The Impact of Surgeon Volume on Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Survivorship: A Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative Database Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has remained low when compared to total knee arthroplasty (TKA), possibly due to higher rates of revision and reoperation. This study aimed to quantify surgeon UKA case-volumes and measure the effect of surgeon volume on early revision. We hypothesized that surgeons who have high case volumes would have lower revision rates compared to medium- and low-volume surgeons. METHODS: Primary UKAs were performed between February 2012 and November 2021, and associated revisions were identified utilizing the Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative. Surgeon information, including total cases and annual UKA volume, was collected. Case volume per year was stratified as High (≥ 35 cases per year), Medium (15 to 34 cases per year), and low (< 15 cases per year). RESULTS: There were a total of 15,542 UKAs performed. Of these, 701 (4.5%) were revised, and 412 (58.8%) revisions occurred within 2 years. Of the 287 surgeons who performed an UKA in the registry, 237 (82.6%) were low-volume surgeons, 36 (12.5%) were medium-volume, and 14 (4.9%) were high-volume. High-volume surgeons were more likely to operate on older patients (P < 0.01), Medicare patients (P < 0.01), and patients who had American Society of Anesthesiologists scores of III and IV (P < 0.01). High-volume surgeons had significantly lower 5-year revision rates compared to medium and low-volume surgeons (high: 4.3% (95% confidence interval: 3.7 to 4.9), medium: 5.2% (4.4 to 6.1), low: 7.2% (6.4 to 8.0); P < 0.001). In comparison, the 5-year revision rate for TKA in Michigan was 3.0% (95% confidence interval: 2.9 to 3.1). CONCLUSIONS: When UKAs were performed by high-volume surgeons in the state of Michigan, there was better survivorship when compared to low-and medium-volume surgeons. High-volume surgeons were more likely to perform UKA on older patients, Medicare patients, and patients who had American Society of Anesthesiologists scores of III and IV. The revision rate for the high-volume surgeons still exceeded the 5-year revision rate for TKA in Michigan.

Opioid Consumption After Discharge From Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pain is challenging after recovery from total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures, and patients often receive prescription opioids. However, opioid consumption by patients remains unclear, and unused opioids may lead to risks including misuse and diversion. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare prescription size versus patient-reported consumption of opioids after discharge following TKA and THA. METHODS: PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for publications published between 2015 and 2022 on patient-reported consumption of opioids after TKA and THA. The primary outcome was opioid use in oxycodone 5-mg equivalents. Team members independently reviewed studies for screening, inclusion, data extraction, and risk of bias. RESULTS: Among the 17 included studies (15 TKA and 11 THA), discharge opioid prescribing exceeded consumption for both TKA (88.4 versus 65.0 pills at 6 weeks) and THA (64.0 versus 29.8 pills at 12 weeks). For both TKA and THA, the range of opioids prescribed varied significantly, by 1.6-fold for TKA and 2.8-fold for THA. Most studies reported pain outcomes (89%) and the use of nonopioid medications (72%). Of the 4 studies offering prescribing recommendations, the amounts ranged from 50 to 104 pills for TKA and 30 to 45 pills for THA. CONCLUSIONS: Opioid prescribing exceeds the amount consumed following TKA and THA. These findings serve as a call to action to tailor prescribing guidelines to how much patients actually consume while emphasizing the use of nonopioid medications to better optimize recovery from surgery.

A systematic review of crosswalks for converting patient-reported outcome measure scores in hip, knee, and shoulder replacement surgery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:  We aimed to systematically review studies of crosswalks for converting patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) scores used in joint replacement, and develop a database of published crosswalks. METHODS:  4 electronic databases were searched from January 2000 to May 2023 to identify studies reporting the development and/or validation of crosswalks to convert PROM scores in patients undergoing elective hip, knee, or shoulder replacement surgery. Data on study and sample characteristics, source and target PROMs, and crosswalk development and validation methods were extracted from eligible studies. Study reporting was evaluated using the Mapping onto Preference-based measures reporting Standards (MAPS) checklist. RESULTS: 17 studies describing 35 crosswalks were eligible for inclusion. Unidirectional crosswalks were available to convert hip-specific (Oxford Hip Score [OHS]) and knee-specific (Oxford Knee Score [OKS]) scores to the EQ-5D-3L/EQ-5D-5L. Similar crosswalks to convert disease-specific scores (WOMAC) to the EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L, and ICECAP-O Capability Index were identified. Bidirectional crosswalks for converting OHS and OKS to the HOOS-JR/HOOS-12 and KOOS-JR/KOOS-12, for converting WOMAC to the HOOS-JR/KOOS-JR, and for converting HOOS-Function/KOOS-Function to the PROMIS-Physical Function were also available. Additionally, crosswalks to convert generic PROM scores from the UCLA Activity Scale to the Lower Extremity Activity Scale in both directions were available. No crosswalks were identified for converting scores in shoulder replacement. Development methods varied with the type of target score; most studies used regression, item response theory, or equipercentile equating approaches. Reporting quality was variable, particularly for methods and results items, impacting crosswalk application. CONCLUSION:  This is the first synthesis of published crosswalks for converting joint-specific (OHS, OKS, HOOS, KOOS), disease-specific (WOMAC), and generic PROMs scores (PROMIS-Physical Function, UCLA Activity Scale, Lower Extremity Activity Scale) used to assess joint replacement outcomes, providing a resource for data harmonization and pooled analysis. Crosswalks were developed using regression methods (9 studies), equipercentile equating methods (5 studies), a combination of equipercentile equating and item response theory methods (2 studies), and a combination of regression and equipercentile equating methods (1 study). A range of crosswalk validation approaches were adopted, including the use of external datasets, separate samples or subsets, follow-up data from additional time points, or bootstrapped samples. Efforts are needed to standardize crosswalk methodology and achieve consistent reporting.

How Much Perioperative Pain and Dysfunction Underlie the HOOS JR and KOOS JR?

BACKGROUND: The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement (HOOS JR) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement (KOOS JR) scores represent pain and dysfunction as a single number ranging from 0 (extreme pain and dysfunction) to 100 (no pain or functional limitations). However, scores between 0 and 100 lack a simple interpretation because they reflect varying combinations of pain levels and dysfunction. Given that most adverse events and improvement occur within the first 90 days after surgery, a deeper understanding of the level of pain and dysfunction may reveal missed opportunities for patient care. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What does a given preoperative or postoperative HOOS JR and KOOS JR score indicate about pain and ability to perform daily activities? (2) How much of a change in score (that is, delta) is needed to indicate significant improvement in pain control and daily functioning? METHODS: The Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative contains more than 95% of THAs and TKAs performed in Michigan. Between January 2017 and March 2019, 84,175 people in the registry underwent primary THA or TKA and were potentially eligible for this retrospective, comparative study of the first 90 postoperative days. Eighty-four percent (70,608 of 84,175) were excluded because their surgeons did not attain a target survey collection proportion of 70% and another 6% (5042) were missing covariate information or surveys, leaving 10% (8525) for analysis. The mean age and percentage of women were 65 ± 11 years and 55% (2060 of 3716), respectively, for patients undergoing THA and 67 ± 9 years and 61% (2936 of 4809), respectively, for those undergoing TKA. There were no clinically meaningful differences between patients who were analyzed and those who were excluded except for lower representation of non-White patients in the analyzed group. For interpretation, patient responses to Question 7 (pain) and Question 6 (function) from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System global items (PROMIS-10) were dichotomized into "much pain" (rating of pain 4 to 10 of 10) versus "less pain" (rating of ≤ 3) and "good function" (able to perform most activities) versus "poor function" (not able to perform most activities) and combined into four pain-function categories. We examined the mean preoperative and postoperative HOOS JR and KOOS JR scores for each pain-function category, adjusted for patient characteristics. We calculated the size of the delta associated with an increase to a more favorable category postoperatively (versus staying in the same or worse category) via multivariable logistic regression that controlled for patient characteristics. RESULTS: Patients in the least favorable "much pain, poor function" category preoperatively had adjusted mean scores of 40 (95% confidence interval 39 to 41) for both the HOOS JR and KOOS JR. Those with mixed levels of pain and function had mean scores between 46 and 55. Those in the most favorable "less pain, good function" category had means of 60 (95% CI 58 to 62) and 59 (95% CI 58 to 61) for the HOOS JR and KOOS JR, respectively. The adjusted delta to achieve a pain level of ≤ 3 or the ability to perform most activities was 30 (95% CI 26 to 36) on the HOOS JR and 27 (95% CI 22 to 29) on the KOOS JR scales. CONCLUSION: These adjusted means of the HOOS JR and KOOS JR provide context for understanding the levels of pain and dysfunction for individuals as well for patients reported in other studies. Potential quality improvement efforts could include tracking the proportion of patients with THA or TKA who achieved a sufficient delta to attain pain levels of ≤ 3 or the ability to perform most activities. Future studies are needed to understand pain and function represented by the HOOS JR and KOOS JR at 1 to 2 years, how these may differ by patient subgroups, and whether scores can be improved through quality improvement efforts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Are Short Stems Associated With Higher Fracture Rates and Early Revision Rates in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Noninferiority Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine if "short" femoral stems were noninferior to (at least as good as) standard-length stems in regards to 90-day periprosthetic fracture and 1-year revision rates. METHODS: Using the MARCQI implant registry, a retrospective study of statewide data was carried out on 64,084 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) between 2012 and 2017. We noticed an increase in the use of "short" uncemented femoral hip stems during THA. Chi-square tests were used to test homogeneity of categorical variables. The covariates included in the analyses were identified using modern epidemiological methods. A Type I probability of 0.05 was used as the level of statistical significance. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to mitigate confounding variables. RESULTS: One hundred and seven stems were implanted by surgeons in the state of Michigan. They were classified according to the Khanuja Classification System as Type 2A (trapezoidal, double-tapered calcar loading, n = 3,281), Type 3 (calcar loading with lateral flare, n = 1,898), and Type 4 (shortened, tapered, conventional, n = 19,580), and were compared to standard-length, type 5, stems (n = 33,322) in regards to the 2 outcomes (periprosthetic fractures and 1-year revision rates). Overall, 1-year revision and the 90-day fracture rates were 1.3% (791/57,853) and 1.1% (631/57,968), respectively. Noninferiority was established for all short stems at the clinical threshold of an odds ratio (OR) of 1.5 with P-values <0.05 for 90-day fractures. In regards to 1-year revision rates, noninferiority was also established for Type 3 and 4 stems (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The increased use of "short stems" in Michigan did not lead to increased 1-year revision or 90-day fracture rates.

Association Between Initial Prescription Size and Likelihood of Opioid Refill After Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that there was no association between initial opioid prescription size and the likelihood of refill after elective primary total knee (TKA) and hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed large national datasets of commercial and Medicare insurance claims to identify a weighted cohort of 120,889 primary total joint arthroplasties (76,900 TKA and 43,989 THA) comprised of opioid-naive patients aged 18 to 75 years who had surgery between January 2015 and November 2019. The primary outcome was refill of any prescription opioid medication within 30 days after discharge, and the primary predictor variable was the total amount of opioid filled in the initial discharge prescription measured in oral morphine equivalents (OMEs). Logistic regressions were used to estimate the likelihood of refill, given a particular prescription size while adjusting for multiple patient factors, including age, sex, comorbidities, and year of surgery. RESULTS: The 30-day refill rate was 59.6% following TKA and 26.1% for THA. Adjusted odds of refill decreased by 2% for every 75 OME (10 tablets of 5 mg oxycodone) increase to the initial prescription size among the THA cohort (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.98; 95% CI 0.97-0.99), and decreased by 3% for the TKA cohort (aOR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.97-0.98). CONCLUSION: These nationally representative data demonstrated that larger initial opioid prescription size was associated with small but clinically insignificant decreases in 30-day refill after total joint arthroplasty. This finding should allay concerns about efforts to decrease postsurgical opioid prescribing.

Early Survivorship of Uncemented Total Knee Arthroplasty Varies by Age and Sex Based on Data From the Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Outcome data for newer uncemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs has been mixed. Registry studies showed worse survivorship, but clinical trials have not demonstrated differences compared to cemented designs. There has been renewed interest in uncemented TKA with modern designs and improved technology. The utilizations of uncemented knees in Michigan, 2-year outcomes, and the effects of age and sex were evaluated. METHODS: A statewide database from 2017 through 2019 was analyzed for incidence, distribution, and early survivorship of cemented versus uncemented TKAs. There was 2-year minimum follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to generate time to first revision cumulative percent revision curves. The impacts of age and sex were examined. RESULTS: Use of uncemented TKAs increased from 7.0 to 11.3%. Uncemented TKAs were more commonly men, younger, heavier, American Society of Anesthesiologists score > 2, and opioid users (P < .05). At 2 years, overall cumulative percent revision was higher in uncemented (2.44% [2.00, 2.99]) versus cemented (1.76% [1.64, 1.89]), particularly in women uncemented (2.41 [1.87, 3.12]) versus cemented (1.64 [1.50, 1.80]). Revision rates were greater with uncemented women >70 years (1.2% 1 year, 1.02% 2 years) versus < 70 years (0.56%, 0.53%), notably uncemented were inferior in both groups (P < .05). Men, regardless of age, had similar survivorships with both cemented and uncemented designs. CONCLUSION: The use of an uncemented TKA had an increased risk of early revision compared to cemented. This finding, however, was only apparent in women, especially those >70 years old. Surgeons should consider cement fixation in women >70 years.

Do 'Surgeon Champions' and High-Volume Surgeons Have Lower Rates of Periprosthetic Femur Fracture? Perspective From a State-Wide Quality Improvement Registry.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a state-wide registry identified fracture as a major cause of total hip arthroplasty revision. There were 52.8% of revisions occurring within 6 months (fracture leading cause). Registry sites have a 'surgeon champion' who acts as liaison and advocate. This study evaluated the effect of surgeon volume and role of 'surgeon champion' on fracture rates. METHODS: There were 95,948 cases from 2012 to 2019 queried with peri-implant femoral fractures identified (within 6 months). Funnel plots were generated to compare individual surgeon-specific fracture rates. Surgeons who had a fracture rate below the confidence interval were labeled 'green' (lower than mean), within were 'yellow' (no difference), and above were 'red' (significantly higher). RESULTS: For all surgeons, 19.6% were red, 72.1% yellow, and 8.3% green. There were 17.2% 'surgeon champions' and 6.2% 'nonchampions' that were green (P = .01), while 20.7 and 19.3% were red (P = .82). There was a significant association between volume and performance (P < .01). No surgeons in the lower two quartiles (<84; 84 to 180 cases), while 4 and 29% of higher-volume surgeons (181 to 404; >404 cases) were green. There was no statistical difference in red status by volume (P = .53). CONCLUSION: 'Surgeon champions' and high-volume surgeons were more likely to be high performers but not less likely to be low performers. Active involvement in quality improvement and/or high volume was associated with better outcomes but did not impart complication immunity. 'Green' surgeons should mentor colleagues to help reduce fractures by re-evaluating modifiable factors. Analyzing outcomes to promote quality and decrease complications is paramount.

Reasons for Preoperative Opioid Use Are Associated with Persistent Use following Surgery Among Patients Undergoing Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Most studies on preoperative opioid use only describe whether or not patients use opioids without characterizing reasons for use. Knowing why patients use opioids can help inform perioperative opioid management. The objective of this study was to explore pain specific reasons for preoperative opioid use prior to total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) and their association with persistent use. METHODS: This is a prospective study of 197 patients undergoing THA (n = 99) or TKA (n = 98) enrolled in the Analgesic Outcomes Study between December 2015 and November 2018. All participants reported preoperative opioid use. RESULTS: Reasons for preoperative opioid use were categorized as surgical site pain only (81 [41.1%]); pain in other body areas only (22 [11.2%]); and combined pain (94 [47.7%]). Compared to patients taking opioids for surgical site pain, those with combined reasons for use had 1.24 (P = .40) and 2.28 (P = .16) greater odds of persistent use at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, adjusting for relevant covariates. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel insights into the heterogeneity of reasons for presurgical opioid use in patients undergoing a THA or TKA. One key take away is that not all preoperative opioid use is the same and many patients are taking opioids preoperatively for more than just pain at the surgical site. Combined reasons for use was associated with long-term use, suggesting nonsurgical pain, in part, drives persistent opioid use after surgery. Future directions in perioperative care should focus on pain and non-pain reasons for presurgical opioid use to create tailored postoperative opioid weaning plans.

Causes of Early Hip Revision Vary by Age and Gender: Analysis of Data From a Statewide Quality Registry.

BACKGROUND: While total hip arthroplasty (THA) is extremely successful, early failures do occur. The purpose of this study was to determine the cause of revision in specific patient demographic groups at 3 time points to potentially help decrease the revision risk. METHODS: Data for cases performed between 2012 and 2018 from a statewide, quality improvement arthroplasty registry were used. The database included 79,205 THA cases and 1,433 revisions with identified etiology (1,584 in total). All revisions performed at <5 years from the primary THA were reviewed. Six groups, men/women, <65, 65-75, and >75 years, were compared at revision time points <6 months, <1 year, and <5 years. RESULTS: There were obvious and significant differences between subgroups based on demographics and time points (P < .0001). Seven hundred and fifty-six (53%) of all revisions occurred within 6 months. The most common etiologies within 6 months (756 revisions) were fracture (316, 41.8%), dislocation/instability (194, 25.7%), and infection (98, 12.9%). At this early time point, the most common revision cause was fracture for all age/gender-stratified groups, ranging from 27.6% in young men to 60% in older women. Joint instability became the leading cause for revision after 1 year in all groups. CONCLUSION: This quality improvement project demonstrated clinically meaningful differences in the reason for THA revision between gender, age, and time from surgery. Strategies based on these data should be employed by surgeons to minimize the factors that lead to revision.

Collection and Reporting of Patient-reported Outcome Measures in Arthroplasty Registries: Multinational Survey and Recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are validated questionnaires that are completed by patients. Arthroplasty registries vary in PROM collection and use. Current information about registry collection and use of PROMs is important to help improve methods of PROM data analysis, reporting, comparison, and use toward improving clinical practice. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: To characterize PROM collection and use by registries, we asked: (1) What is the current practice of PROM collection by arthroplasty registries that are current or former members of the International Society of Arthroplasty Registries, and are there sufficient similarities in PROM collection between registries to enable useful international comparisons that could inform the improvement of arthroplasty care? (2) How do registries differ in PROM administration and demographic, clinical, and comorbidity index variables collected for case-mix adjustment in data analysis and reporting? (3) What quality assurance methods are used for PROMs, and how are PROM results reported and used by registries? (4) What recommendations to arthroplasty registries may improve PROM reporting and facilitate international comparisons? METHODS: An electronic survey was developed with questions about registry structure and collection, analysis, reporting, and use of PROM data and distributed to directors or senior administrators of 39 arthroplasty registries that were current or former members of the International Society of Arthroplasty Registries. In all, 64% (25 of 39) of registries responded and completed the survey. Missing responses from incomplete surveys were captured by contacting the registries, and up to three reminder emails were sent to nonresponding registries. Recommendations about PROM collection were drafted, revised, and approved by the International Society of Arthroplasty Registries PROMs Working Group members. RESULTS: Of the 25 registries that completed the survey, 15 collected generic PROMs, most frequently the EuroQol-5 Dimension survey; 16 collected joint-specific PROMs, most frequently the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score; and 11 registries collected a satisfaction item. Most registries administered PROM questionnaires within 3 months before and 1 year after surgery. All 16 registries that collected PROM data collected patient age, sex or gender, BMI, indication for the primary arthroplasty, reason for revision arthroplasty, and a comorbidity index, most often the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. All 16 registries performed regular auditing and reporting of data quality, and most registries reported PROM results to hospitals and linked PROM data to other data sets such as hospital, medication, billing, and emergency care databases. Recommendations for transparent reporting of PROMs were grouped into four categories: demographic and clinical, survey administration, data analysis, and results. CONCLUSION: Although registries differed in PROM collection and use, there were sufficient similarities that may enable useful data comparisons. The International Society of Arthroplasty Registries PROMs Working Group recommendations identify issues that may be important to most registries such as the need to make decisions about survey times and collection methods, as well as how to select generic and joint-specific surveys, handle missing data and attrition, report data, and ensure representativeness of the sample. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: By collecting PROMs, registries can provide patient-centered data to surgeons, hospitals, and national entities to improve arthroplasty care.

Non-Inferiority of Aspirin for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Hip Arthroplasty in a Statewide Registry.

BACKGROUND: Uncertainty remains surrounding the use of aspirin as a sole chemoprophylactic agent to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) and bleeding after primary total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: We performed a non-inferiority analysis of a retrospective cohort of patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty from April 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018. Cases were retrieved from the Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative database and performed by 355 surgeons at 61 hospitals throughout Michigan. Surgical setting ranged from small community hospitals to large academic and non-academic centers. The primary outcomes were post-operative venous thromboembolism event or death and bleeding event. RESULTS: Of the 59,747 patients included, 32,878 (55.03%) were female, and the mean age was 64.5. A total of 462 (0.77%) composite venous thromboembolism events occurred. There were 221 (0.71%) and 129 (0.80%) venous thromboembolism events in patients receiving aspirin only and anticoagulants only, respectively. Aspirin was non-inferior to anticoagulants for composite venous thromboembolism events (odds ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.79-1.26, P < .001). Bleeding events occurred in 767 (1.28%) patients, with 304 (0.97%) and 281 (1.74%) bleeding events in patients receiving aspirin only and anticoagulants only, respectively. Aspirin was non-inferior to anticoagulants for bleeding events (odds ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.52-0.74, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Aspirin is not inferior to other anticoagulants as pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with regards to post-operative risk of venous thromboembolism or bleeding. Sole use of aspirin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after total hip arthroplasty should be considered in the appropriate patient.

High-Risk Prescribing Increases Rates of New Persistent Opioid Use in Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients.

BACKGROUND: The association between surgeon prescribing practices and new persistent postoperative opioid use is not well understood. We examined the association between surgeon prescribing and new persistent use among total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of Medicare claims in Michigan was performed. The study cohort consisted of orthopedic surgeons performing THAs from 2013 to 2016 and their opioid-naïve patients, aged >65 years. High-risk prescribing included high daily doses, overlapping benzodiazepine prescriptions, concurrent opioid prescriptions, prescriptions from multiple providers, or long-acting opioid prescriptions. The occurrence of a preoperative prescription, initial prescription size, and 30-day prescription dosage were examined as individual exposures. Surgeons were categorized into quartiles by prescribing practices, and multilevel hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine associations with postoperative new persistent opioid use. RESULTS: Surgeons exhibited high-risk prescribing for 66% of encounters. Patients of surgeons with the highest rates of high-risk prescribing were more likely to develop persistent use compared with patients of surgeons with the lowest rates (adjusted rates: 9.7% vs 4.6%, P = .011). Patients of surgeons with initial prescription sizes in the "high" (third) quartile (adjusted odds ratio, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-5.51), and of surgeons in the "highest" (fourth) quartile of 30-day prescription dosage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.61), were more likely to develop persistent opioid use compared with patients of surgeons with low initial and 30-day prescription sizes, respectively. CONCLUSION: The development of persistent opioid use after surgery is multifactorial, and surgeon prescribing patterns play an important role. Reducing prescribing and encouraging opioid alternatives could minimize postoperative persistent opioid use.

Quality Initiative Programs Can Decrease Total Joint Arthroplasty Transfusion Rates-A Multicenter Study Using the MARCQI Total Joint Registry Database.

BACKGROUND: The Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative (MARCQI) noted wide variability between member hospitals in blood transfusion rates after primary total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA). Blood transfusion has substantial risks and accepted recommendations exist to guide transfusion practices. MARCQI began an initiative to decrease unnecessary transfusions by identifying/reporting outliers, discussing conservative transfusion practices, and recommending transfusion guidelines. There was a later recommendation to consider intraoperative use of tranexamic acid. METHODS: All MARCQI-registered unilateral TKA and THA cases from the 28 member hospitals (pre-November 2013) were included. For 3 time periods (before November 13, 2013; November 13, 2013, to November 12, 2014; and after November 12, 2014), we calculated average risk and range of transfusion, transfusion with nadir hemoglobin >8 g/dL, mean length of stay, and 90-day risk of discharge to nursing home, readmission, deep infection, and emergency department visits. RESULTS: For THA, risk and range of transfusion decreased over the 3 time periods: 12.6% (2.5%-36.2%), 7.6% (2.2%-23.8%), and 4.5% (0.7%-14.4%); for TKA, 6.3% (1.3%-15.6%), 3.1% (0%-12.5%), and 1.3% (0%-7.4%). Decreases were also noted for transfusion with a nadir hemoglobin >8 g/dL with a near elimination of "unnecessary" transfusions. There was no evidence of increase in length of stay, discharge to nursing home, readmission, deep infection, or emergency department visits. CONCLUSION: A simple intervention can decrease unnecessary blood transfusions during and after elective primary unilateral THA or TKA. A collaborative registry can be used effectively to improve the quality of patient care and set a new benchmark for transfusion.

Data Sharing Between Providers and Quality Initiatives Eliminate Unnecessary Nursing Home Admissions.

BACKGROUND: The Michigan Arthroplasty Registry Collaborative Quality Initiative (MARCQI) has monitored discharge disposition, after total hip and knee arthroplasties, since inception in 2012 and found the standardized risk of extended care facility (ECF) placement to be highly variable between hospitals. METHODS: The variation in standardized risks of ECF placement among MARCQI member sites was reported to the collaborative. At the May 2, 2014 quarterly meeting, a quality initiative was started, emphasizing the wide variability between hospitals, the contribution of hospital and surgeon to that variability using median odds ratios, and the need for outlier hospitals to initiate quality improvement (QI) processes. Patients from 29 hospitals that were members of MARCQI before the intervention were included in this analysis. We compared standardized risks before and after the intervention in the entire cohort, and for 3 hospitals that implemented institution-specific QI projects. We report changes in ECF placement, length of stay, emergency room visits, and readmissions over time. RESULTS: This study includes 31,347 patients before and 20,879 patients after the implementation of the quality initiative. The range in standardized risk dropped from 9.4%-46.1% to 9.4%-32.4% and the average dropped from 23.0% to 19.6%. Three outlier hospitals decreased their absolute risk of ECF placement by 12.2%, 8.9%, and 12.4% after QI, without increases in adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Discharge to ECF after primary hip and knee arthroplasties is highly variable and influenced by hospital and surgeon practices. Hospital-level QI measures can decrease ECF admissions.

Factors Affecting Readmission Cost After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in Michigan.

BACKGROUND: The increasing readmission risk of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) represents a significant economic burden and public health challenge. Many have investigated the predictors of readmissions after TKA while little work has studied the associated readmission costs. This article investigated the factors affecting readmission cost after primary TKA at the time of initial discharges using clinical and resource-use information and compared the factors between 2 payer groups (Medicare-or-Medicaid and non-Medicare-nor-Medicaid groups). METHODS: We used data from the Michigan State Inpatient Database of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. We identified readmissions after primary TKA in 2012 using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code 81.54. Total readmission cost was modeled using multivariate regression to identify predictors. RESULTS: Of 1358 readmissions after primary TKA, 949 were in the Medicare-or-Medicaid group, and 409 were in the non-Medicare-nor-Medicaid group. The overall mean and median total readmission costs were $9335 (standard deviation $10,528) and $6810, respectively. Significant predictors of total readmission cost for the Medicare-or-Medicaid group included length of stay (P < .001), discharge disposition (P < .001), number of chronic conditions (P = .001), and total cost of initial admission (P < .001). Only total cost of initial admission was significant in predicting total readmission cost for the non-Medicare-nor-Medicaid group (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Total cost of initial admission was a significant predictor of total readmission cost in both Medicare-or-Medicaid and non-Medicare-nor-Medicaid groups, independent of length of stay and number of chronic conditions.

No Difference in Dislocation Seen in Anterior Vs Posterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has rapidly become popular, but there is little consensus regarding the risks and benefits of this approach in comparison with a modern posterior approach (PA). METHODS: A total of 2147 patients who underwent DAA THA were propensity score matched with patients undergoing PA THA on the basis of age, gender, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesia classification using data from a state joint replacement registry. Mean age of the matched cohort was 64.8 years, mean body mass index was 29.1 kg/m(2), and 53% were female. Multilevel logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations to control for grouping at the hospital level were used to identify differences in various outcomes. RESULTS: There was no difference in the dislocation rate between patients undergoing DAA (0.84%) and PA (0.79%) THA. Trends indicating a slightly longer length of stay with the PA and a slightly greater risk of fracture, increased blood loss, and hematoma with the DAA are consistent with previous studies. CONCLUSION: On the basis of short-term outcome and complication data, neither approach has a compelling advantage over each other, including no difference in the dislocation risk.