The Potential Effects of Imposing a Body Mass Index Threshold on Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Operative eligibility thresholds based on body mass index (BMI) alone may risk restricting access to improved pain control, function, and quality of life. This study evaluated the use of BMI-cutoffs to offering TKA in avoiding: 1) 90-day readmission, 2) one-year mortality, and 3) failure to achieve clinically important one-year PROMS improvement (MCID). METHODS: A total of 4126 primary elective unilateral TKA patients from 2015 to 2018 were prospectively collected. For specific BMI(kg/m2) cutoffs: 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50, the positive predictive value (PPV) for 90-day readmission, one-year mortality, and failure to achieve one-year MCID were calculated. The number of patients denied complication-free postoperative courses per averted adverse outcome/failed improvement was estimated. RESULTS: Rates of 90-day readmission and one-year mortality were similar across BMI categories (P > .05, each). PPVs for preventing 90-day readmission and one-year mortality were low across all models of BMI cutoffs. The highest PPV for 90-day readmission and one-year mortality was detected at cutoffs of 45 (6.4%) and 40 (0.87%), respectively. BMI cutoff of 40 would deny 18 patients 90-day readmission-free, and 194 patients one-year mortality-free postoperative courses for each averted 90-day readmission/one-year mortality. Such cutoff would also deny 11 patients an MCID per avoided failure. Implementing BMI thresholds alone did not influence the rate of improvements in KOOS-PS, KRQOL, or VR-12. CONCLUSION: Utilizing BMI cutoffs as the sole determinants of TKA ineligibility may deny patients complication-free postoperative courses and clinically important improvements. Shared decision-making supported by predictive tools may aid in balancing the potential benefit TKA offers to obese patients with the potentially increased complication risk and cost of care provision.

Correction to: Skin closure with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and polyester mesh after primary total knee arthroplasty offers superior cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction compared to staples: a prospective trial.

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.

Skin closure with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and polyester mesh after primary total knee arthroplasty offers superior cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction compared to staples: a prospective trial.

INTRODUCTION: The goals of this study were to compare patient satisfaction and wound-related complications in patients receiving 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (glue) and polyester mesh for skin closure after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) versus staples. METHODS: A total of 60 knees in 54 patients undergoing TKA were enrolled in a prospective trial and randomized to receive either skin closure with glue and polyester mesh (n = 30) or a control group closed with staples (n = 30). Hollander wound cosmesis score (measured on a scale of 0-5, with 0 being the best) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores (range 0-100 mm) for patient satisfaction with wound cosmesis, as well as wound-related readmission, reoperation, and complications, including superficial surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, wound hematoma, stitch abscess, and wound discharge, were assessed at 6 weeks and 90 days after TKA. Baseline characteristics were not statistically significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). RESULTS: At 6 weeks and 90 days, the Hollander wound cosmesis score was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the glue and polyester mesh groups. Similarly, at 6 weeks and 90 days, the VAS for patient satisfaction with wound cosmesis was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the glue and polyester mesh groups. The rate of superficial surgical site infection was 1/30 (3%) in glue and polyester mesh groups versus zero in the control group (p = 1.00). The rate of wound dehiscence was 1/30 (3%) in glue and polyester mesh groups versus zero in the control group (p = 1.00). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that glue and polyester mesh closure may offer superior cosmetic outcomes to staples for skin closure in TKA.

The Association Between Operative Time and Short-Term Complications in Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 89,802 Surgeries.

BACKGROUND: It has been established by previous studies that longer operative times can lead to higher rates of complications and poorer outcomes after total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, these studies were heterogeneous, examined limited complications, and have not provided a clear time after which complications increase. The aims of this study were to (1) assess whether longer operative time increases risk of complications within 30 days of THA, (2) investigate the relationship between operative time and various complications after THA, and (3) identify possible operative times beyond which complication rates increase. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database was queried to identify 89,802 procedures that were included in the final analysis. The effect of operative time on complications within 30 days was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models. Spline regression models were created to investigate the relationship between operative time and complications. RESULTS: Longer operative times were associated with higher risk of readmissions (P < .001), reoperations (P < .001), surgical site infection (P < .001), wound dehiscence (P < .001), renal or systemic complications (P < .001), and blood transfusion (P < .001). A linear relationship was observed between operative time and readmission, reoperation, surgical site infection, and transfusions with increased rate of these complications when the operative time exceeded 75 to 80 minutes. Venous thromboembolic complications had a U-shaped relationship with operative time with the trough around 90 to 100 minutes. CONCLUSION: While our findings cannot establish a clear cause and effect relation, they do suggest strong correlation between increased operative time and perioperative complications. Additionally, this study suggests an optimal time of approximately 80 minutes, as a goal for surgeons, that may be associated with less risk of complications following THA.

Classification systems of hip osteonecrosis: an updated review.

PURPOSE: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) typically impacts middle-aged patients who are typically more active and in whom many surgeons would try to delay performing a total hip arthroplasty (THA). This poses a clinical decision-making challenge. Therefore, several options for joint preservation have been advocated, but varying indications and success rates have led to debate on when to use the various procedures. This is due in part to the lack of a generalized system for assessing ONFH, as well as the absence of a standardized method of data collection for patient stratification. Due to the paucity of studies, in this review, we aimed to provide an up-to-date review of the most widely utilized classification systems and discuss the characteristics of each system. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted. Studies published between January 1st, 1975 and March 1st, 2018 were reviewed. The following key words were used in combination with Boolean operators AND or OR for the literature search: "osteonecrosis," "avascular necrosis," "hip," "femoral head," "classification," "reliability," and "validity." We defined the inclusion criteria for qualifying studies for this review as follows: (1) studies that reported on the classification systems for hip osteonecrosis, (2) studies that reported on the inter-observer reliability of the classification systems, and (3) studies that reported on the intra-observer reliability of any ONFH classification systems. In addition, we employed the following exclusion criteria: (1) studies that assessed classification systems for traumatic osteonecrosis, (2) Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, or (3) Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip. Additionally, we excluded case reports and duplicate studies among searched databases. RESULTS: The following classification systems were the most commonly utilized: The Ficat and Arlet, Steinberg, the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO), and the Japanese Investigation Committee (JIC) classification systems. The details of each system have been discussed and their inter- and intra-observer reliability has been compared. CONCLUSION: To this date, there is a lack of consensus on a universal and comprehensive system, and the use of any of the previous classification systems is a matter of dealer's choice. The Ficat and Arlet system was the earliest yet remains the most widely utilized system. Newer classification systems have been developed and some such as the JIC shows promising prognostic value while maintaining simplicity. However, larger validating studies are needed. While all of these systems have their strengths, the lack of a unified classification and staging system is still a problem in the diagnosis and prognosis ONFH. Further multi-center collaborative efforts among osteonecrosis experts are needed to adopt a universal classification system that may positively reflect on patient's outcomes.

The use of non-vascularized bone grafts to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head: indications, techniques, and outcomes.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a multi-factorial disease with relatively unknown aetiology and unclear pathogenetic mechanism. Left untreated, the natural history of the disease is progressive collapse of the femoral head and destruction of the joint with substantial pain and disability. The disease primarily affects younger individuals, in whom many surgeons will typically prefer to delay performing total hip arthroplasty (THA). Therefore, increasing attention has been given to a wide variety of femoral head-preserving procedures. The use of non-vascularized bone grafting (NVBG) to treat ONFH has mainly been advocated for pre-collapse and select, early post-collapse lesions. Currently, multiple studies reported on various non-vascularized bone grafting techniques of treating ONFH. Clinical outcomes have varied widely, with success rates reported between 55 and 87% in the short- to mid-term, with long-term results lacking. Due to the current paucity of studies, in this review we aimed to discuss (1) indications, (2) techniques, and (3) outcomes of non-vascularized bone grafting used to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Are We Appropriately Compensated by Relative Value Units for Primary vs Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Relative value units (RVUs) are used to evaluate the effort required for providing a service to patients in order to determine compensation. Thus, more complicated cases, like revision arthroplasty cases, should yield a greater compensation. However, there are limited data comparing RVUs to the time required to complete the service. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the (1) mean RVUs, (2) mean operative times, and (3) mean RVU/minute between primary and revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) and (4) perform an individualized idealized surgeon annual cost difference analysis. METHODS: A total of 103,702 patients who underwent primary (current procedural terminology code 27130) and 7273 patients who underwent revision THA (current procedural terminology code 27134) were identified using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Mean RVUs, operative times (minutes), and RVU/minute were calculated and compared using Student t-test. Dollar amount per minute, per case, per day, and year was calculated to find an individualized idealized surgeon annual cost difference. RESULTS: The mean RVU was 21.24 ± 0.53 (range, 20.72-21.79) for primary and 30.27 ± 0.03 (range, 30.13-30.28) for revision THA (P < .001). The mean operative time for primary THA was 94 ± 38 minutes (range, 30-480 minutes) and 152 ± 75 minutes (range, 30-475 minutes) for revision THA (P < .001). The mean RVU/minute was 0.260 ± 0.10 (range, 0.04-0.73) for primary and 0.249 ± 0.12 (range, 0.06-1.0) for revision cases (P < .001). The dollar amounts calculated for primary vs revision THA were as follows: per minute ($9.33 vs $8.93), per case ($877.12 vs $1358.32), per day ($6139.84 vs $5433.26), and a projected $113,052.28 annual cost difference for an individual surgeon. CONCLUSION: Maximizing the RVU/minute provides the greatest "hourly rate." The RVU/minute for primary (0.260) being significantly greater than revision THA (0.249) and an annualized $113,052.28 cost difference reveal that although revision THAs are more complex cases requiring longer operative time, greater technical skill, and aftercare, compensation per time is not greater.

How Fast Should a Total Knee Arthroplasty Be Performed? An Analysis of 140,199 Surgeries.

BACKGROUND: Although previous studies have shown that prolonged operative times can lead to an increased risk of complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), they only evaluated a few complications. It is also unclear whether a distinctive operative time exists after which complications increase. Therefore, this study was performed to (1) assess whether higher operative time increases the risk of complications within 30 days of TKA and (2) explore the relationship between operative time and various complications to identify possible operative times where complication rates increase. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database was queried from 2011 to 2015 to identify 140,199 primary TKAs. The effect of operative time (skin-to-skin) on various medical and surgical complications within 30 days was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models. Spline regression models were created to further study the relationship between operative time and complications. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding factors, longer operative times were associated with higher risks of readmission (P < .001), reoperation (P < .001), surgical site infection (P < .001), wound dehiscence (P < .001), and transfusion (P < .001). The majority of the complications demonstrated an increase throughout the range of operative time, with a slightly pronounced increase in the risk of complications when the operative time was longer than 80 minutes. CONCLUSION: Prolonged operative times were associated with an increased risk of a number of important complications such as readmissions, reoperations, surgical site infections, and wound complications. Based on our results, an operative time goal of less than 80 minutes is helpful for minimizing these complications after TKA.

A Comparison of Relative Value Units in Primary Versus Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), revision cases are often technically more challenging, and require more operative time and aftercare than primary cases. These time and effort differences should therefore be appropriately compensated for when using the relative value unit (RVU) system. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the mean (1) RVUs; (2) operative times; and (3) RVU/min; and (4) perform an individualized idealized surgeon annual cost difference analysis for primary vs revision TKA. METHODS: Current Procedural Terminology code 27447 identified 165,439 primary TKA patients, while Current Procedural Terminology code 27487 identified 8081 revision TKA patients from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The mean RVUs, operative times, and RVU/min were calculated. Dollar amount per minute, per case, per day, and year were also calculated. Student's t-test, with a cut-off P-value of <.05, was used in order to identify any statistical differences in mean RVUs, operative times, and RVU/min. RESULTS: The mean RVUs for primary TKA was 22, while for revision TKA was 27 (P < .001). The mean operative time for primary TKA was 94 minutes, while for revision TKA was 149 minutes (P < .001). The mean RVU/min for primary TKA was 0.26, while for revision TKA was 0.22 (P < .001). The dollar amounts calculated for primary vs revision TKA were per minute ($9.33 vs $7.90), per case ($877.12 vs $1176.43), per day ($4385.60 vs $3529), and projected a $137,008.70 annual cost difference. CONCLUSION: Orthopedic surgeons are reimbursed at a higher rate per minute for primary cases compared to revision TKA (0.26 vs 0.22, P < .001). The annual difference can amount to nearly $140,000. Orthopedic surgeons can use this information to better understand the dynamics of their time, compensation, and ultimately, their practice. Furthermore, it can be argued that there needs to be a shift to increase the RVU per unit time for revision TKAs.

Have the Yearly Trends of Total Hip Arthroplasty in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Decreased?

INTRODUCTION: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is characterized by spinal inflammation and structural damage, primarily to the axial skeleton and sacroiliac joints. Between 25% and 70% of patients may experience progressive peripheral joint involvement, which, despite advancement in pharmacologic therapy, may necessitate surgical intervention. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) yields improved pain and functional outcomes for AS patients with hip involvement. It is unclear whether the annual rates of patients undergoing THA have changed due to newer pharmacologic management. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the annual trends of AS patients who underwent THA. Specifically, we evaluated: 1) the annual trends of THAs due to AS in the United States population, and 2) the annual trends in the proportion of THAs due to AS in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample to identify all patients who underwent THA between 2002 and 2013 (n=3,135,904). Then, an additional query was performed to identify THA patients who had a diagnosis of AS, defined by the International Classification of Disease 9th revision diagnosis code 720. The incidence of THAs with a diagnosis of AS in the United States was calculated using the United States population as the denominator. Regression models were used to analyze the annual trends of AS in patients who underwent THA. RESULTS: Review of the database identified 5,562 patients with AS who underwent THA. The overall annual prevalence of THA in the AS population significantly decreased during the 12-year study period from 2.24 per 1,000 THAs in 2002 to 1.73 per 1,000 THAs in 2013 (R2=0.445; p=0.018). CONCLUSION: Annual THA trends in AS patients have significantly declined from 2002 to 2013. This decline may be attributed to improvements in medical management that delay the time from disease onset to requirement of a THA. Since THA is an option with advanced disease, the observed declining trends may indicate the efficacy of current medical management.

Surgeon Performance as a Predictor for Patient-Reported Outcomes After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy.

Background: Surgeon performance has been investigated as a factor affecting patient outcomes after orthopaedic procedures to improve transparency between patients and providers. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to identify whether surgeon performance influenced patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) 1 year after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM). It was hypothesized that there would be no significant difference in PROMs between patients who underwent APM from various surgeons. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A prospective cohort of 794 patients who underwent APM between 2018 and 2019 were included in the analysis. A total of 34 surgeons from a large multicenter health care center were included. Three multivariable models were built to determine whether the surgeon-among demographic and meniscal pathology factors-was a significant variable for predicting the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)-Pain subscale, the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and a 10-point improvement in the KOOS-Pain at 1 year after APM. Likelihood ratio (LR) tests were used to determine the significance of the surgeon variable in the models. Results: The 794 patients were identified from the multicenter hospital system. The baseline KOOS-Pain score was a significant predictor of outcome in the 1-year KOOS-Pain model (odds ratio [OR], 2.1 [95% CI, 1.77-2.48]; P < .001), the KOOS-Pain 10-point improvement model (OR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.44-0.73), and the 1-year PASS model (OR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.15-1.76]; P = .002) among articular cartilage pathology (bipolar medial cartilage) and patient-factor variables, including body mass index, Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey-Mental Component Score, and Area Deprivation Index. The individual surgeon significantly impacted outcomes in the 1-year KOOS-Pain mixed model in the LR test (P = .004). Conclusion: Patient factors and characteristics are better predictors for patient outcomes 1 year after APM than surgeon characteristics, specifically baseline KOOS-Pain, although an individual surgeon influenced the 1-Year KOOS-Pain mixed model in the LR test. This finding has key clinical implications; surgeons who wish to improve patient outcomes after APM should focus on improving patient selection rather than improving the surgical technique. Future research is needed to determine whether surgeon variability has an impact on longer-term patient outcomes.

Similar Healthcare Utilization and 1-Year Patient-Reported Outcomes between Cemented and Cementless Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

Cementless fixation for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has gained traction with the advent of newer fixation technologies. This study assessed (1) healthcare utilization (length of stay (LOS), nonhome discharge, 90-day readmission, and 1-year reoperation); (2) 1-year mortality; and (3) 1-year joint-specific and global health-related patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) among patients who received cementless versus cemented TKA. Patients who underwent cementless and cemented TKA at a single institution (July 2015-August 2018) were prospectively enrolled. A total of 424 cementless and 5,274 cemented TKAs were included. The cementless cohort was propensity score-matched to a group cemented TKAs (1:3-cementless: n = 424; cemented: n = 1,272). Within the matched cohorts, 76.9% (n = 326) cementless and 75.9% (n = 966) cementless TKAs completed 1-year PROMs. Healthcare utilization measures, mortality and the median 1-year change in knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS)-pain, KOOS-physical function short form (PS), KOOS-knee related quality of life (KRQOL), Veteran Rand (VR)-12 mental composite (MCS), and physical composite (PCS) scores were compared. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for PROMs was calculated. Cementless TKA exhibited similar rates of median LOS (p = 0.109), nonhome discharge disposition (p = 0.056), all-cause 90-day readmission (p = 0.226), 1-year reoperation (p = 0.597), and 1-year mortality (p = 0.861) when compared with cemented TKA. There was no significant difference in the median 1-year improvement in KOOS-pain (p = 0.370), KOOS-PS (p = 0.417), KOOS-KRQOL (p = 0.101), VR-12-PCS (p = 0.269), and VR-12-MCS (p = 0.191) between the cementless and cemented TKA cohorts. Rates of attaining MCID were similar in both cohorts for assessed PROMs (p > 0.05, each) except KOOS-KRQOL (cementless: n = 313 (96.0%) vs. cemented: n = 895 [92.7%]; p = 0.036). Cementless TKA provides similar healthcare-utilization, mortality, and 1-year PROM improvement versus cemented TKA. Cementless fixation in TKA may provide value through higher MCID improvement in quality of life. Future episode-of-care cost-analyses and longer-term survivorship investigations are warranted.

Should an Age Cutoff Be Considered for Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients? An Analysis of Operative Success Based on Patient-Reported Outcomes.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is increasing in the elderly population; however, some patients, family members, and surgeons raise age-related concerns over expected improvement and risks. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the relationship between age and change in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs); (2) model how many patients would be denied improvements in PROMs if hypothetical age cutoffs were implemented; and (3) assess length of stay (LOS), readmission, reoperation, and mortality per age group. A prospective cohort of 4,396 primary TKAs (August 2015-August 2018) was analyzed. One-year PROMs were evaluated via Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS)-pain, -physical function short form (-PS), and -quality of life (-QOL), as well as Veterans Rand-12 (VR-12) physical (-PCS) and mental component (-MCS) scores. Positive predictive values (PPVs) of the number of postoperative "failures" (i.e., unattained minimal clinically important difference in PROMs) relative to number of hypothetically denied "successes" from a theoretical age-group restriction was estimated. KOOS-PS and QOL median score improvements were equivalent among all age groups (p = 0.946 and p = 0.467, respectively). KOOS-pain improvement was equivalent for ≥80 and 60-69-year groups (44.4 [27.8-55.6]). Median VR-12 PCS improvements diminished as age increased (15.9, 14.8, and 13.4 for the 60-69, 70-79, and ≥80 groups, respectively; p = 0.002) while improvement in VR-12 MCS was similar among age groups (p = 0.440). PPV for failure was highest in the ≥80 group, yet remained <34% for all KOOS measures. Overall mortality was highest in the ≥80 group (2.14%, n = 9). LOS >2, non-home discharge, and 90-day readmission were highest in the ≥80 group (8.11% [n = 24], p < 0.001; 33.7% [n = 109], p < 0.001; and 34.4% [n = 111], p = 0.001, respectively). Elderly patients exhibited similar improvement in PROMs to younger counterparts despite higher LOS, non-home discharge, and 90-day readmission. Therefore, special care pathways should be implemented for those age groups.

Do patient-reported outcome measures improve after aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) changes in: (1) pain, function and global health; and (2) predictors of PROMs in patients undergoing aseptic revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) using a multilevel model with patients nested within surgeon. METHODS: A prospective cohort of 216 patients with baseline and 1-year PROMs who underwent aseptic rTHA between January 2016 and December 2017 were analysed. The most common indication for rTHA was aseptic loosening, instability, and implant failure. The PROMs included in this study were HOOS Pain and HOOS Physical Function Short-form (PS), Veterans RAND-12 Physical Component Score (VR-12 PCS), and VR-12 Mental Component Score (MCS). Multivariable linear regression models were constructed for predicting 1-year PROMs. RESULTS: Mean 1-year PROMs improvement for aseptic revisions were 30.4 points for HOOS Pain and 22.1 points for HOOS PS. Predictors of better pain relief were patients with higher baseline pain scores. Predictors of better 1-year function were patients with higher baseline function and patients with a posterolateral hip surgical approach during revision. Although VR-12 PCS scores had an overall improvement, nearly 50% of patients saw no improvement or had worse physical component scores. Only 30.7% of patients reported improvements in VR-12 MCS. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, patients undergoing aseptic rTHA improved in pain and function PROMs at 1 year. Although global health assessment improved overall, nearly half of aseptic rTHA patients reported no change in physical/mental health status. The associations highlighted in this study can help guide the shared decision-making process by setting expectations before aseptic revision THA.

Evaluation of Health Care Disparities in Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Does Race and Insurance Matter?

Background: It is unknown whether race- or insurance-based disparities in health care exist regarding baseline knee pain, knee function, complete meniscal tear, or articular cartilage damage in patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Hypothesis: Black patients and patients with Medicaid evaluated for ACLR would have worse baseline knee pain, worse knee function, and greater odds of having a complete meniscal tear. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A cohort of patients (N = 1463; 81% White, 14% Black, 5% Other race; median age, 22 years) who underwent ACLR between February 2015 and December 2018 was selected from an institutional database. Patients who underwent concomitant procedures and patients of undisclosed race or self-pay status were excluded. The associations of race with preoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) Pain subscale, KOOS Function subscale, and intraoperatively assessed complete meniscal tear (tear that extended through both the superior and the inferior meniscal surfaces) were determined via multivariate modeling with adjustment for age, sex, insurance status, years of education, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), meniscal tear location, and Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey Mental Component Score (VR-12 MCS). Results: The 3 factors most strongly associated with worse KOOS Pain and KOOS Function were lower VR-12 MCS score, increased BMI, and increased age. Except for age, the other two factors had an unequal distribution between Black and White patients. Univariate analysis demonstrated equal baseline median KOOS Pain scores (Black, 72.2; White, 72.2) and KOOS Function scores (Black, 68.2; White, 68.2). After adjusting for confounding variables, there was no significant difference between Black and White patients in KOOS Pain, KOOS Function, or complete meniscal tears. Insurance status was not a significant predictor of KOOS Pain, KOOS Function, or complete meniscal tear. Conclusion: There were clinically significant differences between Black and White patients evaluated for ACLR. After accounting for confounding factors, no difference was observed between Black and White patients in knee pain, knee function, or complete meniscal tear. Insurance was not a clinically significant predictor of knee pain, knee function, or complete meniscal tear.

No clinically meaningful difference in 1-year patient-reported outcomes among major approaches for primary total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Debate continues around the most effective surgical approach for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study's purpose was to compare 1-year patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of patients who underwent direct anterior (DA), transgluteal anterolateral (AL)/direct lateral (DL), and posterolateral (PL) approaches. METHODS: A prospective consecutive series of primary THA for osteoarthritis (n = 2390) were performed at 5 sites within a single institution with standardised care pathways (20 surgeons). Patients were categorised by approach: DA (n = 913; 38%), AL/DL (n = 505; 21%), or PL (n = 972; 41%). Primary outcomes were pain, function, and activity assessed by 1-year postoperative PROMs. Multivariable regression modeling was used to control for differences among the groups. Wald tests were performed to test the significance of select patient factors and simultaneous 95% confidence intervals were constructed. RESULTS: At 1-year postoperative, PROMs were successfully collected from 1842 (77.1%) patients. Approach was a statistically significant factor for 1-year HOOS pain (p = 0.002). Approach was not a significant factor for 1-year HOOS-PS (p = 0.16) or 1-year UCLA activity (p = 0.382). Pairwise comparisons showed no significant difference in 1-year HOOS pain scores between DA and PL approach (p > 0.05). AL/DL approach had lower (worse) pain scores than DA or PL approaches with differences in adjusted median score of 3.47 and 2.43, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients receiving the AL/DL approach had a small statistical difference in pain scores at 1 year, but no clinically meaningful differences in pain, activity, or function exist at 1-year postoperative.

Cementless 3D Printed Highly Porous Titanium-Coated Baseplate Total Knee Arthroplasty: Survivorship and Outcomes at 2-Year Minimum Follow-Up.

Newer generation cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants continue to develop with demonstrated clinical success in multiple recent reports. The purpose of this study was to investigate (1) survivorship, (2) complications, and (3) clinical outcomes of a newer generation cementless and highly porous titanium-coated base plate manufactured using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. We reviewed a single-surgeon, longitudinally maintained database of patients who underwent primary TKA using cementless, highly porous titanium-coated base plate implants from July 1, 2013 to December 31, 2016. A total of 523 patients were identified. Of this cohort, 496 patients had a minimum of 2-year follow-up and were included in our final analysis. Among these patients, 72 had bilateral TKA yielding a total of 568 TKAs. There were 133 men and 363 women who had a mean body mass index of 33 kg/m2 (range, 20-61 kg/m2). The mean age was 66 years (range, 33-88 years). Average follow-up was 36 months (range, 24-48 months). Indications for TKA included osteoarthritis in 432 patients (87%), rheumatoid arthritis in 40 patients (8%), and knee osteonecrosis in 24 (5%) patients. Implant survivorship was defined as any revision leading to explantation of the base plate for any reason. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine all-cause implant survivorship at final follow-up for every patient. Complications were assessed using the Knee Society standardized list of TKA complications. Clinical outcomes were determined using the Knee Society pain and function scores. Range-of-motion values were also collected. There were a total of four failures, all were due to aseptic loosening with a survivorship rate of 99% at mean follow-up of 3 years (95% confidence interval = 0.984-0.999). In addition, there were a total of 12 surgical and 10 medical complications. Surgical complications did not affect the base plate or result in any additional implant revisions. A total of nine patients had thromboembolic disease complications; all received medical treatment and recovered adequately. Radiological evaluation did not show any signs of loosening or failures in other patients at final follow-up. Knee Society Scores for pain and function improved from 55 and 56 points preoperatively to 92 and 84 points at 2 years postoperatively. Our results are in concordance with the excellent clinical outcomes and survivorship demonstrated for the newer generation cementless TKA implants. In our experience, 3D printed titanium base plates demonstrated clinical success and excellent survivorship at minimum follow-up of 2 years.

Machine Learning Outperforms Regression Analysis to Predict Next-Season Major League Baseball Player Injuries: Epidemiology and Validation of 13,982 Player-Years From Performance and Injury Profile Trends, 2000-2017.

BACKGROUND: Machine learning (ML) allows for the development of a predictive algorithm capable of imbibing historical data on a Major League Baseball (MLB) player to accurately project the player's future availability. PURPOSE: To determine the validity of an ML model in predicting the next-season injury risk and anatomic injury location for both position players and pitchers in the MLB. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: Using 4 online baseball databases, we compiled MLB player data, including age, performance metrics, and injury history. A total of 84 ML algorithms were developed. The output of each algorithm reported whether the player would sustain an injury the following season as well as the injury's anatomic site. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) primarily determined validation. RESULTS: Player data were generated from 1931 position players and 1245 pitchers, with a mean follow-up of 4.40 years (13,982 player-years) between the years of 2000 and 2017. Injured players spent a total of 108,656 days on the disabled list, with a mean of 34.21 total days per player. The mean AUC for predicting next-season injuries was 0.76 among position players and 0.65 among pitchers using the top 3 ensemble classification. Back injuries had the highest AUC among both position players and pitchers, at 0.73. Advanced ML models outperformed logistic regression in 13 of 14 cases. CONCLUSION: Advanced ML models generally outperformed logistic regression and demonstrated fair capability in predicting publicly reportable next-season injuries, including the anatomic region for position players, although not for pitchers.

What Are the Predictors of Poor Patient-Reported Outcomes After Shoulder Instability Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Prospectively collected responses to Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) questions after shoulder instability surgery are limited. Responses to these outcome measures are imperative to understanding their clinical utility. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate which factors predict unfavorable patient-reported outcomes after shoulder instability surgery, including "no" to the PASS question. We hypothesized that poor outcomes would be associated with male adolescents, bone loss, combined labral tears, and articular cartilage injuries. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Patients aged ≥13 years undergoing shoulder instability surgery were included in point-of-care data collection at a single institution across 12 surgeons between 2015 and 2017. Patients with anterior-inferior labral tears were included, and those with previous ipsilateral shoulder surgery were excluded. Demographics, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores, and surgical findings were obtained at baseline. ASES and SANE scores, PASS responses, and early revision surgery rates were obtained at a minimum of 1 year after the surgical intervention. Regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 234 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 176 completed follow-up responses (75.2%). Nonresponders had a younger age, greater frequency of glenoid bone loss, fewer combined tears, and more articular cartilage injuries (P < .05). Responders' mean age was 25.1 years, and 22.2% were female. Early revision surgery occurred in 3.4% of these patients, and 76.1% responded yes to the PASS question. A yes response correlated with a mean 25-point improvement in the ASES score and a 40-point improvement in the SANE score. On multivariate analysis, combined labral tears (anterior-inferior plus superior or posterior tears) were associated with greater odds of responding no to the PASS question, while both combined tears and injured capsules were associated with lower ASES and SANE scores (P < .05). Sex, bone loss, and grade 3 to 4 articular cartilage injuries were not associated with variations on any patient-reported outcome measure. CONCLUSION: Patients largely approved of their symptom state at ≥1 year after shoulder instability surgery. A response of yes to the PASS question was given by 76.1% of patients and was correlated with clinically and statistically significant improvements in ASES and SANE scores. Combined labral tears and injured capsules were negative prognosticators across patient-reported outcome measures, whereas sex, bone loss, and cartilage injuries were not.