Biomechanical Analysis of Tibial Motion and ACL Graft Forces After ACLR With and Without LET at Varying Tibial Slopes.

BACKGROUND: Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is being performed more frequently with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) to decrease graft failure rates. The posterior tibial slope (PTS) affects ACL graft failure rates. The effect of ACLR + LET on tibial motion and graft forces with increasing PTS has not been elucidated. HYPOTHESIS: LET would decrease anterior tibial translation (ATT), tibial rotation, and ACL graft force versus ACLR alone with increasing tibial slope throughout knee range of motion. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Twelve fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (mean donor age, 40.5 years; all female) were tested in 4 conditions (intact, ACL cut, ACLR, and ACLR + LET) with varying PTSs (5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°) at 3 flexion angles (0°, 30°, and 60°). Specimens were mounted to a load frame that applied a 500-N axial load with 1 N·m of internal rotation (IR) torque. The amount of tibial translation, IR, and graft force was measured. RESULTS: Increasing PTS revealed a linear and significant increase in graft force at all flexion angles. LET reduced graft force by 8.3% (-5.8 N) compared with ACLR alone at 30° of flexion. At the same position, slope reduction resulted in reduced graft force by 17% to 22% (-12.3 to -15.2 N) per 5° of slope correction, with a 46% (-40.7 N) reduction seen from 20° to 5° of slope correction. For ATT, ACLR returned tibial translation to preinjury levels, as did ACLR + LET at all flexion angles, except full extension, where ACLR + LET reduced ATT by 2.5 mm compared with the intact state (P = .019). CONCLUSION: Increased PTS was confirmed to increase graft forces linearly. Although ACLR + LET reduced graft force compared with ACLR alone, slope reduction had a larger effect across all testing conditions. No other clinically significant differences were noted between ACLR with versus without LET in regard to graft force, ATT, or IR. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Many authors have proposed LET in the setting of ACLR, revision surgery, hyperlaxity, high-grade pivot shift, and elevated PTS, but the indications remain unclear. The biomechanical performance of ACLR + LET at varying PTSs may affect daily practice and provide clarity on these indications.

Improved Mental Health Status and Patient-Reported Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement.

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is often a chronic problem, which can lead to a decrease in mental well-being. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to determine patient mental health improvement after hip arthroscopy and if this improvement correlated with improved outcomes. It was hypothesized that patients with low mental health (LMH) status would improve after hip arthroscopy for FAI and that their patient-reported outcomes (PROs) would significantly improve after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients who underwent hip arthroscopy with labral repair between 2008 and 2015 were included. The minimum follow-up was 2 years. PROs included the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), HOS-Sports (HOS-Sports), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). The minimal clinically important difference and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) were determined for HOS-ADL, HOS-Sports, and the mHHS based on previously published studies. Patients who scored <46.5 on the SF-12 Mental Component Summary (MCS) were in the LMH group, and those who scored ≥46.5 were in the high mental health (HMH) group. RESULTS: In total, 120 (21%) of the 566 patients were in the LMH group and 446 (79%) patients were in the HMH group preoperatively. There was no difference in age or sex between groups. Patients in the LMH group had lower mHHS, HOS-ADL, and HOS-Sports at the mean 4-year follow-up and were less likely to reach PASS for the scores. Postoperatively, 84% (478/566) of the entire group was in the HMH group. A total of 88 (73%) of the LMH group improved to HMH. A multiple linear regression model for change in MCS identified independent predictors of changes in preoperative MCS to be LMH group preoperatively, change in HOS-Sports, and change in mHHS (r2 = 0.4; P < .001). CONCLUSION: HMH was achieved in 84% of the patients after hip arthroscopy for FAI. Improvement in MCS was correlated with function and activity, as indicated by a significant correlation with HOS-ADL and HOS-Sports. A small percentage of patients did see a decline in their MCS score. This study showed that patients with LMH scores before hip arthroscopy for FAI can improve to normal/high mental health, and this correlated with higher PROs.

Clinical Outcomes After Arthroscopic Pancapsular Shift for the Treatment of Multidirectional Glenohumeral Instability at a Mean Follow-up of 9 Years.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic treatment of multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder is being increasingly performed, but there is a paucity of studies with minimum 5-year follow-up. PURPOSE: To report on survivorship and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after arthroscopic pancapsulorraphy (APC) for MDI with a minimum 5-year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained before initiation of this retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Patients were included if they had a minimum of follow-up 5 years after APC for MDI. PROs included the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons; Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation; shortened version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand; and patient satisfaction. Preoperative, short-term (1-2 years), and final follow-up PROs were compared. Recurrent instability, dislocation, and reoperation were collected, and survivorship analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 49 shoulders in 44 patients (15 male, 29 female) treated between October 2005 and November 2015 were included in the study. MDI onset was atraumatic in 27 shoulders and traumatic in 22. Rotator interval closure was performed in 17 patients. Overall, 14 of 49 (29%) patients reported feelings of instability in the shoulder, of whom 5 (10.2%) underwent revision surgery at a mean of 1.5 years. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a survivorship rate of 88% at 5 years and 82% at 8 years, with failure defined as requiring revision surgery or postoperative feelings of instability with ASES score <65. Final outcome analysis was performed on 41 shoulders with a mean follow-up of 9.0 years (range, 5.1-14.6 years). All PROs demonstrated significant improvement from preoperative baseline (P < .05) and remained significantly improved at both short-term and long-term final follow-up. There was no difference in PROs based on \\ atraumatic versus traumatic onset, or patients treated with a rotator interval closure. There was a significant difference in PROs between patients who had continued instability. CONCLUSION: APC for the treatment of MDI provided reasonable, durable long-term PROs that persisted from short-term follow-up. Although 29% of patients experienced feelings of instability at final follow-up, most of these patients still had high postoperative satisfaction and acceptable PROs.

Surgeon-Administered Anterolateral Geniculate Nerve Block as an Adjunct to Regional Anesthetic for Pain Management Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Regional anesthetic blockade of the adductor canal following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has gained popularity due to theoretical benefit of improved patient experience, decreased requirement for pain medication and maintained motor function. However, this block does not cover the anterior and lateral genicular innervation to the knee, which may lead to persistent pain postoperatively. The following Technical Note details the genicular nervous system and provides rationale and technique for performing a simple surgeon-administered regional anesthetic at the completion of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction to address the anterior and lateral genicular nervous system.

Obesity Does Not Affect Patient-Reported Outcomes following Patellofemoral Arthroplasty.

Patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) has garnered attention in recent years as an effective alternative to total knee arthroplasty for patients with symptomatic, isolated patellofemoral joint arthritis. Obesity has previously been identified as a risk factor for revision surgery, but its effect on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has not been evaluated. A retrospective review of a consecutive series of PFA surgeries was conducted at a single, specialized orthopedics center in a major urban center. Patients were dichotomized by body mass index (BMI) as obese (O, BMI >30) or nonobese (NO, BMI: 18.5-25). Demographic, surgical information, and PROMs were collected and analyzed accordingly. Seventy-six patients (41 nonobese, 35 obese) were identified. Patients who were obese presented with significantly worse preoperative PROMs regarding knee-specific quality of life, physical function, and MH or mental health (knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score quality of life [KOOS QoL], NO: 26.2, O: 14.7, p = 0.019; KOOS PF, NO: 38.2, O: 50.5, p = 0.002; Veterans Rand-12 mental health [VR-12 MH], NO: 54.2, O: 47.0, p = 0.033). No significant difference was seen in improvement in knee function scores between patients who were obese or nonobese (KOOS QoL, NO: 39.5, O: 40.6, p = 0.898; KOOS PS [physical function], NO: -17.8, O: -17.3, p = 0.945). Additionally, no difference in the rate of PFA revision was observed and there were no postoperative complications reported. Obese patients with isolated PFA can expect the same improvement in function as nonobese patients following patellofemoral joint arthroplasty. This paper underscores the priority of patient selection in PFA and challenges the notion that surgeons should exclude patients from receiving a PFA on the basis of obesity.

Increased Comorbidity Burden Among Hip Fracture Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic in New York City.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic had a devastating effect on New York City in the spring of 2020. Several global reports suggested worse early outcomes among COVID-positive patients with hip fractures. However, there is limited data comparing baseline comorbidities among patients treated during the pandemic relative to those treated in non-pandemic conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed at two Level 1 Trauma centers and one orthopedic specialty hospital to assess demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes among 67 hip fracture patients treated (OTA/AO 31, 32.1) during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City (March 20, 2020 to April 24, 2020), including 9 who were diagnosed with COVID-19. These patients were compared to a cohort of 76 hip fracture patients treated 1 year prior (March 20, 2019 to April 24, 2019). Baseline demographics, comorbidities, treatment characteristics, and respiratory symptomatology were evaluated. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. RESULTS: Relative to patients treated in 2019, patients with hip fractures during the pandemic had worse Charlson Comorbidity Indices (median 5.0 vs 6.0, P = .03) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores (mean 2.4 vs 2.7, P = .04). Patients during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to have decreased ambulatory status (P<.01) and a smoking history (P = .04). Patients in 2020 had longer inpatient stays (median 5 vs 7 days, P = .01), and were more likely to be discharged home (61% vs 9%, P<.01). Inpatient mortality was significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic (12% vs 0%, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with hip fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic had worse comorbidity profiles and decreased functional status compared to patients treated the year prior. This information may be relevant in negotiations regarding reimbursement for cost of care of hip fracture patients with COVID-19, as these patients may require more expensive care.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Patella Fracture With Contoured Dorsal Plating.

SUMMARY: In this article, we present a novel patella fixation technique using a low-profile highly contoured dorsal mini-fragment locking plate. This procedure is ideally indicated in patients with fracture patterns that are transverse without significant comminution. Long-term clinical studies are being performed to evaluate the effectiveness of this surgical technique.

Editorial Commentary: Indications for Concurrent Procedures During Hip Femoroacetabular Impingement Arthroscopic Treatment.

In patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), hip joint pathology often leads to an alteration of gait as well as core and pelvic muscular imbalance. Flexor, abductor, adductor, and hamstring tightness and pain are common patient-reported complaints at the time of evaluation for FAI and potential hip arthroscopy. Surgical interventions have been developed to target all of these potential issues, but the question remains whether these concurrent procedures are necessary, or whether postoperative rehabilitation and other conservative measures may better treat associated conditions. We recommend that iliotibial band release is not indicated for patients with nonsnapping extra-articular lateral hip pain and should be reserved for frank, external snapping hip. Patients with lateral hip pain that prevents them from lying on their side at night are candidates for endoscopic trochanteric bursectomy through a minimal longitudinal ITB incision. Patients with evidence of gluteus medius pathology including positive Trendelenburg test, Trendelenburg gait, or pain with resisted hip abduction are treated with either bioinductive patch gluteus medius tendon augmentation or endoscopic or open abductor repair. The challenge is determining which of these associated conditions are compensatory (i.e., will improve after the underlying hip pathology is addressed during FAI surgery), and which are pathologic (i.e., must separately be addressed at the time of surgery).

The Feasibility of Outpatient Shoulder Arthroplasty: Risk Stratification and Predictive Probability Modeling.

Whether shoulder arthroplasty can be performed on an outpatient basis depends on appropriate patient selection. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for adverse events (AEs) following shoulder arthroplasty and to generate predictive models to improve patient selection. This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data using a single institution shoulder arthroplasty registry as well as the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database, including subjects undergoing hemiarthroplasty, total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), and reverse TSA. Predicted probability of suitability for same-day discharge was calculated from multivariable logistic models for different patient subgroups based on age, comorbidities, and Charlson/Deyo Index scores. A total of 2314 shoulders (2079 subjects) in the institutional registry met inclusion criteria for this study. Younger age, higher body mass index (BMI), male sex, and prior steroid injection were all significantly associated with suitability for discharge, whereas preoperative narcotic use, comorbidities (heart disease and anemia/other blood disease), and Charlson/Deyo Index score of 2 were associated with AEs that might prevent same-day discharge. Compared with TSA, reverse TSA was associated with less suitability for discharge (P=.01). On querying the ACS-NSQIP database, 15,254 patients were identified. Female sex, BMI less than 35 kg/m2, American Society of Anesthesiologists class III/IV, preoperative anemia, functional dependence, low pre-operative albumin, and hemiarthroplasty were associated with unsuitability for discharge. Males 55 to 59 years old with no comorbidities nor history of narcotic use formed the lowest risk subgroup. Transfusion is the primary driver of AEs. Strategies to avoid this complication should be explored. Risk stratification will improve the ability to identify patients who can safely undergo outpatient shoulder arthroplasty. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(2):e215-e222.].

Trends in Utilization of Total and Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in the United States.

Total knee replacement (TKR) and unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) are successful procedures for patients with knee arthritis. While strict criteria were proposed early on for UKR, some surgeons have expanded these indications to include younger and heavier patients. The purpose of this study is to analyze trends in usage of TKR and UKR in the United States. This retrospective study analyzed an insurance administrative dataset. Patients who underwent primary TKR and UKR were identified via current procedural terminology codes. Information on incidence, obesity, use of computer navigation, and surgical setting were collected. We analyzed 7,194 UKRs and 128,849 TKRs performed from 2007 to 2016. Prevalence of obesity in both groups increased over the study period. Utilization of computer navigation increased for UKR but declined for TKR. The rate of outpatient procedures significantly increased for UKR but remained constant for TKR. Both TKR and UKR are being performed at increasing rates and on heavier patients. The use of computer navigation and outpatient surgical setting is increasing for UKR but not for TKR. Knowledge of these trends is important for surgeons and policy-makers to help inform surgical indications and resource allocation.

Universal Testing for COVID-19 in Essential Orthopaedic Surgery Reveals a High Percentage of Asymptomatic Infections.

BACKGROUND: The long incubation period and asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 present considerable challenges for health-care institutions. The identification of infected individuals is vital to prevent the spread of illness to staff and other patients as well as to identify those who may be at risk for disease-related complications. This is particularly relevant with the resumption of elective orthopaedic surgery around the world. We report the results of a universal testing protocol for COVID-19 in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery during the coronavirus pandemic and to describe the postoperative course of asymptomatic patients who were positive for COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective review of adult operative cases between March 25, 2020, and April 24, 2020, at an orthopaedic specialty hospital in New York City was performed. Initially, a screening questionnaire consisting of relevant signs and symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath) or exposure dictated the need for nasopharyngeal swab real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for all admitted patients. An institutional policy change occurred on April 5, 2020, that indicated nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR testing for all orthopaedic admissions. Screening and testing data for COVID-19 as well as relevant imaging, laboratory values, and postoperative complications were reviewed for all patients. RESULTS: From April 5, 2020, to April 24, 2020, 99 patients underwent routine nasopharyngeal swab testing for COVID-19 prior to their planned orthopaedic surgical procedure. Of the 12.1% of patients who tested positive for COVID-19, 58.3% were asymptomatic. Three asymptomatic patients developed postoperative hypoxia, with 2 requiring intubation. The negative predictive value of using the signs and symptoms of disease to predict a negative test result was 91.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 81.0% to 97.1%). Including a positive chest radiographic finding as a screening criterion did not improve the negative predictive value of screening (92.5% [95% CI, 81.8% to 97.9%]). CONCLUSIONS: A protocol for universal testing of all orthopaedic surgery admissions at 1 hospital in New York City during a 3-week period revealed a high rate of COVID-19 infections. Importantly, the majority of these patients were asymptomatic. Using chest radiography did not significantly improve the negative predictive value of screening. These results have important implications as hospitals anticipate the resumption of elective surgical procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Hip Fracture Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Early Results From New York.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate inpatient outcomes among patients with hip fracture treated during the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort study. SETTING: One Level 1 trauma center and one orthopaedic specialty hospital in New York City. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-nine consecutive patients (average age 85 years, range: 65-100 years) treated for a hip fracture (OTA/AO 31, 32.1) over a 5-week period, March 20, 2020, to April 24, 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: COVID-19 infection status was used to stratify patients. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes were admission to the intensive care unit, unexpected intubation, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, urinary tract infection, and transfusion. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, treatment characteristics, and COVID-related symptomatology were also evaluated. RESULTS: Ten patients (15%) tested positive for COVID-19 (COVID+) (n = 9; 7 preoperatively and 2 postoperatively) or were presumed positive (n = 1), 40 (68%) patients tested negative, and 9 (15%) patients were not tested in the primary hospitalization. American Society of Anesthesiologists' scores were higher in the COVID+ group (d = -0.83; P = 0.04); however, the Charlson Comorbidity Index was similar between the study groups (d = -0.17; P = 0.63). Inpatient mortality was significantly increased in the COVID+ cohort (56% vs. 4%; odds ratio 30.0, 95% confidence interval 4.3-207; P = 0.001). Including the one presumed positive case in the COVID+ cohort increased this difference (60% vs. 2%; odds ratio 72.0, 95% confidence interval 7.9-754; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hip fracture patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection had worse American Society of Anesthesiologists' scores but similar baseline comorbidities with significantly higher rates of inpatient mortality compared with those without concomitant COVID-19 infection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Patellar Instability and Dislocation: Optimizing Surgical Treatment and How to Avoid Complications.

Patellar instability is a common problem seen by the orthopedic surgeon. Surgery is indicated in recurrent dislocation to improve patellar tracking and ligamentous restraint in order to decrease risk of recurrence, osteochondral injury, and eventual progression to arthritis. Preoperative imaging studies identify anatomic risk factors that increase risk of patellar dislocation to inform surgical decision making. Surgical management starts with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, which is effective in many cases. Tibial tubercle osteotomy realigns the extensor mechanism and is useful in cases of lateralized tibial tubercle or patella alta. For patients with trochlear dysplasia, both tibial tubercle osteotomy and trochleoplasty are options to prevent recurrent dislocation. Chondral lesions are common and, depending upon symptomology and size, can be addressed with débridement, structural grafting, or cell-based treatment. To maximize outcomes, comprehensive preoperative diagnosis and planning must be combined with meticulous surgical technique. Unfortunately, there is minimal evidence to guide when a soft-tissue ligament reconstruction is sufficient versus when is it necessary to correct and alter the bony anatomy. This chapter covers the individualized decision making and surgical pearls for these techniques to improve outcomes and minimize perioperative complications.

Pediatric and adolescent ankle instability: diagnosis and treatment options.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to discuss the epidemiology, pathoanatomy, diagnosis, and treatment for lateral ankle instability in pediatric patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Chronic ankle instability is a common sequela of lateral ankle sprain in young athletes. Incidence is increasing, possibly due in part to inadequate treatment of first-time ankle sprains, as well as increased youth participation in organized and competitive sports. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) is injured in every case, whereas the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and syndesmosis may be involved in severe cases. A clinical history, focused physical exam, and appropriate radiographic studies aid in diagnosis, and predisposing factors must be identified. Early treatment of ankle sprains involves bracing or immobilization, followed by a course of physical therapy. Surgery involves anatomic repair of the torn ligaments, and may be required in cases of severe functional and mechanical instability with recurrent sprains refractory to nonsurgical management. Intraarticular disorders should be identified and may be addressed with ankle arthroscopy. SUMMARY: Prompt treatment of lateral ankle instability in young athletes is important to prevent chronic ankle instability. Many patients are successfully treated without surgery, and those requiring operative intervention improve function postoperatively.

Outpatient Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion is Associated With Fewer Short-term Complications in One- and Two-level Cases: A Propensity-adjusted Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. OBJECTIVE: To determine the postoperative morbidity of one- and two-level outpatient anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) relative to inpatient cases, and risk factors for postdischarge complications. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: ACDF is increasingly performed as an outpatient procedure, with evidence demonstrating outpatient one-level ACDF to be associated with fewer postoperative complications than inpatients. The postoperative morbidity and safety of outpatient two-level ACDF as a separate cohort is not well understood. METHODS: ACDF cases from NSQIP 2011 to 2014 were identified. Differences in baseline characteristics between inpatient and outpatient cases were determined, and propensity score adjustment was used to account for selection bias. One- and two-level ACDF cohorts were analyzed separately. Unadjusted and propensity-adjusted multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the risk of postoperative complications in outpatient cases relative to inpatient cases, and predictors of postdischarge complications. RESULTS: A total of 22,006 ACDF cases were included, of which 4759 were outpatient procedures. Propensity-adjusted differences in preoperative characteristics were all P > 0.5, indicating successful adjustment of selection bias. Among 6890 two-level cases, of which 1429 (20.7%) were outpatient, the overall unadjusted rate of complications was 1.47% for outpatients and 3.94% for inpatients, P < 0.001. Propensity-adjusted multivariable regression showed a lower rate of postoperative complications in the outpatient cohort (odds ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.30-0.75). Greater comorbidity burden as measured by Charlson Comorbidity Index, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class, chronic steroid use, hypertension, and male sex were independent risk factors for postdischarge complications. CONCLUSION: After adjusting for selection bias and patient risk factors, outpatient two-level ACDF was not associated with increased postoperative morbidity relative to inpatients, and may be considered in appropriately indicated patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Factors Affecting Length of Stay and Complications After Elective Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Study of 2164 Patients From The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Database (ACS NSQIP).

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of the prospective American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS NSQIP) database with 30-day follow-up of 2164 patients undergoing elective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). OBJECTIVE: To determine factors independently associated with increased length of stay (LOS) and complications after ACDF to facilitate preoperative planning and setting of realistic expectations for patients and providers. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The effect of individual preoperative factors on LOS and complications has been evaluated in small-scale studies. Large database analysis with multivariate analysis of these variables has not been reported. METHODS: The ACS NSQIP database from 2005 to 2010 was queried for patients undergoing ACDF procedures. Preoperative and perioperative variables were collected. Multivariate regression determined significant predictors (P<0.05) of extended LOS and complications. RESULTS: Average LOS was 2.0±4.0 days (mean±SD) with a range of 0-103 days. By multivariate analysis, age 65 years and above, functional status, transfer from facility, preoperative anemia, and diabetes were the preoperative factors predictive of extended LOS. Major complications, minor complications, and extended surgery time were the perioperative factors associated with increased LOS. The elongating effect of these variables was determined, and ranged from 0.5 to 5.0 days. Seventy-one patients (3.3%) had a total of 92 major complications, including return to operating room (40), venous thrombotic events (13), respiratory (21), cardiac (6), mortality (5), sepsis (4), and organ space infection (3). Multivariate analysis determined ASA score ≥3, preoperative anemia, age 65 years and above, extended surgery time, and male sex to be predictive of major complications (odds ratios ranging between 1.756 and 2.609). No association was found between levels fused and LOS or complications. CONCLUSION: Extended LOS after ACDF is associated with factors including age, anemia, and diabetes, as well as the development of postoperative complications. One in 33 patients develops a major complication postoperatively, which are associated with an increased LOS of 5 days.

Factors affecting length of stay after elective posterior lumbar spine surgery: a multivariate analysis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Elective posterior lumbar fusion is a common surgical procedure, but reported length of hospital stay is variable (usually 3-7 days). The effect of a limited number of factors on length of stay (LOS) has previously been evaluated. However, multivariate analysis using LOS as a dependent variable to separate potentially confounding variables has not been performed. PURPOSE: To facilitate setting of realistic expectations and considering the significant costs of hospitalization, it would be ideal to have a clear understanding of the variables affecting LOS for this surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This is a retrospective case series at a tertiary care center. PATIENT SAMPLE: One hundred three patients undergoing elective, open, one- to three-level posterior lumbar instrumented fusion (with or without decompression) by the orthopedic spine service at our institution between January 2010 and June 2012 were included in the study. OUTCOME MEASURES: LOS was determined from the date of surgery to the date of discharge. METHODS: Preoperative factors (patient demographics, previous surgery, levels instrumented, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] score, and major medical comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, malignancy, pulmonary disease, or heart disease), intraoperative factors (complications, drain placement, estimated blood loss, blood transfusion, fluids administered, operating room time, and surgery time), and postoperative factors (drain removal, blood transfusion, complications, and discharge destination) were collected and analyzed with multivariate stepwise regression to determine predictors of LOS. "Postoperative complications" were excluded as an independent variable from the regression analysis because of its close relationship with LOS. No funding was received for the completion of this study, and there are no potential conflicts of interests. RESULTS: Our sample included 70 one-level, 26 two-level, and 7 three-level operations. Average LOS was 3.6±1.8 days (mean±SD) with the range 0 to 12 days. Of this cohort, 79% (81 of 103) had a stay of 4 days or less. The only preoperative variables associated with LOS in the multivariate model were age (p=.038) and ASA score (p=.001). History of heart disease (p=.005) was significantly associated with a decreased hospital stay. Intraoperative complications included six dural tears and one pedicle fracture. No intraoperative factors were found to be associated with a longer LOS. Postoperative complications occurred in 32% of patients (33 of 103). Common complications included anemia requiring transfusion (11), altered mental status (8), pneumonia (4), hardware complications requiring reoperation (3). Only one serious complication, renal failure, occurred. Average LOS for patients with a postoperative complication was 5.1±2.3 vs. 2.9±0.9 days for patients with no complication (p<.001). Discharge to a subacute or nursing facility (p<.001) was significantly associated with increased LOS. Levels fused were not predictive of LOS, possibly due to the skew toward one-level cases in our sample. CONCLUSION: Patients who are older and have widespread systemic disease tend to stay in the hospital longer after surgery. Contrary to our expectations, no single comorbidity was predictive of longer hospital stays. Heart disease was associated with a shorter LOS, but this may have been due to a more extensive preoperative workup and closer medical management. Intraoperative events did not affect LOS; however, postoperative events did. These data should prove useful for counseling patients and setting expectations of patients and the health care team.

Improving visual estimates of cervical spine range of motion.

Cervical spine range of motion (ROM) is a common measure of cervical conditions, surgical outcomes, and functional impairment. Although ROM is routinely assessed by visual estimation in clinical practice, visual estimates have been shown to be unreliable and inaccurate. Reliable goniometers can be used for assessments, but the associated costs and logistics generally limit their clinical acceptance. To investigate whether training can improve visual estimates of cervical spine ROM, we asked attending surgeons, residents, and medical students at our institution to visually estimate the cervical spine ROM of healthy subjects before and after a training session. This training session included review of normal cervical spine ROM in 3 planes and demonstration of partial and full motion in 3 planes by multiple subjects. Estimates before, immediately after, and 1 month after this training session were compared to assess reliability and accuracy. Immediately after training, errors decreased by 11.9° (flexion-extension), 3.8° (lateral bending), and 2.9° (axial rotation). These improvements were statistically significant. One month after training, visual estimates remained improved, by 9.5°, 1.6°, and 3.1°, respectively, but were statistically significant only in flexion-extension. Although the accuracy of visual estimates can be improved, clinicians should be aware of the limitations of visual estimates of cervical spine ROM. Our study results support scrutiny of visual assessment of ROM as a criterion for diagnosing permanent impairment or disability.