 69 versus 89% after THA (HR = 2.5; P = .006) and 56 versus 90% after TKA (HR = 2.4, P = .003). No significant difference was noted between groups in implant survivorship free from any reoperation after THA (P > .2) and TKA (P > .6). Postoperative CVA occurred at an equal rate in CVA sequelae and non-CVA patients after TKA (1.8%); none after THA in either group. The magnitude of change in Harris Hip scores (P = .7) and Knee Society scores (P = .7) were similar for CVA sequelae and non-CVA patients. CONCLUSION: Complications, including the risk of postoperative CVA, implant survivorship, and outcome score improvement are similar for CVA sequelae and non-CVA patients. A 2.5-fold increased risk of death at a mean of 5 years after primary THA or TKA exist for CVA sequelae patients.

The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Reoperations and Complications After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a constellation of interrelated conditions including insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The goals of this study are to determine the impact of MetS on implant survivorship, complications, and clinical outcomes after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Utilizing our institutional total joint registry, 1,268 patients undergoing primary THA were identified with MetS based on the World Health Organization definition and matched 1:1 to those without MetS based on age, gender, and surgical year. MetS patients were further stratified according to the World Health Organization body mass index (BMI) classification to contextualize obesity. Kaplan-Meier analyses were utilized to compare survivorship free of any reoperation, revision, and complications. Clinical outcomes were assessed with Harris hip scores. Mean follow-up after THA was 5 years. RESULTS: MetS patients had significantly worse 5-year survivorship free from any reoperation compared to those without MetS (93.5% vs 96.1%, respectively; hazard ratio [HR] 1.4, P = .04). When stratifying MetS and BMI classification, the BMI >40 kg/m2 had significantly decreased 5-year implant survivorship free from any reoperation (85.9% vs 96.1%, HR 3.4, P < .001), any revision (91.7% vs 97.3%, HR 2.7, P < .001), and reoperation for periprosthetic joint infection (95% vs 99%, HR 5.1, P < .001). Both groups experienced significant and similar improvement in final Harris hip scores (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients with MetS had a 1.4-fold increased risk of reoperation after primary THA compared to a matched cohort without the condition. MetS patients with a BMI >40 kg/m2 had the highest risk of reoperation, and had a significantly higher revision and periprosthetic joint infection rates, suggesting that morbid obesity remains a critical, independent risk factor beyond MetS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3, Case-control study.

Intertrochanteric fracture fixation in solid organ transplant patients: outcomes and survivorship.

BACKGROUND: Solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients have complex medical and surgical risk factors; however, the outcomes of these patients undergoing surgical fixation of hip fractures are unknown. This study sought to evaluate SOT patients' outcomes and survivorship after intertrochanteric (IT) fracture fixation. METHODS: A retrospective review identified 12 SOT patients who underwent cephalomedullary (CMN) nail fixation for IT fractures and were matched (1:2) to a cohort of 24 non-SOT IT fracture patients. Perioperative results and complications, mortality/patient survivorship, and clinical outcomes were compared between the cohorts. RESULTS: The time from presentation to surgical fixation was within 48 h of presentation for the non-SOT patients, while only 75% of SOT patients underwent surgery within 48 h of presentation (p = 0.034). The 90-day readmission rate for SOT patients was 25% versus 13% in the non-SOT group (p = 0.38). Similarly, the SOT cohort experienced a higher rate of major medical complication (25% vs. 13%, p = 0.38). There were two (16%) reoperations in the SOT group and three (13%) in the non-SOT matched group (p = 0.99). Respectively, the 90-day and 1-year estimated patient survivorship was similar between the two cohorts: SOT patients with 92% (95% CI 54-99%) and 73% (95% CI 24-93%) versus 86% (95% CI 62-95%) and 72% (95% CI 47-86%, HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.18-4.62, p = 0.92) in non-SOT patients. CONCLUSION: SOT patients who underwent CMN fixation for IT fractures required more time from hospital presentation to surgical management than non-SOT patients. Although not statistically significant, SOT patients demonstrated more acute complications and readmissions, but similar mortality compared to those without transplant.

Outcomes of Femoral Neck Fracture Treated With Hip Arthroplasty in Solid Organ Transplant Patients.

BACKGROUND: Solid organ transplant (SOT) patients have increased risk of complications, infection, and mortality after elective total hip arthroplasty (THA). The study aims to compare SOT recipients' clinical outcomes to a matched group of nontransplant patients after nonelective THA and hemiarthroplasty for acute femoral neck fracture (FNF). METHODS: A retrospective review identified 31 SOT patients undergoing hip arthroplasty (24 hemiarthroplasty and 7 THA) for FNF and were matched 1:1 to non-SOT patients based on age, sex, body mass index, surgical procedure, and year of surgery. Patient survivorship, perioperative outcomes, complications, and reoperations were compared. The mean follow-up was 3 years. RESULTS: The estimated survivorship free from mortality for SOT and non-SOT patients at 1- year was not different (77% and 84%, respectively, P = .52). The 90-day readmission rate was significantly higher with 8 (26%) in the SOT cohort and none in the non-SOT group (P < .01). Major medical complications occurred in 16% of SOT patients compared to 5% in controls (P = .21). Three (10%) reoperations/revisions were required for SOT patients and none in non-SOT group (P = .24). CONCLUSION: SOT recipients undergoing nonelective hip arthroplasty for FNF demonstrated increased readmission rates compared to matched controls. For this rare clinical scenario, diligent perioperative care by surgeons and multidisciplinary transplant specialists is necessary to mitigate increased risk of SOT patients.

A Comparison of Interobserver Reliability Between Orthopedic Surgeons Using the Centers for Disease Control Surgical Wound Class Definitions.

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) created a classification to help stratify surgical wounds based on contamination and risk of developing a surgical site infection. The classification includes four options (I to IV) depending on the level of contamination present. Although universally applied to a variety of surgical specialties, it is unknown whether the current system is reliable when considering orthopaedic surgeries. The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of interobserver reliability between orthopaedic surgeons using the current CDC wound class definitions. METHODS: A questionnaire containing 30 clinical vignettes was completed by 39 orthopaedic surgeons at our institution. After each vignette, respondents were asked to determine the appropriate wound class based on information provided in the vignette. The overall interobserver agreement among all participants was analyzed. In addition, respondents were queried about the adequacy of the current classification system in describing orthopaedic surgical wound class. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was poor at 66%, with a coefficient of concordance of 0.48. Only six physicians (15.4%) thought that the current wound classification system adequately covered orthopaedic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There is poor interobserver reliability using the CDC surgical wound class definitions for orthopaedic surgeries. Alternate definitions are needed to improve the validity of the system for subspecialty procedures.

Primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with metabolic syndrome is associated with increased rates of deep infection.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an abnormal physiological condition that has been increasingly identified as a risk factor for complications after orthopedic surgery. Given the lack of information on the effect of MetS in shoulder arthroplasty (SA), this investigation analyzed the rates of postoperative complications and implant survivorship free from reoperation and revision in patients with and without MetS. METHODS: Between 2007 and 2017, data from 4635 adults who underwent a primary SA were collected and classified based on the presence or absence of MetS. MetS was defined as the existence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and a minimum of 2 of the following diagnoses: hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 within 1 year of surgery. Of the 4635 arthroplasties, 714 were performed in patients with MetS (anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty [aTSA] in 289 and reverse shoulder arthroplasty [RSA] in 425) and 3921 were performed in patients without MetS (aTSA in 1736 and RSA in 2185). Demographic characteristics, complications, reoperations, and revision surgery were compared. RESULTS: At a mean of follow-up of 4.5 ± 2.3 years, 67 MetS patients (9.4%) and 343 non-MetS patients (8.7%) had sustained at least 1 postoperative complication (P = .851). Rotator cuff failure was the most common complication overall, with 84 cases (1.8%) (15 MetS cases [2.1%] and 69 non-MetS cases [1.8%], P = .851), and in both MetS and non-MetS patients, followed by infection, with 68 cases (1.2%) (10 MetS cases [1.4%] and 58 non-MetS cases [1.2%], P = .913). For aTSAs, the most common complication was rotator cuff failure (84 shoulders, 1.8%); for RSAs, the most common complication was periprosthetic fracture (52 shoulders, 1.1%). In RSAs, the rates of deep infection (1.9% vs. 0.7%, P = .04), instability (3.1% vs. 1.5%, P = .04), and deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (0.5% vs. 0.3%, P = .03) were found to be significantly higher in patients with MetS than in those without MetS. Reoperations were observed in 36 MetS patients (5%) and 170 non-MetS patients (4.3%) (P = .4). Revisions were performed in 30 MetS patients (4.2%) and 127 non-MetS patients (3.2%) (P = .19). The Kaplan-Meier 5-year rate of survivorship free from reoperation, revision, and prosthetic joint infection was equal between groups. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative diagnosis of MetS in patients undergoing primary SA did not significantly increase the risk of postoperative complications, infection, reoperation, or revision following primary SA. However, in the RSA subgroup, complications were significantly more common in patients with MetS. Individual risk factors may be more appropriate than the umbrella diagnosis of MetS prior to aTSA.

Robotic-Assisted versus Manual Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Crossover Cohort: What Did Patients Prefer?

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty represents an increasingly utilized surgical technology; however, there remains clinical question whether the technique produces improved clinical and patient-reported outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate early clinical outcomes and patient preference of robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) versus manual TKA (mTKA) in a direct crossover cohort of patients who underwent consecutive TKAs by each technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review and telephone interview was performed on 36 patients who underwent both rTKA and mTKA by a single surgeon between 2012-2018. Perioperative outcomes-complications/reoperations and patient-preferred technique-were collected with mean clinical follow up of 4.8 and 2.0 years for mTKA and rTKA, respectively. RESULTS: mTKA were performed significantly (p<0.01) more quickly than rTKA, including shorter tourniquet time (56 versus 73 minutes) and total operating room time (93 versus 116 minutes). rTKA patients length of stay (LOS) was significantly (p<0.01) decreased (1.8 days) compared to mTKA (2.3 days). For rTKA and mTKA, respectively, there was no difference in final range of motion (119 versus 122 degrees), Visual Analog Scale (1.6 versus 0.9), or Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Jr (85 versus 87). Twenty (56%) reported rTKA as the preferred technique over mTKA. CONCLUSION: In same patient direct comparison, rTKA required longer operative time but improved LOS compared to mTKA. There was no difference in final outcomes with only slightly more patients preferring rTKA.

What Are the Contemporary Etiologies for Revision Surgery and Revision After Primary, Noncemented Total Hip Arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION: Contemporary failure etiologies of primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) have not been precisely defined because of heterogeneity of referral practices. METHODS: A single-institution registry of 4,555 primary, noncemented THAs performed by subspecialty trained arthroplasty surgeons between 2000 and 2012 was analyzed. Only revision surgeries and revisions that occurred after THAs initially performed at the institution were included. RESULTS: The estimated 10-year survivorships free from THA revision surgery, modular implant revision, and nonmodular implant revision were 98.2%, 98.1%, and 96.3%, respectively. The most common reasons for revision surgeries were wound-related complications (49%), periprosthetic fracture (25%), and pain (18%). Hip instability (53%) and acute periprosthetic joint infection (26%) were the most common etiologies of revision procedures with isolated exchange of at least one modular implant. The most common reasons for replacement or removal of nonmodular implant were periprosthetic fracture (32%), aseptic loosening (22%), and adverse tissue reaction (17%). DISCUSSION: Focusing on primary THAs initially performed by a contemporary, subspecialty practice allowed an accurate determination of etiologies and rates of failure (defined by revision surgery or revision) after THA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Geniculate Artery Injury During Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Major arterial injury associated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare and potentially devastating complication. However, the rate of injury to smaller periarticular vessels and the clinical significance of such an injury have not been well investigated. The purpose of this study is to describe the rate and outcomes of geniculate artery (GA) injury, the time at which injury occurs, and any associations with tourniquet use. From November 2015 to February 2016, 3 surgeons at a single institution performed 100 consecutive primary TKAs and documented the presence or absence and the timing of GA injury. The data were then retrospectively reviewed. All TKAs had no prior surgery on the operative extremity. Other variables collected included tourniquet use, tranexamic acid (TXA) administration, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drain output, and blood transfusion. The overall rate of GA injury was 38%, with lateral inferior and middle GA injury in 31% and 15% of TKAs, respectively. Most of the injuries were visualized during bone cuts or meniscectomy. The rate of overall or isolated GA injury was not significantly different (P > .05) with either use of intravenous (84 patients) or topical (14 patients) TXA administration. Comparing selective tourniquet use (only during cementation) vs routine use showed no differences in GA injury rate (P = .37), blood loss (P = .07), or drain output (P = .46). There is a relatively high rate of GA injury, with injury to the lateral GA occurring more often than the middle GA. Routine or selective tourniquet use does not affect the rate of injury.