Robotic arm-assisted versus conventional total knee arthroplasty: comparing complications, costs, and postoperative opioid use in propensity-matched cohorts.

PURPOSE: Limited literature exists substantiating benefits of robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (raTKA) over conventional total knee arthroplasty (cTKA). This study compared postoperative pain, complications, and costs between patients undergoing raTKA and cTKA using large, propensity score-matched cohorts. We hypothesize that the raTKA cohort will be associated with lower pain, lower anemia, and similar cost and other complications. METHODS: A commercially available patient database was used for this study. Patients with raTKA and cTKA were identified with current procedural terminology and international classification of diseases (ICD-9/ICD-10) codes. Exclusions and propensity score matching were applied to mitigate confounding bias. Complication rates, costs, and postoperative opioid uses were then compared between groups. RESULTS: Compared with patients with cTKAs (n = 31,105), patients with raTKAs (n = 6,221) had less postoperative opioid use (p < 0.01), lower rates of postoperative acute renal failure (OR 0.71; p < 0.01), anemia (OR 0.75; p < 0.01), and periprosthetic joint infection (OR 0.59; p = 0.04), and lower index costs ($875 vs. $1,169, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: RaTKA was associated with less postoperative pain and complications compared with cTKA.

The impact of crohn's disease on patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The knee joint remains the most affected joint in extra-intestinal manifestations of Crohn's disease (CD). Given the increasing prevalence of CD and overall demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it is likely that an increasing number of patients with CD will require TKA. The purpose of this study was to assess the inpatient postoperative complication in patients with CD undergoing TKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between the years of 2016 to 2019, including a total of 558,371 patients who underwent primary TKA. Among these, 1461 were in the CD group and 556,910 were in the non-CD group (controls). Data pertaining to demographics, length of stay (LOS), total healthcare cost, mortality, and in-hospital complications (blood loss anemia, blood transfusion, periprosthetic infection, periprosthetic dislocation, periprosthetic mechanical complication, acute renal failure, myocardial infarction, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, superficial/deep surgical site infection, and wound dehiscence) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients diagnosed with CD had higher postoperative complications such as blood loss anemia (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07-1.39, p = 0.004), periprosthetic infection (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.23-2.63, p = 0.006), and the need for blood transfusion (OR: 1.447, 95% CI: 1.01-2.06, p = 0.044) in comparison to the control group. In-hospital mortality and acute renal failure were similar in both groups. The CD group had a significantly prolonged LOS (2.54 vs. 2.35 days, p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was noted concerning in-hospital charges between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: CD patients undergoing TKA experienced increased LOS and postoperative complications. However, these complications were minor and did not affect total hospital cost. Further prospective cohort studies could build upon the findings described to continue to maximize outcomes in CD patients undergoing TKA, which might extend to other cohorts.

Usage of Tranexamic Acid for Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Matched Cohort Analysis of 144,344 Patients.

Background: The literature is inconclusive regarding the potential complications of tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic drug, for total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study is to compare complication rates and patient outcomes between THA patients administered TXA vs. THA patients not administered TXA. Methods: The TriNetX Research network was utilized to generate a cohort of adult patients who underwent THA between 2003 and 2024. These patients were categorized into two subgroups for the retrospective analysis: (1) patients who received TXA 24 h prior to THA (TXA), and (2) patients who did not receive TXA 24 h prior to total hip arthroplasty (no-TXA). The follow-up period was 30 and 90 days. Results: At 30 days following THA, the TXA patients had a reduced risk of transfusion (risk ratio (RR): 0.412; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.374, 0.453), reduced risk of DVT (RR: 0.856; CI: 0.768, 0.953), reduced risk of joint infection (RR: 0.808; CI: 0.710, 0.920), but a higher rate of periprosthetic fracture (RR: 1.234; CI: 1.065, 1.429) compared to patients who did not receive TXA. At 90 days following THA, TXA patients had a reduced risk of transfusion (RR: 0.446; CI: 0.408, 0.487), DVT (RR: 0.847; CI: 0.776, 0.924), and periprosthetic joint infection (RR: 0.894; CI: 0.815, 0.982) compared to patients who did not receive TXA. Patients who received TXA had higher rates of periprosthetic fracture (RR: 1.219; CI: 1.088, 1.365), acute postoperative anemia (RR: 1.222; CI: 1.171, 1.276), deep surgical site infection (SSI) (RR: 1.706; CI: 1.117, 2.605), and superficial SSI (RR: 1.950; CI: 1.567, 2.428) compared to patients who did not receive TXA. Conclusions: Patients receiving TXA prior to THA exhibited significantly reduced the prevalence of blood transfusions, DVT, and periprosthetic joint infection following THA. However, superficial SSI and periprosthetic fracture were seen with higher rates in the TXA cohort than in the no-TXA cohort.

Predictors of Higher Costs Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Objectives: The rising popularity of reverse total shoulder arthroplasties (RTSA) demands attention to its growing costs on the healthcare system, especially with the implementation of bundled payments. Charges associated with patients' inpatient stays can be mitigated with a better understanding of the drivers of cost following RTSA. In this study, we evaluate potential pre-operative and post-operative factors associated with higher inpatient costs following RTSA. Methods: We identified 59,925 patients who underwent RTSA using the National Inpatient Sample between 2016 and 2019. Total inpatient hospital charges were collected, and patients were divided into "normal cost" or "high cost" groups. The high cost group was defined as patients with total costs greater than the 75th percentile. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on pre-operative demographic and comorbidity variables as well as post-operative surgical and medical complications to predict factors associated with higher costs. T-tests and Chi-squared tests were performed, and odds ratios were calculated. Results: The mean total charges were $141.213.93 in the high cost group and $59,181.94 in the normal cost group. Following multivariate analysis, non-white patients were associated with higher costs by 1.31-fold (P<0.001), but sex and age were not. Cirrhosis and non-elective admission had higher odds of higher costs by 1.56-fold (P<0.001) and 3.13-fold (P<0.001), respectively. Among surgical complications, there were higher odds of high costs for periprosthetic infection by 2.43-fold (P<0.001), periprosthetic mechanical complication by 1.28-fold (P<0.001), and periprosthetic fracture by 1.56-fold (P<0.001). Medical complications generally had higher odds of high costs than surgical complications, with deep vein thrombosis having nearly five times (P<0.001) and myocardial infarction almost four times (P<0.001) higher odds of high inpatient costs. Conclusion: Post-operative medical complications were the most predictive factors of higher cost following RTSA. Pre-operative optimization to prevent infection and medical complications is imperative to mitigate the economic burden of RTSA's.

Factors that influence the mortality of patients following hip hemiarthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Hip hemiarthroplasty (HHA) is one of the most common types of orthopedic surgery. With the prevalence and utilization of the surgery increasing year after year, this procedure is found to be associated with severe postoperative complications and eventually mortality. Thus, it is crucial to understand the factors that increase the risk of mortality following HHA. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, patients undergoing HHA from 2016 to 2019 were identified. This sample was stratified into a mortality group and a control group. The data regarding patients' demographics, co-morbidities, and associated complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Of the 84,067 patients who underwent the HHA procedures, 1,327 (1.6%) patients died. Additionally, the mortality group had a higher percentage of patients who were non-electively admitted (P < 0.001) and diabetic patients with complications (P < 0.001), but lower incidences of tobacco-related disorders (P < 0.001). Significant differences were also seen in age (P < 0.001), length of stay (P < 0.001), and total charges (P < 0.001) between the two groups. Preoperatively, those aged > 70 years (OR: 2.11, 95% CI [1.74, 2.56], P < 0.001) had diabetes without complications (OR: 0.32, 95% CI [0.23, 0.44], P < 0.001), tobacco-related disorders (OR: 0.24, 95% CI [0.17, 0.34], P < 0.001) and increased rates of mortality after HHA. Postoperatively, conditions, such as pulmonary embolisms (OR: 6.62, 95% CI [5.07, 8.65], P < 0.001), acute renal failure (OR: 4.58 95% CI [4.09, 5.13], P < 0.001), pneumonia (95% CI [2.72, 3.83], P < 0.001), and myocardial infarctions (OR: 2.65, 95% CI [1.80, 3.92], P < 0.001) increased likelihood of death after undergoing HHA. Patients who were electively admitted (OR: 0.46 95% CI [0.35, 0.61], P < 0.001) had preoperative obesity (OR: 0.67, 95% CI [0.44, 0.84], P = 0.002), and a periprosthetic dislocation (OR: 0.51, 95% CI [0.31, 0.83], P = 0.007) and were found to have a decreased risk of mortality following THA. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of pre- and postoperative complications relating to HHA revealed that several comorbidities and postoperative complications increased the odds of mortality. Old age, pulmonary embolisms, acute renal failure, pneumonia, and myocardial infraction enhanced the odds of post-HHA mortality.

What are the predisposing factors for periprosthetic fractures following total hip arthroplasty? - a National Inpatient Sample-based study.

INTRODUCTION: With a progressive rise in the number of total hip arthroplasties (THA) over the past decades, the proportion of patients sustaining peri-prosthetic fractures (PPF) has been substantially increasing. In this context, the need for clearly understanding the factors predisposing patients to PPF following THA and the impact of these adverse complications on the overall healthcare burden cannot be understated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based upon the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, the patients who underwent THA in the United States between 2016 and2019 (with ICD-10 CMP code) were identified. The patients were divided into 2 groups; group A - patients who sustained PPF and group B - those who did not. The information about the patients' demographic profile, medical comorbidities; and hospital admission (including length of stay and expenditure incurred) were analysed; and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Overall, 367,890 patients underwent THA, among whom 4,425 (1.2%) sustained PPF (group A). The remaining patients were classified under group B (363,465 patients). On the basis of multi-variate analysis (MVA), there was a significantly greater proportion of females, elderly patients, and emergent admissions (p < 0.001) in group A. The length of hospital stay, expenditure incurred and mortality were also significantly higher (p = 0.001) in group A. Based on MVA, Down's syndrome (odd's ratio 3.15, p = 0.01), H/O colostomy (odd's ratio 2.09, p = 0.008), liver cirrhosis (odd's ratio 2.01, p < 0.001), Parkinson's disease (odd's ratio 1.49, p = 0.004), morbid obesity (odd's ratio 1.44, p < 0.001), super obesity (odd's ratio 1.49, p = 0.03), and H/O CABG (coronary artery bypass graft; odd's ratio 1.21, p = 0.03) demonstrated significant association with PPF (group A). CONCLUSION: Patients with PPF require higher rates of emergent admission, longer hospital stay and greater admission-related expenditure. Female sex, advanced age, morbid or super obesity, and presence of medical comorbidities (such as Down's syndrome, cirrhosis, Parkinson's disease, previous colostomy, and previous CABG) significantly enhance the risk of PPF after THA. These medical conditions must be kept in clinicians' minds and close follow-up needs to be implemented in such situations so as to mitigate these complications.

Cardiac interventions on total knee arthroplasty: a national inpatient sample-based analysis.

BACKGROUND: Comorbid cardiovascular diseases have been associated with poor outcomes in total knee arthroplasty (TKA); however, our understanding of TKA with prior cardiac treatment procedures has largely been undocumented. In this study, we examined TKA patients who had undergone different cardiac interventions that addressed their condition. The purpose was to characterize and compare outcomes for a growing patient population not yet analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2016-2019 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried for 558,256 patients who had TKA (ICD-10CM). Backgrounds significant for pacemaker [PM] (n = 8025), coronary artery bypass [CABG] (n = 12,683), heart valve surgery [HV] (n = 4125), or coronary stent [CS] (n = 19,483) were compared against those without, across demographics, admission information, and various complications. RESULTS: Cardiac interventions were associated with increased age, male gender, length of stay, and cost of care. CABG, and Stent groups had more diabetics, but HV had significantly fewer (p = 0.008). PM and HV had significantly less tobacco use and, in addition to CABG, less obesity. Postoperatively, mortality was elevated in the PM [Odds ratio (OR) 2.89, p = 0.008], CABG (OR 2.53, p = 0.006) and CS group (OR 1.94, p = 0.018), but not HV. Myocardial infarctions were elevated in the CABG (OR 3.874) and CS group (OR 5.11) (p < 0.001). PM, HV, and CS had increased odds of periprosthetic fracture by 2.15-fold (p < 0.001), 2.09-fold (p < 0.001), 1.29-fold (p = 0.011) respectively. HV saw increased periprosthetic mechanical complications (OR 1.48, p = 0.006). CABG increased the odds of deep surgical site infection 14.23-fold and CS 9.22-fold (p < 0.001). Postoperative pneumonia was increased in PM, CABG, and CS groups (OR 2.15,), (OR 2.21,), (OR 1.64,) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have undergone cardiac intervention are generally at risk for adverse stays. Furthermore, risk factors and complications vary between the groups. Our analysis emphasizes the importance of individualized medical care and as a basis for electing and informing patients for TKA.

Patient disposition after discharge following primary total hip arthroplasty: home versus skilled nursing facility-a study based on national inpatient sample database.

INTRODUCTION: In view of the shortened length of hospital stay following THA, an increasing proportion of patients have required transfer to "extended-care" (ECF) or "skilled nursing" facilities (SNF) over the past years. As a result, the expenditure related to postoperative care facility has been acknowledged as a crucial component of total economic burden associated with THA. In this context, the clinical and demographic factors leading to the need for transfer of patients to SNF following primary THA need to be clearly understood. METHODS: The NIS database was utilised to identify the patients, who underwent primary THA between 2016 and 2019. The patients were then grouped under two categories: group A-patients who required post-THA transfer to SNF; and group B-those who were discharged home. The details regarding patients' demographic profile, medical comorbidities and complication profile during the perioperative period were recorded; and compared between groups A and B. RESULTS: Based on the database, 368,431 patients underwent primary THA between 2016 and 2019; among whom, 67,498 (18.3%) were transferred to SNF (group A) following the surgery. Among the various comorbidities evaluated [on multivariate analysis (MVA)], uncomplicated DM (OR 1.45; p < 0.001), CKD (OR 1.47; p < 0.001), cirrhosis (OR 1.83; p < 0.001), Parkinson's disease (OR 3.94; p < 0.001), previous H/O dialysis (OR 2.84; p < 0.001), colostomy (OR 2.03; p < 0.001) or organ transplant (OR 1.42; p < 0.001); morbid obesity (OR 1.72; p < 0.001), cocaine abuse (OR 1.76; p < 0.001); and legal blindness (OR 2.58; p < 0.001) were associated with significantly greater need for post-THA transfer to SNF. Among the systemic complications reviewed (on MVA), pneumonia (odds ratio 3.2; p < 0.001), DVT (odds ratio 2.58; p < 0.001), higher need for blood transfusions (odds ratio 2.55; p < 0.001), ARF (odds ratio 2.32; p < 0.001), MI (odds ratio 2.2; p < 0.001), anaemia (odds ratio 1.65; p = 0.002) and PE (odds ratio 1.56; p < 0.001) significantly raised the probability of need for higher discharge destinations. In addition, prosthesis-related local complications such as prosthetic dislocation (OR 1.59; p < 0.001), fracture (OR 2.64; p < 0.001) or early peri-prosthetic infection (PPI; OR 1.71; p = 0.01) also necessitated specialised facilities of care following THA. CONCLUSION: We could observe that 0.2% of patients required transfer to SNF following primary THA. Comorbidities such as Parkinson's disease, previous H/O dialysis, legal blindness and H/O colostomy had the highest odds of necessitating patient disposition to SNF. The occurrence of one or more systemic complications including pneumonia, DVT, ARF, MI, PE, and blood loss anaemia (or need for blood transfusion) or local prosthesis-related complications (dislocation, fracture or infections) substantially increased the chances of requiring transfer to a specialised care facility.

Factors that increase the rate of periprosthetic dislocation after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is considered one of the greatest technological innovations in shoulder reconstruction surgery, as evidenced by the fact its growth rate of usage is greatest among all shoulder arthroplasties. However, like all arthroplasties, a post-surgical complication often arises. One of these complications, periprosthetic dislocation (PPD), requires revision and poses, therefore, a burden on both patients and healthcare providers. While PPD is understood to be a complication of RSA, it is unclear to what extent certain risk factors and co-morbidities predispose patients to post-RSA PPD. The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate the impact of specific risk factors and co-morbidities that contribute to the development of PPD following RSA. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016-2019 to analyze the prevalence and impact of various risk factors and co-morbidities on the incidence of PPD following RSA. A univariate and subsequent multivariate logistic regression model was made to provide a descriptive association between variables that impact the rates of PPD after RSA. RESULTS: The NIS database identified 59,925 patients, 1,000 of whom experienced a PPD while the remaining 58,825 were placed in the non-PPD group (controls). The PPD group consisted predominantly of females (53.10%) and Caucasians (86.30%). There was a higher incidence of tobacco-related disorders (P = 0.003), obesity (P < 0.001), morbid obesity (P < 0.001), liver cirrhosis (P < 0.001), and Parkinson's disease (PD) (P < 0.001) in PPD patients compared to controls. Young patients had a 1.89-fold increased odds (OR: 1.89, 95% CI [1.58, 2.26], P < 0.001), patients with tobacco-related disorders had decreased odds (OR: 0.80, 95% CI [0.67, 0.97], P = 0.02), morbidly obese patients had 1.50 times the odds (OR: 1.50, 95% CI [1.14, 1.97]), liver cirrhosis patients had 2.67-fold increased odds (OR: 2.67, 95% CI [1.55, 4.60], P < 0.001), and Parkinson's disease patients had 2.66 times the odds (OR: 2.66, 95% CI [1.78, 3.96], P < 0.001) to develop PPD following RSA compared to patients who did not have the corresponding condition. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with specific risk factors and co-morbidities are predisposed to developing PPD after RSA. Risk factors that were found to be associated with a higher incidence of PPD are gender (female), race (Caucasian), and age (young patients). Analysis revealed the history of tobacco-related disorder, obesity, morbid obesity, liver cirrhosis, and Parkinson's disease increased the odds of developing PPD following RSA. These findings can inform both healthcare providers and patients to improve RSA surgical outcomes and tailor post-surgery recovery programs to fit the patient's needs.

Uncemented Hemiarthroplasty in Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures is associated with Higher Perioperative Surgical Complications but Lower Medical Complications: Analysis from the National Inpatient Database.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze and compare the perioperative outcomes of cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with displaced femoral neck fractures by utilizing the data from the National Inpatient Sample database. Methods: Data from the National Inpatient Sample Database was analyzed to identify patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty following a displaced femoral neck fracture (cemented and uncemented. Demographic data, comorbidities, length of stay, total charges, and perioperative complications were analyzed. Results: 27390 patients were identified in the cemented group and 29406 in the uncemented group. The patients who underwent uncemented hemiarthroplasty demonstrated a higher incidence of prosthetic dislocation (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.348, p < 0.001), periprosthetic mechanical complications (OR 2.597, p < 0.001), wound dehiscence (OR 2.883, p < 0.001), superficial surgical site infection (OR 2.396, p = 0.043), deep surgical site infection (OR 1.686, p < 0.001), and periprosthetic fractures (OR 2.292, p < 0.001) as compared with patients who underwent cemented hemiarthroplasty. However, patients with uncemented fixation demonstrated a lower incidence of death (OR 0.567, p < 0.001), pulmonary embolism (OR 0.565, p < 0.001), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (OR 0.746, p < 0.001), myocardial infarction (OR 0.772, p = 0.025) and blood loss anemia (OR 0.869, p < 0.001) as compared with cemented fixation. Conclusion: Our study on displaced femoral neck fractures utilizing the National Inpatient database found that uncemented hemiarthroplasty was associated with a higher incidence of perioperative surgical complications. Cemented hemiarthroplasty, however, was associated with a statistically significant higher rate of death, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and myocardial infarction.

Total knee arthroplasty in dialysis patients: a national in-patient sample-based study of perioperative complications.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing disease that affects millions of people in the USA every year. Many CKD patients progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), necessitating the use of hemodialysis to alleviate symptoms and manage kidney function. Furthermore, many of these patients have lower bone quality and experience more postoperative complications. However, there is currently limited information on hospitalization information and perioperative complications in this population following procedures such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to assess the patient characteristics, demographics, and prevalence of postoperative problems among dialysis patients who received TKA. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from 2016 to 2019 to analyze the incidence of perioperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and the cost of care (COC) among patients undergoing TKA who were categorized as dialysis patients, compared with those who were not. Propensity matching was conducted to consider associated factors that may influence perioperative complications. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2019, 558,371 patients underwent TKAs, according to the National In-Sample (NIS) database. Of those, 418 patients (0.1%) were in the dialysis group, while the remaining 557,953 patients were included in the control group. The mean age of the dialysis group was 65.4 ± 9.8 years, and the mean age in the control group was 66.7 ± 9.5 years (p = 0.006). After propensity matching, dialysis group patients had a higher risk of receiving blood transfusions [odds ratio (OR): 2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2, 3.4] and a significantly larger COC in comparison to those in the control group (91,434.3 USD versus 71,943.6 USD, p < 0.001). In addition, dialysis patients had significantly higher discharges to another facility, as compared with the control group patients. CONCLUSIONS: The dialysis group had a significantly higher cost of care, higher rates of requiring blood transfusion, and more cases of being discharged to another facility than non-dialysis patients. This data will help providers make informed decisions about patient care and resource allocation for dialysis patients undergoing TKA.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Nonagenarians - NIS-based study of perioperative and postoperative complications.

Purpose: Our aim is to investigate the length of stay (LOS), cost of care (COC) and postoperative complications associated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in nonagenarians (people aged 90-99 years old). Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify 59,925 patients who underwent RSA between 2016 and 2019, including 555 nonagenarians. We investigated the incidences of various medical and orthopedic postoperative complications in nonagenarians compared to their younger counterparts, as well as compared nonagenarians undergoing elective and non-elective surgery. Results: Nonagenarians were less likely admitted for elective surgery (69.9% in nonagenarians vs 92.8% in controls, p < 0.001) and were subject to longer LOS (3.5 days in nonagenarians vs 1.89 days in controls, p < 0.001) and greater COC ($91,794.69 US in nonagenarians vs $79,574.12 US in controls, p < 0.001). Nonagenarians had increased incidences of hospital mortality (0.72% in nonagenarians vs 0.06% in controls, p < 0.001), pneumonia (1.44% in nonagenarians vs 0.37% in controls, p < 0.001), blood loss anemia (22.34% in nonagenarians vs 10.12% in controls, p < 0.001), and ARF (6.85% in nonagenarians vs 2.18% in controls, p < 0.001). Nonagenarians undergoing elective RSA had fewer complications than those requiring non-elective RSA. Conclusion: Nonagenarians undergoing RSA are subject to increased LOS, COC, and postoperative complications. Despite this, we feel that the associated complications can be deemed acceptable and that with adequate preparation, the benefits of a successful RSA may outweigh the associated complications in elderly patients. This is important to aid clinicians and patients in making informed decisions for patient care and resource allocation, as well as highlights room for improvement in costs and hospital stay, as well as sheds light on persistent health disparities in orthopedic surgery. Level of evidence: IV.

Patient Characteristics, Length of Stay, Cost of Care, and Complications in Super-Obese Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: A National Database Study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative complication rates in super-obese (SO) patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 50 kg/m2 undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus non-super-obese (NSO) patients undergoing THA. Methods: In this retrospective study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, 1,646 cases of THA in SO (BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2) patients were reviewed. We used International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes to assess postoperative variables including length of stay, cost of care (cost of inpatient hospitalization), and medical and surgical complications among SO patients undergoing THA compared to NSO patients before being discharged. Results: A comparison of demographic variables showed there were more women in both groups and nearly 17.2% of SO patients were diabetic patients, 11.1% of SO patients were tobacco users, and 74.8% of the SO patients were whites (African American, 15.1%; Hispanic, 2.9%). The mean length of stay was 3.43 days in the SO group and 2.32 days in the NSO group, and this difference was statistically significant. The cost of care was $79,784.64 for the SO group, which was significantly higher than $66,821.75 for the NSO group. The SO group also showed higher odds of developing medical complications such as anemia (odds ratio [OR], 1.555; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.395-1.734; p < 0.001), acute renal failure (OR, 3.375; 95% CI, 2.816-4.045; p < 0.001), pneumonia (OR, 2.319; 95% CI, 1.241-4.331; p = 0.014), and need for blood transfusion (OR, 1.596; 95% CI, 1.289-1.975; p < 0.001). The SO patients also showed a higher risk of several postoperative surgical complications such as periprosthetic fractures, infection, and wound dehiscence. Conclusions: Postoperative complication rates in SO patients were higher than those in the NSO group. Length of stay and cost of care were higher, whereas the mean age was lower for the SO group. Therefore, THA in SO patients should be undertaken only after careful consideration and preferably in a tertiary facility capable of handling all medical and surgical in-hospital complications.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Nonagenarians - A National In-Patient Sample-Based Study of Perioperative Complications.

Background: Nonagenarians are a rapidly expanding population in the United States. These patients are met with increasing rates of hip arthritis, necessitating the need for total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, there is currently limited information on hospitalization information and perioperative complications in this population. Methods: In this retrospective study, we used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016-2019 to analyze the incidence of perioperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and the cost of care (COC) among patients undergoing THAs who were categorized as nonagenarians, and those who were not. Results: The NIS database identified 309 100 patients who underwent THAs from 2016-2019. Of those, 1864 patients (.6%) were nonagenarian, while the remaining 307 236 patients were included under the non-nonagenarian category (control). The mean age in the nonagenarian group was 90 years compared to the control group which had a mean age of 65.8 years. There was an increased incidence of mortality rate (nonagenarian group .2%, control group .03%, P < .001), myocardial infarction (MI) (nonagenarian group .1%, control group .02%, P = .01), acute renal failure (ARF) (nonagenarian group 5.4%, control group 1.6%, P < .001), blood anemia post-operatively (nonagenarian group 28.9%, control group 17.2%, P < .001), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (nonagenarian group .48%, control group .07%, P < .001) in the nonagenarian group. The COC for the nonagenarian group was higher than that in the control group (P < .001). The mean LOS was longer in the nonagenarian group (3.1 days) in comparison to the control group (1.96 days) (P < .001). Conclusions: Nonagenarians had significantly higher rates of both orthopedics and medical complications than the younger patients undergoing THAs. In addition, the nonagenarian group incurred higher COC. This information is useful for the providers to make informed decisions regarding patient care and resource utilization for nonagenarian patients undergoing THAs.

Postoperative complications of spinal vs general anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Elderly patients with hip fractures are at high risk for mortality due to postsurgical complications. Hip hemiarthroplasty is a routine procedure done in elderly patients for surgical repair  of femoral neck fractures. Both general and spinal anesthesia can be used in elderly patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty. Rates of postoperative complications among the two anesthetic choices have not been directly compared. In this study, we compare the rates of postoperative complications in elderly patients (age greater than 70) undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures using a national database. METHODS: Data for the years 2015-2020 from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) were used for the study. Patients greater than 70 years of age who received a hip hemiarthroplasty with general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia were identified using CPT procedure codes. Pertinent preoperative variables and rates of postoperative complications were characterized and analyzed. RESULTS: Our study found that elderly patients who received spinal anesthesia had, on average, longer length of stays but shorter operative times compared to patients who received general anesthesia. Furthermore, we found that patients who received spinal anesthesia had lower rates of systemic sepsis, cardiac arrests, and blood transfusions when compared to patients who received general anesthesia. Finally, we found that overall rates of mortality were significantly lower in the spinal anesthesia cohort compared to the general anesthesia cohort. CONCLUSION: Our work suggests that patients who underwent spinal anesthesia for hip arthroplasty may have lower rates of postoperative complications. This work further highlights the role of anesthetic choice in preventing complications following hip hemiarthroplasty procedures.

What enhances the in-hospital mortality following total hip arthroplasty? A national inpatient sample-based study.

PURPOSE: With prolonged life expectancy and advancements in prosthetic designs, the proportion of patients belonging to diverse age groups undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) has progressively increased. In this context, the details regarding risk factors associated with mortality after THA, and its prevalence need to be clearly understood. This study sought to identify the possible co-morbidities associated with post-THA mortality. METHODS: Based on Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, patients undergoing THA from 2016 to 2019 (using ICD-10CMP) were identified. The included cohort was stratified into two groups: "early mortality" and "no mortality" groups. The data regarding patients' demographics, co-morbidities, and associated complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Overall, 337,249 patients underwent THA, among whom, 332 (0.1%) died during their hospital admission ("early mortality" group). The remaining patients were included under "no mortality" group (336,917 patients). There was significantly higher mortality in the patients, who underwent emergent THA (as compared with elective THA: odd's ratio 0.075; p < 0.001). Based on multivariate analysis, presence of liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and previous history of organ transplant increased the odds of mortality {odds ratio [Exp (B)]} after THA by 4.66- (p < 0.001), 2.37-fold (p < 0.001) and 1.91-fold (p = 0.04), respectively. Among post-THA complications, acute renal failure (ARF), pulmonary embolism (PE), pneumonia, myocardial infarction (MI), and prosthetic dislocation increased the odds of post-THA mortality by 20.64-fold (p < 0.001), 19.35-fold (p < 0.001), 8.21-fold (p < 0.001), 2.71-fold (p = 0.05) and 2.54-fold (p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: THA is a safe surgery with low mortality rate during early post-operative period. Cirrhosis, CKD, and previous history of organ transplant were the most common co-morbidities associated with post-THA mortality. Among post-operative complications, ARF, PE, pneumonia, MI, and prosthetic dislocation substantially enhanced the odds of post-THA mortality.

Cost and Early Complication Analysis Following Total Hip Arthroplasty in Parkinson's Disease Patients: A Propensity-matched Database Study.

Background: Parkinson's Disease is a well-known neuromuscular disorder, which affects the stability and gait of elderly patients. With the progressive increase in the life span of patients with PD, the problem of degenerative arthritis and the consequent need for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in this cohort are rising. There is paucity of data in the existing literature regarding the healthcare costs and overall outcome following THA in PD patients. The current study was planned to assess the hospital expenditure, details regarding hospital stay, and complication rates for patients with PD, who underwent THA. Methods: We investigated the National Inpatient Sample data to identify PD patients, who underwent hip arthroplasty from 2016 to 2019. Using propensity score, PD patients were matched 1:1 to patients without PD by age, gender, non-elective admission, tobacco use, diabetes, and obesity. Chi-square and T-tests were used for analyzing categorical and non-categorical variables, respectively (Fischer-Exact test was employed for values<5). Results: Overall, 367,890 (1927 patients with PD) THAs were performed between 2016 and 2019. Before matching, PD group had significantly greater proportion of older patients, males, and non-elective admissions for THA (P<0.001). After matching, PD group had higher total hospital costs, longer hospital stay, greater blood loss anemia, and prosthetic dislocation (P<0.001). The in-hospital mortality was similar between the two groups. Conclusion: Patients with PD undergoing THA required greater proportion of emergent hospital admissions. Based on our study, the diagnosis of PD showed significant association with greater cost of care, longer hospital stay, and higher post-operative complications.

How does sickle cell disease affect the peri-operative outcome in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty? A large-scale, National Inpatient Sample-based study.

INTRODUCTION: In view of the vaso-occlusive pathophysiology affecting osseous micro-circulation, sickle cell disease (SCD) is well known to present with diverse skeletal and arthritic manifestations. With prolonged life-expectancy over the past decades, there has been a progressive increase in the proportion of SCD patients requiring joint reconstructions. Owing to the paucity of evidence in the literature, the post-operative complication rates and outcome in these patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are still largely unknown. METHODS: Based on the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (using ICD-10 CMP code), patients who underwent TKA between 2016 and 2019 were identified. The cohort were classified into two groups: A-those with SCD; and B-those without. The data on patients' demographics, co-morbidities, details regarding hospital stay including expenditure incurred, and complications were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Overall, 558,361 patients underwent unilateral, primary TKA; among whom, 493 (0.1%) were known cases of SCD (group A). Group A included a significantly greater proportion of younger (60.14 ± 10.87 vs 66.72 ± 9.50 years; p < 0.001), male (77.3 vs 61.5%; p < 0.001); and African-American (88.2 vs 8.3%B; p < 0.001) patients, in comparison with group B. Group A patients were also at a significantly higher risk for longer duration of peri-operative hospital stay (p < 0.001), greater health-care costs incurred (p < 0.001), and greater need for alternative step-down health-care facilities (p < 0.001) following discharge. Among the SCD patients, 24.7%, 20.9% and 24.9% developed acute chest syndrome, pain crisis and splenic sequestration crisis, respectively during the peri-operative period. Group A patients had a statistically greater incidence of acute renal failure (ARF; p = 0.014), need for blood transfusion (p < 0.001) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT; p = 0.03) during the early admission period. CONCLUSION: The presence of SCD substantially lengthens the duration of hospital stay and enhances health care-associated expenditure in patients undergoing TKA. SCD patients are at significantly higher risk for systemic complications including acute chest syndrome, pain crisis, splenic sequestration crisis, acute renal failure, higher need for blood transfusions and deep venous thrombosis during the initial peri-operative period following TKA.

How does systemic lupus erythematosus impact the peri-operative complication rates in primary hip arthroplasty? A national inpatient sample-based study.

INTRODUCTION: With prolonged life expectancy, the number of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) has substantially increased over the past years. The post-operative outcome and complications in SLE are less clearly understood than other inflammatory diseases, due to limited availability of evidence within the literature. METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, patients who underwent THA between 2016 and 2019 were identified (ICD-10 CMP code). Patients were then classified into one of the two groups, namely those with SLE (ICD-10-CM; code710.0) or those without SLE (NSLE). Data regarding demographic details, co-morbidities, details regarding hospital stay, expenditure incurred, and complications encountered were analyzed, and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Overall, among 367,894 patients undergoing THA, 1684 (0.5%) had SLE. Mean age of SLE (57.3 ± 14.5 years) patients undergoing THA was significantly lower than NSLE (65.9 ± 11.4 years) population (p = 0.001). There was a greater proportion of female patients in SLE group [89.6% (SLE) vs 55.8% (NSLE); p = 0.001]. SLE patients had a greater incidence of emergent hospital admissions (p = 0.04), longer hospital stay (p = 0.001), and higher hospital-related expenditure (p = 0.001). Among the peri-operative complications, SLE patients had significantly greater risk of developing post-operative anemia (p = 0.001), need for blood transfusion (p = 0.001), peri-prosthetic mechanical complications (p = 0.04), and prosthetic dislocations (p = 0.001). There was also a greater incidence of peri-prosthetic infections in the SLE group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The presence of SLE significantly lengthens hospital stay and augments healthcare-related costs in patients undergoing THA. The three main complications which may significantly affect the post-operative course of these patients include higher rates of post-operative anemia, peri-prosthetic infections, and early prosthetic dislocations.

Analysis of Baseline Characteristics, Length of Stay, Cost of Care, Complications and Subgroup Analysis of Patients Undergoing Total Ankle Arthroplasty-A Large Database Study.

Although total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is becoming a progressively common procedure with a reported 10-fold increase in its prevalence over the past 2 decades; there is still limited large-scale data regarding its overall outcome. Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, patients who underwent TAA between 2016 and 2019 were identified (ICD-10 CMP code). Data regarding demographic details, co-morbidities, geographic locations of procedure, hospital stay, expenditure incurred, and complications encountered were analyzed. Additionally, a comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of multiple preoperative variables (including gender, diabetes, obesity, CKD and tobacco abuse) on the patient outcome. Overall, 5087 patients (mean age: 65.1 years, 54% males, 85% Caucasians, 75% from large metropolitan regions) underwent TAA. Eighty eight percent of patients were discharged to home; and the mean length of hospital stay and hospital-related expenditure were 1.7 ± 1.41 days and $92,304.5 ± 50,794.1, respectively. The overall complication rate was 8.39% {commonest medical complications: anemia [131 (2.6%) patients) and acute renal failure [37 (0.7%) patients]; commonest local complication: periprosthetic mechanical adversities [90 (1.7%) patients]}. Female and CKD patients demonstrated significantly higher risks of medical (female: p = .003; CKD: p < .001) and surgical (female: p = .005; CKD: p < .019) complications; while obesity substantially enhanced the risk of medical adversities (p < .001). Based on our study, we could conclude that the rates of TAA in the United States are on the rise, especially in regions with population greater than 250,000. TAA is a safe procedure with relatively low complication rates. The complications and hospital-associated expenditure seem to vary between different patient subgroups.