Risk of spinal surgery among individuals who have been re-vascularized for coronary artery disease.

HYPOTHESIS: Revascularization is a more effective intervention to reduce future postop complications. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective spine fusion surgery were isolated in the PearlDiver database. Patients were stratified by having previous history of vascular stenting (Stent), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and no previous heart procedure (No-HP). Means comparison tests (chi-squared and independent samples t-tests, as appropriate) compared differences in demographics, diagnoses, and comorbidities. Binary logistic regression assessed the odds of 30-day and 90-day postoperative (postop) complications associated with each heart procedure (Odds Ratio [95 % confidence interval]). Statistical significance was set p < 0.05. RESULTS: 731,173 elective spine fusion patients included. Overall, 8,401 pts underwent a CABG, 24,037 pts Stent, and 698,735 had No-HP prior to spine fusion surgery. Compared to Stent and No-HP patients, CABG patients had higher rates of morbid obesity, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes (p < 0.001 for all). Meanwhile, stent patients had higher rates of PVD, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia (all p < 0.001). 30-days post-op, CABG patients had significantly higher complication rates including pneumonia, CVA, MI, sepsis, and death compared to No-HP (all p < 0.001). Stent patients vs. No-HF had higher 30-day post-op complication rates including pneumonia, CVA, MI, sepsis, and death. Furthermore, adjusting for age, comorbidities, and sex Stent was significantly predictive of a MI 30-days post-op (OR: 1.90 [1.53-2.34], P < 0.001). Additionally, controlling for levels fused, stent patients compared to CABG patients had 1.99x greater odds of a MI within 30-days (OR: 1.99 [1.26-3.31], p = 0.005) and 2.02x odds within 90-days postop (OR: 2.2 [1.53-2.71, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: With regards to spine surgery, coronary artery bypass graft remains the gold standard for risk reduction. Stenting does not appear to minimize risk of experiencing a post-procedure cardiac event as dramatically as CABG.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Pediatric Scoliosis Surgery: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a rare but serious complication of pediatric scoliosis surgery; sparse current evidence warrants more information on causality and prevention. This systematic review sought to identify incidence of DIC in pediatric patients during or shortly after corrective scoliosis surgery and identify any predictive factors for DIC. METHODS: Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid databases were systematically reviewed through July 2017 to identify pediatric patients with DIC in the setting of scoliosis surgery. Patient demographics, medical history, surgery performed, clinical course, suspected causes of DIC, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. Thirteen cases from 1974 to 2012 (mean age: 15.3 ± 4.3 years, 72% women) were identified, with neuromuscular (n = 7; 54%) scoliosis as the most common indication. There were no prior bleeding disorder histories; all preoperative labs were within normal limits. Procedures included 8 posterior segmental fusions (54%), 3 Harrington rods (31%), 1 Cotrel-Dubousset, and 1 unit rod. Eight patients experienced DIC intraoperatively and 5 patients experienced DIC postoperatively. Probable DIC causes included coagulopathy following intraoperatively retrieved blood reinfusion, infection from transfusion, rhabdomyolysis, hemostatic matrix application, heparin use, and hypovolemic shock. Most common complications included increased intraoperative blood loss (n = 8) and hypotension (n = 7). The mortality rate was 7.69%; one fatality occurred in the acute postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Prior bleeding disorder status notwithstanding, this review identified preliminary associations between variables during corrective scoliosis surgery and DIC incidence among pediatric patients, suggesting multiple etiologies for DIC in the setting of scoliosis surgery. Further investigation is warranted to quantify associated risk. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study brings awareness to a previously rarely discussed complication of pediatric scoliosis surgery. Further cognizance of DIC by scoliosis surgeons may help identify and prevent causes thereof.

Frailty Severity Impacts Development of Hospital-acquired Conditions in Patients Undergoing Corrective Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of a national dataset. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to consider the influence of frailty on the development of hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) in adult spinal deformity (ASD). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: HACs frequently include reasonably preventable complications. Eleven events are identified as HACs by the Affordable Care Act. In the surgical ASD population, factors leading to HACs are important to identify to optimize health care. METHODS: Patients 18 years and older undergoing corrective surgery for ASD identified in the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). The relationship between HACs and frailty as defined by the NSQIP modified 5-factor frailty index (mFI-5) were assessed using χ2 and independent sample t tests. The mFI-5 is assessed on a scale 0-1 [not frail (NF): <0.3, mildly frail (MF): 0.3-0.5, and severely frail (SF): > 0.5]. Binary logistic regression measured the relationship between frailty throughout HACs. RESULTS: A total of 9143 ASD patients (59.1 y, 56% female, 29.3 kg/m2) were identified. Overall, 37.6% of procedures involved decompression and 100% fusion. Overall, 6.5% developed at least 1 HAC, the most common was urinary tract infection (2.62%), followed by venous thromboembolism (2.10%) and surgical site infection (1.88%). According to categorical mFI-5 frailty, 82.1% of patients were NF, 16% MF, and 1.9% SF. Invasiveness increased with mFI-5 severity groups but was not significant (NF: 3.98, MF: 4.14, SF: 4.45, P>0.05). Regression analysis of established factors including sex [odds ratio (OR): 1.22; 1.02-146; P=0.030], diabetes mellitus (OR: 0.70; 0.52-0.95; P=0.020), total operative time (OR: 1.01; 1.00-1.01; P<0.001), body mass index (OR: 1.02; 1.01-1.03; P=0.008), and frailty (OR: 8.44; 4.13-17.26; P<0.001), as significant predictors of HACs. Overall, increased categorical frailty severity individually predicted increased total length of stay (OR: 1.023; 1.015-1.030; P<0.001) and number of complications (OR: 1.201; 1.047-1.379; P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing correction surgery for ASD, the incidence of HACs increased with worsening frailty score. Such findings suggest the importance of medical optimization before surgery for ASD.

Outcomes of Same-Day Orthopedic Surgery: Are Spine Patients More Likely to Have Optimal Immediate Recovery From Outpatient Procedures?

BACKGROUND: Spinal surgery is associated with an inherently elevated risk profile, and thus far there has been limited discussion about how these outpatient spine patients are benefiting from these same-day procedures against other typical outpatient orthopedic surgeries. METHODS: Orthopedic patients who received either inpatient or outpatient surgery were isolated in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality of Improvement Program (2005-2016). Patients were stratified by type of orthopedic surgery received (spine, knee, ankle, shoulder, or hip). Mean comparisons and chi-squared tests assessed basic demographics. Perioperative complications were analyzed via regression analyses in regard to their principal inpatient or outpatient orthopedic surgery received. RESULTS: This study included 729 480 surgical patients: 32.5% received spinal surgery, 36.5% knee, 24.1% hip, 4.9% shoulder, and 1.7%ankle. Of those who received a spinal procedure, 74.7% were inpatients (IN), and 25.3% were outpatients (OUT): knee: 96.1% IN, 3.9% OUT; hip:98.9% IN, 1.1% OUT; ankle: 29% IN, 71% OUT; and shoulder: 52.6% IN, 47.6% OUT. Hip patients were the oldest, and knee patients had the highest body mass index out of the orthopedic groups (P < .00). Spine IN patients experienced more complications than the other orthopedic groups and had the lowest OUT complications(both P < .05). This same trend of having higher IN complications than OUT complications was identified for hip, shoulder, and knee. However, ankle procedures had greater OUT procedure complications than IN (P < .05). After controlling for age, body mass index, and Charlson Comorbidity Index, IN procedures, such as knee, hip, spine, and shoulder, were significantly associated with experiencing postoperative complications. From 2006 to 2016, IN and OUT surgeries were significantly different among complications experienced for all of the orthopedic groups (P < .05) with complications decreasing for IN and OUT patients by 2016. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past decade, spine surgery has decreased in complications for IN and OUT procedures along with IN/OUT knee, ankle, hip, and shoulder procedures, reflecting greater tolerance for risk in an outpatient setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Despite the increase in riskier spine procedures, complications have decreased over the years. Surgeons should aim to continue to decrease inpatient spine complications to the level of other orthopedic surgeries.

Validation of the ACS-NSQIP Risk Calculator: A Machine-Learning Risk Tool for Predicting Complications and Mortality Following Adult Spinal Deformity Corrective Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To calculate the risk for postoperative complications and mortality after corrective surgery of adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) surgical risk calculator (SRC). METHODS: Patients aged ≥18 years undergoing corrective surgery for ASD were identified. Current procedural terminology (CPT) codes of 22800, 22802, 22804, 22808, 22801, 22812, 22818, 22819, 22843, 22844, 22846, 22847, 22842, and 22845 were assessed if the patient had an International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision (ICD-9) scoliosis diagnosis (737.00-737.9). Calculated perioperative complication risk averages via the ACS-NSQIP surgical calculator were compared with observed complication rates. Outcomes assessed were as follows: serious complication, any complication, pneumonia, cardiac complication, surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, venous thromboembolism, renal failure, readmission, return to operating room, death, discharge to nursing or rehabilitation, sepsis, and total length of hospital stay. Predictive performance of the calculator was analyzed by computation of the Brier score. A Brier score is the sum of squared differences between the binary outcome and the predicted risk and ranges from 0 to a maximum Brier score = (mean observed outcome)*(1-[mean observed outcome]). Values closer to 0 are suggestive of better predictive performance. Length of stay (LOS) was assessed with a Bland-Altman plot, which plots the average of observed LOS on the x axis and the difference between the observed and predicted LOS on the y axis. RESULTS: A total of 9143 ASD patients (58.9 years, 56% females, 29.2 kg/m2) were identified; 36.9% of procedures involved decompression and 100% involved fusion. The means for individual patient characteristics entered into the online risk calculator interface were as follows: functional status (independent: 94.9%, partially dependent: 4.4%, totally dependent: 0.70%), 1.6% emergent cases, wound class (clean: 94.7%, clean/contaminated: 0.8%, contaminated: 0.5%, dirty/infected: 1.4%), American Society of Anesthesiologists class (I: 2.7%, II: 40.7%, III: 52.1%, IV: 4.6%, V: 0%), 5.1% steroid use for chronic condition, 0.04% ascites within 30 days prior to surgery, 1.73% systemic sepsis within 48 hours of surgery, 0.40% ventilator dependent, 3.2% disseminated cancer, 15.6% diabetes mellitus, 52.8% use of hypertensive medications, 0.3% congestive heart failure , 3% dyspnea, 21.4% history of smoking within 1 year, 4.3% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 0.7% dialysis, and 0.1% acute renal failure. Predictive of any 30-day postoperative complications ranged from 2.8 to 18.5% across CPT codes, where the actual rate in the cohort was 11.4%, and demonstrated good predictive performance via Brier score (0.000002, maximum: 0.101). The predicted and observed percentages for each of the 13 outcomes were assessed and their associated Brier scores and Brier maximums were calculated. Mean difference between observed and predicted LOS was 2.375 days (95% CI 9.895-5.145). CONCLUSIONS: The ACS-NSQIP SRC predicts surgical risk in patients undergoing ASD corrective surgery. This tool can be used as a resource in preoperative optimization by deformity surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Timing to surgery of Chiari malformation type 1 affects complication types: An analysis of 13,812 patients.

BACKGROUND: Chiari malformations (CM) are congenital defects due to hypoplasia of the posterior fossa with cerebellar herniation into the foramen magnum and upper spinal canal. Despite the vast research done on this neurological and structural syndrome, clinical features and management options have not yet conclusively evolved. Quantification of proper treatment planning, can lead to potential perioperative benefits based on diagnoses and days to procedure. This study aims to identify if early operation produces better perioperative outcomes or if there are benefits to delaying CM surgery. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: Assess outcomes for Chiari type I. METHODS: The KID database was queried for diagnoses of Chiari Malformation from 2003-2012 by icd9 codes (348.4, 741.0, 742.0, 742.2). Included patients: had complete time to procedure (TTP) data. Patients were stratified into 7 groups by TTP: Same-day as admission (SD), 1-day delay (1D), 2-day delay (2D), 3-day delay (3D), 4-7 days delay (4-7D), 8-14 days delay (8-14D), >14 days delay (>14D). Differences in pre-operative demographics (age/BMI) and perioperative complication rates between patient cohorts were assessed using Pearson's chi-squared tests and T-tests. Surgical details, perioperative complications, length of stay (LOS), total charges, and discharge disposition was compared. Binary logistic regressions determined independent predictors of varying complications (reference: same-day). RESULTS: 13,812 Chiari type I patients were isolated from KID (10.12 ± 6.3, 49.2F%, .063 ± 1.3CCI). CM-1 pts were older (10.12 yrs vs 3.62 yrs) and had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Score (0.62 vs 0.53; all P < 0.05). Procedure rates: 27.8% laminectomy, 28.3% decompression, and 2.2% spinal fusion. CM-1 experienced more complications (61.2% vs 37.9%) with the most common being related to the nervous system (2.8%), anemia (2.4%), acute respiratory distress disorder (2.1%), and dysphagia (1.2%). SD was associated with the low length of stay (5.3 days vs 9.5-25.2 days, P < 0.001), total hospital charges ($70,265.44 vs $90, 945.33-$269, 193.26, P < 0.001) when compared to other TTP groups. Relative to SD, all delay groups had significantly increased odds of developing postoperative complications (1D-OR: 1.29 [1.1- 1.6] → 8-14D-OR: 4.77[3.4-6.6]; all P < 0.05), more specifically, nervous system (1D-OR: 1.8 [1.2-2.5] → 8-14D-OR: 3.3 [1.8-6.2]; all P < 0.05).Sepsis complications were associated with a delay of at least 3D(2.5[1.4-4.6]) while respiratory complications (6.2 [3.1-12.3]) and anemia (2 [1.1-3.5]) were associated with a delay of at least 8-14D (all P < 0.05).

Evaluating success rate and comparing complications of operative techniques used to treat chronic syndesmosis injuries.

PURPOSE: To assess the success rate and complications of the surgical interventions used to manage chronic syndesmosis injuries. METHODS: Multiple online databases were queried to identify studies reporting operative intervention for chronic syndesmosis injuries. RESULTS: Modalities of operative fixation include suture-button fixation, arthroscopy and debridement, as well as arthrodesis. The use of operative treatment is effective; however, more direct comparison studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of each treatment. CONCLUSION: Various operative procedures have been used for the management of chronic syndesmotic injuries but further prospective studies are necessary to determine the type of treatment that should be indicated.

Operative fusion of patients with metabolic syndrome increases risk for perioperative complications.

Metabolic syndrome is a clustering of clinical findings defined in the literature including hypertension, high glucose, abdominal obesity, high triglyceride, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The purpose of this study was to assess perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing spine fusion surgery with (MetS) and without (no-MetS) a history of metabolic syndrome. Included: Patients ≥18 yrs old undergoing spine fusion procedures diagnosed with MetS components with BL and 1-year follow-up were isolated in a single-center database. Patients in the two groups were propensity score matched for levels fused. 250 spine fusion patients (58 yrs, 52.2%F, 39.0 kg/m2) with an average CCI of 1.92 were analyzed. 125 patients were classified with MetS (60.2 yrs, 52%F, CCI: 3.2). MetS patients were significantly older (p = 0.012). MetS patients underwent significantly more open (Met-S: 78.4% vs No-MetS: 45.6%, p < 0.001) and posterior approached procedures (Met-S: 60.8% vs No-MetS: 47.2%, p = 0.031). Mean operative time: 272.4 ± 150 min (MetS: 288.1 min vs. no-MetS: 259.7; p = 0.089). Average length of stay: 4.6 days (MetS: 5.27 vs no-MetS: 3.95; p = 0.095). MetS patients had more post-operative complications (29.6% vs. 18.4%; p = 0.038), specifically neuro (6.4% vs 2.4%), pulmonary (4% vs. 1.6%), and urinary (4.8% vs 2.4%) complications. Binary logistic regression analyses found that MetS was an independent risk factor for post-operative complications (OR: 1.865 [1.030-3.375], p = 0.040). With longer surgeries and greater open-exposure types, MetS patients were at greater risk for complications, despite controlling for total number of levels fused. Surgeons should be aware of the increased threat to spine surgery patients with metabolic syndrome in order to optimize surgical decision-making.

Reducing perioperative blood loss with antifibrinolytics and antifibrinolytic-like agents for patients undergoing total hip and total knee arthroplasty.

Total hip and knee arthroplasties may be associated with a significant amount of perioperative blood loss. The severity of blood loss may be great enough to require the use of blood transfusions to treat perioperative anemia. Various methods of blood preservation have been studied. The use of antifibrinolytics and antifibrinolytic-like agents to reduce perioperative bleeding has been researched in orthopaedics and other surgical subspecialties. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence supporting the use of tranexamic acid, aminocaproic acid, fibrin tissue adhesive, and aprotinin in the reduction of perioperative blood loss in total hip and knee arthroplasties.

Risk Factors for Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: This was a retrospective cohort study. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Specifically, we evaluated: (1) demographic risk factors; (2) comorbid risk factors; (3) indications for surgery; and (4) lengths of stay. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: CSF leak is a rare but serious complication of ACDF. Currently, there is a paucity of literature describing the risk factors for CSF leak following ACDF. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to identify all patients who underwent cervical fusion using the anterior approach with excision of intervertebral disc between 1998 and 2010. Patients who had a diagnosis of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical region were excluded. All patients who had a CSF leak were identified. Demographics and comorbidities were compared via χ analysis, and logistic regression to calculate the odds of having a CSF leak. RESULTS: Of the 1,261,140 patients identified, 3048 patients (0.24%) had a postoperative CSF leak. Patients who were between the ages of 55 and 69 years (P=0.038) and 70 years or older (P=0.001) were at an increased risk of CSF leak compared with patients who were aged 40-54 years. Non-white race (P=0.021), obesity, (P<0.001) and hypertension (P=0.025) were associated with an increased risk of CSF leak, but diabetes (P=0.966) and hyperlipidemia (P=0.226) were not. Herniated disc diagnosis was associated with decreased risk of CSF leak (P=0.032), but cervical spondylosis with myelopathy patients had an increased risk (P<0.001). Patients with CSF leak had a mean length of stay of 6.0 days compared with 2.1 days among controls. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical candidates who are older and non-white should be counseled of their increased risk for CSF leak in preoperative planning. Patients who are obese and have hypertension may benefit from medical optimization before surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Limb Salvage Versus Amputation in Conventional Appendicular Osteosarcoma: a Systematic Review.

The overall survivorship in patients with appendicular osteosarcoma has increased in the past few decades. However, controversies and questions about performing an amputation or a limb salvage procedure still remain. Using three peer-reviewed library databases, a systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate all studies that have evaluated the outcomes of appendicular osteosarcoma, either with limb salvage or amputation. The mean 5-year overall survivorship was 62% for salvage and 58% for amputation (p > 0.05). At mean 6-year follow-up, the local recurrence rates were 8.2% for salvage and 3.0% for amputation (p > 0.05). Additionally, at mean 6-year follow-up, the rate for metastasis was 33% for salvage and 38% for amputation (p > 0.05). The revision rates were higher with salvage (31 vs. 28%), and there were more complications in the salvage groups (52 vs. 34%; p > 0.05). Despite the heterogeneity of studies available for review, we observed similar survival rates between the two procedures. Although there was no significant statistical difference between rates of recurrence and metastasis, the local recurrence rate and risk of complications were higher for limb salvage as compared to amputation. Cosmetic satisfaction is often higher with limb salvage, whereas long-term expense is higher with amputation. Overall, current literature supports limb salvage procedures when wide surgical margins can be achieved while still retaining a functional limb.

Regional Variations in Shear Strength and Density of the Human Thoracic Vertebral Endplate and Trabecular Bone.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies investigated the overall mechanical strength of the vertebral body; however, limited information is available on the biomechanical properties of different regions within the vertebral endplate and cancellous bone. In addition, the correlation between mechanical strength and various density measurements has not been studied yet. METHODS: Thoracic (T10) vertebrae were harvested from fifteen human cadaveric spines (average age: 77 years old). Twelve cylindrical cores of 7.2 mm (diameter) by 3.2 mm (height) were prepared from each vertebral body. Shear was produced using a stainless steel tubular blade and measured with a load cell from a mechanical testing machine. Optical and bulk densities were calculated before mechanical testing. Apparent, material, and ash densities were measured after testing. RESULTS: Material density and shear strength increased from anterior to lateral regions of both endplate and cancellous bone. Endplate shear strength was significantly lower in the anterior (0.52 ± 0.08 MPa) than in the lateral region (2.72 ± 0.59 MPa) (p=0.017). Trabecular bone maximum load carrying capacity was 5 times higher in the lateral (12 ± 2.74 N) (p=0.09) and 4.5 times higher in the central (10 ± 2.24 N) (p=0.2) than in the anterior (2 ± 0.60 N) regions. Mechanical strength positively correlated with ash density, and even moreso with material density. CONCLUSION: Shear strength was the lowest at the anterior region and highest at the lateral region for both endplate and cancellous bone. Material density had the best correlation with mechanical strength. Newer spinal implants could optimize the loading in the lateral aspects of both endplate and cancellous bone to reduce the likelihood of screw loosening and the subsidence of disc replacement devices. This study was reviewed by the SUNY Downstate Medical Center IRB Committee; IRB#: 533603-2.

A biomechanical analysis of tibial ACL reconstruction with graft length mismatch.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of graft length mismatch (GLM) during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is reported to be up to 13%, with a rate of 20% when using bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) allografts. Multiple techniques have been described to accommodate for the longer BPTB graft. As no study has compared the biomechanical properties of these methods (with cyclic loading), we evaluated the strength of four different surgical techniques used to accommodate for GLM during ACL reconstruction. METHODS: A total of 32 fresh-frozen bovine tibiae and patellar tendons were divided into four groups based on the method of tibial graft fixation: (1) sutures tied over a post, (2) bone staples, (3) screws and washers, and (4) soft-tissue conversion with interference screw. Biomechanical testing was performed comparing the tensile properties of graft fixation techniques under cyclic loading. Ability to withstand 1500 cycles of load, the maximum tensile strength at load-to-failure, and the mode-of-failure were evaluated. RESULTS: Only group 4 had all grafts intact after 1500 loading cycles, while the other groups had one graft failure at 338 (group 1), 240 (group 2), and 309 (group 3) cycles. The highest mean load-to-failure was observed in group 3 at 762 ± 173 N, which was found to be significantly higher than the other groups. The mean loads to failure in groups 1-4 were 453 ± 86 N, 485 ± 246 N, 762 ± 173 N, and 458 ± 128 N. CONCLUSION: While there are multiple viable techniques for fixation of a BPTB graft in the case of GLM, this study demonstrated that direct screw fixation offers the strongest construct.

Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Revision vs Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolic disease (VTED) is a serious complication of primary and revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the incidence and risk of VTED for revision compared with primary TKA cases have not been well-described. METHODS: We identified 225,584 TKAs (208,954 primaries, 16,630 revisions) in the 2003-2012 Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database. Odds ratios (ORs) expressed the risk of VTED for revision vs primary TKA, and models were adjusted for age, gender, race, and Charlson comorbidity scores. Outcome analyses were further stratified into deep venous thromboses (DVTs) and pulmonary emboli (PEs). RESULTS: The incidence of VTED within 30 days was 2.24% for primary and 1.84% for revision. In multivariable-adjusted regression, the OR of VTED within 30 days for revision compared with primary was 0.81 (95% confidence interval = 0.72-0.91; P < .001). The incidence of VTED within 90 days was 2.42% for primary and 2.13% for revision (P = .022), with a multivariable-adjusted OR of 0.87 (95% confidence interval = 0.78-0.97; P = .010) for revision compared with primary. The association was stronger for PE (OR = 0.63; P < .001) than DVT (OR = 0.87; P = .035) at 30 days, and significant for PE (OR = 0.69; P < .001), but not DVT (OR = 0.94; P = .284) at 90 days. CONCLUSION: In a large statewide database, the risk of VTED was lower for revision TKA compared with primary TKA. The reasons for this observation are not known, but might be related to aggressive prophylactic management of patients undergoing revision procedures. Future studies should attempt to clarify differences in patient selection and management for primary vs revision procedures.

A Randomized, Clinical Trial of Preadmission Chlorhexidine Skin Preparation for Lower Extremity Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic infections are devastating postoperative complications of total joint arthroplasty (TJA), with native skin flora commonly identified as causative organisms. We compared 2% chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated cloths to standard-of-care antiseptic bathing in patients before TJA, to evaluate periprosthetic infection risk at 1-year follow-up. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, controlled trial at a single institution of patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty. Chlorhexidine-treated patients (275 arthroplasties) applied 2% chlorhexidine gluconate-impregnated cloths the night before and morning of admission. The standard-of-care cohort (279 arthroplasties) bathed with soap and water preadmission. Patients were excluded according to the following: (1) unable to comply with study requirements, (2) pregnant, (3) <18 years, (4) medical history of immunosuppression or steroid use, (5) chronic hepatitis B/C infection, (6) had infection around joint requiring surgery, or (7) chose not to participate. A total of 539 patients (554 arthroplasties) were included in the final population. There were no significant differences in American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, cut time, risk scores, or diabetes and smoking prevalence between cohorts (P > .05). RESULTS: A lower periprosthetic infection rate was found in the chlorhexidine cohort (0.4%) when compared to standard-of-care cohorts (2.9%). The infection odds ratio was 8.15 (95% confidence interval = 1.01-65.6; P = .049) for the standard-of-care cohort compared to the chlorhexidine cohort. No differences in assessed risk factors were found between groups. No severe adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative chlorhexidine cloth use decreased the risk of periprosthetic infection. This may be an appropriate antiseptic protocol to implement for patients undergoing lower extremity TJA.

Predictors of Septic Arthritis in the Adult Population.

Septic arthritis is a devastating condition; well-established criteria for diagnosis exist in the pediatric population, but not for adults. This study evaluated patient factors and laboratory parameters that may be associated with the diagnosis of septic arthritis in adults. A total of 458 knee aspirates for suspected septic arthritis were evaluated with serum and synovial leukocyte counts and differentials as well as Kocher criteria for pediatric septic arthritis. Twenty-two patients (4.8%) had septic arthritis confirmed by a positive synovial fluid culture. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum white blood cell (WBC) counts were not statistically different between the 2 groups, with 64% of septic arthritis patients having a normal serum WBC count and 77% being afebrile. Mean synovial fluid WBC count was 26,758 cells/µL and 70,581 cells/µL in the nonseptic and septic groups, respectively. The likelihood ratio for a synovial fluid WBC count greater than 65,000 cells/µL was 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-6.7). Evaluation receiver operating characteristic curves using synovial WBC counts resulted in a significant area under the curve of 0.66 (P=.02). To achieve 90% specificity, a WBC cutoff of 64,000 cells/µL was required with a corresponding sensitivity of 40%. There was no significant difference in the synovial cell differential of 80% vs 90% in diagnosing infection. Synovial fluid WBC count greater than 64,000 cells/µL yielded the optimal combination of sensitivity and specificity. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes, ESR, serum WBC count, fever, and weight-bearing status were not significant predictors of septic arthritis. This study demonstrates the limited utility of Kocher criteria in the adult population and the importance of synovial leukocyte counts. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e657-e663.].

Acromioclavicular joint reconstruction using a tendon graft: a biomechanical study comparing a novel "sutured throughout" tendon graft to a standard tendon graft.

BACKGROUND: With a recurrence rate of over 30%, techniques that offer stronger acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction through increased graft strength may provide longevity. The purpose of our study was to determine the biomechanical strength of a novel tendon graft sutured throughout compared to a native tendon graft in Grade 3 anatomical AC joint reconstruction. METHODS: For this in vitro experiment, nine paired (n = 18) embalmed cadaveric AC joints of three males and six females (age 86 years, range 51-94 years) were harvested. Anatomic repair with fresh bovine Achilles tendon grafts without bone block was simulated. Specimens were divided into two groups; with group 1 using grafts with ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture ran throughout the entire length. In group 2, reconstruction with only native allografts was performed. The distal scapula and humerus were casted in epoxy compound and mounted on the mechanical testing machine. Tensile tests were performed using a mechanical testing machine at the rate of 50 mm/min. Maximum load and displacement to failure were collected. RESULTS: The average load to failure was significantly higher for group 1 compared to group 2, with mean values of 437.5 N ± 160.7 N and 94.4 N ± 43.6 N, (p = 0.001). The average displacement to failure was not significantly different, with 29.7 mm ± 10.6 mm in group 1 and 25 mm ± 9.1 mm in group 2 (p = 0.25). CONCLUSION: We conclude that a UHMWPE suture reinforced graft can provide a 3.6 times stronger AC joint reconstruction compared to a native graft.

The Economic Impact of Periprosthetic Infections After Total Hip Arthroplasty at a Specialized Tertiary-Care Center.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic infections after total hip arthroplasty represent an increased risk for patient morbidity and mortality, and an increased economic burden. The purpose of this study was to compare a group of patients who had periprosthetic infections after total hip arthroplasty to a matched group of patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty in terms of the associated costs, length of hospitalization, and number of readmissions (within 1 year). METHODS: Between 2007 and 2011, 16 consecutive infected patients were matched to 32 noninfected patients (1:2 ratio). RESULTS: The mean episode cost, length of hospitalization, and median readmissions was significantly higher in the infected group when compared to the matched cohort: $88,623 vs $25,659, 7.6 vs 3.29 days, and 2 vs 0, respectively. CONCLUSION: Periprosthetic infections after THA resulted in an increased episode cost by approximately 3-fold, mean hospitalization period 2-fold, and led to a higher median number of readmissions.

Does Preadmission Cutaneous Chlorhexidine Preparation Reduce Surgical Site Infections After Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Many preventive methodologies seek to reduce the risk of surgical site infections after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), including the use of preoperative chlorhexidine baths and cloths. Although we have demonstrated in previous studies that this may be an efficacious method for infection prevention, our study was underpowered and we therefore set out to evaluate this with a larger sample size. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Does a preadmission chlorhexidine cloth skin preparation protocol decrease the risk of surgical site infection in patients undergoing TKA? (2) When stratified using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) risk categories, which categories are associated with risk reduction from the preadmission chlorhexidine preparation protocol? METHODS: In our study, all patients (3717 total) who had undergone primary or revision TKA at a single institution between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2013, were identified, of whom 991 patients used the chlorhexidine cloths before surgery and 2726 patients did not. All patients were provided cloths with instructions before surgery; however, as a result of a lack of compliance, we were able to substratify patients into treatment and control cohorts. Additionally, we substratified patients by NHSN risk category to determine differences in infection between the two cohorts (cloth versus no cloth). Patient medical records and an infection-tracking database were reviewed to determine the development of periprosthetic infection (patients who had superficial infections were excluded from our study) in both groups after 1 year surveillance. We then calculated relative risk reductions with use of chlorhexidine gluconate and stratified results based on NHSN risk category. RESULTS: Use of a preoperative chlorhexidine cloth skin preparation protocol is associated with reduced relative risk of periprosthetic infection after TKA (infections with protocol: three of 991 [0.3%]; infections in control: 52 of 2726 [1.9%]; relative risk [RR]: 6.3 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-20.1]; p = 0.002). When stratified by NHSN risk category, periprosthetic infection risk reduction was seen in the medium-risk category (protocol: one of 402 [0.3%]; control: 25 of 1218 [2.0%]; RR, 8.3 [CI, 1.1-60.7]; p = 0.038), but no significant difference was detected in the low- and medium-risk groups (RR, 2.1 [CI, 0.5-9.6; p = 0.33] and RR, 11.3 [CI, 0.7-186.7; p = 0.09]). CONCLUSIONS: A prehospital chlorhexidine gluconate wipe protocol appears to reduce the risk of periprosthetic infections after TKA, primarily in those patients with medium and high risk. Although future multicenter randomized trials will need to confirm these preliminary findings, the intervention is inexpensive and is unlikely to be risky and therefore might be considered on the basis of this retrospective, comparative study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Gait Using Pneumatic Brace for End-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis.

More than 20 million individuals in the United States are affected by knee osteoarthritis (OA), which can lead to altered biomechanics and excessive joint loading. The use of an unloader pneumatic brace with extension assist has been proposed as a nonoperative treatment modality that may improve gait mechanics and correct knee malalignment. We assessed the following parameters in patients who have knee OA treated with and without a brace: (1) changes in temporospatial parameters in gait; (2) knee range of motion, knee extension at heel strike, and foot placement; (3) knee joint moments and impulse; and (4) changes in dynamic stiffness and rate of change of knee flexion during midstance to terminal stance. This 2:1 prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial evaluated 36 patients (24 brace and 12 matching). OA knee patients were randomized to receive either a pneumatic unloader brace or a standard nonoperative treatment regimen as the matching cohort for a 3-month period. They underwent evaluation of gait parameters using a three-dimensional gait analysis system at their initial appointment and at 3 months follow-up. All the testing, pre- and postbracing were performed without wearing the brace to examine for retained effects. Treatment with the brace led to significant improvements versus standard treatment in various gait parameters. Patients in the brace group had improvements in walking speed, knee extension at heel strike, total range of motion, knee joint forces, and rate of knee flexion from midstance to terminal stance when compared with the matching cohort. Knee OA patients who used a pneumatic unloader brace for 3 months for at least 3 hours per day had significant improvements various gait parameters when compared with a standard nonoperative therapy cohort. Braced patients demonstrated gait-modifying affects when not wearing the brace. These results are encouraging and suggest that this device represents a promising treatment modality for knee OA that may improve gait, knee pain, and strength in knee OA patients.