The Relationship Between Preoperative Opioid Use and Adverse Events Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

This study aims to compare perioperative events following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) amongst various degrees of preoperative opioid use. In total, 84,569 patients undergoing TKA were identified from a Humana Claims Dataset, and stratified by their preoperative opioid use based on number of prescriptions filled within 6 months of surgery (naïve 0 [50,561]; sporadic 1 [12,411]; chronic 2 or greater [21,687]). Outcomes of interest included Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-reportable complications, need for postoperative supplemental oxygen, 90-day readmission, and hospital length of stay. Complication rates (9.8% vs 8.9% vs 12.6%; p < 0.01), need for supplemental oxygen (3.0% vs 3.1% vs 5.3%; p = 0.03), mean length of stay (2.1 vs 2.8 vs 3.5; p < 0.01), and 90-day readmission (9.7% vs 10.8% vs 16.4%; p < 0.01) significantly differed amongst groups. On logistic regression, only the chronic opioid use group was associated with significantly increased likelihood of complications, need for supplemental oxygen, and readmission. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(2):100-103, 2022).

Pharmacologic Thromboprophylaxis Other Than Aspirin Is Associated With Increased Risk for Procedural Intervention for Arthrofibrosis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To compare rates of procedural intervention for arthrofibrosis following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) among patients who were not prescribed any pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis compared with patients who were prescribed aspirin and to patients who were prescribed other agents. METHODS: A search of a national insurance claims database was performed to identify all patients who underwent ACLR from 2007 to 2017 who were active within the database at a minimum of 6 months before and 18 months after their surgery. The primary outcome studied was a subsequent procedure for arthrofibrosis, manipulation under anesthesia, and lysis of adhesions (MUA/LOA). Patients who filled a prescription for aspirin, low-molecular weight heparin, direct factor Xa inhibitors, fondaparinux, and warfarin within 2 days after their surgery were included and those who filled a prescription within 3 months before surgery were excluded. Thromboprophylaxis status was defined as no thromboprophylaxis, aspirin, and any agent other than aspirin. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between prophylaxis status and MUA/LOA. RESULTS: Of the 14,081 patients in our final surgical population, 191 patients had MUA/LOA and 13,890 patients did not. In total, 499 patients were prescribed pharmacologic prophylaxis. Rates of MUA/LOA across groups were 1.3% in the group with no thromboprophylaxis, 1.9% in the group prescribed aspirin, and 4.3% in the group prescribed any agent other than aspirin. Only the group prescribed an agent other than aspirin was significantly associated with subsequent procedure for arthrofibrosis (odds ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.3-4.8, P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were prescribed a pharmacologic agent other than aspirin had a 2.6 times greater likelihood of requiring a procedural intervention for arthrofibrosis following ACLR compared with patients who were not prescribed a thromboprophylaxis agent LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Retrospective Cohort Study.

Risk of Infection in Thumb Carpometacarpal Surgery After Corticosteroid Injection.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients who had an intra-articular corticosteroid injection into the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint for the treatment of arthritis within the 3 months before CMC joint arthroplasty or arthrodesis were at increased risk for wound complication/infection and/or repeat surgery for wound complication/infection in comparison with patients who did not receive an injection within 6 months or who received an injection between 3 and 6 months before surgery. METHODS: We identified 5,046 patients in the Humana claims database who underwent surgery for CMC joint arthritis. The patients were stratified into 3 groups: (1) no thumb injection within 6 months of CMC joint surgery, (2) thumb injection between 3 and 6 months before CMC joint surgery, and (3) thumb injection within 3 months before CMC joint surgery. The primary outcome was wound complication/infection within 90 days after surgery. The secondary outcome was repeat surgery for wound complication/infection within 90 days after surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the associations between the timing of injection and wound complication/infection and repeat surgery for wound complication/infection. RESULTS: The rates of wound complication/infection within 90 days after surgery were similar among the 3 study groups. However, patients who received an intra-articular corticosteroid injection within 3 months before surgery had a 2.2 times greater likelihood of repeat surgery for a wound complication/infection compared with patients who did not have an injection within 6 months before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who receive an intra-articular corticosteroid injection within the 3 months before surgery for CMC joint arthritis may be at increased risk of repeat surgery to treat a wound complication/infection in the 90-day postoperative period. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

Superior Capsule Reconstruction With Subacromial Allograft Spacer: Biomechanical Cadaveric Study of Subacromial Contact Pressure and Superior Humeral Head Translation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the biomechanical effects of superior capsule reconstruction with subacromial allograft spacer on superior humeral head translation and subacromial contact pressure. METHODS: Eight cadaveric shoulder specimens were tested in 4 conditions: (1) intact rotator cuff, (2) supraspinatus tear and superior capsule excision, (3) superior capsule reconstruction with human dermal allograft, and (4) superior capsule reconstruction with subacromial resurfacing using human dermal allograft. In each condition, specimens were tested at 0, 30, 60, and 90° of shoulder abduction in balanced and unbalanced loaded states for subacromial contact pressure and superior humeral head translation. Statistical comparisons were made using a repeated-measures analysis of variance test, followed by a Tukey post hoc test for pairwise comparisons. A P value <.05 was set as statistically significant. RESULTS: Superior humeral head translation and subacromial contact pressure were increased after irreparable rotator cuff tear (P = .001). There was no significant difference between superior capsule reconstruction and intact cuff in regard to superior humeral head translation and subacromial contact pressure at all abduction angles. Superior capsule reconstruction with subacromial resurfacing decreased superior humeral head translation relative to intact (0°, P = .004; 30°, P = .02; 60°, P = .08; 90°, P = .01), superior capsule reconstruction (0°, P = .001; 30°, P = .003; 60°, P = .019; 90°, P = .001), and cuff-deficient states (P = .001). Superior capsule reconstruction with subacromial resurfacing resulted in nonsignificant increases in subacromial contact pressure relative to intact cuff at 0 to 90° abduction angles. CONCLUSIONS: Superior capsule reconstruction with subacromial resurfacing using human dermal allograft results in decreased superior humeral head translation relative to superior capsule reconstruction with human dermal allograft only, while increasing subacromial contact pressure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Superior capsule reconstruction with subacromial resurfacing using human dermal allograft reduces superior humeral head translation while increasing subacromial contact pressure in a cadaveric model.

Orthopaedic Shoulder Surgery in the Ambulatory Surgical Center: Safety and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the risk of adverse events and readmission after non-arthroplasty shoulder surgery is influenced by the outpatient setting of surgical care and to identify risk factors associated with these adverse events. METHODS: The Humana Claims Database was queried for all patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery and related open procedures in the hospital-based outpatient department (HOPD) or ambulatory surgical center (ASC) setting, using the PearlDiver supercomputer. Arthroplasty procedures were excluded because they carry a risk profile different from that of other outpatient surgical procedures. Outcome variables included unanticipated admission after surgery, readmission, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and wound infection within 90 days of surgery. The ASC and HOPD cohorts were propensity score matched, and outcomes were compared between them. Finally, logistic regression models were created to identify risk factors associated with unplanned admission after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 84,658 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study: 28,730 in the ASC cohort and 56,819 in the HOPD cohort. The rates of all queried outcomes were greater in the HOPD cohort and achieved statistical significance. Sex, region, race, insurance status, comorbidity burden, anesthesia type, and procedural type were included in the regression analysis of unplanned admission. Factors associated with unplanned admission included increasing Charlson Comorbidity Index (odds ratio [OR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.17; P < .001); HOPD service location (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 2.18-2.58; P < .001); general anesthesia (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.08-1.59; P = .008); male sex (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 2.17-3.15; P = .007); and open surgery (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.90-2.61; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The lower rates of perioperative morbidity in the ASC cohort suggest that proper patient selection is taking place and lends reassurance to surgeons who are practicing or are considering practicing in an ASC. Patients to whom some or all the risk factors for unplanned admission apply (male sex, higher comorbidity burden, open surgery) may be more suitable for HOPDs because admission from an ASC can be difficult and potentially unsafe. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative study.

Differences in Post-Operative Outcome Between Conversion and Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The demand for conversion of prior hip surgery to total hip arthroplasty (conversion THA) is likely to increase as a function of increasing US hip fracture burden in addition to its application in managing other conditions. Thus, outcome analysis is warranted to better inform value-based reimbursement schemes in the era of bundled payments. METHODS: Via Current Procedural Terminology codes, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project data files were queried for all patients who underwent primary THA and conversion of previous hip surgery to THA from 2005 to 2014. To better understand the isolated effect of procedure type on adverse outcomes, primary and conversion cohorts were then propensity-score matched via logistic regression modeling. Comparisons of the study's primary outcomes were drawn between matched cohorts. Statistical significance was defined by a P-value less than or equal to .05. RESULTS: Relative to the primary THA group, the conversion THA group had statistically greater rates of Center Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) complications (7.5% vs 4.5%), non-home bound discharge (19.6% vs 14.7%), and longer length of hospital stay. Conversion THA was associated with increased likelihood of CMS complications (odds ratio 1.68, confidence interval 1.39-2.02) and non-home bound discharge (odds ratio 1.41, confidence interval 1.25-1.58). No statistically significant differences in mortality and readmission were detected. CONCLUSION: The elevated risk for CMS-reported complications, increased length of hospital stay, and non-home bound discharge seen in our study of conversion THA indicates that it is dissimilar to elective primary THA and likely warrants consideration for modified treatment within the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement structure in a manner similar to THA for fracture.

A neuron autonomous role for the familial dysautonomia gene ELP1 in sympathetic and sensory target tissue innervation.

Familial dysautonomia (FD) is characterized by severe and progressive sympathetic and sensory neuron loss caused by a highly conserved germline point mutation of the human ELP1/IKBKAP gene. Elp1 is a subunit of the hetero-hexameric transcriptional elongator complex, but how it functions in disease-vulnerable neurons is unknown. Conditional knockout mice were generated to characterize the role of Elp1 in migration, differentiation and survival of migratory neural crest (NC) progenitors that give rise to sympathetic and sensory neurons. Loss of Elp1 in NC progenitors did not impair their migration, proliferation or survival, but there was a significant impact on post-migratory sensory and sympathetic neuron survival and target tissue innervation. Ablation of Elp1 in post-migratory sympathetic neurons caused highly abnormal target tissue innervation that was correlated with abnormal neurite outgrowth/branching and abnormal cellular distribution of soluble tyrosinated α-tubulin in Elp1-deficient primary sympathetic and sensory neurons. These results indicate that neuron loss and physiologic impairment in FD is not a consequence of abnormal neuron progenitor migration, differentiation or survival. Rather, loss of Elp1 leads to neuron death as a consequence of failed target tissue innervation associated with impairments in cytoskeletal regulation.

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

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

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

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

Assessing Outcomes and Safety of Inpatient Versus Outpatient Tissue Expander Immediate Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: With the rising cost of healthcare delivery and bundled payments for episodes of care, there has been impetus to minimize hospitalization and increase utilization of outpatient surgery mechanisms. Given the increase in outpatient mastectomy and immediate tissue expander (TE)-based reconstruction and the paucity of data on its comparative safety to inpatient procedures, we sought to understand the risk for early postoperative complications in an outpatient model compared with more traditional inpatient status using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. METHODS: NSQIP data files from 2005 to 2012 were queried to identify patients undergoing immediate TE-based breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Patients were stratified by whether they received outpatient or inpatient care and then propensity score matched based on preoperative baseline characteristics to produce matched cohorts. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine whether outpatient versus inpatient status conferred differing risk for 30-days complications. RESULTS: Of the 2014 patients who met criteria, 1:1 propensity matching yielded 634 patients in each of the matched cohorts. Overall complications (5.2 vs. 5.4 %), overall surgical complications (4.3 vs. 3.9 %), overall medical complications (1.3 vs. 2.1 %), and return to the operating room (6.6 vs. 7.3 %) were similar between outpatient and inpatients cohorts (p > .2), respectively. There was a small, but significant increased risk of organ/space SSI in outpatients (1.9 vs. 0.5 %, p = .02) and trend for increased risk for pulmonary embolus (PE) and urinary tract infection (UTI) in inpatients (0.3 vs. 0 %, p = .16; 0.3 vs. 0 %, p = .16). CONCLUSIONS: Our studies suggest that outpatient TE confers similar safety profiles to inpatient TE with regards to 30-day postoperative overall complications, medical and surgical morbidity, and return to the operating room. A slightly increased risk for surgical site infection must be balanced against potential risk for known inpatient-related complications such as UTI and PE.

Risk Factors for Unscheduled 30-day Readmission after Benign Hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Readmission rates after hysterectomy have been reported, but specific risk factors for readmission have not been fully delineated. We aimed to determine risk factors for and implications of 30-day unscheduled readmission after benign hysterectomy using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. METHODS: We identified benign hysterectomy procedures recorded at all participating National Surgical Quality Improvement Program institutions between 2011 and 2012. Outcomes of interest were 30-day unscheduled readmission rates, variables associated with readmission, and complication and mortality rates associated with readmission. Bivariate analyses were performed using Pearson χ(2) and independent t tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with readmission. RESULTS: In total, 21,228 hysterectomies were identified during the study period. Thirty-day readmission rates were 3.8% for abdominal hysterectomy, 2.7% for laparoscopic hysterectomy, 2.9% for laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and 3.0% for vaginal hysterectomy. Readmission was associated with increased perioperative complications (49.2% vs 6.1%, P < 0.001), return to the operating room (26.3% vs 0.6%, P < 0.001), and mortality (0.3% vs 0.01%, P < 0.001). The most common complications in patients requiring readmission were surgical site infections (28.4%), sepsis (12.8%), urinary tract infection (9.7%), and blood transfusion (6.7%). Variables that were independently associated with 30-day readmission after multivariable regression analysis included younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.98/year, P < 0.001), smoking (OR 1.28, P = 0.01), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.47, P = 0.008), dyspnea (OR 1.48, P = 0.04), bleeding disorders (OR 1.82, P = 0.04), American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥ 3 (OR 1.32, P = 0.009), prior surgery within 30 days (OR 3.60, P = 0.04), longer operative time (OR 1.20 per hour of operative time, P < 0.001), inpatient status (OR 1.36, P = 0.001), and longer length of hospital stay (OR 1.04/day, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Using a large national database, we identified several patient-related and procedural risk factors for unscheduled 30-day readmission after hysterectomy. Readmission was associated with significantly higher rates of complications, a return to the operating room, and a 30-fold increase in mortality. Our findings reinforce the importance of patient selection and optimization of comorbidities before hysterectomy. Future research should aim to further delineate differential risks of readmission by surgical route as well as modifiable risk factors for readmission.

Differential impact of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus on breast reconstruction outcomes.

While the comparative safety of breast reconstruction in diabetic patients has been previously studied, we examine the differential effects of insulin and non-insulin-dependence on surgical/medical outcomes. Patients undergoing implant/expander or autologous breast reconstruction were extracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2005-2012 database. Preoperative and postoperative variables were analyzed using chi-square and Student's t test as appropriate. Multivariate regression modeling was used to evaluate whether non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is independently associated with adverse 30-day events following breast reconstruction. Of 29,736 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 23,042 (77.5 %) underwent implant/expander reconstructions, of which 815 had NIDDM and 283 had IDDM. Of the 6,694 (22.5 %) patients who underwent autologous reconstructions, 286 had NIDDM and 94 had IDDM. Rates of overall and surgical complications significantly differed among non-diabetic, NIDDM and IDDM patients in both the implant/expander and autologous cohorts on univariate analysis. After multivariate analysis, NIDDM was significantly associated with surgical complications (OR 1.511); IDDM was significantly associated with medical (OR 1.815) and overall complications (OR 1.852); and any type of diabetes was significantly associated with surgical (OR 1.58) and overall (OR 1.361) complications after autologous reconstruction. Diabetes of any type was not associated with any type of complication after implant/expander reconstruction. In this large, multi-institutional study, diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with adverse outcomes after autologous, but not implant-based breast reconstruction. The multivariate analysis in this study adds granularity to the differential effects of NIDDM and IDDM on complication risk.

Current Imaging of Anterior and Posterior Instability in the Athlete.

In the evaluation of shoulder instability, recognition of relevant pathology on imaging is critical to planning a surgical treatment that minimizes the risk for recurrent instability. The purpose of this review is to (1) discuss the use of radiography, computed tomography, and MRI in evaluating shoulder instability and (2) demonstrate how various imaging modalities are useful in identifying critical pathologies in the shoulder that are relevant for treatment.

The relationship between preoperative opioid use and adverse events following total shoulder arthroplasty.

Introduction: Few studies have analyzed the effect of preoperative opioid use on postoperative outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Methods: Patients undergoing TSA were identified in the Pearldiver Humana Claims Dataset and stratified by level of preoperative opioid use. Primary outcomes were 90-day complications, readmissions, and revision surgery. Chi-square test and ANOVA were used to evaluate categorical and continuous variables respectively. A multivariable logistic regression analysis and a sub analysis excluding fracture as a primary diagnosis were completed. Results: 18,791 patients underwent aTSA and rTSA including 9933 opioid naïve patients, 3016 sporadic opioid users and 5842 persistent opioid users. Significant differences were found in complications (6.0% vs 6.1% vs 9.1%, p < .001), readmission (7.6% vs 8.2% vs 12.6%, p < .001), and revision procedures (1.1% vs 1.1% vs 2.3%, p < .001) which remained significant after excluding fractures. After adjusting for comorbidity burden, persistent opioid use was associated with increased likelihood of complications (OR 1.4, 1.2-1.6), readmission (OR 1.6, 1.5-1.8) and revision procedures (OR 1.9, 1.5-2.4). This association remained after excluding fractures. Conclusion: Persistent preoperative opioid use is associated with increased risk of early postoperative complications, readmission, and revision surgery for patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.

Horizontal Cleavage Meniscus Tears: Biomechanics, Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes.

¼ Accounting for up to 24% of all meniscus tears, horizontal cleavage tears (HCTs) are a common pathology orthopaedic practitioners should be comfortable managing.¼ Historically, HCTs were treated with partial meniscectomy; however, recent studies have demonstrated that these procedures have an adverse biomechanical effect, while HCT repairs restore the knee's natural biomechanics.¼ Indications for the surgical repair of HCTs remain disputed, but surgery is generally considered for young, active patients and older patients without significant concomitant osteoarthritis.¼ Early clinical findings surrounding HCT repair are promising. They suggest that this treatment adequately restores meniscus mechanics, leads to good knee functional outcomes, and results in a high likelihood of return to preinjury activity levels.

Republication of "A Biomechanical Comparison of Limited Open Versus Krackow Repair for Achilles Tendon Rupture".

Background: Soft tissue complications after Achilles tendon repair has led to increased interest in less invasive techniques. Various limited open techniques have gained popularity as an alternative to open operative repair. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare an open Krackow and limited open repair for Achilles tendon rupture. We hypothesized that there would be no statistical difference in load to failure, work to failure, and initial linear stiffness. Methods: A simulated Achilles tendon rupture was created 4 cm proximal to its insertion in 18 fresh-frozen cadaveric below-knee lower limbs. Specimens were randomized to open or limited open PARS Achilles Jig System repair. Repairs were loaded to failure at a rate of 25.4 mm/s to reflect loading during normal ankle range of motion. Load to failure, work to failure, and initial linear stiffness were compared between the 2 repair types. Results: The average load to failure (353.8 ± 88.8 N vs 313.3 ± 99.9 N; P = .38) and work to failure (6.4 ± 2.3 J vs 6.3 ± 3.5 J; P = .904) were not statistically different for Krackow and PARS repair, respectively. Mean initial linear stiffness of the Krackow repair (17.8 ± 5.4 N/mm) was significantly greater than PARS repair (11.8 ± 2.5 N/mm) (P = .011). Conclusion: No significant difference in repair strength was seen, but higher initial linear stiffness for Krackow repair suggests superior resistance to gap formation, which may occur during postoperative rehabilitation. With equal repair strength, but less soft tissue devitalization, the PARS may be a favorable option for patients with risk factors for soft tissue complications.

Influence of Staphylococcus epidermidis on Collagen Crimp Patterns of Soft Tissue Allograft.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative infections, commonly from Staphylococcus epidermidis, may result in anterior cruciate ligament graft failure and necessitate revision surgery. In biomechanical studies, S. epidermidis has been shown to establish biofilms on tendons and reduce graft strength. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The goal of this study was to determine the effect of bacterial bioburden on the collagen structure of tendon. It was hypothesized that an increase in S. epidermidis biofilm would compromise tendon crimp, a pattern necessary for mechanical integrity, of soft tissue allografts. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Cultures of S. epidermidis were used to inoculate tibialis anterior cadaveric tendons. Conditions assessed included 5 × 105 colony-forming units or concentrated spent media from culture (no living bacteria). Incubation times of 30 minutes, 3 hours, 6 hours, and 24 hours were utilized. Second-harmonic generation imaging allowed for visualization of collagen autofluorescence. Crimp lengths were determined using ImageJ and compared based on incubation time. RESULTS: Incubation time positively correlated with increasing S. epidermidis bioburden. Both fine and coarse crimp patterns lengthened with increasing incubation time. Significant coarse crimp changes were observed after only 30-minute incubations (P < .029), whereas significant fine crimp lengthening occurred after 6 hours (P < .0001). No changes in crimp length were identified after incubation in media lacking living bacteria. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that exposure to S. epidermidis negatively affects collagen crimp structure. Structural alterations at the collagen fiber level occur within 30 minutes of exposure to media containing S. epidermidis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our study highlights the need for antimicrobial precautions to prevent graft colonization and maximize graft mechanical strength.

Risk Factors for Prolonged Opioid Use After Open Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with postoperative opioid use after open treatment of distal radius fractures. METHODS: The Humana insurance claims database was queried for open treatment of distal radius fractures by Current Procedural Terminology codes. The search was further refined to identify patients who filled an opioid prescription within 6 weeks after their surgery. The study's outcomes were: (1) limited postoperative opioid use, defined as filling a prescription once in the 6-week to 6-month period after surgery; and (2) persistent postoperative opioid use, defined as filling a prescription more than once in the 6-week to 6-month period after surgery. Logistic regression models were performed to identify factors associated with limited and persistent postoperative opioid use. Subgroup analyses were performed among opioid-naïve patients and those with open fractures. RESULTS: This study identified 9141 of 19 220 total patients with limited and persistent opioid use. Significant risk factors included nonhome discharge, inpatient surgical setting, long-term pain, tobacco abuse, and age less than 65 years. Of note, both preoperative opioid use within 1 month before surgery (odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-2.9) and preoperative opioid use between 1 and 6 months before surgery (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 3.7-4.4) were significantly associated with persistent postoperative opioid use. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified numerous risk factors associated with postoperative opioid use after open treatment of distal radius fractures. Understanding these risk factors is the first step toward reducing postoperative opioid use.