Is there variation in utilization of preoperative tests among patients undergoing total hip and knee replacement in the US, and does it affect outcomes? A population-based analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe recent practice patterns of preoperative tests and to examine their association with 90-day all-cause readmissions and length of stay. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS). SETTING: SPARCS from March 1, 2016, to July 1, 2017. PARTICIPANTS: Adults undergoing Total Hip Replacement (THR) or Total Knee Replacement (TKR) had a preoperative screening outpatient visit within two months before their surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Electrocardiogram (EKG), chest X-ray, and seven preoperative laboratory tests (RBCs antibody screen, Prothrombin time (PT) and Thromboplastin time, Metabolic Panel, Complete Blood Count (CBC), Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Nasal DNA probe, Urinalysis, Urine culture) were identified. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Regression analyses were utilized to determine the association between each preoperative test and two postoperative outcomes (90-day all-cause readmission and length of stay). Regression models adjusted for hospital-level random effects, patient demographics, insurance, hospital TKR, THR surgical volume, and comorbidities. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the subset of patients with no comorbidities. RESULTS: Fifty-five thousand ninety-nine patients (60% Female, mean age 66.1+/- 9.8 SD) were included. The most common tests were metabolic panel (74.5%), CBC (66.8%), and RBC antibody screen (58.8%). The least common tests were MRSA Nasal DNA probe (13.0%), EKG (11.7%), urine culture (10.7%), and chest X-ray (7.9%). Carrying out MRSA testing, urine culture, and EKG was associated with a lower likelihood of 90-day all-cause readmissions. The length of hospital stay was not associated with carrying out any preoperative tests. Results were similar in the subset with no comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Wide variation exists in preoperative tests before THR and TKR. We identified three preoperative tests that may play a role in reducing readmissions. Further investigation is needed to evaluate these findings using more granular clinical data.

The Effect of Smoking on Thirty-Day Postoperative Complications After Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a highly successful treatment, but is burdensome to the national healthcare budget. National quality initiatives seek to reduce costly complications. Smoking's role in perioperative complication after TJA is less well known. This study aims to identify smoking's independent contribution to the risk of short-term complication after TJA. METHODS: All patients undergoing primary TJA between 2011 and 2012 were selected from the American College of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program's database. Outcomes of interest included rates of readmission, reoperation, mortality, surgical complications, and medical complications. To eliminate confounders between smokers and nonsmokers, a propensity score was used to generate a 1:1 match between groups. RESULTS: A total of 1251 smokers undergoing TJA met inclusion criteria. Smokers in the combined total hip and knee arthroplasty cohort had higher 30-day readmission (4.8% vs 3.2%, P = .041), were more likely to have a surgical complication (odds ratio 1.84, 95% confidence interval 1.21-2.80), and had a higher rate of deep surgical site infection (SSI) (1.1% vs 0.2%, P = .007). Analysis of total hip arthroplasty only revealed that smokers had higher rates of deep SSI (1.3% vs 0.2%, P = .038) and higher readmission rate (4.3% vs 2.2%, P = .034). Analysis of total knee arthroplasty only revealed greater surgical complications (2.8% vs 1.2%, P = .048) and superficial SSI (1.8% vs 0.2%, P = .002) in smokers. CONCLUSION: Smoking in TJA is associated with higher rates of SSI, surgical complications, and readmission.

The Lawrence D. Dorr Surgical Techniques & Technologies Award: Differences in Postoperative Outcomes Between Total Hip Arthroplasty for Fracture vs Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture is an increasingly common expanded indication for total hip arthroplasty (THA) and warrants outcome analysis so as to best inform risk assessment models, public reporting of outcome, and value-based reimbursement schemes. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data file from 2011 to 2014 was used to identify all patients undergoing THA via current procedural terminology code 27130. Propensity score matching in a 1:5 fashion was used to compare 2 cohorts: THA for osteoarthritis and THA for fracture. Primary outcomes included Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reportable complications, unplanned readmission, postsurgical length of stay, and discharge destination. χ2 tests for categorical variables and Student t test for continuous variables were used to compare the 2 cohorts and adjusted linear regression analysis used to determine the association between hip fracture and THA outcomes of interest. RESULTS: A total of 58,302 patients underwent elective THA for osteoarthritis and 1580 patients underwent THA for hip fracture. Rates of CMS-reported complications (4.0% vs 10.7%; P < .001), non-homebound discharge (39.8% vs 64.7%; P < .001), readmission (4.7% vs 8.0%; P < .001), and mean days of postsurgical hospital stay (3.2 vs 4.4; P < .001) were greater in the hip fracture cohort. THA for hip fracture was significantly associated with increased risk of CMS-reportable complications (odds ratio [OR], 2.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.17-3.28), non-homebound discharge (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.39-2.15), and readmission (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 2.46-3.12). CONCLUSION: Our findings support recent advocacy for the exclusion of THA for fracture from THA bundled pricing methodology and public reporting of outcomes.

Is Outpatient Arthroplasty as Safe as Fast-Track Inpatient Arthroplasty? A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the emerging fiscal climate of value-based decision-making and shared risk and remuneration, outpatient total joint arthroplasty is attractive provided the incidence of costly complications is comparable to contemporary "fast-track" inpatient pathways. METHODS: All patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty between 2011 and 2013 were selected from the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. A propensity score was used to match 1476 fast-track (≤2 day length of stay) inpatients with 492 outpatients (3:1 ratio). Thirty-day complication, reoperation, and readmission rates were compared, both during and after hospitalization. Logistic regression was used to calculate propensity score adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS: After matching, outpatients had higher rates of medical complication (anytime, 10.0% vs 6.7%, P = .018; post discharge, 6.3% vs 1.1%, P < .001). Most complications were bleeding requiring transfusion, which occurred at similar rates after surgery but at higher rates post discharge in outpatients (anytime, 7.5% outpatients vs 5.6% inpatients, P = .113; post discharge, 4.1% outpatients vs 0.1% inpatients, P < .001). There was no difference in readmission rate (2.4% outpatient vs 2.0% inpatient, P = .589). CONCLUSION: Outpatients experience higher rates of post-discharge complications, which may countermand cost savings. Surgeons wishing to implement outpatient total joint arthroplasty clinical pathways must focus on preventing post-discharge medical complications to include blood management strategies.

Inter-Rater and Intra-Rater Repeatability and Reliability of EOS 3-Dimensional Imaging Analysis Software.

BACKGROUND: Quantifying ideal component position for the acetabulum and stem during total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been described by many methods. A new imaging method using low-dose digital stereoradiography, the EOS imaging system, is a biplanar low-dose X-ray system that allows for 3-dimensional modeling of lower limbs and semiautomated measurement of pelvic parameters and implant alignment. METHODS: Twenty-five patients who underwent primary THA by a single surgeon between October 2014 and December 2014 were retrospectively selected. Only patients with unilateral THA without associated spine pathologies were included, totaling 16 right hips and 9 left hips. There were 8 men and 17 women in the cohort, with a mean age of 67 years (range, 53-82). Three individuals performed measurements of pelvic parameters and implant alignment on 3 separate occasions. An interclass correlation of >0.75 was accepted as evidence of excellent agreement and a confirmation of measurement reliability. RESULTS: Before reviewing patient radiographs, 4 pelvic phantom models were analyzed using the EOS 3-dimensional software to verify accuracy. All anatomic and implant measurements performed by the 3 independent reviewers showed interobserver and intraobserver agreement with interclass correlation >0.75. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional modeling of hip implants with the EOS imaging system is a reasonable option for the evaluation of component position after THA.

The Interaction of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Determining Risk of Complication Following Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The arthroplasty population is increasingly comorbid, and current quality improvement initiatives demand accurate risk stratification. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been identified as a risk factor for adverse events after arthroplasty; however, its interaction with obesity in contributing to risk is unclear. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all Medicare patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at a single institution from 2009 to 2013 investigated the interaction between MetS, body mass index (BMI), and risk for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-reportable complications, readmission, and discharge disposition. RESULTS: A total of 1462 patients (942 TKA, 538 THA) were included, of which 16.2% had MetS. Regression analysis found that MetS was significantly related to risk of CMS complications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-3.31, P = .012) and nonhome discharge (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.39-2.27, P < .001), but not readmission (OR = 1.23, 95% CI 0.7-2.18, P = .485). Within the MetS cohort, increasing BMI was not associated with increasing complications (P = .726) or readmissions (P = .206) but was associated with nonhome discharge (OR = 1.191 per unit increase in BMI, 95% CI 1.038-1.246, P = .001). CONCLUSION: MetS increases risk for CMS-reportable complications and nonhome discharge disposition after THA and TKA regardless of BMI. Obesity is of less value than MetS in assessing overall risk for complication after THA and TKA.

The Effect of BMI on 30 Day Outcomes Following Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA) are safe, effective procedures with reliable, reproducible outcomes. We aim to investigate obesity's effect on complications following arthroplasty surgery. Using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, 13,250 subjects were stratified into 5 groups based on BMI and matched for gender, age, surgery type and ASA class. Matched, multivariable generalized linear models adjusting for demographics and comorbidities demonstrated an association between elevated BMI and overall (P<0.001), medical (P=0.005), surgical complications (P<0.001), including superficial (P=0.019) and deep wound infection (P=0.040), return to OR (P=0.016) and time from OR to discharge (P=0.003). Elevated BMI increases risk for post-operative complications following total joint arthroplasty.

Can the American College of Surgeons Risk Calculator Predict 30-Day Complications After Knee and Hip Arthroplasty?

Accurate risk stratification of patients undergoing total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty is essential in the highly scrutinized world of pay-for-performance, value-driven healthcare. We assessed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) surgical risk calculator's ability to predict 30-day complications using 1066 publicly-reported Medicare patients undergoing primary THA or TKA. Risk estimates were significantly associated with complications in the categories of any complication (P = .005), cardiac complication (P < .001), pneumonia (P < .001) and discharge to skilled nursing facility (P < .001). However, predictability of complication occurrence was poor for all complications assessed. To facilitate the equitable provision and reimbursement of patient care, further research is needed to develop accurate risk stratification tools in TKA and THA surgery.

Do patients with insulin-dependent and noninsulin-dependent diabetes have different risks for complications after arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes are known to be at greater risk for complications after arthroplasty than are patients without diabetes. However, we do not know whether there are important differences in the risk of perioperative complications between patients with diabetes who are insulin-dependent (Type 1 or 2) and those who are not insulin-dependent. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of our study was to compare (1) medical complications (including death), (2) surgical complications, and (3) readmissions within 30 days between patients with insulin-dependent and noninsulin-dependent diabetes, and with patients who do not have diabetes. METHODS: A total of 43,299 patients undergoing THA or TKA between 2005 and 2011 were selected from the American College of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program's (ACS-NSQIP®) database. Generalized linear models were used to assess the relationship between diabetes status and outcomes (no diabetes [n=36,574], insulin dependent [n=1552], and noninsulin dependent [n=5173]). Multivariate models were established adjusting for confounders including age, sex, race, BMI, smoking, steroid use, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and anesthesia type. Post hoc comparisons between patient groups were made using a Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Patients who were insulin dependent had increased odds of experiencing a medical complication (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.0; p<0.001), as did patients who were noninsulin dependent (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4; p<0.001). An increased likelihood of 30-day mortality was found only for patients who were insulin dependent (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.6-8.5; p=0.007). However, neither diabetic state was associated with surgical complications. Finally, readmission was found to be independently associated with insulin-dependent diabetes (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1; p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes are most likely to have a medical complication or be readmitted within 30 days after total joint replacement. However, patients who are insulin dependent or noninsulin dependent are no more likely than patients without diabetes to have a surgical complication. Physicians and hospitals should keep these issues in mind when counseling patients and generating risk-adjusted outcome reports. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Mohs micrographic surgery for lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma using Mel-5 immunostaining: an update from the University of Minnesota.

BACKGROUND: Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is gaining acceptance as a treatment for lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM), especially with the use of melanocyte-staining immunohistochemical (IHC) stains. In 2006, we reported our 4-year experience with Mel-5 immunostaining, with only one recurrence noted in 200 patients after a mean follow-up of 38.4 months.(1) OBJECTIVES: We present an update regarding our 13-year experience with the use of Mel-5. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with primary or recurrent LM or LMM (n = 260) underwent MMS with Mel-5; 174 were followed up to evaluate for recurrence, with a mean follow-up of 34 months. The 200 patients described in the initial case series from 1999 to 2003 were also followed. RESULTS: Of the 460 patients treated from January 1999 to December 2011, five recurrences were noted in four patients; one in the initial case series and four in this new, updated series, including one re-recurrence from the initial series. One melanoma-related death occurred in a patient intermittently lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: MMS with Mel-5 immunostaining continues to yield excellent results in the treatment of LM and LMM.

Is there a gold standard for TKA tibial component rotational alignment?

BACKGROUND: Joint function and durability after TKA depends on many factors, but component alignment is particularly important. Although the transepicondylar axis is regarded as the gold standard for rotationally aligning the femoral component, various techniques exist for tibial component rotational alignment. The impact of this variability on joint kinematics and stability is unknown. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined how rotationally aligning the tibial component to four different axes changes knee stability and passive tibiofemoral kinematics in a knee after TKA. METHODS: Using a custom surgical navigation system and stability device to measure stability and passive tibiofemoral motion, we tested 10 cadaveric knees from five hemicorpses before TKA and then with the tibial component aligned to four axes using a modified tibial tray. RESULTS: No changes in knee stability or passive kinematics occurred as a result of the four techniques of tibial rotational alignment. TKA produces a 'looser' knee over the native condition by increasing mean laxity by 5.2°, decreasing mean maximum stiffness by 4.5 N·m/°, increasing mean anterior femoral translation during passive flexion by 5.4 mm, and increasing mean internal-external tibial rotation during passive flexion by 4.8°. However, no statistically or clinically important differences occurred between the four TKA conditions. CONCLUSIONS: For all tibial rotations, TKA increased laxity, decreased stiffness, and increased tibiofemoral motion during passive flexion but showed little change based on the tibial alignment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our observations suggest surgeons who align the tibial component to any of the axes we examined are expected to have results consistent with those who may use a different axis.

Acetabular cup positioning in revision total hip arthroplasty with Paprosky type III acetabular defects: Martell radiographic analysis.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates acetabular cup position in the setting of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) with severe acetabular bone defects. METHODS: With a definition of safe zone of abduction (30-50°) and anteversion (5-25°), acetabular cup position was measured by a digital image analysis program for 34 patients with Paprosky type III acetabular bone defects. RESULTS: There were 24 cups (71%) for abduction and 26 cups (76%) for anteversion located in the safe zone. Nineteen cups (56%) were within the safe zone for both abduction and anteversion. There was no dislocation, however one cup out of the safe zone resulted in early cup failure due to aseptic loosening. CONCLUSIONS: The acetabular cup positioning in patients with Paprosky type III defects was 'optimal' in half of the cases. The prevalence of optimal acetabular cup position was similar to those reported in primary THA, suggesting that the presence of a large acetabular bone defect may not be a significant risk factor for suboptimal acetabular cup positioning in the setting of revision THA.

Retrospective evaluation of the clinical course and outcome of zinc toxicosis due to metallic foreign bodies in dogs (2005-2021): 55 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the overall clinical course of zinc toxicosis in dogs including source, time to source control, incidence of hemolytic anemia, acute liver injury (ALI), acute kidney injury (AKI), and pancreatitis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series from 2005 to 2021. SETTING: Six university veterinary teaching hospitals. ANIMALS: Fifty-five client-owned dogs with known zinc toxicosis due to metallic foreign body (MFB) ingestion. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The most common source of zinc was US pennies minted after 1982 (67.3%). Forty-five of 55 (81.8%) dogs survived and 10 of 55 (18.2%) died or were euthanized. Median length of hospitalization for survivors and nonsurvivors was 3 days. The most common clinical sequelae of zinc toxicosis were anemia (87%), ALI (82%), coagulopathy (71%), thrombocytopenia (30.5%), AKI (26.9%), and acute pancreatitis (5.5%). Most dogs (67.3%) required blood products and 83% of dogs achieved a stable HCT or PCV in a median of 24 hours after MFB removal. The median duration of illness prior to presentation was 48 hours for both survivors and nonsurvivors and there was no impact of time to presentation on the incidence of ALI, AKI, or pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc toxicosis secondary to MFB ingestion should be considered a differential diagnosis for dogs with gastrointestinal signs, hemolytic anemia, ALI, hemostatic abnormalities, AKI, and pancreatitis. AKI may be a more common sequela of zinc toxicosis than previously suspected. Acute pancreatitis is a rare but potentially serious sequela to zinc toxicosis.

Incorporating Expected Outcomes Into Clinical Decision-Making for Total Knee Arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Expected outcomes (e.g., expected survivorship after a cancer treatment) have improved decision-making around treatment options in many clinical fields. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of expected values of 3 widely available total knee arthroplasty (TKA) outcomes (risk of serious complications, time to revision, and improvement in pain and function at 2 years after surgery) on clinical recommendation of TKA. METHODS: The RAND/University of California Los Angeles appropriateness criteria method was used to evaluate the role of the 3 expected outcomes in clinical recommendation of TKA. The expected outcomes were added to 5 established preoperative factors from the modified Escobar appropriateness criteria. The 8 indication factors were used to develop 279 clinical scenarios, and a panel of 9 clinicians rated the appropriateness of TKA for each scenario as inappropriate, inconclusive, and appropriate. Classification tree analysis was applied to these ratings to identify the most influential of the 8 factors in discriminating TKA appropriateness classifications. RESULTS: Ratings for the 279 appropriateness scenarios deemed 34.4% of the scenarios as appropriate, 40.1% as inconclusive, and 25.5% as inappropriate. Classification tree analyses showed that expected improvement in pain and function and expected time to revision were the most influential factors that discriminated among the TKA appropriateness classification categories. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that clinicians would use expected postoperative outcome factors in determining appropriateness for TKA. These results call for further work in this area to incorporate estimates of expected pain/function and revision outcomes into clinical practice to improve decision-making for TKA.

Design and cadaveric validation of a novel device to quantify knee stability during total knee arthroplasty.

The success of total knee arthroplasty depends, in part, on the ability of the surgeon to properly manage the soft tissues surrounding the joint, but an objective definition as to what constitutes acceptable postoperative joint stability does not exist. Such a definition may not exist due to lack of suitable instrumentation, as joint stability is currently assessed by visual inspection while the surgeon manipulates the joint. Having the ability to accurately and precisely measure knee stability at the time of surgery represents a key requirement in the process of objectively defining acceptable joint stability. Therefore, we created a novel sterilizable device to allow surgeons to measure varus-valgus, internal-external, or anterior-posterior stability of the knee during a total knee arthroplasty. The device can be quickly adjusted between 0 deg and 90 deg of knee flexion. The device interfaces with a custom surgical navigation system, which records the resultant rotations or translations of the knee while the surgeon applies known loads to a patient's limb with a handle instrumented with a load cell. We validated the performance of the device by having volunteers use it to apply loads to a mechanical linkage that simulated a knee joint; we then compared the joint moments calculated by our stability device against those recorded by a load cell in the simulated knee joint. Validation of the device showed low mean errors (less than 0.21 ± 1.38 Nm and 0.98 ± 3.93 N) and low RMS errors (less than 1.5 Nm and 5 N). Preliminary studies from total knee arthroplasties performed on ten cadaveric specimens also demonstrate the utility of our new device. Eventually, the use of this device may help determine how intra-operative knee stability relates to postoperative function and could lead to an objective definition of knee stability and more efficacious surgical techniques.

Survival after surgery for tracheal collapse and the effect of intrathoracic collapse on survival.

OBJECTIVES: To determine (1) long-term survival of dogs with tracheal collapse (TC) receiving cervical extraluminal prosthetic rings (ELR) and (2) whether intrathoracic collapse effects long-term survival of dogs receiving ELR. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 33) with TC that had ELR. METHODS: Medical records (July 2002-July 2008) were searched for TC dogs treated with ELR. Age, breed, gender, location of TC, and age at follow-up (death or censor) were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated. RESULTS: Of 114 TC dogs, 33 had ELR. Breeds and gender were consistent with previous reports; mean (±SD) age at presentation was 6.3±2.6 years. TC was categorized as cervical or cervical and intrathoracic. All dogs had cervical TC and 15 had concurrent intrathoracic collapse; 8 of these had collapse of mainstem bronchi. Median survival time was >2500 days (median not reached) for cervical TC alone and 1500 days for cervical and intrathoracic TC with no difference in median survival time between groups (P = .26). CONCLUSION: Dogs with TC have a median survival time of 1680 days (4.6 years) after ELR and no differences were seen when dogs had intrathoracic collapse. Intrathoracic collapse does not exclude a dog from receiving ELR.

Evaluation of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta catheter placement and comparison to resuscitative thoracotomy with aortic clamping in cadaver dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe placement of an aortic occlusion catheter in aortic zone 1 (Z1) and aortic zone 3 (Z3) in dogs and to compare time to placement in these zones with and without external chest compressions (ECC). Additional evaluations of time to placement in Z1 with time for resuscitative thoracotomy with aortic clamping (RT-AC) were performed. DESIGN: Prospective ex vivo study. SETTING: University teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Ten canine cadavers. INTERVENTIONS: Ten cadaver dogs were obtained from client donation after euthanasia. Cadavers were randomized to have balloon catheter placement into the right or left femoral artery via cutdown, with or without ECC. The xiphoid was used as an external anatomical landmark for Z1, and the spinous process of the 5th lumbar vertebra was used for Z3. Balloon placement was confirmed with radiography. Time to balloon placement in Z1 and Z3 and time to RT-AC were recorded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Median body weight was 23.5 kg (9-40 kg). Median time to Z1 placement was 6.6 minutes (4.6-12.4 minutes) with ECC and 6.9 minutes (3.3-13.1 minutes) without ECC and was not statistically different (P = 0.5). Median time to RT-AC was 1 minute (0.6-1.4 minutes), which was significantly faster than time to balloon placement in Z1 with or without ECC (P = 0.004 and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta can be achieved by cutdown with and without ECC, but RT-AC is faster. Successful balloon position in Z1 could be achieved with knowledge of external anatomical landmarks, but landmarks for Z3 need further study.

Gastric or duodenal perforation and secondary septic peritonitis following therapeutic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration.

OBJECTIVE: To report which nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were associated with gastric or duodenal perforation (GDP) in dogs presented to a university teaching hospital and to report the frequency of prescription of NSAIDs by the corresponding referring veterinary community during the same time period. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of dogs from January 2007 to March 2020. SETTING: Single university teaching hospital. ANIMALS: A total of 30 dogs met inclusion criteria. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Four dogs were administered more than 1 NSAID within 7 days of GDP, 3 dogs received a combination of an NSAID and a corticosteroid, and 1 dog received 2 NSAIDs and a corticosteroid. Four dogs received an overdose of an NSAID. One dog received an overdose of 1 NSAID and received an additional NSAID at the labeled dose within 7 days of GDP. Eighteen dogs received only 1 NSAID at the labeled dose. In these 18 dogs, meloxicam was administered in 44.4% (8/18), firocoxib in 27.8% (5/18), deracoxib in 16.7% (3/18), and piroxicam in 11.1% (2/18). One hundred and sixty surveys on NSAID prescribing practice were returned. Carprofen was the most commonly prescribed NSAID (70.6%), followed by meloxicam (10.6%), deracoxib (8.4%), firocoxib (7.8%), aspirin (1.5%), and other (0.9%). CONCLUSIONS: NSAID administration, even at labeled doses, appears to be a precipitating factor for GDP. Despite carprofen being the most frequently prescribed NSAID over the study period, no case of GDP received it as a single therapeutic agent. Further prospective evaluation is needed to verify these findings.

Use of indwelling, double-pigtail stents for treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction in dogs: 12 cases (2006-2009).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of minimally invasive ureteral stent placement for dogs with malignant ureteral obstructions. DESIGN-Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 12 dogs (15 ureters) with ureteral obstruction secondary to a trigonal urothelial carcinoma. PROCEDURES: In all patients, indwelling, double-pigtail ureteral stents were placed by means of percutaneous antegrade needle and guide wire access under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance. RESULTS: Stents were successfully placed in all patients. In 11 of 12 patients, percutaneous antegrade access was accomplished. One patient required access via laparotomy because percutaneous access could not be achieved. The median survival time from the date of diagnosis was 285 days (range, 10 to 1,571 days), with a median survival time of 57 days (range, 7 to 337 days) from the date of stent placement. Three complications occurred in 1 patient. Seven patients required concurrent urethral stent placement for relief of urethral obstruction. All animals were discharged from the hospital (median hospitalization time after stent placement, 18 hours [range, 4 hours to 7 days]) with an indwelling, double-pigtail ureteral stent (3 bilateral and 9 unilateral) in place. All stents evaluated 0.25 to 11 months after placement were considered patent. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that ureteral stent placement was safe, effective, and well tolerated in patients with malignant ureteral obstructions. Stents could be reliably placed in a minimally invasive manner and remain patent long-term. Ureteral stent placement should be considered as early as possible in patients with neoplasia, prior to the development of permanent renal damage.

Rate of USMLE Step 2 CK Scores Included on Orthopedic Surgery Applications and Associations With Step 1 Score.

Background At present, orthopedic surgery applicants do not universally include Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (Step 2 CK) scores on their applications and current inclusion rates are not yet reported. As Step 1 transitions to pass/fail scoring, we suspect more applicants will include Step 2 CK scores. We sought to identify what percentage of applications currently include Step 2 CK, if applicants who include Step 2 CK (Step 1+CK) score lower on Step 1 than those not including Step 2 CK (Step 1-CK), and what correlations exist between Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores among those who include the scores on their applications. Methodology Applicants to one residency program over two application cycles (2019-2020) were analyzed. The percentage including Step 1 and Step 2 scores was recorded. Step 1 scores were compared between Step 1+CK and Step 1-CK applicants. Differences between Step 2 CK and Step 1 scores were stratified by Step 1 score. Results A total of 1,688 applicants applied to our institution from 2019 to 2020. Of those reporting United States Medical Licensing Examination scores, 1,316/1,660 (79%) reported a Step 2 CK score. Step 1-CK applicants scored higher on Step 1 (250.7 ± 10.9) versus Step 1+CK applicants (244.3 ± 13.1) (p < 0.0001). More applicants who scored lower on Step 1 improved upon their percentile rank between Step 1 and Step 2 CK than those who scored higher on Step 1 (χ2 (8,1316) = 79.1, p < 0.0001). Conclusions From 2019 to 2020, 79% of applicants included Step 2 CK. Lower Step 1 scores were more likely to include Step 2 CK and improve upon their percentile score. It is unclear how Step 1 scoring change will affect current practice.