Publication Rates of Podium Presentations at an Annual Orthopedic Surgery Resident and Fellow Research Symposium.

Introduction Research is an important aspect of residency and fellowship programs across the country. Developing strategies to foster research productivity is worthwhile. An annual research project is one strategy that some programs implement. Methods All resident and fellow (Sports Medicine, Adult Reconstruction, Spine) presentations at an orthopedic surgery department's annual research symposium from June 2016 through June 2021 were identified. Abstract titles, title keywords, and author names were searched in PubMed and Google Scholar to identify the presence of a peer-reviewed publication. Using the total number of research symposium presentations given, the publication rate was calculated for each year, as well as collectively for 2016 to 2021. In addition to publication rate, first author percent, number of citations, Altmetric score, and journal impact factor were recorded. Current PGY-2 through PGY-5 residents completed a survey to assess the perceived value of the annual research symposium. Results Ninety-eight research symposium presentations were reviewed (69 residents, 29 fellows). Forty (58%) resident studies were published and 28 were first-author publications (70%). Thirteen (45%) fellow studies were published and seven were first-author publications (54%). Combining residents and fellows, the overall publication rate was 54% (53/98), and 66% of these (35/53) were first-author publications. There was a wide range of published manuscript journal impact factors, Altmetric scores, and number of citations. All residents surveyed reported finding value in the research symposium. Conclusion The overall publication rate of presentations at an annual orthopedic surgery department research symposium between 2016 and 2021 was 54%, consistent with publication rates reported at National Orthopedic Surgery Society meetings. All residents reported finding value in the annual research symposium. The results of this study support the academic value of implementing a required annual research project and may provide a useful gauge to inform residency and fellowship curricula at other institutions.

Intraosseous Versus Intravenous Vancomycin in Tourniquetless Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Intraosseous (IO) administration of vancomycin at the time of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to be safer and more effective than intravenous (IV) administration at preventing early periprosthetic joint infection. Previous studies have relied on tourniquet inflation to enhance local tissue concentrations and mitigate systemic release. METHODS: A single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was performed on 20 patients (10 IV, 10 IO) undergoing primary TKA. The control (IV) group received weight-dosed vancomycin approximately 1 hour prior to the incision and weight-dosed cefazolin immediately prior to the incision. The interventional (IO) group received weight-dosed cefazolin immediately prior to the incision and 500 mg of vancomycin delivered via the IO technique at the time of the incision. Systemic samples for vancomycin levels were taken prior to the incision and at closure. During the procedure, tissue samples were taken from the distal femur, proximal tibia, and suprapatellar synovium. There were no differences in patient demographics or changes in serum creatinine from preoperative to postoperatively between groups. RESULTS: Significant differences in systemic vancomycin levels (ug/mL) were found at the start of the case (IV = 27.9 ± 4.9 versus IO = 0 ± 0, P = .0004) and at the end of the case (IV = 19.6 ± 2.6 versus IO = 7.8 ± 1.0, P = .001). No significant differences were seen in the average vancomycin concentration in the distal femur (IV = 61.0 ± 16.0 versus IO = 66.2 ± 12.3, P = .80), proximal tibia (IV = 52.8 ± 13.5 versus IO = 57.1 ± 17.0, P = .84), or suprapatellar synovial tissue (IV = 10.7 ± 5.3 versus IO = 9.0 ± 3.3, P = .80). There were no complications associated with vancomycin administration in either group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the utility of IO vancomycin in tourniquetless TKA with similar local tissue and significantly lower systemic concentrations than IV administration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1 therapeutic randomized trial.

Patient Perceptions of Same-Day Discharge Versus Overnight Stay After Total Joint Arthroplasty: Results of a Survey.

Background: In the COVID-19 era, there has been increasing interest in same-day discharge (SDD) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, patient perception of SDD is not well reported. Purpose: We sought to understand patients' perceptions and preferences of postoperative care by surveying patients who have completed both an overnight stay (ONS) and an SDD after TJA. Methods: We emailed survey links to 67 patients who previously underwent either 2 total hip arthroplasties (THAs) or 2 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). Results: Fifty-two patients (78%) responded to the survey. Thirty-four (65%) patients underwent staged, bilateral TKAs, and 18 (35%) patients underwent staged, bilateral THAs. Overall, 63% of patients preferred their SDD, 12% had no preference, and 25% preferred their ONS, with no difference in preference between TKA and THA groups. Those who preferred their SDD reported being more comfortable at home. Those who preferred their ONS felt their pain and concerns were better addressed. No differences were found in comfort, sleep quality, appetite, burden on family, return to function, feelings of being discharged too soon, overall experience, 30-day emergency department (ED) visits, or readmissions within 30 days between patients' SDD and ONS. There was a small statistically significant difference between patients' perception of safety between SDD and ONS. Conclusion: Our survey found that most patients reported a preference for SDD after TJA over ONS. Although there was a small difference in patient perception of safety, there were no differences in return to the ED or readmissions after SDD and ONS.

Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty Can Increase Frequency of Achieving Target Limb Alignment in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty for Preoperative Valgus Deformity.

Background: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) has been shown to reduce the number of alignment outliers and to improve component positioning compared to manual TKA (mTKA). The primary purpose of this investigation was to compare the frequency of achieving target postoperative limb alignment and component positioning for rTKA vs mTKA. Methods: A retrospective comparative study was performed on 250 patients undergoing primary TKA by 2 fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons. Surgeon A performed predominantly rTKA (103 cases) with the ROSA system (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) and less frequently mTKA (44 cases) with conventional instrumentation. Surgeon B performed only mTKA (103 cases). Target limb alignment for surgeon A was 0° for all cases and for surgeon B was 2° varus for varus knees and 0° for valgus knees. Radiographic measurements were determined by 2 reviewers. Target zone was set at ± 2 degrees from the predefined target. Results: When comparing rTKA to mTKA performed by different surgeons, there were no differences in the percentage within the target zone (57.28% vs 53.40%, P = .575), but rTKA did result in a greater percentage for cases with preoperative valgus (71.42% vs 44.12%, P = .031). Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global-10 physical scores were statistically higher at both 3 (P = .016) and 6 months (P = .001) postoperatively for rTKA compared to mTKA performed by different surgeons. Conclusions: Although experienced surgeons can achieve target limb alignment correction with similar frequency when comparing rTKA to mTKA for all cases, rTKA may achieve target limb alignment with more accuracy for preoperative valgus deformity. Level of Evidence: Retrospective Cohort Study, Level III.

Routine Histopathologic Examination of Bone Obtained During Elective Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty May Not Be Necessary.

Background: Many institutions require the routine collection of pathology samples from every primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) performed. These policies are controversial, and their cost-effectiveness is difficult to define. We sought to judge the cost-effectiveness of one such policy according to World Health Organization recommendations. Methods: We analyzed 3200 consecutive primary TKAs, comparing our presumed preoperative diagnoses against the diagnoses made by the pathologist. Diagnoses were categorized as concordant (matching), discrepant (not matching but without impact to patient management), or discordant (not matching and resulting in a direct change to patient management). An incremental cost-utility ratio analysis was performed to determine the cost-effectiveness of our institution's policy to routinely collect pathology samples from every primary TKA performed. Cost-effectiveness was defined by World Health Organization guidelines as a cost of less than $228,090 per quality-adjusted life year gained. Results: Twelve pathology samples were lost before reaching a pathologist. From the remaining 3188 samples, we identified 3158 concordant cases, 29 discrepant diagnoses, and 1 discordant diagnosis. It cost an estimated $10,522.60 to identify each discrepant diagnosis and an estimated $305,155.36 to diagnose one discordant case in our cohort. Our incremental cost-utility ratio analysis revealed that we spent $305,155.36 to gain 0 quality-adjusted life years for our patients. Conclusions: Routine histopathologic analysis of TKA samples was cost-ineffective in our patient cohort and may not be necessary during routine TKA.

Projected Prevalence of Obesity in Aseptic Revision Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: The purpose of this study was to develop projections of the prevalence of obesity in aseptic revision THA and TKA patients through the year 2029. Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) was queried for years 2011-2019. Current procedural terminology (CPT) codes 27134, 27137, and 27138 were used to identify revision THA and CPT codes 27486 and 27487 were used to identify revision TKA. Revision THA/TKA for infectious, traumatic, or oncologic indications were excluded. Participant data were grouped according to body mass index (BMI) categories: underweight/normal weight, <25 kg/m2; overweight, 25-29.9 kg/m2; class I obesity, 30.034.9 kg/m2; class II obesity, 35.0-39.9 kg/m2; morbid obesity ≥ 40 kg/m2. Prevalence of each BMI category was estimated from year 2020 to year 2029 through multinomial regression analyses. Results: 38,325 cases were included (16,153 revision THA and 22,172 revision TKA). From 2011 to 2029, prevalence of class I obesity (24% to 25%), class II obesity (11% to 15%), and morbid obesity (7% to 9%) increased amongst aseptic revision THA patients. Similarly, prevalence of class I obesity (28% to 30%), class II obesity (17% to 29%), and morbid obesity (16% to 18%) increased in aseptic revision TKA patients. Conclusion: Prevalence of class II obesity and morbid obesity demonstrated the largest increases in revision TKA and THA patients. By 2029, we estimate that approximately 49% of aseptic revision THA and 77% of aseptic revision TKA will have obesity and/or morbid obesity. Resources aimed at mitigating complications in this patient population are needed. Level of Evidence: III.

Utility of Diagnostic Tests Before Reimplantation in Patients Undergoing 2-Stage Revision Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication after total joint arthroplasty (TJA), with treatment failure occurring in 12% to 28% after 2-stage revision. It is vital to identify diagnostic tools indicative of persistent infection or treatment failure after 2-stage revision for PJI. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, PubMed (MEDLINE), and EMBASE were searched for randomized controlled trials and comparative observational studies published before October 3, 2021, which evaluated the utility of serum/plasma biomarkers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6], fibrinogen, D-dimer), synovial biomarkers (white blood cell [WBC] count, neutrophil percentage [PMN %], alpha-defensin [AD], leukocyte esterase [LE]), tissue frozen section, tissue culture, synovial fluid culture, or sonicated spacer fluid culture indicative of persistent infection before the second stage of 2-stage revision for PJI or treatment failure after 2-stage revision for PJI. RESULTS: A total of 47 studies including 6,605 diagnostic tests among 3,781 2-stage revisions for PJI were analyzed. Among those cases, 723 (19.1%) experienced persistent infection or treatment failure. Synovial LE (sensitivity 0.25 [0.10-0.47], specificity 0.99 [0.93-1.00], positive likelihood ratio 14.0 [1.45-135.58]) and serum IL-6 (sensitivity 0.52 [0.33-0.70], specificity 0.92 [0.85-0.96], positive likelihood ratio 7.90 [0.86-72.61]) had the highest diagnostic accuracy. However, no biomarker was associated with a clinically useful negative likelihood ratio. In subgroup analysis, synovial PMN %, synovial fluid culture, serum ESR, and serum CRP had limited utility for detecting persistent infection before reimplantation (positive likelihood ratios ranging 2.33-3.74; negative likelihood ratios ranging 0.31-0.9) and no utility for predicting failure after the second stage of 2-stage revision. CONCLUSIONS: Synovial WBC count, synovial PMN %, synovial fluid culture, serum ESR, and serum CRP have modest sensitivity and specificity for predicting persistent infection during the second stage of 2-stage revision, suggesting some combination of these diagnostic tests might be useful before reimplantation. No biomarker or culture accurately predicted treatment failure after reimplantation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

What Is the Fate of Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients Who Are Asked to Quit Smoking Prior to Surgery?

Background: Smoking is a known risk factor for complications following primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Little is known regarding the fate of patients who are asked to quit smoking before surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success of smoking cessation prior to primary TJA and the impact of smoking cessation on perioperative outcomes. Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients who presented between 2008 and 2020 to a single academic medical center with a documented smoking history and were asked to quit smoking prior to receiving a date for primary TJA. The cohort was surveyed about smoking cessation, smoking history, use of quit aids, seeking surgery elsewhere due to the cessation policy, and postoperative complications. Descriptive statistics evaluated the relationship between demographics, smoking cessation, and postoperative complications. Results: A total of 101 patients completed the survey with an overall response rate of 48%. Sixty-two percent of patients quit smoking before surgery, and 51% of these patients reported remaining smoke-free at 6 months postoperatively. The average time to quit before TJA was 45 days (range: 1-365 days), and 62% quit without quit aids. The wound complication/infection rate was significantly higher for patients who did not stop smoking prior to TJA (4 of 16; 27%) than for those who did quit prior to surgery (3 of 63; 5%; P = .02). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that most patients (62%) will stop smoking, if required, prior to primary TJA. Furthermore, 51% of patients reported abstinence from smoking at 6 months following TJA. TJA appears to be an effective motivator for smoking cessation. Level of Evidence: III (retrospective cohort study).

Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Utilization among Early Career Surgeons: An Evaluation of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part-II Database.

An updated understanding of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) utilization is needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate temporal trends in volume and utilization of UKA among early-career surgeons and to examine the influence of fellowship training status on utilization of UKA. The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part-II database was queried from 2010 to 2019 to identify candidates who reported ≥1 total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or UKA. Self-reported history of fellowship training experiences was recorded. "High-volume" surgeons were defined as performing ≥7 UKA over the ABOS Part-II collection period. Trends were evaluated with the Cochrane-Armitage test and generalized linear models. From 2010 to 2019, a total of 2,045 candidates (28.1%) reported ≥1 TKA, while 585 candidates (8.0%) reported ≥1 UKA. The number of candidates reporting ≥1 UKA significantly increased (p = 0.001). An increase in UKA volume was observed over the study period (p < 0.001). Rates of utilization of UKA relative to TKA did not change significantly over the study period (p = 0.11). Sixty-three (2.4%) candidates met the study definition for high-volume UKA utilization. UKA procedure volume increased among ABOS Part-II candidates over the study period; however, rates of UKA utilization relative to TKA volume remained unchanged. Increasing volume of UKA performed by early-career surgeons is likely secondary to an increased number of surgeons trained in adult reconstruction. Only 2.4% of candidates who reported performing at least one knee arthroplasty procedure met the threshold for a high-volume UKA practice. Early-career surgeons should remain conscientious of UKA volume in their practice.

Rates of Antimicrobial Resistance With Extended Oral Antibiotic Prophylaxis After Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Background: There is increased interest and utilization of extended oral antibiotic prophylaxis (EOAP) following primary and revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). The purpose of this study was to look for potential associations between EOAP and differential rates of antimicrobial resistance or epidemiology of organisms causing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following primary and aseptic revision THAs/TKAs. Methods: Patients who developed PJI following a primary or aseptic revision TKA/THA at a single institution from 2009 to 2020 were retrospectively identified. Patients who received at least 7 days of EOAP following the surgery were noted. Rates of antimicrobial resistance were compared between standard antibiotic prophylaxis and EOAP cohorts using the Fisher's exact test. Results: One hundred twenty-eight cultures were obtained from 119 patients with PJI. Fourty-four cases (37%) developed PJI after EOAP. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated organism (30% of all cultures; 78% were methicillin-sensitive). Rates of antimicrobial resistance were similar between standard antibiotic prophylaxis and EOAP cohorts in all but 2 instances: Increased resistance to erythromycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was observed in coagulase-negative Staphylococci isolates in the EOAP cohort (89% vs 21%, P < .01; 44% vs 0%, P = .02). An increased frequency of gram-negative organisms was observed in the EOAP group (22% vs 8%, P = .03). Conclusions: Rates of antimicrobial resistance were not significantly different between EOAP and standard antibiotic prophylaxis cohorts except in coagulase-negative Staphylococci. The increased frequency of gram-negative infections was present in the EOAP cohort. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to better understand the impact of EOAP on antimicrobial resistance and PJI epidemiology. Level of Evidence: Level III; retrospective cohort study.

Catastrophic Vascular Injury After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Vascular injury is a feared complication of any surgical procedure. This study examined the incidence of vascular injury during total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the circumstances and timing of injury intraoperatively, and acute management. Eighteen cases of catastrophic vascular injury after primary TKA (12 of 19,577; 0.06%) or revision TKA (6 of 4453; 0.1%) were identified. Catastrophic injury was defined as any vascular injury requiring vascular surgery. Chart review was performed to identify the timing of vascular injury, the injured blood vessel, and acute management. The Knee Society Score (KSS) was calculated. Mean follow-up was 8 years. Surgical indications included primary osteoarthritis for 12 cases, reimplantation for infection for 3 cases, and aseptic revision for 3 cases. Vessel injury included the popliteal artery in 10 cases, the popliteal artery and vein in 5 cases, and the popliteal vein in 3 cases. Thirteen injuries occurred during tibial preparation. Management included thrombectomy and reanastomosis in 15 cases and vessel bypass in 3 cases. One patient had thrombosis and limb ischemia 2 days after repair, requiring bypass. No amputations had occurred at late follow-up. Mean KSS was 74 at latest follow-up. Catastrophic vascular injury is more common after revision TKA (1 of 1000) than after primary TKA (6 of 10,000). Most injuries occur during tibial preparation. If identified quickly and addressed promptly by vascular surgery, limb salvage is likely. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(6):340-344.].

Total Hip Arthroplasty: Direct Anterior Approach Versus Posterior Approach in the First Year of Practice.

Background: The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been popularized as a less invasive technique, however outcomes within the first year of practice after fellowship have not been investigated. The primary aim was to determine differences in complications and outcomes between DAA and posterior approach (PA) in the first year of practice. The secondary aim was to determine if there was a learning curve factor in DAA and PA after fellowship training. Methods: THA cases performed by two surgeons during their first year of practice were reviewed. Overall, 181 THAs (91 DAA, 90 PA) in 168 patients, were performed. Intraoperative differences (blood loss, operative time), hospital stay, complications, reoperations, and revisions were compared. Results: Overall surgical complications were similar between DAA and PA (11% vs. 9%, p=0.64), but complication profiles were different: dislocation (1% vs. 4%, p=0.17), intraoperative femoral fracture (2% vs. 1%, p=0.32), postoperative periprosthetic fractures (2% vs. 3%, p=0.64). neuropraxia (3% vs. 0%, p=0.08). There was no difference in rate of reoperation (1% vs. 3%, p=0.31). There was a difference in rate of revision at final follow-up (0% vs. 6%, p=0.02). DAA consisted of longer operative time (111 vs. 99 minutes; p<0.001), however was only significant in the first 50 cases (p<0.001), while the subsequent cases were similar (p=0.31). There was no difference in the first 50 cases compared to the subsequent cases for either approach regarding blood loss, complications, reoperations, or revisions. Conclusion: DAA and PA for THA performed within the first year of practice exhibit similarly low complication rates, but complication profiles are different. In our series, PA did demonstrate a higher risk of revision at final follow-up. A learning curve is not unique to the DAA. Both DAA and PA THA exhibited a learning curve in the first 50 cases performed at the start of a surgeon's practice. Level of Evidence: III.

Perioperative Opioid Counseling Reduces Opioid Use Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Background: Preoperative counseling may reduce postoperative opioid requirements; however, there is a paucity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating efficacy. The purpose of this study was to perform an interventional, telehealth-based RCT evaluating the effect of peri-operative counseling on quantity and duration of opioid consumption following primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Methods: Participants were randomized into three groups: 1. Control group, no perioperative counseling; 2. Intervention group, preoperative educational video; 3. Intervention group, preoperative educational video and postoperative acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Opioid consumption was evaluated daily for 14 days and at 6 weeks postoperatively. Best-case and worse-case intention to treat analyses were performed to account for non-responses. Bonferroni corrections were applied. Results: 183 participants were analyzed (63 in Group 1, 55 in Group 2, and 65 in Group 3). At 2 weeks postoperatively, there was no difference in opioid consumption between Groups 1, 2, and 3 (p>0.05 for all). At 6 weeks postoperatively, Groups 2 and 3 had consumed significantly less opioids than Group 1 (p=0.04, p<0.001) (Table 1). Group 3 participants were less likely to obtain an opioid refill relative to Group 1 participants (p=0.04). Participants in groups 2 and 3 ceased opioid consumption a median of 6 days and 2 days sooner than Group 1, respectively (p<0.001, p=0.03) (Table 2). Conclusion: Perioperative opioid counseling significantly decreases the quantity and duration of opioid consumption at 6 weeks following primary TJA. Level of Evidence: I.

Projected Prevalence of Obesity in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: How Big Will the Problem Get?

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a well-established risk factor for complications following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study is to utilize 3 national databases to develop projections of obesity within the general population and primary TKA patients in the United States through 2029. METHODS: Data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were queried for years 1999-2019. Current Procedural Terminology code 27447 was used to identify primary TKA patients in NSQIP. Individuals were categorized according to body mass index (kg/m2) by year: normal weight (≤24.9); overweight (25.0-29.9); obese (30.0-39.9); and morbidly obese (≥40). Multinomial logistic regression was used to project categorical body mass index data for years 2020-2029. RESULTS: A total of 8,372,221 individuals were included (7,986,414 BRFSS, 385,807 NSQIP TKA). From 2011 to 2019, the prevalence of normal weight and overweight individuals declined in the general population (BRFSS) and in primary TKA. Prevalence of obese/morbidly obese individuals increased in the general population from 31% to 36% and in primary TKA from 60% to 64%. Projection models estimate that by 2029, 46% of the general population will be obese/morbidly obese and 69% of primary TKA will be obese/morbidly obese. CONCLUSION: By 2029, we estimate ≥69% of primary TKA to be obese/morbidly obese. Increased resources dedicated to care pathways and research focused on improving outcomes in obese arthroplasty patients will be necessary as this population continues to grow. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Cohort Study.