Does an Elastic Compression Bandage Provide Any Benefit After Primary TKA?

BACKGROUND: Compression bandages often are used after TKA to reduce swelling. However, the degree to which they are helpful has not been well characterized. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether use of a compression bandage after TKA was associated with (1) less leg swelling (our primary endpoint); or (2) secondary study endpoints, including improved ROM of flexion and extension, lower visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores for worst pain and pain during physical therapy just before surgery, postoperative day (POD) 1, POD 2, and POD 28, or fewer wound complications within 90 days of surgery. METHODS: A prospective, single-center, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted on 51 patients undergoing simultaneous, bilateral, primary TKA between February 2015 and August 2016. Patients were excluded if they had a body mass index > 40 kg/m, a history of a venous thromboembolic event, an allergy to the dressing or compression bandage, or lymphedema in one or both legs. Participants averaged a mean age of 62 years (range, 40-83 years). In all patients, we released the tourniquet after full wound closure, and we applied an Aquacel dressing to both limbs. Patients were randomized by opaque envelope, and the compression bandage was applied to the randomized limb. For each leg, study personnel not involved in patient care measured the patients' limb circumference (thigh, knee, and tibia), ROM, and VAS pain scores 24 hours after surgery, 48 hours after surgery, and on POD 28. The minimal clinically important difference for circumference was 2 cm with a SD of 2 cm in the circumference. For VAS, it was 2 points with a SD of 2. For ROM, it was 10° with a SD of 15. We conservatively picked an effect size of 0.5 SD and assumed a correlation between limbs of 0.3. This set the power level at 0.80 with an α error of 0.05; thus, a power analysis for paired t-tests indicated that 45 patients would be an appropriate sample size. There were 29 patients randomized to the right leg group and 22 patients randomized to the left leg group. There were no differences between the limb with and without the compression bandage preoperatively. RESULTS: Postoperatively, there were no differences between the groups in terms of leg swelling at the thigh (POD 1: mean ± SD = 51 ± 6 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 51 ± 6 without compression bandage, mean Δ = - 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.65 to 0.37], p = 0.586; POD 2: mean ± SD = 53 ± 6 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 53 ± 7 without compression bandage, mean Δ = -0.22, 95% CI, -0.95 to 0.51, p = 0.548; POD 28: mean ± SD = 47 ± 6 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 47 ± 6 without compression bandage, mean Δ = -0.01, 95% CI, -0.39 to 0.38, p = 0.975), knee (POD 1: mean ± SD = 45 ± 4 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 45 ± 5 without compression bandage, mean Δ = -0.44, 95% CI, -1.16 to 0.28, p = 0.223; POD 2: mean ± SD = 46 ± 4 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 46 ± 4 without compression bandage, mean Δ = -0.30, 95% CI, -0.69 to 0.10, p = 0.137; POD 28: mean ± SD = 42 ± 5 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 42 ± 5 without compression bandage, mean Δ = 0.21, 95% CI, -0.34 to 0.76, p = 0.446), and shin (POD 1: mean ± SD = 40 ± 4 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 40 ± 4 without compression bandage, mean Δ = -0.22, 95% CI, -1.23 to 0.79, p = 0.659; POD 2: mean ± SD = 41 ± 4 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 41 ± 4 without compression bandage, mean Δ = -0.31, 95% CI, -0.72 to 0.09, p = 0.126; POD 28: mean ± SD = 37 ± 4 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 37 ± 4 without compression bandage, mean Δ = -0.34, 95% CI, -0.92 to 0.24, p = 0.246). There were no differences between the groups in terms of flexion ROM (POD 1: mean ± SD = 56 ± 25 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 58 ± 22 without compression bandage, mean Δ = -2.63, p = 0.234; POD 2: mean ± SD = 64 ± 20 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 63 ± 23 without compression bandage, mean Δ = 1.22, p = 0.534; POD 28: mean ± SD = 101 ± 20 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 102 ± 20 without compression bandage, mean Δ = -1.64, p = 0.103) and extension (POD 1: mean ± SD = 12 ± 7 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 12 ± 7 without compression bandage, mean Δ = 0.51, p = 0.328; POD 2: mean ± SD = 9 ± 5 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 10 ± 6 without compression bandage, mean Δ = -1.28, p = 0.061; POD 28: mean ± SD = 6 ± 14 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 4 ± 4 without compression bandage, mean Δ = 2.19, p = 0.252). With the numbers available, we observed greater maximal postoperative pain for the limb with the compression bandage than the control limb on POD 1 and POD 2, but not on POD 28 (POD 1: mean ± SD = 8 ± 3 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 7 ± 3 without compression bandage, mean Δ = 0.66, p = 0.030; POD 2: mean ± SD = 7 ± 2 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 7 ± 3 without compression bandage, mean Δ = 0.80, p = 0.008; POD 28: mean ± SD = 4 ± 3 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 3 ± 3 without compression bandage, mean Δ = 0.14, p = 0.526). Likewise, there was greater pain during physical therapy for the limb with the compression bandage than the limb without on POD 2, but not on POD 1 and POD 28 (POD 1: mean ± SD = 7 ± 3 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 6 ± 3 without compression bandage, mean Δ = 0.29, p = 0.460; POD 2: mean ± SD = 8 ± 2 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 7 ± 3 without compression bandage, mean Δ = 0.67, p = 0.018; POD 28: mean ± SD = 5 ± 2 with compression bandage versus mean ± SD = 5 ± 3 without compression bandage, mean Δ = 0.14, p = 0.600). With the numbers available, we observed no difference in 90-day wound healing complications between the limb with and the limb without the compression dressing; however, the sample size was too small to analyze this in a meaningful statistical way. Overall, there were 6% total wound complications in the compression bandage group and 12% total wound complications in the group without the compression bandage (odds ratio [OR], 0.47; p = 0.487). Drainage was not observed in the group with the compression bandage, whereas the group without the compression bandage had 6% drainage (OR, 0.00; p = 0.243). There were no deep infections or reoperations within 90 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Applying a compression bandage after TKA did not result in any clinical improvement in limb circumference, ROM, or pain. Based on this study, we believe that applying a compression bandage after TKA neither benefits nor harms the patient. Thus, we no longer use compression dressings for routine primary TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study.

The "Bundle Busters": Incidence and Costs of Postacute Complications Following Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a bundled payment model was implemented in the United States to improve quality and reduce costs. While hospitals may be rewarded for lowering costs, they may be financially exposed by high cost complications, the so-called bundle busters. We aimed at determining the incidence, etiology, and costs of postacute complications after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from January 2015 to April 2016. Nurse navigators performed postoperative surveillance to identify patients with complications and unplanned clinical events in the 90-day postoperative period. This was combined with episode-of-care costs provided by third-party payers to derive the mean and per capita costs of postacute complications and clinical events. RESULTS: Among 3018 THA and 5389 TKA patients, 3.35% of THA and 2.62% of TKA patients sought emergency department or urgent care services, 2.62% of THA and 3.69% of TKA patients required hospital readmission, and 3.99% of TKA patients required manipulation. Joint-related complications were more common following THA, whereas medical complications were more frequent after TKA. The most costly complications after THA were periprosthetic fracture, dislocation, and myocardial infarction, compared to deep infection, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary embolism after TKA. CONCLUSION: Joint-related complications were among the most costly events after TJA, and given their higher incidence after THA, had a larger impact on per capita costs. Medical complications were more common after TKA and more costly. Despite these events, postacute complications made up less than 5% of the total 90-day costs of TJA.

Periarticular Injection of Liposomal Bupivacaine Offers No Benefit Over Standard Bupivacaine in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Periarticular injection of liposomal bupivacaine has been adopted as part of multimodal pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, we enrolled 162 patients undergoing primary TKA in a single institution between January 2014 and May 2015. Eighty-seven patients were randomized to liposomal bupivacaine (experimental group), and 75 patients were randomized to free bupivacaine (control group). All patients received spinal anesthesia and otherwise identical surgical approaches, pain management, and rehabilitation protocols. Outcomes evaluated include the patient-reported visual analog pain scores, narcotic consumption, and narcotic-related side effects (Brief Pain Inventory) within 96 hours after surgery as well as functional outcomes using the Knee Society Score and the Short-Form 12 measured preoperatively and at 4-6 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of postoperative daily pain scores, narcotic consumption (by-day and overall), or narcotic-related side effects. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of surgical (P = .76) and medical complications or length of hospital stay (P = .35). There were no statistically significant differences in satisfaction between the groups (P = .56) or between the groups in postoperative Knee Society Score (P = .53) and the Short-Form 12 at 4-6 weeks (P = .82, P = .66). CONCLUSION: As part of multimodal pain management protocol, periarticular injection of liposomal bupivacaine compared with bupivacaine HCl did not result in any clinically or statistically significant improvement of the measured outcomes following TKA.

Urinary Retention is Rare After Total Joint Arthroplasty When Using Opioid-Free Regional Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a relatively common complication after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Based on the findings of a randomized, prospective study from our institution, we abandoned the routine use of indwelling urinary catheters in patients undergoing elective TJA using opioid-free spinal anesthesia. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of and the risk factors for POUR in this patient population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 842 consecutive patients underwent TJA between January 2012 and September 2014 using opioid-free spinal anesthesia in whom indwelling urinary catheters were not used. Postoperative urinary retention was defined as the inability of a patient to void that necessitated the placement of either an indwelling urinary catheter or straight catheterization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors for developing POUR. RESULTS: In this cohort, 79 patients (79/842; 9.3%) developed POUR. Independent risk factors for POUR were history of a benign prostatic hyperplasia (P = .02), renal disease (P = .001), longer operative time (P = .003), and age older than 67 years (P = .02). No patients in this cohort developed neurogenic bladder. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that the routine use of indwelling urinary catheters for patients undergoing TJA using an opioid-free spinal anesthesia may not be warranted. Urinary catheters may be used selectively in patients at risk for subsequent urinary retention.

Are Preoperative Serologic Type and Screen Tests Necessary for Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients in Specialty Surgical Hospitals?

BACKGROUND: Blood loss during total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has been a major concern requiring routine preoperative patient type and screen (T&S); however, with the implementation of blood conserving therapy, a marked decrease for perioperative transfusions has been observed. Many TJAs are now being performed in T&S mandated specialty surgical hospitals (SSHs) that lack on-site blood banks; therefore, the purpose of our study was to determine whether T&S (1) is necessary in SSH for TJA patients and (2) identifies patient risk factors associated with perioperative blood transfusion in SSH. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 1034 consecutive primary TJAs performed between 2013 and 2014 at a 12-bed SSH who all received T&S. Patients were matched (1:1) to 964 inpatient TJA patients performed at a university hospital without routine T&S. Data on surgery type, patient demographics, hemoglobin and hematocrit results, and transfusion rates were collected. Multivariate logistic regression identified perioperative transfusion risk factors. RESULTS: Overall transfusion rates for the matched SSH (1.8% [17/964]) and university hospital populations (2.9% [28/964]) were similar (P = .13), with no emergent transfusions. SSH transfusion rates for simultaneous bilateral THA, simultaneous bilateral TKA, unilateral THA, and unilateral TKA were 21.1% (4/19), 3.1% (4/128), 2.7% (12/439), and 0.0% (0/448), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression identified unilateral THA (P ≤ .001), simultaneous bilateral TJA (P = .001), age (P = .05), and abnormal preoperative hemoglobin (P = .02) as significant transfusion risk factors at SSH. CONCLUSION: Due to low transfusion rates and lack of emergency transfusions, we recommend routinely ordering T&S for bilateral THA but not for unilateral TJA patients, at SSHs.

Cardiogenic and obstructive shock: primary laryngeal synovial sarcoma with cardiac metastasis.

A man in his 20s with a history of laryngeal synovial sarcoma presented with dyspnoea. Imaging revealed a large right ventricular (RV) mass, which was resected, and histological analysis indicated synovial sarcoma recurrence. Within 1 month of RV mass resection, the tumour progressed with paratracheal metastasis. The lumen was nearly obliterated, and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction led to rapid deterioration with mixed cardiogenic and obstructive shock. We present a rare case of primary laryngeal synovial sarcoma metastasising to the heart.

Integrating the Principles and Practice of Scholarly Activity Into Undergraduate Medical Education: A Narrative Review and Proposed Model for Implementation.

The osteopathic undergraduate medical education standards have evolved over the past 2 decades to require undergraduate medical student participation in research and scholarly activity. The authors' objective was to review those evolving standards and develop a model for introducing the principles and practice of research that combines core content with experiential learning. They identified fundamental topics pertinent to the research process and herein provide their recommendations for incorporating these topics into the curriculum as self-study, online modules, and team-based and active learning exercises. The authors' proposed educational model would provide an avenue for osteopathic medical schools to meet the requirements for scholarly activity. Increasing students' and residents' knowledge of the research process will lay the foundation for their engagement is research and scholarly activity and their practice of evidence-based medicine.

Evaluating the Influence of Research on Match Success for Osteopathic and Allopathic Applicants to Residency Programs.

CONTEXT: Analyzing factors that may enhance osteopathic applicants' likelihood of matching is warranted given that United States osteopathic and allopathic residency programs will have a single accreditation system in 2020. OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of research accomplishments and experiences on osteopathic and allopathic residency matching. METHODS: Analysis of variance, t test, and odds ratios were used to examine data from the National Resident Matching Program Charting Outcomes from 2016 and 2018. Relationships between match status and medical degree, specialty matching, and mean numbers of research accomplishments and experiences in the Main Residency Match were analyzed. RESULTS: Matched osteopathic and allopathic applicants had significantly greater numbers of research accomplishments (mean [SD], 5.18 [4.34]) than unmatched applicants (3.66 [2.87]) (P=.006). Applicants who matched (mean [SD], 2.81 [1.64]) had similar numbers of research experiences to those who did not match (2.43 [1.26]) (P=.068). Matched and unmatched allopathic applicants' research accomplishments (5.91 [3.72]) were significantly greater than that of osteopathic applicants (2.60 [2.90]) (P<.001). Significant differences also were found between the means of research experiences of matched and unmatched osteopathic (mean [SD], 1.73 [1.21]) and allopathic applicants (3.36 [1.25], P<.001). Matched and unmatched osteopathic applicants' had similar means for research accomplishments (mean [SD], 3.00 [3.64] and 2.20 [1.84], respectively; P=.242) and experiences (1.79 [1.31] and 1.66 [1.12], respectively; P=.664). By contrast, significant differences were found between the numbers of research accomplishments for matched (mean [SD], 6.97 [4.07]) vs unmatched (4.86 [3.02]) allopathic applicants (P=.007). The only subspecialty for which research experiences of osteopathic applicants correlated with matching was physical medicine and rehabilitation (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.30-5.84). CONCLUSION: Research seems to have a greater influence on matching for allopathic than osteopathic applicants. Although both osteopathic and allopathic programs have standards pertaining to scholarly activity, allopathic medical schools may place a greater emphasis on research. Increasing osteopathic medical students' exposure to research is predicted to enhance their competitiveness for matching and help develop skills relevant to the practice of evidence-based medicine.