Evaluation of Achilles Tendon Stiffness as Measured by Shear Wave Elastography in Female College Athletes Compared With Nonathletes.

BACKGROUND: We sought to utilize a noninvasive technology to assess the effects of activity on Achilles tendon stiffness and define baseline Achilles tendon stiffness in female college athletes compared with nonathletes using tendon shear wave velocity as a marker for tendon stiffness. HYPOTHESIS: Training status and exercise may affect Achilles tendon stiffness. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: A total of 32 college-age female athletes were prospectively enrolled (n = 17 varsity athletes and n = 15 nonathletes). Demographic characteristics, activity level, and previous injuries were recorded. Sonographic shear wave elastography (SWE) was used to assess Achilles tendon shear wave velocity bilaterally for all subjects, both at baseline and after 2 minutes of exercise. Student t tests were used to compare the mean elastography measurements between participants stratified by athlete status and pre/postexercise stimulus. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean proximal, middle, and distal Achilles tendon elastography measurements. RESULTS: As seen by a greater mean shear wave velocity (8.60 ± 1.58 m/s vs 8.25 ± 1.89 m/s; P = 0.02), athletes had stiffer tendons than nonathletes. Exercise stimulus decreased average tendon shear wave velocity (8.57 ± 1.74 m/s vs 8.28 ± 1.72 m/s; P = 0.05). Tendon shear wave velocity was greatest proximally and least distally with significant differences between each region (P < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant 2-way interaction between weekly training status and foot dominance (P = 0.01). Post hoc analysis showed that this result was due to differences in tendon shear wave velocity between the dominant and nondominant lower extremity in nonathletes (7.73 ± 2.00 m/s vs 8.76 ± 1.62 m/s; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Female varsity collegiate athletes have higher baseline Achilles tendon stiffness as measured by SWE compared with nonathletes. Mean tendon stiffness varies based on Achilles measurement location. SWE is a quick, cost-effective, and noninvasive imaging modality that can be used to evaluate tendon stiffness and elasticity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SWE is an efficient and noninvasive imaging modality that can evaluate dynamic tendon stiffness and elasticity. SWE may be helpful to assess injuries in female college athletes and may play a role in risk stratification or clinical follow-up. In theory, SWE could be used to identify athletes with increased elasticity as a marker for potential risk for rupture in this population.

Characterizing Trends in Chronic Superficial Venous Disease Treatment among Medicare Beneficiaries from 2010 to 2018.

This study describes trends in surgical versus endovascular interventions for treatment of chronic superficial venous disease (SVD) in the Medicare population. Medicare Part B data from 2010 to 2018 were obtained. Claims for SVD treatment were identified using Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes. Total percentage change in utilization rates and market share was determined for each provider group. Utilization of SVD treatments increased by 58%, mostly owing to growing utilization of endovascular treatments. There was a 66% decrease in surgical treatments. The utilization of ablation and sclerotherapy plateaued in 2016 and decreased in 2017-2018 with the advent of mechanochemical ablation, endovenous microfoam, and cyanoacrylate adhesive, respectively. Analysis showed that endovascular utilization increased across most specialties, with the largest growth seen in cardiology by 427%. Radiologists showed utilization growth of 125%, encompassing 11% of the market share. Endovascular treatment for SVD remains predominant, with increased utilization and concomitant decrease in surgical methods.

Cardioprotective O-GlcNAc signaling is elevated in murine female hearts via enhanced O-GlcNAc transferase activity.

The post-translational modification of intracellular proteins by O-linked ß-GlcNAc (O-GlcNAc) has emerged as a critical regulator of cardiac function. Enhanced O-GlcNAcylation activates cytoprotective pathways in cardiac models of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury; however, the mechanisms underpinning O-GlcNAc cycling in response to I/R injury have not been comprehensively assessed. The cycling of O-GlcNAc is regulated by the collective efforts of two enzymes: O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA), which catalyze the addition and hydrolysis of O-GlcNAc, respectively. It has previously been shown that baseline heart physiology and pathophysiology are impacted by sex. Here, we hypothesized that sex differences in molecular signaling may target protein O-GlcNAcylation both basally and in ischemic hearts. To address this question, we subjected male and female WT murine hearts to ex vivo ischemia or I/R injury. We assessed hearts for protein O-GlcNAcylation, abundance of OGT, OGA, and glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase (GFAT2), activity of OGT and OGA, and UDP-GlcNAc levels. Our data demonstrate elevated O-GlcNAcylation in female hearts both basally and during ischemia. We show that OGT activity was enhanced in female hearts in all treatments, suggesting a mechanism for these observations. Furthermore, we found that ischemia led to reduced O-GlcNAcylation and OGT-specific activity. Our findings provide a foundation for understanding molecular mechanisms that regulate O-GlcNAcylation in the heart and highlight the importance of sex as a significant factor when assessing key regulatory events that control O-GlcNAc cycling. These data suggest the intriguing possibility that elevated O-GlcNAcylation in females contributes to reduced ischemic susceptibility.

Differential Detection of O-GlcNAcylated proteins in the heart using antibodies.

Thousands of mammalian intracellular proteins are dynamically modified by O-linked ß-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc). Global changes in O-GlcNAcylation have been associated with the development of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, hypertension, and neurodegenerative disease. Levels of O-GlcNAc in cells and tissues can be detected using numerous approaches; however, immunoblotting using GlcNAc-specific antibodies and lectins is commonplace. The goal of this study was to optimize the detection of O-GlcNAc in heart lysates by immunoblotting. Using a combination of tissue fractionation, immunoblotting, and galactosyltransferase labeling, as well as hearts from wild-type and O-GlcNAc transferase transgenic mice, we demonstrate that contractile proteins in the heart are differentially detected by two commercially available antibodies (CTD110.6 and RL2). As CTD110.6 displays poor reactivity toward contractile proteins, and as these proteins represent a major fraction of the heart proteome, a better assessment of cardiac O-GlcNAcylation is obtained in total tissue lysates with RL2. The data presented highlight tissue lysis approaches that should aid the assessment of the cardiac O-GlcNAcylation by immunoblotting.

Updated trends in percutaneous renal arteriography among radiologists and other specialties.

PURPOSE: Prior studies have demonstrated an overall decline in percutaneous renal artery angioplasty with and without stenting from 1988 to 2009. We evaluated the recent utilization trends in percutaneous renal arteriography (PTRA) among radiologists and non-radiologist providers from 2010 to 2018. METHODS: Data from the 2010-2018 nationwide Medicare Part B fee-for-service database were used to tabulate case volumes for PTRA. Annual utilization rates per 10,000 Medicare beneficiaries were calculated and aggregated based on physician specialty: radiologists, cardiologists, vascular surgeons, general surgeons, or others. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2018, the overall utilization rate of PTRA markedly declined (-72% change; from 15.5 to 4.3 cases per 10,000 Medicare beneficiaries). Proportionally, the cardiologist share of PTRA saw the greatest decline, falling from 74% market share in 2010 (11.4/15.5 cases) to only 36% market share in 2018 (1.6/4.3 cases). The market share of PTRA performed by radiologists grew from 12% market share in 2010 (1.9/15.5 cases) to 28% in 2018 (1.2/4.3 cases); despite this, the absolute number of PTRA performed by radiologists saw a smaller decline over this period (-34%; 1.9 to 1.2 cases). CONCLUSION: The total utilization rates of PTRA in the Medicare population has continued to decline from 2010 to 2018, likely due to clinical trials suggesting limited efficacy of angioplasty and stenting in the treatment of renovascular hypertension and other factors such as declining reimbursement. The overall and per-specialty rates continue to decline, reflecting an overarching trend away from procedural management of renovascular hypertension.

Diffusivity of Human Cartilage Endplates in Healthy and Degenerated Intervertebral Disks.

The cartilage endplates (CEPs) on the superior and inferior surfaces of the intervertebral disk (IVD), are the primary nutrient transport pathways between the disk and the vertebral body. Passive diffusion is responsible for transporting small nutrient and metabolite molecules through the avascular CEPs. The baseline solute diffusivities in healthy CEPs have been previously studied, however alterations in CEP diffusion associated with IVD degeneration remain unclear. This study aimed to quantitatively compare the solute diffusion in healthy and degenerated human CEPs using a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) approach. Seven healthy CEPs and 22 degenerated CEPs were collected from five fresh-frozen human cadaveric spines and 17 patients undergoing spine fusion surgery, respectively. The sodium fluorescein diffusivities in CEP radial and vertical directions were measured using the FRAP method. The CEP calcification level was evaluated by measuring the average X-ray attenuation. No difference was found in solute diffusivities between radial and axial directions in healthy and degenerated CEPs. Compared to healthy CEPs, the average solute diffusivity was 44% lower in degenerated CEPs (Healthy: 29.07 µm2/s (CI: 23.96-33.62 µm2/s); degenerated: 16.32 µm2/s (CI: 13.84-18.84 µm2/s), p < 0.001). The average solute diffusivity had an inverse relationship with the degree of CEP calcification as determined by the normalized X-ray attenuation values (ß = -22.19, R2 = 0.633; p < 0.001). This study suggests that solute diffusion through the disk and vertebral body interface is significantly hindered by CEP calcification, providing clues to help further understand the mechanism of IVD degeneration.

Use of High-Resolution Ultrasound to Guide Alcohol Neurolysis for Chronic Pain.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain is often clinically challenging, with many patients requiring treatments beyond oral medications. To improve our percutaneous treatments, we established a clinical pathway that utilized ultrasound (US) guidance for steroid injection and alcohol ablation for patients with painful neuropathy. OBJECTIVES: To describe a collaborative neuropathy treatment pathway developed by a neurosurgeon, pain physicians, and a sonologist, describing early clinical experiences and patient-reported outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case series was performed. METHODS: Patients that received percutaneous alcohol ablation with US guidance for neuropathy were identified through a retrospective review of a single provider's case log. Demographics and treatment information were collected from the electronic medical record. Patients were surveyed about their symptoms and treatment efficacy. Descriptive statistics were expressed as medians and the interquartile range ([IQR]; 25th and 75th data percentiles). Differences in the median follow-up pain scores were assessed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients underwent US-guided alcohol ablation, with the average patient receiving one treatment (range: 1 to 2), having a median duration of 4.8 months until reinjection (IQR: 2.9 to 13.1). The median number of steroid injections that individuals received before US-guided alcohol ablation was 2 (IQR: 1 to 3), and the median interval between steroid injections was 3.7 months (IQR: 2.0 to 9.6). Most (20/35 [57%]) patients responded to the survey, and the median pain scores decreased by 3 units (median: -3, IQR: -6 to 0; P < 0.001) one week following the alcohol ablation. This pain reduction remained significant at one month (P < 0.001) and one year (P = 0.002) following ablation. Most (12/20 [60%]) patients reported that alcohol ablation was more effective in improving their pain than oral pain medications. LIMITATIONS: Given the small sample size, treatment efficacy for alcohol neurolysis cannot be generalized to the broader population. CONCLUSIONS: US-guided percutaneous treatments for neuropathic pain present a growing opportunity for interprofessional collaboration between neurosurgery, clinicians who treat chronic pain, and sonologists. US can provide valuable diagnostic information and guide accurate percutaneous treatments in skilled hands. Further studies are warranted to determine whether a US-guided treatment pathway can prevent unnecessary open surgical management.

Impact of multidetector computed tomography scan parameters, novel reconstruction settings, and lung nodule characteristics on nodule diameter measurements: A phantom study.

PURPOSE: Novel CT reconstruction techniques strive to maintain image quality and processing efficiency. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of a newer hybrid iterative reconstruction technique, Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction-V (ASIR-V), in combination with various CT scan parameters on the semi-automated quantification using various lung nodules. METHODS: A chest phantom embedded with eight spherical objects was scanned using varying CT parameters such as tube current and ASIR-V levels. We calculated absolute percentage error (APE) and mean APE (MAPE) using differences between the semi-automated measured diameters and known dimensions. Predictive variables were assessed using a multivariable general linear model. The linear regression slope coefficients (ß) were reported to demonstrate effect size and directionality. RESULTS: The APE of the semi-automated measured diameters was higher in ground-glass than solid nodules (ß = 9.000, p < 0.001). APE had an inverse relationship with nodule diameter (mm; ß = -3.499, p < 0.001) and tube current (mA; ß = -0.006, p < 0.001). MAPE did not vary based on the ASIR-V level (range: 5.7%-13.1%). CONCLUSION: Error is dominated by nodule characteristics with a small effect of tube current. Regardless of phantom size, nodule size accuracy is not affected by tube voltage or ASIR-V level, maintaining accuracy while maximizing radiation dose reduction.

Cardiac Imaging Trends from 2010 to 2019 in the Medicare Population.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in utilization of cardiac imaging-transthoracic, transesophageal, and stress echocardiography (TTE, TEE, and SE), coronary CT angiography (cCTA), cardiac MRI (cMRI), myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI), and cardiac positron emission tomography (cPET). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2010-2019 Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary files were used to find imaging utilization per 100 000 Medicare beneficiaries. Global and professional claims were aggregated, representing total interpretive services. Specialty codes identified provider specialty. Results were stratified by physician offices, hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs), inpatient setting, and the emergency department. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2019, there was a partial shift from cardiologist offices to the HOPD for TTE (office: -23%; HOPD: +107%) and SE (office: -44%; HOPD: +11%). Cardiologist cCTA also shifted from the office (-57%) to the HOPD (+211%). Radiologist-performed cCTA grew in all locations but most in the HOPD (+355%), with radiologists performing more cCTA than cardiologists in all settings. cMRI rates remain low but rose in the HOPD for both cardiologists (+209%) and radiologists (+207%). Cardiologist MPI rates dropped dramatically in the office (-52%), with a smaller absolute rate increase in the HOPD (+71%). cPET nearly tripled in the cardiology office (+193%), but rates remained steady for radiologists. CONCLUSION: While most cardiologist in-office imaging has shifted to the HOPD, there has been an increase in in-office cPET, likely due to a combination of technological advances, interpretation familiarity, and financial incentives. Radiologist cCTA rates continue to increase, representing a growing opportunity for radiologists to collaborate in cardiac imaging.Keywords: CT Angiography, Echocardiography, MR Imaging, PET, Radionuclide Studies, SPECT, Cardiac, Work Force Issues Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2021.

Detection and Analysis of Proteins Modified by O-Linked N-Acetylglucosamine.

O-GlcNAc is a common post-translational modification of nuclear, mitochondrial, and cytoplasmic proteins that regulates normal physiology and the cell stress response. Dysregulation of O-GlcNAc cycling is implicated in the etiology of type II diabetes, heart failure, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease, as well as cardioprotection. These protocols cover simple and comprehensive techniques for detecting proteins modified by O-GlcNAc and studying the enzymes that add or remove O-GlcNAc. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Increasing the stoichiometry of O-GlcNAc on proteins before analysis Basic Protocol 2: Detection of proteins modified by O-GlcNAc using antibodies Basic Protocol 3: Detection of proteins modified by O-GlcNAc using the lectin sWGA Support Protocol 1: Control for O-linked glycosylation Basic Protocol 4: Detection and enrichment of proteins using WGA-agarose Support Protocol 2: Digestion of proteins with hexosaminidase Alternate Protocol: Detection of proteins modified by O-GlcNAc using galactosyltransferase Support Protocol 3: Autogalactosylation of galactosyltransferase Support Protocol 4: Assay of galactosyltransferase activity Basic Protocol 5: Characterization of labeled glycans by ß-elimination and chromatography Basic Protocol 6: Detection of O-GlcNAc in 96-well plates Basic Protocol 7: Assay for OGT activity Support Protocol 5: Desalting of O-GlcNAc transferase Basic Protocol 8: Assay for O-GlcNAcase activity.

The Fate of Morbidly Obese Patients With Joint Pain: A Retrospective Study of Patient Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The number of obese patients seeking a total joint arthroplasty (TJA) continues to increase. Weight loss is often recommended to treat joint pain and reduce risks associated with TJA. We sought to determine the effectiveness of an orthopedic surgeon's recommendation to lose weight. METHODS: We identified morbidly obese (body mass index (BMI) 40-49.9 kg/m2) and super obese (BMI ≥50 kg/m2) patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Patients with less than 3-month follow-up were excluded. Patient characteristics (age, gender, BMI, comorbidities), disease characteristics (joint affected, radiographic osteoarthritis grading), and treatments were recorded. Clinically meaningful weight loss was defined as weight loss greater than 5%. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty morbid and 50 super obese patients were identified. Super obese patients were more likely to be referred to weight management (52.0% vs 21.7%, P < .001) and were less likely to receive TJA (20.0% vs 41.7%, P = .004). Each 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI decreased the odds of TJA by 10.9% (odds ratio = 0.891, 95% confidence interval: 0.833-0.953, P = .001). Forty (23.0%) of the nonoperatively treated patients achieved clinically meaningful weight loss, and 19 (17.9%) patients who underwent TJA lost weight before surgery. After surgery, the number of patients who achieved a clinically meaningful weight loss grew to 32 (30.2%). CONCLUSION: In morbid and super obese patients, increasing BMI reduces the likelihood that a patient will receive TJA, and when counseled by their orthopedic surgeon, few patients participate in weight-loss programs or are otherwise able to lose weight. Weight loss is an inconsistently modifiable risk factor for joint replacement surgery.

Frailty as a Predictor of Postoperative Complications Following Skull Base Surgery.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Frailty has emerged as a powerful risk stratification tool across surgical specialties; however, an analysis of the impact of frailty on outcomes following skull base surgery has not been published. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of the 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) as a predictor of perioperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing skull base surgery. METHODS: A mFI-5 score was calculated for patients undergoing skull base surgeries using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2005 to 2018. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of increasing frailty with complications in the 30-day postoperative period, with a subanalysis by operative location. RESULTS: A total of 17,912 patients who underwent skull base procedures were identified, with 45.5% of patients having a frailty score of one or greater; 44.9% were male and the mean age was 52.0 (±16.1 SD) years. Multivariable regression analysis revealed frailty to be an independent predictor of overall complications (odds ratio [OR]: 1.325, P < .001), life-threatening complications (OR: 1.428, P < .001), and mortality (OR: 1.453, P < .001). Higher frailty also correlated with increased length of stay. When procedures were stratified by operative location, frailty correlated significantly with overall complications for middle, posterior, and multiple-fossae operations but not the anterior fossa. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty demonstrates a significant and stepwise association with life-threatening postoperative morbidity, mortality, and length of stay following skull base surgeries. mFI-5 is an objective and easily calculable measure of preoperative risk, which may facilitate perioperative planning and counseling regarding outcomes prior to surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:1977-1984, 2021.

Elevated BMI increases concurrent pathology and operative time in adolescent ACL reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to (1) report on the incidence of concurrent surgical pathology at the time of adolescent ACL reconstruction, (2) evaluate patient risk factors for concurrent pathology, and (3) measure the effect of BMI on operating room (OR) time. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the NSQIP database for the years 2005-2017 was conducted. Nine-hundred and seventeen patients 18 years of age and younger who underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) were identified using CPT code 29888 and patients undergoing surgery for multi-ligamentous knee injuries were excluded. The mean patient age was 17.6 years (range 14-18, standard deviation 0.52) and consisted of 546 males (59.5%) and 371 females (40.5%). Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between BMI and additional CPT codes for internal derangement at the time of surgery. Internal derangement was defined as any procedure for the treatment of a meniscal tear, chondral lesion, or loose body removal. Linear regression analysis was then performed to evaluate the effect of BMI on operative time. RESULTS: 43.7% of patients undergoing ACLR required an associated procedure for internal derangement. Additionally, the risk of requiring additional procedures for internal derangement increased by 3.1% per BMI point. BMI was also predictive of operative time, independent of the number of additional procedures. Specifically, the operative time increased by nearly one minute for every point increase in BMI (58.0 s). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent patients with an elevated BMI were much more likely to require additional surgical procedures for internal derangement at the time of ACL reconstruction. Additionally, BMI was a significant predictor for longer operative times. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Risk Factors for Infection Following Total Wrist Arthroplasty and Arthrodesis: An Analysis of 6641 Patients.

Background: Infection following wrist arthroplasty (WA) or wrist fusion (WF) is an uncommon but difficult complication often resulting in explantation and prolonged courses of antibiotics. The purposes of this study are to: (1) characterize the demographic trends of individuals undergoing WA and WF; (2) determine the incidence of postoperative infection; and (3) identify risk factors for postoperative infection. Methods: The PearlDiver database was used to query 100% Medicare Standard Analytic files from 2005 to 2014. Patients undergoing WA or radiocarpal WF were identified using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Diagnosis for infection within 1 year of operative intervention was assessed by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes or CPT codes related to infection. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors for postoperative infection. Results: Of the 6641 patients included, 1137 (17.1%) underwent arthroplasty and 5504 (82.9%) underwent arthrodesis. Within 1 year of the index procedure, 3.5% had a diagnosis of, or procedure for, postoperative infection (WA: n = 40 of 1137; WF: n = 192 of 5504). Risk factors for infection following WA include age >85, tobacco use, depression, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. Risk factors following radiocarpal WF include male sex, age >85, body mass index <19 kg/m2, depression, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. Posttraumatic origin of wrist arthritis was a risk factor for infection following both WA and WF. Conclusions: Infection following WA and WF is relatively uncommon in a nationally representative Medicare database cohort. Risk factors common to both WA and WF include age >85, depression, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and posttraumatic arthritis.

Insulin-Dependence Predicts Surgical Complications and Hospital Admission following Knee Arthroscopy.

While prior studies have demonstrated that insulin-dependence is an independent risk factor for postoperative complications, morbidity, and mortality following spine and shoulder, hip, and knee arthroplasty, it has not been evaluated in the setting of knee arthroscopy. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the risk of postoperative complications among patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM and NIDDM respectively) with the general population following knee arthroscopy. A retrospective analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program's database for the years 2005 to 2016 was conducted. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between diabetic status and outcomes. Multivariate models were established to adjust for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking status, American Society of Anesthesiology classification, and functional status. A total of 86,023 patients were identified. Patients with IDDM were at a much higher risk of surgical complications (odds ratio [OR]: 2.186, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.226-1.157), including deep infections (OR: 3.082, 95% CI: 1.753-5.419) and return to operating room [OR] (OR: 1.933, 95% CI: 1.280-2.919), as well as unplanned hospital admission (OR: 1.770, 95% CI: 1.289-2.431). However, NIDDM was not an independent risk factor for subsequent medical or surgical complications, unplanned hospital admission, or 30-day mortality. Patients with IDDM were much more likely to have surgical complications, including deep infection and return to OR, as well as unplanned hospital admission following knee arthroscopy. These risks diminished among those with NIDDM, with their adjusted risk profiles comparable to those without diabetes. Since diabetes occurs in a heterogenous state, more weight should be given to those with insulin-dependence when risk-stratifying patients for surgery. This is a Level III, retrospective comparison study.

Performance of a Severity Score on Admission Chest Radiography in Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

BACKGROUND. Chest radiographs (CXRs) are typically obtained early in patients admitted with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and may help guide prognosis and initial management decisions. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of an admission CXR severity scoring system in predicting hospital outcomes in patients admitted with COVID-19. METHODS. This retrospective study included 240 patients (142 men, 98 women; median age, 65 [range, 50-80] years) admitted to the hospital from March 16 to April 13, 2020, with COVID-19 confirmed by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction who underwent chest radiography within 24 hours of admission. Three attending chest radiologists and three radiology residents independently scored patients' admission CXRs using a 0- to 24-point composite scale (sum of scores that range from 0 to 3 for extent and severity of disease in upper and lower zones of left and right lungs). Interrater reliability of the score was assessed using the Kendall W coefficient. The mean score was obtained from the six readers' scores for further analyses. Demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and admission laboratory values were collected from electronic medical records. ROC analysis was performed to assess the association between CXR severity and mortality. Additional univariable and multivariable logistic regression models incorporating patient characteristics and laboratory values were tested for associations between CXR severity and clinical outcomes. RESULTS. Interrater reliability of CXR scores ranged from 0.687 to 0.737 for attending radiologists, from 0.653 to 0.762 for residents, and from 0.575 to 0.666 for all readers. A composite CXR score of 10 or higher on admission achieved 53.0% (35/66) sensitivity and 75.3% (131/174) specificity for predicting hospital mortality. Hospital mortality occurred in 44.9% (35/78) of patients with a high-risk admission CXR score (≥ 10) versus 19.1% (31/162) of patients with a low-risk CXR score (< 10) (p < .001). Admission composite CXR score was an independent predictor of death (odds ratio [OR], 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10-1.24; p < .001). composite CXR score was a univariable predictor of intubation (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.12-1.34; p < .001) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.04-1.27; p = .007) but was not associated with these in multivariable models (p > .05). CONCLUSION. For patients admitted with COVID-19, an admission CXR severity score may help predict hospital mortality, intubation, and CRRT. CLINICAL IMPACT. CXR may assist risk assessment and clinical decision-making early in the course of COVID-19.

The 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index Predicts Complications, Hospital Admission, and Mortality Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of the modified frailty index-5 (mFI-5) as a predictor for postoperative complications in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients undergoing arthroscopic RCR between 2006 and 2016. The mFI-5, a 5-factor score comprising comorbid diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and functional status limiting independence, was calculated for each patient. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the mFI-5 score as a predictor for complications including medical complications, surgical-site infections, hospital admission, discharge to a facility, and mortality. RESULTS: In total, 24,477 patients met criteria for inclusion. The mFI-5 was a strong predictor for medical complications (P < .001), hospital admission (P < .001), length of stay (P = .007), and discharge to a facility (P = .001) but not surgical-site infections (P = .153). For each point increase in mFI-5 score, the risk for a medical complication increased by 66%, readmission by 52%, and adverse discharge by 45%. However, of all the measured complications, the mFI-5 was the strongest predictor for mortality, with the risk more than doubling for each increase in mFI-5 point (odds ratio 2.66, P = .025). CONCLUSIONS: The mFI-5 is a sensitive tool for predicting life-threatening medical complications, hospital admission, increased length of stay, adverse discharge, and mortality following arthroscopic RCR. The 5 comorbidities comprising the mFI-5 are easily obtained through the patient history, making it a practical clinical tool for identifying high-risk patients, informing preoperative counseling, and improving value-based health care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic.

Smoking is associated with increased surgical complications following total shoulder arthroplasty: an analysis of 14,465 patients.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between smoking and postoperative complications following total shoulder arthroplasty. We hypothesized that active smokers would have significantly greater postoperative medical and surgical complications. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients who underwent total shoulder arthroplasties from 2005 through 2016. Patients were stratified based on tobacco use within the past year. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between smoking status and postoperative medical and surgical complications. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for demographic and comorbid factors. RESULTS: We identified 14,465 patients, of whom 10.5% were active smokers. Smokers were more likely to be younger, to be female patients, and to have a lower body mass index compared with nonsmokers (P < .001). Univariate analysis demonstrated that smoking was not associated with postoperative medical complications (P > .05) but was associated with an increased risk of overall surgical complications (odds ratio [OR], 3.259; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.861-5.709; P < .001). Multivariate modeling showed that smoking increased the risk of wound complications (adjusted OR, 7.564; 95% CI, 2.128-26.889; P = .002) and surgical-site infections (adjusted OR, 1.927; 95% CI, 1.023-3.630; P = .042). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that smoking is associated with an increased risk of surgical complications following total shoulder arthroplasty. On the basis of our available data, medical complications are not significantly increased. This information can help risk stratify patients prior to their procedures.

Modified frailty index predicts medical complications, length of stay, readmission, and mortality following total shoulder arthroplasty.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) as a predictor of postoperative complications in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for patients undergoing TSA between the years 2005 and 2017. The mFI-5 score, which includes the presence of comorbid diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and functional status, was calculated for each patient. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between the mFI-5 and postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 18,957 patients undergoing TSA were identified. The mFI-5 was a strong predictor of serious medical complications (cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, septic shock, pulmonary embolism, postoperative dialysis, reintubation, and prolonged ventilator requirement), discharge to a facility, and readmission (odds ratio ≥ 1.309, P ≤ .001). Length of stay also increased as the mFI-5 score increased (P < .001). However, among all the measured complications, the mFI-5 was the strongest predictor of mortality, with the risk more than doubling for each point increase in the mFI-5 score (odds ratio, 2.113; 95% confidence interval, 1.447-3.086; P < .001). CONCLUSION: The mFI-5 predicts serious medical complications, increased length of stay, discharge to a facility, hospital readmission, and mortality in patients undergoing TSA. All of the variables within the mFI-5 are easily obtained through the patient history, allowing for a practical clinical tool that hospitals and surgeons can use to identify high-risk surgical candidates, inform preoperative counseling, and guide perioperative care to optimize patient outcomes.