Peripheral Nerve Catheter Reduces Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Pain in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) have historically received high doses of opioids during the perioperative period. As awareness of opioid use has heightened, opioid administration has continuously decreased. This study aimed to evaluate if peripheral nerve catheter (PNC) use in rTKA reduces opiate consumption while maintaining similar pain control and postoperative function levels. Methods: A retrospective review of 354 patients who underwent rTKA between July 2019 and January 2022 was conducted. Fifty total patients who received an adductor canal PNC were propensity-matched 1:1 to a control group of 50 patients that did not receive a PNC. To assess the primary outcome of opiate consumption, nursing documented opiate administration events were converted into morphine milligram equivalents per 24-hour interval. Postoperative pain and functional status were assessed using the verbal rating scale for pain and the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care scores, respectively. Results: Compared to the control group, the PNC group demonstrated significantly lower overall inpatient opiate consumption (98.68 ± 117.03 vs 176.69 ± 203.47 morphine milligram equivalents; 44.15% decrease, P = .021) and lower verbal rating scale pain scores at 60 to 72 hours postoperatively (4.85 ± 1.24 vs 5.83 ± 1.35; 16.81% decrease, P = .038). There was no significant difference in Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care scores postoperatively (raw score: 19.41 ± 3.61 vs 19.46 ± 3.18; 0.26% decrease, P = .952). Finally, the PNC cohort was significantly less likely to be readmitted within 90 days after surgery (0.0% vs 12.0%; P = .012). Conclusions: In rTKA patients, PNC can significantly reduce inpatient opioid consumption while maintaining a comparable functional recovery and superior pain control. Level III Evidence: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Effects of Dexamethasone on Postoperative Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Concerns regarding the effects of dexamethasone on diabetics' glucose control have stymied its use following total joint arthroplasty. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 intravenous (IV) perioperative doses of dexamethasone on glucose levels, pain scores, and inpatient opioid consumption following total joint arthroplasty in diabetic patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of 523 diabetic patients who underwent primary elective THA and 953 diabetic patients who underwent primary elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between May 6, 2020, and December 17, 2021 was conducted. Patients who received 1 dose (1D) of perioperative dexamethasone 10 mg IV were compared to patients who received 2 doses (2D). Primary outcomes included postoperative glucose levels, opioid consumption as morphine milligram equivalences, postoperative pain as Verbal Rating Scale pain scores, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The 2D TKA cohort had significantly greater average and maximum blood glucose levels from 24 to 60 hours compared to the 1D TKA cohort. The 2D THA cohort had significantly greater average blood glucose levels at 24 to 36 hours compared to the 1D THA cohort. However, the 2D TKA group had significantly reduced opioid consumption from 24 to 72 hours and reduced total consumption compared to the 1D TKA group. Verbal Rating Scale pain scores did not differ between cohorts for both TKA and THA at any interval. CONCLUSION: Administration of a second perioperative dose of dexamethasone was associated with increased postoperative blood glucose levels. However, the observed effect on glucose control may not outweigh the clinical benefits of a second perioperative dose of glucocorticoids.

Hospital Teaching Status and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: An American Joint Replacement Registry Study.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown lower morbidity and mortality rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA) at academic teaching hospitals. This study sought to determine the relationship between hospital teaching status and patient-reported outcome measures following primary THA. METHODS: Using American Joint Replacement Registry data from 2012 to 2020, 4,447 primary, elective THAs with both preoperative and one year postoperative Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement (HOOS, JR) scores were analyzed. The main exposure variable was hospital teaching status, with three cohorts, as follows: major teaching hospitals, minor teaching hospitals, and non-teaching hospitals. Mean preoperative and one year postoperative HOOS, JR scores were compared. RESULTS: Preoperative HOOS, JR scores (nonteaching: 49.69 ± 14.42 versus major teaching: 47.68 ± 15.10 versus minor teaching: 42.46 ± 19.19, P < .001) were significantly higher at non-teaching hospitals than major and minor teaching hospitals, and these differences persisted at one year postoperatively (87.40 ± 15.14 versus 83.87 ± 16.68 versus 80.37 ± 19.27, P < .001). Both preoperative and postoperative differences in HOOS, JR scores were less than the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) at both time points. In multivariate regressions, non-teaching and minor teaching hospitals had similar odds of MCID achievement in HOOS, JR scores compared to major teaching hospitals. CONCLUSION: Using the HOOS, JR score as a validated outcome measure, undergoing primary THA at an academic teaching hospital did not correlate with higher postoperative HOOS, JR scores or greater chances of MCID achievement in HOOS, JR scores compared to non-teaching hospitals. Further work is required to determine the most important factors that may lead to improvement in patient-reported outcomes following THA.

The AAHKS Best Podium Presentation Research Award: A Second Dose of Dexamethasone Reduces Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Pain in Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The optimal administration of dexamethasone for postoperative pain management and recovery following primary elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a second intravenous (IV) dose of dexamethasone on postoperative pain scores, inpatient opioid consumption, and functional recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 2,256 primary elective THAs and 1,951 primary elective TKAs between May 2020 and April 2021. Patients who received 2 perioperative doses (2D) of dexamethasone 10 mg IV were propensity-matched 1:1 to a control group who received 1 perioperative dose (1D). Primary outcomes were opiate consumption as morphine milligram equivalences (MMEs), postoperative pain as Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) pain scores, and functional status assessed by the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) scores. RESULTS: The 2D THA and 2D TKA cohorts consumed significantly less opiates at the 24 to 48-hour and 48 to 72-hour intervals. The 2D TKA cohort had significantly lower total opiate consumption compared to the 1D TKA cohort. Compared to the 1D cohorts, the 2D THA cohort and 2D TKA cohorts had significantly lower pain scores at the 48 to 60-hour interval; additionally, the 2D TKA cohort had significantly lower pain scores in the 36 to 48-hour interval. AM-PAC scores did not differ between cohorts for both TKA and THA at any interval. CONCLUSION: The administration of a second perioperative dexamethasone dose significantly decreased opioid consumption in the immediate postoperative period. Inpatient opioid administration can be significantly reduced while maintaining comparable functional recovery and superior pain control. LEVEL III EVIDENCE: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Patellar Component Design Does Not Impact Clinical Outcomes in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Round or oval implants are used in patellar resurfacing during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, whether component geometry affects clinical outcomes is unclear. This study aimed to determine if one implant shape conferred superior outcomes to the other. METHODS: A retrospective review of primary TKA cases performed from 2016 to 2020 was conducted at an urban, tertiary academic center. Four hundred consecutive, primary TKAs were included in these analyses. Cases were included if a surgeon used the round design then oval design for fifty consecutive cases. Baseline demographic data and radiographic measurements were assessed. Surgical data, reasons for revision, and patient-reported outcome measures were analyzed. Independent samples t-test and chi-square tests were used to compare means and proportions. There were no demographic differences between the cohorts. RESULTS: Postoperative patellar tilt was statistically different between the cohorts. Sixteen patients required revision surgery; however, revision rates did not differ between the cohorts. Of the 9 rounds, 1 button was revised for infection. Of the 7 ovals, 1 button was revised for infection and 1 for loosening. Veterans RAND 12 Physical Component Score at 3 months postoperatively was higher for the round cohort, but no differences were observed at 1 year. CONCLUSION: While radiographic patellar tilt was significantly different between the cohorts, there was no clinical correlation in outcomes at 3 months or 1 year postoperatively. Longer-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the implications of patellar component design on outcomes and function. Nevertheless, the current study affirms that both designs are clinically equivalent which should be used to guide clinical decision-making. LEVEL III EVIDENCE: Retrospective Cohort.

The effect of losartan on range of motion and rates of manipulation in total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective matched cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Arthrofibrosis remains a common cause of patient dissatisfaction and reoperation after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Losartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) with inhibitory effects on transforming growth factor beta, previously implicated in tissue repair induced fibrosis, and has been studied to prevent stiffness following hip arthroscopy. This study aimed to evaluate pre- and postoperative range of motion (ROM) and the incidence of manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) following primary TKA in patients taking Losartan preoperatively for hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 170 patients from 2012 to 2020 who underwent a primary, elective TKA and were prescribed Losartan at least three months prior to surgery. All patients who were prescribed Losartan and had a preoperative and postoperative ROM in their chart were included and were matched to a control group of patients who underwent TKA and had no Losartan prescription. ROM, MUA, readmissions, reoperations, and revisions were assessed using chi-square and independent sample t tests. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Preoperative ROM was similar between patients on Losartan and the control group (103.59° ± 16.14° vs. 104.59° ± 21.59°, respectively; p = 0.745). Postoperative ROM and ΔROM were greater for patients prescribed Losartan (114.29° ± 12.32° vs. 112.76° ± 11.65°; p = 0.429 and 10.57° ± 14.95° vs. 8.17° ± 21.68°; p = 0.422), though this difference did not reach statistical significance. There was no difference in readmission, rate of manipulation for stiffness, or all-cause revision rates. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found that the use of Losartan did not significantly improve postoperative ROM, reduce MUA or decrease revision rates. Further prospective studies using Losartan are required to elucidate the potential effects on ROM and incidence of arthrofibrosis requiring MUA. LEVEL III EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study.

The Effect of Surgeon and Hospital Volume on Total Hip Arthroplasty Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: An American Joint Replacement Registry Study.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have shown lower morbidity and mortality rates with increased surgeon and hospital volumes after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study sought to determine the relationship between surgeon and hospital volumes and patient-reported outcome measures after THA using American Joint Replacement Registry data. METHODS: Using American Joint Replacement Registry data from 2012 to 2020, 4,447 primary, elective THAs with both preoperative and 1-year postoperative Hip Dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (HOOS-JR) scores were analyzed. This study was powered to detect the minimum clinically important difference (MCID). The main exposure variables were median annual surgeon and hospital volumes. Tertiles were formed based on the median annual number of THAs conducted: low-volume (1 to 42), medium-volume (42 to 96), and high-volume (≥96) surgeons and low-volume (1 to 201), medium-volume (201 to 392), and high-volume (≥392) hospitals. Mean preoperative and 1-year postoperative HOOS-JR scores were compared. RESULTS: Preoperative HOOS-JR scores were significantly higher at high-volume hospitals than low-volume and medium-volume hospitals (49.66 ± 15.19 vs. 47.68 ± 15.09 and 48.34 ± 15.22, P < 0.001), although these differences were less than the MCID. At the 1-year follow-up, no difference was noted with no resultant MCID. Preoperative and 1-year HOOS-JR scores did not markedly vary with surgeon volume. In multivariate regression, low-volume and medium-volume surgeons and hospitals had similar odds of MCID achievement in HOOS-JR scores compared with high-volume surgeons and hospitals, respectively. CONCLUSION: Using the HOOS-JR score as a validated patient-reported outcome measure, higher surgeon or hospital THA volume did not correlate with higher postoperative HOOS-JR scores or greater chances of MCID achievement in HOOS-JR scores compared with medium and lower volume surgeons and hospitals.

Primary total hip arthroplasty in patients older than 90 years of age: a retrospective matched cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Advanced age is considered a major risk factor for postoperative complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Consequently, older patients undergoing THA may require more detailed pre-procedural examinations and more healthcare resources postoperatively than younger patients. The purpose of this study was to compare discharge parameters and complication rates of THA in patients ⩾90 years old to those <90 years old. METHODS: A retrospective review of 14,824 THA patients from 2011 to 2021 at a high-volume, urban academic centre was conducted. Patients ⩾90 years old were propensity-matched to a control group of patients aged <90 years old. Patient demographics, surgical time, hospital length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and 90-day revision, readmission, and mortality rates were collected. Demographic differences and outcomes were assessed using chi-square and independent sample t-tests. RESULTS: After propensity matching, the average age in the younger cohort (YC, n = 54) was 75.81 ± 7.89, and 91.61 ± 1.73 for the older cohort (OC, n = 54). The OC had a longer LOS than the YC (mean 3.90 vs. 3.06 days; p = 0.031). Discharge disposition significantly differed (p = 0.007); older patients were more likely to be discharged to skilled nursing facilities (33.3% vs. 14.8%) or acute rehabilitation centres (14.8% vs. 3.7%) and less likely to be discharged to prior place of residence (home self-managed/home with services, 51.9% vs. 79.6%). There was no significant difference in surgical time (93.87 ± 29.75 vs. 96.09 ± 26.31 min; p = 0.682), 90-day revision rate (3.7% vs. 0%; p = 0.153), 90-day readmission rate (9.4% vs. 3.7%; p = 0.543), and 90-day mortality rate (1.9% vs. 1.9%; p = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Although THA patients over 90 years of age had a longer LOS and differing discharge disposition, these patients had similar complications compared to their younger counterparts. Thus, our study supports similar efficacy of THA in patients 90 years and older relative to younger THA candidates.

Total hip arthroplasty for hip fractures in patients older than 80 years of age: a retrospective matched cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing age and hip fractures are considered risk factors for post-operative complications in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Consequently, older adults undergoing THA due to hip fracture may have different outcomes and require additional healthcare resources than younger patients. This study aimed to identify the influence of age on discharge disposition and 90-day outcomes of THA performed for hip fractures in patients ≥ 80 years to those aged < 80. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 344 patients who underwent primary THA for hip fracture from 2011 to 2021 was conducted. Patients ≥ 80 years old were propensity-matched to a control group < 80 years old. Patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and 90-day post-operative outcomes were collected and assessed using Chi-square and independent sample t tests. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients remained for matched comparison after propensity matching, and the average age in the younger cohort (YC, n = 55) was 67.69 ± 10.48, while the average age in the older cohort (OC, n = 55) was 85.12 ± 4.77 (p ≤ 0.001). Discharge disposition differed between the cohorts (p = 0.005), with the YC being more likely to be discharged home (52.7% vs. 27.3%) or to an acute rehabilitation center (23.6% vs. 16.4%) and less likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility (21.8% vs. 54.5%). 90-day revision (3.6% vs. 1.8%; p = 0.558), 90-day readmission (10.9% vs. 14.5%; p = 0.567), 90-day complications (p = 0.626), and 90-day mortality rates (1.8% vs 1.8%; p = 1.000) did not differ significantly between cohorts. CONCLUSION: While older patients were more likely to require a higher level of post-hospital care, outcomes and perioperative complication rates were not significantly different compared to a younger patient cohort. Payors need to consider patients' age in future payment models, as discharge disposition comprises a large percentage of post-discharge expenses. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Cohort Study.

Impact of Coronavirus Disease-2019 Protocols on Primary and Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with increased morbidity and healthcare expenditures. During the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, our institution intensified hygiene standards, including greater glove, personal protective equipment (PPE), and mask use. We assessed the effect of these changes on SSI rates in primary total knee arthroplasty (pTKA) and revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). Patients and Methods: A retrospective review was performed identifying TKA from January 2019 to June 2021 at a single institution. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared before (January 2019 to February 2020) and during (May 2020 to June 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic when no restriction on operative services was in place and were further analyzed during the first (May 2020 to November 2020) and second (December 2020 to June 2021) periods after full operative services were restored. Results: A total of 3,398 pTKA (pre-pandemic: 1,943 [57.2%]; pandemic: 1,455 [42.8%]) and 454 rTKA (pre-pandemic: 229 [50.4%]; pandemic: 225 [49.6%]) were included. For primary cases, superficial and deep SSI rates were similar before and during COVID-19; however, for revision TKA, the incidence of all (-0.32%, p = 0.035) and superficial (-0.32%, p = 0.035) SSIs decreased during COVID-19. Primary TKA had longer operative times (p < 0.001) and shorter length of stay (LOS; p < 0.001) during COVID-19. Both pTKA (p < 0.001) and rTKA (p = 0.003) were discharged to skilled nursing facilities less frequently during COVID-19 as well. Conclusions: After our hospital implemented COVID-19-motivated hygienic protocols, superficial SSI rates decreased in rTKA but not in pTKA. During COVID-19, patients were less likely to be discharged to skilled nursing facilities, and pTKA operative times increased. Although these changes occurred during intensified hygiene protocols, further research is needed to determine how these factors contributed to the observed changes.

Similar Outcomes Achieved Between Anterior and Posterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Dual Mobility Implants.

Background: Dual mobility (DM) bearings for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been proposed to reduce the risk of instability in high-risk patients; however, their utility in primary THA remains relatively unexplored. No previous reports have described whether surgical approach influences outcomes associated with DM implant systems. This study aims to compare patient reported outcomes and post-operative groin pain between patients undergoing anterior approach versus posterior approach following primary THA with DM implants. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent primary THA and received a DM implant between 2011-2021. Patients were stratified into two cohorts based on surgical approach (anterior vs. posterior approach). Primary outcomes included the presence of substantial postoperative groin pain as well as readmission and revision rates. Demographic differences were assessed using chi-square and independent sample t-tests. Outcomes were compared using multilinear and logistic regressions. Results: Of the 495 patients identified, 55 (11%) underwent THA via the anterior approach and 440 (89%) via the posterior approach. Surgical time (100.24 vs. 109.42 minutes, p=0.070), length of stay (2.19vs.2.67 days,p=0.072), discharge disposition (p=0.151), and significant postoperative groin pain (1.8%vs.0.7%,p=0.966) did not statistically differ between the cohorts. 90-day readmission (9.1%vs.7.7%,p=0.823) and revision rate (0.0%vs.3.0%,p=0.993) did not significantly differ as well. Specifically, readmission (p=0.993) and revision (p=0.998) for instability did not significantly differ between the cohorts. We found no statistical difference in HOOS, JR (p=0.425), VR-12 PCS (p=0.718), and VR-12 MCS (p=0.257) delta score improvement from preoperative to 1-year follow-up between the two groups. Conclusion: Comparable outcomes following implantation of DM constructs may be achievable irrespective of the surgical approach employed. The incidence of iliopsoas injections for groin pain did not significantly differ between anterior and posterior approaches. Future investigation is needed to determine whether surgical approach influences long-term outcomes in patients receiving DM implants. Level of Evidence: III.

The Effect of Femoral Head Size on Groin Pain in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although increased femoral head size reduces the risk of instability in total hip arthroplasty (THA), it may lead to iliopsoas irritation and increased anterior groin pain. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes between non-modular dual-mobility (NDM) implants and small (≤32 mm) and large (≥36 mm) fixed-bearing (FB) constructs. METHODS: A retrospective review of all primary total hip arthroplasties from 2011 to 2021 was conducted at a single, urban academic institution. Patients were separated into 3 cohorts: NDM implant ≤32 mm and FB implant ≥36 mm. Demographics and outcomes such as length of stay, dislocation, and anterior groin pain were assessed. Patients were deemed as having groin pain if they received an iliopsoas injection or had extended physical therapy ordered beyond 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There were 178 NDM implants, 936 ≤32-mm FB, and 2,454 ≥36-mm FB implants included. Length of stay significantly differed between the groups (48.4 ± 43.3 vs 63.2 ± 40.6 vs 57.2 ± 38.1 hours; P = .001). Although not statistically significant, the ≥36-mm FB cohort had the highest rate of dislocations (0.6% vs 0.7% vs 0.9%; P = .84). Although no patients with an NDM implant received an iliopsoas injection, 9 patients (0.9%) with a ≤32-mm FB implant and 9 patients (0.4%) with a ≥36-mm implant received an injection (P = .06). However, 18 (10.1%) patients with an NDM implant, 304 (32.5%) patients with a ≤32-mm FB implant, and 355 (14.5%) patients with a ≥36-mm FB implant received extended physical therapy 3 months after surgery (P < .001). CONCLUSION: NDM implants, as well as FB implants with both small and large head sizes are effective at preventing dislocation. NDM implants did not result in an increase in anterior groin pain compared to ≤32-mm and ≥36-mm FB constructs. LEVEL III EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study.