High Rate of Intramedullary Canal Culture Positivity in Total Knee Arthroplasty Resection for Prosthetic Joint Infection.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic infection is a devastating complication following total knee arthroplasty. A 2-stage protocol often includes an interim antibiotic spacer with intramedullary (IM) dowels. However, the necessity of IM dowels has recently been challenged. Specifically, the data supporting bacterial colonization of the IM canal are limited and controversial. The purpose of this study was to identify the rate of positive IM cultures during resection arthroplasty in periprosthetic knee infection. METHODS: A total of 66 IM diaphyseal cultures were taken during resection arthroplasty from 34 patients diagnosed with periprosthetic knee infection. These IM cultures were taken from the femoral and tibial canals using separate sterile instruments. All patients had infected primary total knee arthroplasty implants at the time of resection. RESULTS: Thirty one percent (n = 21) of IM canal cultures in this study were positive from either the tibial or the femoral diaphysis at the time of resection arthroplasty. There were 18 of 21 (86%) of the positive IM canal cultures with concordant intraoperative joint cultures where the IM cultures matched the intraarticular cultures. CONCLUSION: With a 31% positive IM canal culture rate, this study confirms the logic of using IM dowels with an antibiotic spacer to treat periprosthetic knee infection. Since the failure of a 2-stage reimplantation is catastrophic, any attempt to provide additional local antibiotic delivery seems warranted. Since nearly one-third of our patients had positive IM cultures, this simple addition to an antibiotic spacer has the potential to improve 2-stage results. Claims supporting the elimination of IM dowels during resection arthroplasty seem ill-advised.

Increased Incidence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Knee and Hip Prosthetic Joint Infection.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication of knee and hip arthroplasty. Past literature has shown that gram-positive bacteria are commonly responsible for these infections, although limited research exists studying the changes in the microbial profile of PJIs over time. This study sought to analyze the incidence and trends of pathogens responsible for PJI over three decades. METHODS: This is a multi-institutional retrospective review of patients who had a knee or hip PJI from 1990 to 2020. Patients with a known causative organism were included and those with insufficient culture sensitivity data were excluded. There were 731 eligible joint infections from 715 patients identified. Organisms were divided into multiple categories based on genus/species and 5-year increments were used to analyze the study period. The Cochran-Armitage trend tests were used to evaluate linear trends in microbial profile over time and a P-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant positive linear trend in the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus over time (P = .0088) as well as a statistically significant negative linear trend in the incidence of coagulase-negative staphylococci over time (P = .0018). There was no statistical significance between organism and affected joint (knee/hip). CONCLUSION: The incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus PJI is increasing over time, whereas, coagulase-negative staphylococci PJI is decreasing, paralleling the global trend of antibiotic resistance. Identifying these trends may help with the prevention and treatment of PJI through methods such as remodeling perioperative protocols, modifying prophylactic/empiric antimicrobial approaches, or transitioning to alternative therapeutic strategies.

Treatment Outcomes of Fungal Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) continues to challenge surgeons and patients. The burden of fungal organisms may represent approximately 1% of all PJI. Additionally, fungal PJI is difficult to treat. Most available case series are small and report poor success rates. Fungi are opportunistic pathogens and patients who have fungal PJI are believed to be immunocompromised. Additionally, fungal biofilms are more complex than those formed by other pathogens and confer additional drug resistance. Due to these factors, treatment failure is common. METHODS: A retrospective review of our institutional registry was performed to identify patients treated for fungal PJI. There were 49 patients identified with 8 excluded for not having follow-up, which left 22 knees and 19 hips for analyses. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and surgical details were collected. The primary outcome was failure defined as reoperation for infection following the index surgery for fungal PJI within 1 year of the index surgery. RESULTS: Failure occurred in 10 of 19 knees and 11 of the 22 hips. A higher proportion of patients who have extremity grade C failed treatment, and every patient who failed was host grade 2 or 3. The average number of prior surgeries and time from resection to reimplantation were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this represents the largest cohort of fungal PJIs reported in the literature to date. This data supports other literature in that failure rates were high. More study is needed to further understand this entity and improve care for these patients.

Does Treatment at a Specialized Prosthetic Joint Infection Center Improve the Rate of Reimplantation.

BACKGROUND: Two-stage exchange arthroplasty is currently the preferred treatment method for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The effectiveness of this strategy in returning patients to premorbid function has recently been challenged. In a review of 18,535 PJI knee patients, 38% did not undergo reimplantation. In another review of 18,156 hip and knee PJI patients, 43% did not undergo reimplantation. These disturbing statistics led us to ask whether treatment at a specialized PJI center could improve the rate of reimplantation compared to the previously noted studies from large national administrative databases. METHODS: A retrospective review of our registry was performed to identify 390 patients who underwent a two-stage exchange after total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty who had a confirmed chronic bacterial PJI, defined by Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria, from January 2010 through December 2019. Variables included number of joints resected, number reimplanted, and the number not reimplanted. RESULTS: Of the 390 patients undergoing 2-stage treatment, 386 of 390 (99%) were reimplanted and 4 of 390 (1%) were not reimplanted due to medical issues. CONCLUSION: We have shown that 2-stage treatment at a PJI center significantly improves the rate of reimplantation. A specialized PJI center with experienced revision surgeons doing high volume infection procedures complemented by infectious disease and medical consultants familiar with the special needs of PJI patients may be advantageous. A national network of such centers may have the ability to improve outcomes, standardize treatment protocols, and allow for collaborative research.

Hypoalbuminemia Predicts Failure of Two-Stage Exchange for Chronic Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Hip and Knee.

BACKGROUND: Nutritionally compromized patients, with preoperative serum albumin (SAB) < 3.5g/dL, are at higher risk for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in total joint arthroplasty. The relationship between nutritional and PJI treatment success is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between preresection nutrition and success after first-stage resection in planned two-stage exchange for PJI. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 418 patients who had first-stage resection of a planned two-stage exchange for chronic hip or knee PJI between 2014 and 2018. A total of 157 patients (58 hips and 99 knees) were included who completed first stage, had available preop SAB and had a 2-year follow-up. Failure was defined as persistent infection or repeat surgery for infection after resection. Demographic and surgical data were abstracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Among knee patients with preop SAB >3.5 g/dL, the failure rate was 32% (15 of 47) versus a 48% (25 of 40) failure rate when SAB <3.5 g/dL (P = .10). Similarly, the failure rate among hip patients with preop SAB >3.5 g/dL versus 12.5% (3 of 24) versus 44% (15 of 34) for hip patients with SAB <3.5 g/dL (P = .01). Multivariable regression results indicated that patients with SAB< 3.5 g/dL (P = .0143) and Musculoskeletal Infection Society host type C (P = .0316) were at an increased risk of failure. CONCLUSION: Low preoperative SAB and Musculoskeletal Infection Societyhost type-C are independent risk factors for failure following first-stage resection in planned two-stage exchange for PJI. Efforts to nutritionally optimize PJI patients, when possible, may improve the outcome of two-stage exchange.

Polymicrobial Colonization of Prosthetic Joint Infections Treated With Open Wound Management.

BACKGROUND: Open wound management in prosthetic joint infection (PJI) patients has been used in problematic dehisced wounds hoping to stimulate granulation tissue and closure. However, infections that start as a monomicrobial PJI can become polymicrobial with resultant worse outcomes following open wound management. This study assessed the relationship between open wound management and the development of polymicrobial periprosthetic joint infections. METHODS: We reviewed patients referred with a synovial cutaneous fistula. Patients with an open wound measuring less than 2 cm and less than two weeks of open wound management were excluded. Variables included original organisms cultured, type and length of open wound management, and organisms cultured at the time of revision infection surgery. RESULTS: Of the 65 patients with a previous monomicrobial infection treated with open wound management, 22/65 (34%) progressed to a polymicrobial infection. Thirty (46%) wounds were packed open with gauze, 20 (31%) were managed with negative pressure wound therapy, and 15 (23%) had surface dressings only. Of the 22 patients who converted to a polymicrobial infection, only 10 (45%) were infection free at follow-up. In contrast, 30 of 43 patients (70%) whose infections remained monomicrobial were infection free at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Open wound management can lead to conversion from a monomicrobial to a polymicrobial PJI, a rate of 34% in this series. Open prosthetic wound management should be discontinued for a fear of converting a monomicrobial infection to a difficult to treat polymicrobial infection. Surgeons must be prudent in the use of open wound management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Retrospective Case Series.

Survivorship and Radiographic Evaluation of Metaphyseal Cones With Short Cemented Stems in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the survivorship and radiographic outcomes of a single design of metaphyseal cone used in conjunction with short cemented stems. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) patients (June 2015 to December 2017) using porous titanium femoral or tibial cones in conjunction with short cemented stems (50-75 mm). Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Survivorship, complications, and a modified Knee Society Radiographic score were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-nine rTKAs were included in the study (12 femoral cones, 48 tibial cones). Varus-valgus constraint was used in 28 (57%) and a hinged bearing was used in 3 (6%) of these constructs. The majority were index rTKAs of primary components (86%), performed for aseptic loosening (51%) and reimplantation following staged treatment for infection (37%). Median follow-up was 39 months (range 25-58). Using a modified Knee Society Radiographic score, all constructs were classified as stable. Postoperatively, 4 rTKAs were complicated by recurrent infection (8%), periprosthetic fracture 2 (4%), and superficial wound infection 1 (2%). Seven rTKAs (14%) required reoperation. The majority of reoperations (4 rTKAs) were debridement and irrigation with implant retention for infection. Metaphyseal cone constructs with short cemented stems demonstrated 100% survivorship free of revision for aseptic loosening without evidence of radiographic loosening in any case. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate excellent outcomes with the use of metaphyseal cones with short cemented stems at mid-term follow-up. This construct avoids the use of long-stem fixation with the associated extraction difficulty, end of stem pain, and potential for malposition at the joint line. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Case Series.

Do Pre-Reimplantation Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate/C-Reactive Protein Cutoffs Guide Decision-Making in Prosthetic Joint Infection? Are We Flying Blind?

BACKGROUND: Two-stage exchange is a commonly used approach for treating chronic periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). A pre-reimplantation threshold value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to determine infection eradication and the proper timing of reimplantation remains ill-defined. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 483 potential patients for eligibility. In total, 178 patients were excluded. In addition, 305 joints were eligible who underwent 2-stage revision for prosthetic hip or knee joint infection (PJI). Serum ESR and CRP were recorded at 8 weeks post resection prior to stage 2 reimplantation. ESR and CRP were analyzed with receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) for response failure. RESULTS: In total, 252 patients had resections for chronic infections while 53 septic patients had resections for acute infections. Forty-one of 252 (16.3%) patients failed reimplantation. Median ESR at the time of reimplantation was 17 (normal less than 20 mm/h). Median CRP was 0.6 (normal less than 0.5 mg/dL). ROC plot for response failure in analyzing ESR found an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.47. ROC plot analyzing CRP found an AUC of 0.57. The ratio of ESR/CRP was also utilized and found an AUC of 0.60. All of the AUC data are in the "fail to discriminate category." CONCLUSION: Although improvements in serology can be somewhat reassuring, there are no statistically significant values of ESR or CRP that would predict failure of reimplantation in the 2-stage treatment of PJI. Because we are flying blind consideration should be made for mandatory pre-reimplantation aspirates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Retrospective Case Series.

High-Dose Antibiotic Cement Spacers Independently Increase the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Revision for Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Standard treatment for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) involves 2-stage exchange with placement of an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer (ACS). Conflicting evidence exists on the role of ACS in development of acute kidney injury (AKI) after first-stage surgery. In this randomized clinical trial, we aimed to compare the incidence of AKI between the first-stage of a planned 2-stage exchange vs 1-stage exchange. This study design isolates the effect of the ACS in otherwise identical treatment groups. METHODS: The primary outcome variable was AKI, defined as a creatinine ≥1.5 times baseline or an increase of ≥0.3 mg/dL. Risk factors for AKI were evaluated using bivariate statistical tests and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients who underwent the first stage of a planned 2-stage exchange were significantly more likely to develop AKI compared with the 1-stage exchange group (15 [22.7%] vs 4 [6.6%], P = .011). On multivariable regression analysis, ACS placement (odds ratio 7.48, 95% confidence limit 1.77-31.56) and chronic kidney disease (odds ratio 3.84, 95% confidence limit 1.22-12.08) were independent risk factors for AKI. CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that high-dose antibiotic cement spacers for treatment of PJI are an independent risk factor for AKI. Therefore, efforts to minimize nephrotoxicity should be employed in revision for PJI when possible.

Chitranjan S. Ranawat Award: Motion During Total Knee Cementing Significantly Decreases Tibial Implant Fixation Strength.

BACKGROUND: Aseptic tibial loosening following primary total knee arthroplasty persists despite technique and device-related advancements. The mechanisms for this mode of failure are not well understood. We hypothesized that knee movement while the cement was curing dispersed lipids at the implant-cement interface and would result in decreased tibial fixation strength. METHODS: A cadaveric study was performed utilizing 32 torso-to-toe specimens (64 knees). Four contemporary total knee arthroplasty designs were evaluated. Each implant design was randomly assigned to a cadaveric specimen pair with side-to-side randomization. Specimen densitometry was recorded. Each tibial implant was cemented using a standard technique. On one side, the tibial component was held without motion following impaction until complete cement polymerization. The contralateral knee tibial implant was taken through gentle range of motion and stability assessment 7 minutes after cement mixing. Axial tibial pull-out strength and interface failure examination was performed on each specimen. RESULTS: The average pull-out strength for the no motion cohort (5,462 N) exceeded the motion cohort (4,473 N) (P = .001). The mean pull-out strength between implant designs in the no motion cohort varied significantly (implant A: 7,230 N, B: 5,806 N, C: 5,325 N, D 3,486 N; P = .007). Similarly, the motion cohort inter-implant variance was significant (P ≤ .001). Intra-implant pull-out strength was significantly higher in implant A than D. The average pull-out strength was significantly lower in specimens that failed at the implant-cement interface vs bone failures (4,089 ± 2,158 N vs 5,960 ± 2,010 N, P < .0025). CONCLUSION: Knee motion during cement polymerization is associated with significant decreases in tibial implant fixational strength. Reduction in implant pull-out strength was identified with each implant design with motion and varied between designs. Across all tested designs, we recommend limiting motion while cementing the tibial implant to improve fixation strength.

Long Term Results of Two-Stage Revision for Chronic Periprosthetic Knee Infection: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Long-term reinfection and mortality rates and clinical outcomes with sufficient subject numbers remain limited for patients undergoing two-stage exchange arthroplasty for chronic periprosthetic knee infections. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term reinfection, complication, and mortality following reimplantation for two-stage exchange following knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Retrospective review of 178 patients who underwent two-stage exchange knee arthroplasty for chronic PJI at three large tertiary referral institutions with an average of 6.63-year follow-up from reimplantation from 1990 to 2015. Rates of reinfection, mortality, and all-cause revision were calculated along with the cumulative incidence of reinfection with death as a competing factor. Risk factors for reinfection were determined using Cox multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: Overall rate of infection eradication was 85.41%, with a mortality rate of 30.33%. Patients with minimum 5-year follow-up (n = 118, average 8.32 years) had an infection eradication rate of 88.98%, with a mortality rate of 33.05%. CONCLUSION: This is a large series with long-term follow-up evaluating outcomes of two-stage exchange knee arthroplasty resulting in adequate infection eradication and high mortality. Results were maintained at longer follow-up. This technique should be considered in patients with chronic PJI; however, realistic expectations regarding long-term outcomes must be discussed with patients.

Where Is the "Weak Link" of Fixation in Contemporary Cemented Total Knee Replacements?

BACKGROUND: Aseptic tibial loosening is a frequent cause of long-term failure following primary cemented total knee replacement. Failure of the tibial implant can occur at the implant-cement interface or at the cement-bone interface. Currently, it is unknown at which interface failure occurs in cases of aseptic tibial loosening. The following study was designed to determine which interface represents the "weak link" for tibial implant fixation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 149 patients who were revised secondary to aseptic tibial loosening at our institution from 2005 to 2017. Operative reports and radiographs were reviewed on each patient to determine the location and pattern of fixation failure. RESULTS: Implant failure was more prevalent at the implant-cement than cement-bone interface, 140/149 (94.0%) vs 9/149 (6.0%). Additionally, we noted 2 distinct patterns of failure in patients that loosened at the implant-cement interface. Ninety of 140 (64.3%) patients developed varus collapse pattern of failure. Forty-nine of 140 (35.0%) patients developed failure between the implant-cement interface without angulation. All 149 patients had heterotopic bone formation anterior to the tibial baseplate, which was consistent regardless of which interface failed. CONCLUSION: The most frequent interface failure identified in our study was at the implant-cement interface, 140/149 (94.0%). This finding has substantial clinical ramifications. Because failure was predominantly at the implant-cement interface there may be design opportunities for increasing implant fixation to cement. Implants with improved undersurface tibial tray features may be necessary to mitigate the risk of failure at this interface, especially in overly active patients or those with elevated body mass indices.

Lower Extremity Girth Does Not Predict Complications in TKA.

BACKGROUND: Obese patients have increased complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A body mass index (BMI) cutoff of 40 is frequently used to determine eligibility for TKA. Patients with a BMI <40 and extremely large legs which may predispose them to complications are approved for surgery because they fall below this cutoff. Alternatively, patients with truncal obesity and a BMI >40 are accepted because they have thin legs. We sought to determine whether BMI or girth should be used to determine eligibility. METHODS: 453 patients who underwent TKA were included. A lower extremity girth (LEG) ratio was calculated dividing the width of the soft tissue envelope by bone width on lateral radiographs. Receiver operator curves were generated to predict 90-day complications. RESULTS: There was no difference in median LEG ratio between patients with or without a complication (P = .08). Receiver operator curves indicated that size of the soft tissue envelope had no utility in predicting complications. There was no correlation between LEG ratio and specific complications such as infection, malalignment, or wound complications. Using a LEG ratio threshold of 4.834, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting complications were 48% and 64%, respectively. The median BMI for patients with no complication was 32.3 and 35 for patients with a complication (P = .07). CONCLUSION: Complications are not necessarily associated with size of the soft tissue envelope in TKA.Decisions concerning TKA should not be made solely on the size of a patient's leg. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III (retrospective comparative study).

Radiologist Overreads of Intraoperative Radiographs-Value or Waste?

BACKGROUND: All aspects of the arthroplasty pathway must be scrutinized to maximize value and eliminate unnecessary cost. Radiology providers' contracts with hospitals often call for readings of all radiographs. This policy has little effect on patient care when intraoperative radiographs are taken and used to make real-time decisions. In order to determine the value of radiologist overreads, we asked 3 questions: what was the delay between the time an intraoperative radiograph was taken and time the report was generated, were the overreads accurate, and what is the associated cost? METHODS: Two hundred hip and knee radiograph reports generated over 6 months during 391 cases were reviewed. The time the report was dictated was compared to the time taken and time of surgery completion. To determine accuracy, each overread was rated as accurate or inaccurate. The cost of the overread was determined by multiplying the number of radiographs times the radiology fee less the technical fee. RESULTS: Median delay between taking the radiograph and filing the report was 45 minutes (range, 0-9778 minutes). Only 31.5% were filed before completion of the procedure. And 18.0% (36/200) were considered inaccurate despite lenient criteria. The reading fee for hip radiographs was $52.00, and for knee radiographs was $38.00, representing a total cost of $10,182 in our select series. This cost projects to $43,614 annually at our facility. CONCLUSION: Radiology overreads of intraoperative radiographs have no effect on real-time decision-making. In the era of value-based care, payors should stop paying for overreads and reimburse providers who actually read the films intraoperatively.

The Perils of Open Wound Management in Prosthetic Joint Infection Treatment.

Wound breakdown following a total joint arthroplasty is a difficult problem to manage. Early aggressive debridement and closure is essential to prevent a subsequent prosthetic joint infection. Open management of a wound that communicates directly with the joint in the form of wet to dry dressings, iodoform packings, or a non-incisional wound vac should be avoided. Such treatment is inappropriate and leads to difficult to treat multi-organism infections and less than optimal results. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 30(4):263-264, 2021).

The Importance of Appropriate Incision Choice in Conversion Total Knee Arthroplasty.

When faced with the necessity of surgery in a previously operated knee, pre-operative planning and understanding of the vascular anatomy to the front of the knee is essential. Blood flow to the anterior aspect of the knee comes from medial to lateral. Therefore, in the case of multiple previous knee incisions the most lateral incision should always be chosen to avoid skin necrosis. The concept of a safe distance between incisions is inappropriate, risks extensive skin necrosis, and should be abandoned. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 30(4):253-255, 2021).

Kinematic Performance of Gradually Variable Radius Posterior-Stabilized Primary TKA During Various Activities: An In Vivo Study Using Fluoroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with gradually variable radii (G-curve) femoral condylar geometry is now available. It is believed that a G-curve design would lead to more mid-flexion stability leading to reduced incidence of paradoxical anterior slide. The objective of this study was to assess the in vivo kinematics for subjects implanted with this type of TKA under various conditions of daily living. METHODS: Tibiofemoral kinematics of 35 patients having posterior-stabilized TKA with G-curve design were analyzed using fluoroscopy while performing three activities: weight-bearing deep knee bend, gait, and walking down a ramp. The subjects were assessed for range of motion, condylar translation, axial rotation, cam-spine engagement, and condylar lift-off. RESULTS: The average weight-bearing flexion during deep knee bend was 111.4°. On average, the subjects exhibited 5.4 mm of posterior rollback of the lateral condyle and 2.0 mm of the medial condyle from full extension to maximum knee flexion. The femur consistently rotated externally with flexion, and the average axial rotation was 5.2°. Overall movement of the condyles during gait and ramp-down activity was small. No incidence of condylar lift-off was observed. CONCLUSION: Subjects in this study experienced consistent magnitudes of posterior femoral rollback and external rotation of the femur with weight-bearing flexion. The variation is similar to that previously reported for normal knee where the lateral condyle moves consistently posterior compared to the medial condyle. Subjects experienced low overall mid-flexion paradoxical anterior sliding and no incidence of condylar lift-off leading to mid-flexion stability.

Dual Mobility for Monoblock Metal-on-Metal Revision-Is It Safe?

BACKGROUND: Revision of monoblock metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with high complication rates. Limited revision by conversion to a dual mobility (DM) without acetabular component extraction may mitigate these complications. However, the concern for polyethylene wear and osteolysis remains unsettled. This study investigates the results of DM conversion of monoblock MoM THA compared to formal acetabular revision. METHODS: One hundred forty-three revisions of monoblock MoM THA were reviewed. Twenty-nine were revisions to a DM construct, and 114 were complete revisions of the acetabular component. Mean patient age was 61, 54% were women. Components used, acetabular cup position, radiographic outcomes, serum metal ion levels, and HOOS Jr clinical outcome scores were investigated. RESULTS: At 3.9 years of follow-up (range 2-5), there were 2 revisions (6.9%) in the DM cohort, 1 for instability and another for periprosthetic fracture. Among the formal acetabular revision group there was a 20% major complication rate (23/114) and 16% underwent revision surgery (18/114) for aseptic loosening of the acetabular component (6%), deep infection (6%), dislocation (4%), acetabular fracture (3%), or delayed wound healing (6%). In the DM cohort, there were no radiographic signs of aseptic loosening, component migration, or polyethylene wear. One DM patient had a small posterior metadiaphyseal femur lesion that will require close monitoring. There were no other radiographic signs of osteolysis. There were no clinically significant elevations of serum metal ion levels. HOOS Jr scores were favorable. CONCLUSION: Limited revision with conversion to DM is a viable treatment option for failed monoblock MoM THA with lower complication rates than formal revision. Limited revision to DM appears to be a safe option for revision of monoblock MoM THA with a cup in good position and an internal geometry free of sharp edges or articular surface damage. Longer follow-up is needed to demonstrate any potential wear implications of these articulations.

In the Era of Tranexamic Acid, are Type and Screens for Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty Obsolete?

BACKGROUND: Advances in technique and perioperative blood management have improved transfusion rates following unilateral primary total joint arthroplasty and led some centers to change their preoperative blood ordering protocols. The purpose of this study is to determine whether deleting type and screens (T&S) from preoperative order sets was safe for patients undergoing primary total knee (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) and to identify patients who required allogenic blood transfusion. METHODS: Prospectively collected data were reviewed to identify any patient with a hemoglobin (Hgb) drawn within 30 days of surgery who received a transfusion following a unilateral primary TKA or THA. RESULTS: A total of 1255 patients met inclusion criteria. Of the total, 682 (54%) were TKAs and 573 (46%) were THAs. The mean preoperative Hgb was 11.5 g/dL with an average delta Hgb of 3.6 g/dL on postoperative day 1. No patient required an intraoperative transfusion. Fourteen patients (mean age and body mass index, 67.9 and 29.0) required a transfusion (1.1%) for postoperative blood loss anemia. Of those transfused, 13 (93%) of the patients underwent THA with the mean estimated blood loss of 378.6 mL. The total cost for a patient obtaining a T&S is $191.27. CONCLUSION: In our series, the risk of blood transfusion was rare (1.1%) and occurred only secondary to postoperative blood loss anemia. There were no cases of intraoperative complication requiring urgent or emergent blood transfusion. Removing T&S from standard order sets for patients undergoing primary TKA or THA appears to be a safe and cost-effective practice.

Does Change in ESR and CRP Guide the Timing of Two-stage Arthroplasty Reimplantation?

BACKGROUND: Two-stage reimplantation arthroplasty is a commonly used approach for treating chronic periprosthetic joint infections. A prereimplantation threshold value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to determine infection eradication and the proper timing of reimplantation remains ill defined. We theorized that rather than a specific numeric threshold, a percentage of improvement in these serology markers might improve diagnostic accuracy in determining the timing of reimplantation. QUESTION/PURPOSES: We investigated if (1) the percent, or delta, change in ESR and CRP values from preresection to prereimplantation ([INCREMENT]ESR, [INCREMENT]CRP) is a useful marker of infection eradication and (2) whether the initial PJI causative organism (resistant, nonresistant, or culture-negative) is associated with serum ESR and CRP values before and after treatment with an antibiotic spacer and parenteral antibiotic therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 300 patients, nine of whom were lost to followup, treated with a two-stage revision THA or TKA protocol between 2005 and 2014 from two separate institutional arthroplasty registries. Serum ESR and CRP values were recorded at two designated points: (1) preresection and (2) after 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotic therapy with a drug-eluting spacer and completion of an organism-specific intravenous antibiotic regimen. Patient records were reviewed electronically for causative species of infection, revision surgeries, and recurrent/persistent infection based on Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria for a minimum of 2 years. Forty-eight of 291 patients (16%) underwent a revision procedure for recurrent or persistent infection, whereas 31 patients (10%) were revised for noninfectious reasons. The [INCREMENT]ESR, [INCREMENT]CRP, culture results, and patient demographics were recorded and analyzed with receiver operator curves controlling for American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class. RESULTS: Receiver operator characteristic area under the curves (AUC) demonstrated that both the [INCREMENT]ESR (AUC = 0.581) and [INCREMENT]CRP (AUC = 0.539) percentages were poor markers of recurrent or persistent infection. When comparing preresection with prereimplantation values, the median percent [INCREMENT]ESR was 50% (interquartile range [IQR], 17%-77%) for those patients who remained infection-free versus 59% (IQR, 29%-78%) for those who developed reinfection (p = 0.540). The median percent [INCREMENT]CRP was 77% (IQR, 47%-92%) for those patients who remained infection-free versus 79% (IQR, 46%-95%) for those who experienced reinfection (p = 0.634). Although no significant differences were found between organism type and CRP values at the two time points, the preresection ESR level was higher in patients infected with resistant bacteria (median, 69; IQR, 60%-85%) compared with nonresistant organisms (median, 55; IQR, 33%-83%; p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The percent change in serum ESR and CRP inflammatory markers before and after two-stage reimplantation for PJI was not associated with reinfection risk when controlling for ASA class. Although a return to normal serology infrequently occurs before reimplantation, [INCREMENT]ESR and [INCREMENT]CRP provide no additional diagnostic accuracy to determine the timing of reimplantation. Furthermore, the pre- and postresection serology values have no meaningful relationship to resistant or nonresistant pathogens. Decisions for reimplantation must take into account multiple variables rather than a specific threshold change in serum inflammatory markers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.