Measurement of value in rotator cuff repair: patient-level value analysis for the 1-year episode of care.

BACKGROUND: Rotator cuff repair (RCR) is one of the most common elective orthopedic procedures, with predictable indications, techniques, and outcomes. As a result, this surgical procedure is an ideal choice for studying value. The purpose of this study was to perform patient-level value analysis (PLVA) within the setting of RCR over the 1-year episode of care. METHODS: Included patients (N = 396) underwent RCR between 2009 and 2016 at a single outpatient orthopedic surgery center. The episode of care was defined as 1-year following surgery. The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index was collected at both the initial preoperative baseline assessment and the 1-year postoperative mark. The total cost of care was determined using time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC). Both PLVA and provider-level value analysis were performed. RESULTS: The average TDABC cost of care was derived at $5413.78 ± $727.41 (95% confidence interval, $5341.92-$5485.64). At the patient level, arthroscopic isolated supraspinatus tears yielded the highest value coefficient (0.82; analysis-of-variance F test, P = .01). There was a poor correlation between the change in the 1-year Western Ontario Rotator Cuff score and the TDABC cost of care (r2 = 0.03). Provider-level value analysis demonstrated significant variation between the 8 providers evaluated (P < .01). CONCLUSION: RCR is one of the most common orthopedic procedures, yet the correlations between cost of care and patient outcomes are unknown. PLVA quantifies the ratio of functional improvement to the TDABC-estimated cost of care at the patient level. This is the first study to apply PLVA over the first-year episode of care. With health care transitioning toward value-based delivery, PLVA offers a quantitative tool to measure the value of individual patient care delivery over the entire episode of care.

Immediate Weightbearing After Operative Treatment of Bimalleolar and Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures: Faster Return to Work for Patients with Nonsedentary Occupations.

The goal of this study was to compare immediate weightbearing (IWB) and traditional weightbearing (TWB) postoperative protocols in unstable ankle fractures, as this has not been compared in prior works. We hypothesize that an immediate weightbearing protocol after ankle fracture fixation will lead to an earlier return to work. An ankle fracture registry was reviewed for operatively treated unstable bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fractures at an ambulatory surgery center and followed up at associated outpatient clinics. All fracture cases reviewed occurred from 2009 to 2015. Immediate weightbearing patients were placed into a controlled ankle motion (CAM) boot and allowed to fully bear weight the day of surgery. Traditional weightbearing patients were placed into a CAM boot with 6 weeks of non-weightbearing. Demographics, fixation technique, and injury characteristics were surveyed. Physical job demand was stratified for 69 patients meeting the inclusion criteria (34 IWB and 35 TWB). The main outcome of this study was measured as the time to return to work. Subgroup analysis of patients with nonsedentary jobs demonstrated a significantly earlier return to work for the IWB group (5.7 versus 10.0 weeks, p = .04). Multivariate regression analysis identified a statistically significant 2.25-week (p = .05) earlier return to work for the IWB group after adjustment for occupational physical demand, demographics, fracture characteristics, and participation in a light work period before full work return. In patients with nonsedentary jobs, an IWB protocol after operative management of bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fractures resulted in an earlier return to work compared with traditional protocols.

Corridor-diameter-dependent angular tolerance for safe transiliosacral screw placement: an anatomic study of 433 pelves.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the angular tolerance of the S1 and S2 segments to accommodate a transiliosacral screw across both sacroiliac joints. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that the angular tolerance for transiliosacral screw placement would be more constrained than the angular tolerance for iliosacral fixation in pelves where a safe osseous corridor was measured. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cortical boundaries of the S1 and S2 sacral segments in 433 pelvic CTs were digitally mapped. A straight-line path was placed within each osseous corridor and extended across both SI joints past the outer iliac cortices. The diameter of the path was increased until it breached the cortex, geometrically determining maximum diameter (Dmax). Angular tolerance for screw placement was calculated with trigonometric analysis of the Dmax value of the corridor, and the average distance from the termination of the osseous corridor to the site of percutaneous insertion. Gender, age, and BMI were evaluated as independent predictors using binomial logistic regression. RESULTS: The transiliosacral angular tolerance for the S1 and S2 osseous corridors was 1.53 ± 0.57 degrees and 1.02 ± 0.33 degrees, respectively. 68.9% of S1 corridors and 81.1% of S2 corridors had a safe zone (corridor diameter ≥ 10 mm) for transiliosacral placement, 48.3% of the pelves had a safe zone for both corridors, while 5.1% had no safe zones. Females had a less frequent Dmax ≥ 10 mm at S1, 52% vs 67% (p = 0.001), and at S2, 64% vs 86% (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: In conclusion, the angular tolerance of 1.53 and 1.03 degrees for the S1 and S2 segments, respectively, creating a narrow interval for safe passage of the trans-iliac and trans-sacral, with approximately 31.1% of patients not having a viable corridor for screw passage. A correlation exist between S1 and S2 corridors with Dmax ≥ 10 mm and the resulting increase in angular tolerance for safe passage of a transilioscral screw. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Level Retrospective Cohort.

Immediate weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) correlates with a decreased length of stay post intramedullary fixation for subtrochanteric fractures: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Subtrochanteric femur fractures associate with a relatively high complication rate and are traditionally treated operatively with a period of limited weight bearing. Transitioning from extramedullary to intramedullary implants, there are increasing biomechanical and clinical data to support early weight bearing. This multicenter retrospective study examines the effect of postoperative weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) for subtrochanteric femur fractures. We hypothesize that WBAT will result in a decreased length of stay (LOS) without increasing the incidence of re-operation. METHODS: This study assesses total LOS and postoperative LOS after intramedullary fixation for subtrochanteric fractures between postoperative weight bearing protocols across 6 level I trauma centers (n = 441). Analysis techniques consisted of multivariable linear regression and nonparametric comparative tests. Additional subanalyses were performed, targeting mechanism of injury (MOI), Winquist-Hansen fracture comminution, 20-year age strata, and injury severity score (ISS). RESULTS: Total LOS was shorter in WBAT protocol within the overall sample (7.4 vs 9.7 days; p < 0.01). Rates of re-operation were similar between the two groups (10.6% vs 10.5%; p = 0.99). Stratified analysis identified patients between ages 41-80, WH comminution 2-3, high MOI, and ISS between 6-15 and 21-25 to demonstrate a significant reduction in LOS as a response to WBAT. CONCLUSION: An immediate postoperative weight bearing as tolerated protocol in patients with subtrochanteric fractures reduced length of hospital stay with no significant difference in reoperation and complication rates. If no contraindication exists, immediate weight bearing as tolerated should be considered for patients with subtrochanteric femur fractures treated with statically locked intramedullary nails. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III.

Factors Associated with a Second Opioid Prescription Fill in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) creates a relatively large degree of nociception, making it a good setting to study variation in pain intensity and pain alleviation. The purpose of this study is to investigate factors associated with a second prescription of opioid medications within 30 days of primary TKA. METHODS: Using an insurance database, we studied 1372 people over a 6-year period with no mental health comorbidities including substance misuse and no comorbid pain illness at the time of TKA. Factors associated with a second prescription of opioid medication within 30 days of TKA were sought among patient demographics and the overall prescription morphine milligram equivalents. Patient and prescription-related risk factors were evaluated utilizing logistic relative risk regression. We reserved a year of data, 222 people, to evaluate the performance of the derived model. RESULTS: More than half the patients filled a second prescription for opioids within 30 days of TKA. Factors associated with a second prescription of opioid medication within 30 days of TKA included age (P < .01), current smoker (P = .01), and the total morphine milligram equivalents of the initial prescription (P < .01). Applied to the 222 people we reserved for validation, the model was 81% sensitive and 14% specific for a second prescription within 30 days, with a positive predictive value of 74%, and a negative predictive value of 20%. CONCLUSION: People that are given more opioids tend to request more opioids, but our model had limited diagnostic performance characteristics indicating that we are not accounting for the key factors associated with a second opioid prescription. Future studies might address undiagnosed patient social and mental health opportunities, factors known to associate with pain intensity and satisfaction with pain alleviation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level III.

Comprehensive Review of Mesothelioma Cases: From Diagnosis to Therapeutic Strategies.

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive malignancy typically associated with asbestos exposure. We present the clinical and diagnostic journey of a 63-year-old male carpenter, who presented with concerning symptoms of shortness of breath and total right lung "white-out" on imaging. Comprehensive medical evaluation revealed the presence of malignant pleural mesothelioma. This study underscores the importance of considering mesothelioma as a potential diagnosis in individuals with occupational asbestos exposure and highlights patterns in diagnosing and managing this devastating disease. Early recognition and intervention are essential in improving outcomes for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Complex Tunneling Perirectal Abscess: Intra-abdominal and Extraperitoneal Extension of a Persistent Perirectal Abscess.

Deep-tissue extension of perianal and perirectal abscesses, while rare, requires timely diagnosis and emergent surgical intervention to prevent serious secondary complications. This report evaluates a case of intra-abdominal and extraperitoneal extension of a persistent perirectal abscess that required comprehensive irrigation, drainage, and debridement of multiple abscess-associated cavities. This report follows the case of a 24-year-old African-American female presenting to the ED with mild fevers, nausea, abdominal distension, and lower abdominal pain following a persistent perirectal abscess that had not resolved following conservative outpatient antibiotic management one week prior. Clinical examination revealed abdominal guarding with CT imaging demonstrating extraluminal air pockets in multiple intra-abdominal and extraperitoneal compartments. The patient underwent emergent surgical irrigation, drainage, and debridement of multiple abscess cavities extending from the original perirectal abscess. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis, surgical approach, and postoperative management in a patient presenting with a complex tunneling perirectal abscess forming intra-abdominal and extraperitoneal abscesses.

Two Cases of Malpositioning of Internal Jugular Central Venous Catheters: A Review of Literature and Current Treatment Recommendations.

Percutaneous central venous catheterization, despite ultrasound guidance, is known to carry significant risks. While central venous catheters are widely used in clinical practice, they are also associated with various complications, including incorrect positioning during insertion. Arterial puncture is a well-recognized complication, and although unintended subclavian or carotid artery cannulation is rare, it can lead to serious consequences. We present two cases, in which a dual-lumen, non-tunneled temporary hemodialysis catheter was inadvertently inserted into the left common carotid artery and in the left innominate vein.

Audio Distraction for Traction Pin Insertion: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Insertion of a skeletal traction pin in the distal femur or proximal tibia can be a painful and unpleasant experience for patients with a lower-extremity fracture. The purpose of this study was to determine whether providing patients with audio distraction (AD) during traction pin insertion can help to improve the patient-reported and the physician-reported experience and decrease pain and/or anxiety during the procedure. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at 2 level-I trauma centers. Patients ≥18 years of age who were conscious and oriented and had a medical need for skeletal traction were included. Patients were randomized to receive AD or not receive AD during the procedure. All other procedure protocols were standardized and were the same for both groups. Surveys were completed by the patient and the physician immediately following the procedure. Patients rated their overall experience, pain, and anxiety during the procedure, and physicians rated the difficulty of the procedure, both on a 1-to-10 Likert scale. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight received AD and 26 did not. Femoral fractures were the most common injury (33 of 55, 60.0%). Baseline demographic characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups. The overall patient-reported procedure experience was similar between the AD and no-AD groups (3.9 ± 2.9 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.1 to 4.7] versus 3.5 ± 2.2 [95% CI, 2.9 to 4.1], respectively; p = 0.55), as was pain (5.3 ± 3.2 [95% CI, 4.4 to 6.2] versus 6.1 ± 2.4 [95% CI, 5.4 to 6.8]; p = 0.28). However, anxiety levels were lower in the AD group (4.8 ± 3.3 [95% CI, 3.9 to 5.7] versus 7.1 ± 2.8 [95% CI, 6.3 to 7.9]; p = 0.007). Physician-reported procedure difficulty was similar between the groups (2.6 ± 2.0 [95% CI, 2.1 to 3.1] versus 2.8 ± 1.7 [95% CI, 2.3 to 3.3]; p = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: AD is a practical, low-cost intervention that may reduce patient anxiety during lower-extremity skeletal traction pin insertion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Atypical diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, primary splenic lymphoma variant; a case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Primary splenic lymphoma (PSL) is characterized by lymphoma involvement confined to the spleen and hilar lymph nodes, without evidence of liver involvement or other sites. This condition is extremely uncommon, accounting for approximately 1 % of non- Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) and <2 % of all lymphomas. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histological subtype of both PSLs and all NHLs. DLBCL encompasses an aggressive heterogeneous entity with distinct morphological variants. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68 year-old gentleman presented to the office with a 10-month history of vague left sided upper abdominal pain. Clinical examination revealed a tender left upper quadrant, evidenced with splenomegaly on radiological evaluation. The patient proceeded with a splenectomy with subsequent pathological and immunohistochemical analysis, confirming a final diagnosis of germinal center type DLBCL. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Primary splenic DLBCL is a rare variant of DLBCL, characterized by exclusive involvement of the spleen. It requires a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to exclude lymphoma involvement in other organs and lymph nodes. Splenectomy followed by appropriate adjuvant therapy has been demonstrated as the definitive treatment strategy. This case report emphasizes the importance of considering primary splenic DLBCL as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with splenomegaly and highlights the significance of multidisciplinary collaboration for accurate diagnosis and optimal management of this uncommon entity. CONCLUSION: Primary Splenic DLBCL, an exceptionally rare B-Cell neoplasm variant, requires precise diagnosis due to its unique splenic involvement. Splenectomy's efficacy, adjuvant therapy, multidisciplinary collaboration, and ongoing research are crucial for optimal management.

Adult T-Cell Lymphoma (ATL) With Erythroderma in Indolent Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type I (HTLV-1) Infection.

Adult T-cell lymphoma (ATL) is a hematological malignancy of CD4+ mature T-lymphocytes commonly associated with chronic human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1) infection. Chronic HTLV-1 infection induces oncogenic mutations in CD4+ T-cells, leading to an acute malignant transformation of host cells. Atypically, ATL presents with dermatological and pulmonary symptoms consistent with a "smoldering" disease pattern. We present a case of a 78-year-old male patient with chronic generalized malaise, progressively worsening shortness of breath, and diffuse erythroderma, who was diagnosed with ATL secondary to chronic indolent HTLV-1 infection. We evaluate the multisystemic clinical signs associated with ATL, the comprehensive clinical investigations required to reach a conclusive diagnosis, and the options for long-term clinical management.

A Complicated Case of Strangulated Inguinal Hernia of the Sigmoid Colon With Secondary Ischemic-Compromise of Scrotal Tissue: A Multi-Disciplinary Surgical Approach.

Inguinal hernia is amongst the most common acute abdominal disease that presents in the Emergency Department (ED). Pathologically, it involves the displacement and herniation of abdominal, pelvic, or groin tissue through weaknesses in the abdominal wall. Many inguinal hernias are simple and asymptomatic, managed conservatively without the need for surgical intervention. However, under rare circumstances, hernias are susceptible to significant complications requiring emergent surgery. This report follows the case of a 61-year-old Hispanic-American male presenting to the ED with signs of a complex strangulated inguinal hernia and consequent infarction of the testis with Fournier's Gangrene. Clinical evaluation elucidated a one-week worsening abdominal pain, non-reducible painful inguinal hernia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, groin discoloration, dysuria, and a history of failed primary hernia repair during childhood. The patient underwent emergent surgery to excise ischemic-necrotic portions of the sigmoid colon, creation of end-colostomy, non-mesh repair of inguinal hernia, and right-sided complete orchiectomy with the removal of adjacent scrotal-Dartos tissues and spermatic cord due to Fournier's Gangrene. This report provides both a report for a potentially preventable consequence in one of the most common surgical presentations and a review of the multi-disciplinary expertise that is required in the surgical management of complex inguinal hernias.

An Atypical Presentation of Chronic Inflammatory Myelin Degeneration in Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO).

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by aquaporin-4 (AQP4) IgG autoantibodies. These autoantibodies induce chronic neuroinflammatory damage to the spinal cord and optic nerve. NMO clinically manifests as relapsing and overlapping neurodegenerative episodes of optic neuritis (ON) and transverse myelitis (TM). Contrasting from other autoimmune neurodegenerative disorders, NMO has a poor prognostic profile often involving permanent neurological disability. We present a case of a 65-year-old male who presented with a progressive weakening in his left upper and lower extremities with reduced sensation and was found to have an acute flare of NMO. We explore the broad symptomatology involved in the disorder along with relevant crucial imaging findings pointing toward the diagnosis of NMO. Finally, we discuss treatment modalities in the context of our patient's clinical course and prognostic factors. Early intervention and suppression of relapse in this neuroinflammatory neurodegenerative disorder can help decrease the duration of acute flares and improve long-term outcomes for patients affected by NMO.

Cost Variation in Temporizing External Fixation of Tibial Plateau and Pilon Fractures: Is There Room to Improve?

INTRODUCTION: External fixator costs have been shown to be highly variable. Current information on external fixator costs and cost drivers is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the cost variation as well as the patient-, injury-, and surgeon-related cost drivers associated with temporizing external fixation constructs in tibial plateau and pilon fracture management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted to identify isolated tibial plateau and pilon fractures treated with temporizing external fixation from 2006-2018 at a level 1 trauma center. Inclusion criteria were based on fractures managed with primary external fixation, skeletal maturity, and isolated ipsilateral fracture fixation. Fracture patterns were identified radiographically using Schatzker, Weber, and OTA classification systems. Implant costs were determined using direct purchase price from the institution. The primary outcome was the external fixator total construct cost. Clinical covariates and secondary outcomes, namely unplanned reoperations, were extracted. Factors associated with cost (i.e. cost drivers) were identified via multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 319 patients were included in this study (121 tibial plateau and 198 pilon fractures). Mean plateau construct cost was $5,372.12 and mean pilon construct cost was $3,938.97. Implant cost correlated poorly with demographic (r2=0.01 & r2=0.01), injury-independent (r2<0.01 & r2=0.03), and fracture pattern classifications (r2=0.03 & r2=0.02). Traumatologists produced significantly cheaper implants for pilon fractures (p=0.05) but not for plateau fractures (p=0.85). There was no difference in construct cost or components between patients that underwent unplanned reoperation and those that did not for both tibial plateau (p>0.19) and pilon (p>0.06). Clamps contributed to 69.9% and 77.3% of construct costs for tibial plateau and pilon, respectively. The most cost-efficient fixation constructs for tibial plateau and pilon fractures were the following respectively: of 5 clamps, 2 bars, and 4 pins; and of 4 clamps, 2 bars, and 3 pins. CONCLUSIONS: There is large cost variation in temporizing external fixation management. Cost drivers included surgeon bias and implant preference as well as use of external fixator clamps. Introducing construct standardization will contain healthcare spending without sacrificing patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. Retrospective Cohort.

Cost and Cost Driver Analysis of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing: Bone-Tendon-Bone Autograft Versus Hamstring Autograft.

As health care transitions toward value-based care, orthopaedics has started to implement time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) to understand costs and cost drivers. TDABC has not previously been used to study cost drivers in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this study was to use TDABC to (1) calculate bone-tendon-bone (BTB) and hamstring ACLR total costs of care and (2) evaluate the impact of graft choice and other factors on ACLR costs. Methods: Data were collected from electronic medical records for primary ACLR from the institutional patient-reported outcome registry between 2009 and 2016 in 1 ambulatory surgery center. Patients receiving allograft, revision ACLR, or concomitant meniscal repair or ligament reconstruction were excluded. The total cost of care was determined using TDABC. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted between ACLR cost and group characteristics. Results: A total of 328 patients were included; 211 (64.3%) received BTB autograft and 117 (35.7%) received hamstring autograft. The mean cost was $2,865.01 ± $263.45 (95% confidence interval: $2,829.26, $2,900.77) for BTB ACLR versus $3,377.44 ± $320.12 ($3,318.82, $3,436.05) for hamstring ACLR (p < 0.001). Operative time was 103.1 ± 25.1 (99.7, 106.5) minutes for BTB ACLR versus 113.1 ± 27.9 (108.0, 118.2) minutes for hamstring ACLR (p = 0.001). The total implant cost was $270.32 ± $97.08 ($257.15, $283.50) for BTB ACLR versus $587.36 ± $108.78 ($567.44, $607.28) for hamstring ACLR (p < 0.001). Hamstring graft (p = 0.006) and suspensory fixation on the femoral side (p = 0.011) were associated with increased costs. Conclusions: The mean cost of care and operative time for BTB autograft ACLR are less than those for hamstring autograft ACLR. Operative time, implant choice, and graft choice were identified as modifiable cost drivers that can empower surgeons to manage primary ACLR costs while maximizing the value of the procedure. Level of Evidence: Economic and Decision Analysis Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

External Fixation Characteristics Drive Cost of Care for High-Energy Tibial Plateau Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the total cost for a 30-day episode of care for high-energy tibial plateau fractures and the aspects of care associated with total cost. DESIGN: Time-driven activity-based costing analysis. SETTING: One Level 1 adult trauma center. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty-one patients with isolated, bicondylar tibial plateau fractures undergoing staged treatment were reviewed. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Total cost. RESULTS: A total of 85 patients were included and most sustained Schatzker VI fractures (n = 66, 77%). All patients were treated with biplanar external fixation before definitive fixation. A total of 26 patients (31%) were discharged to skilled nursing facilities, and 37 patients (43%) were not discharged between procedures. Total cost for a 30-day episode of care was $22,113 ± 4056. External fixation components ($5952, 26.9%), length of hospital stay ($5606, 25.4%), discharge to skilled nursing facility (SNF) ($3061, 13.8%), and definitive fixation implants ($2968, 13.4%) contributed to the total cost. The following were associated with total cost: patient discharged to SNFs (P < 0.001), patient remaining inpatient after external fixation (P < 0.001), days of admission for open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) (P = 0.005), days spent with external fixation (P < 0.001), days in a SNF after ORIF (P < 0.001), and external fixation component cost (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: External fixation component selection is the largest contributor to cost of a 30-day episode of care for high-energy bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Reduction in cost variability may be possible through thoughtful use of external fixation components and care pathways. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic analyses Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Unplanned Emergency and Urgent Care Visits After Outpatient Orthopaedic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to determine (1) incident risk, (2) chief report, (3) risk factors, and (4) total cost of unplanned healthcare visits to an emergency and/or urgent care (ED/UC) facility within 30 days of an outpatient orthopaedic procedure. METHODS: This was a retrospective database review of 5,550 outpatient surgical encounters from a large metropolitan healthcare system between 2012 and 2016. Statistical analysis consisted of measuring the ED/UC incident risk, respective to the procedures and anatomical region. Patient-specific risk factors were evaluated through multigroup comparative statistics. RESULTS: Of the 5,550 study patients, 297 (5.4%) presented to an ED/UC within 30 days of their index procedure, with 23 (0.4%) needing to be readmitted. Native English speakers, patients older than 45 years, and nonsmokers had significant reduced relative risk of unplanned ED or UC visit within 30 days of index procedure (P < 0.01). In addition, hand tendon repair/graft had the greatest risk incidence for ED/UC visit (11.0%). Unplanned ED/UC reimbursements totaled $146,357.34, averaging $575.65 per visit. DISCUSSION: This study provides an evaluation of outpatient orthopaedic procedures and their relationship to ED/UC visits. Specifically, this study identifies patient-related and procedural-related attributes that associate with an increased risk for unplanned healthcare utilization.

Cost Savings of Carpal Tunnel Release Performed In-Clinic Compared to an Ambulatory Surgery Center: Time-Driven Activity-Based-Costing.

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to investigate carpal tunnel release (CTR) performed in the clinic versus the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) to evaluate for potential cost savings. Methods: Patients who underwent either CTR in clinic under a local anesthetic or CTR in the ASC with sedation and local anesthetic were prospectively enrolled in a registry between 2014 and 2016. All patients completed a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scale for procedural and postprocedure pain. Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) was utilized to quantify cost of both CTR in clinic and CTR in the ASC. Statistical analysis involved parametric comparative tests between patient cohorts for both the TDABC-cost and patient pain. Results: A total of 59 participants completed the postprocedure CTR survey during the study period, 23 (38.9%) in the ASC group and 36 (61.1%) in the clinic group. Overall time for the procedure from patient arrival to discharge was significantly longer for the ASC cases, averaging 215.7 minutes (range: 201-230) compared to 78.6 minutes (range: 59-98) in the clinic group (P < .01). Both procedural and postoperative VAS pain scores were comparable between clinic and ASC cohorts, procedural pain: 1.8 vs 1.9 (P = .91) and postoperative pain: 4.8 vs 4.9 (P = .88). TDABC analysis estimated ASC CTR procedures to cost an average of $557.07 ($522.06-$592.08) and clinic procedures to cost an average of $151.92 ($142.59-$161.25) (P < .05). Conclusions: CTR in the clinic setting results in significant cost savings compared to CTR in the ASC with no difference in pain scores during the procedure or postoperative period. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II.

Trend and Economic Implications of Implant Selection in the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures: A Review of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Database From 2007 to 2017.

INTRODUCTION: Intertrochanteric (IT) fractures are estimated to burden the healthcare system six billion dollars annually. Previous studies have documented a trend of early-career orthopaedic surgeons favoring intramedullary nails (IMNs) for these fractures, despite multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrating no evidence for improved patient outcomes when compared with sliding hip screws (SHSs). The purpose of this study was to report the trend of implant utilization for IT fracture fixation from 2007 to 2017. METHODS: The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part II (oral) database was used to identify IT fractures (International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, code 820.21 or 820.31, and 10th revision, code S72.14) over a 10-year period (2007 to 2017). The cases were categorized by IMN or SHS fixation by surgeon-reported Current Procedural Terminology codes. Utilization of the devices was analyzed according to year, and the implants were compared for outcomes, complications, and cost. RESULTS: As of 2017, 92.4% of IT fractures were being fixed through IMN, representing a 49.1% increase in the number of IMN devices used during the course of this study. SHS had significantly lower medical complication rate (21.3%) and readmittance rate (4.0%) compared with the IMN (medical complication: 26.9%; P < 0.01) (readmittance rate: 5.4%; P = 0.02). SHS also had significantly lower rates of anemia (5.2%) and patient expiration (4.8%) compared with IMN (anemia: 10.2%; P < 0.01) (patient expiration: 6.1%; P = 0.01). Overall surgical complication rates, reoperative rates, and anesthetic complications did not differ between constructs. A cost differential of $671,812 was found from the 2007-projected distribution, which rose to $3,911,211.00 across the entire 11-year duration of the study for the population. DISCUSSION: Early-career orthopaedic surgeons continue to use a more expensive implant for IT fractures despite limited evidence for improved outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; Retrospective Cohort Study.

Factors influencing management of bilateral femur fractures: A multicenter retrospective cohort of early versus delayed definitive Fixation.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the factors that influence the timing of definitive fixation in the management of bilateral femoral shaft fractures and the outcomes for patients with these injuries. METHODS: Patients with bilateral femur fractures treated between 1998 to 2019 at ten level-1 trauma centers were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped into early or delayed fixation, which was defined as definitive fixation of both femurs within or greater than 24 hours from injury, respectively. Statistical analysis included reversed logistic odds regression to predict which variable(s) was most likely to determine timing to definitive fixation. The outcomes included age, sex, high-volume institution, ISS, GCS, admission lactate, and admission base deficit. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-eight patients were included; 164 patients were included in the early fixation group and 164 patients in the delayed fixation group. Patients managed with delayed fixation had a higher Injury Severity Score (26.8 vs 22.4; p<0.01), higher admission lactate (4.4 and 3.0; p<0.01), and a lower Glasgow Coma Scale (10.7 vs 13; p<0.01). High-volume institution was the most reliable influencer for time to definitive fixation, successfully determining 78.6% of patients, followed by admission lactate, 64.4%. When all variables were evaluated in conjunction, high-volume institution remained the strongest contributor (X2 statistic: institution: 45.6, ISS: 8.83, lactate: 6.77, GCS: 0.94). CONCLUSION: In this study, high-volume institution was the strongest predictor of timing to definitive fixation in patients with bilateral femur fractures. This study demonstrates an opportunity to create a standardized care pathway for patients with these injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.