Intraoperative physician assessment during total hip arthroplasty correlates with DXA parameters.

PURPOSE: Orthopedic surgeons can assess bone status intraoperatively and recommend skeletal health evaluation for patients with poor bone quality. Intraoperative physician assessment (IPA) at the time of total knee arthroplasty correlates with preoperative DXA-measured bone mineral density (BMD). This study evaluated IPA during total hip arthroplasty (THA) as a quantitative measure of bone status based on tactile assessment. METHODS: This retrospective analysis identified 60 patients (64 hips) undergoing primary THA who had IPA recorded in the operative report and a DXA within 2 years before surgery. Intraoperatively, two surgeons assessed bone quality on a 5-point scale (1 = excellent; 5 = poor). IPA score was compared to DXA BMD and T-score, 3D Shaper measurements, WHO classification, FRAX scores, radiographic Dorr classification, and cortical index. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between the IPA score and lowest T-score, WHO classification, and FRAX major and hip fracture scores (r = ± 0.485-0.622, all p < 0.001). There was a moderate correlation between IPA score and total hip BMD and 3D Shaper measurements, including trabecular volumetric BMD, cortical surface BMD, and cortical thickness (r = ± 0.326-0.386, all p < 0.01). All patients with below-average IPA scores had osteopenia or osteoporosis by DXA. CONCLUSION: IPA during THA is a simple, valuable tool for quantifying bone status based on tactile feedback. This information can be used to identify patients with poor bone quality that may benefit from skeletal status evaluation and treatment and provide intraoperative guidance for implant selection. Orthopedic surgeons can assess bone health at the time of surgery. Intraoperative physician assessment (IPA) is a bone quality score based on surgeons' tactile assessment that correlates strongly with the lowest T-score, WHO classification, and FRAX fracture risk. IPA can guide surgical decision-making and future bone health treatment.

Mode of Fixation and Survivorship in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in the American Joint Replacement Registry.

BACKGROUND: A recent rapid increase in cementless total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been noted in the American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR). The purpose of our study was to compare TKA survivorship based on the mode of fixation reported to the AJRR in the Medicare population. METHODS: Primary TKAs from Medicare patients submitted to AJRR from 2012 to 2022 were analyzed. The Medicare and AJRR databases were merged. Cox regression stratified by sex compared revision outcomes (all-cause, infection, mechanical loosening, and fracture) for cemented, cementless, and hybrid fixation, controlling for age and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). RESULTS: A total of 634,470 primary TKAs were analyzed. Cementless TKAs were younger (71.8 versus 73.1 years, P < .001) than cemented TKAs and more frequently utilized in men (8.2 versus 5.8% women, P < .001). Regional differences were noted, with cementless fixation more common in the Northeast (10.5%) and South (9.2%) compared to the West (4.4%) and Midwest (4.3%) (P < .001). No significant differences were identified in all-cause revision rates in men or women ≥ 65 for cemented, cementless, or hybrid TKA after adjusting for age and CCI. Significantly lower revision for fracture was identified for cemented compared to cementless and hybrid fixation in women ≥ 65 after adjusting for age and CCI (P = .0169). CONCLUSIONS: No survivorship advantage for all-cause revision was noted based on the mode of fixation in men or women ≥ 65 after adjusting for age and CCI. A significantly lower revision rate for fractures was noted in women ≥ 65 utilizing cemented fixation. Cementless fixation in primary TKA should be used with caution in elderly women.

Periprosthetic fractures: an unrecognized osteoporosis crisis.

Total joint replacement is common and increasing. Many of these patients have low bone mineral density preoperatively, and arthroplasty leads to bone loss. As falls are common before and after arthroplasty, it is unsurprising that periprosthetic fractures, defined as those associated with an orthopedic device, whether a joint replacement or other internal fixation devices, are not rare. These fractures engender morbidity and mortality comparable to osteoporosis-related hip fractures but remain largely unrecognized and untreated by osteoporosis/metabolic bone disease clinicians. Indeed, recent osteoporosis guidelines are silent regarding periprosthetic fractures. The purposes of this clinical review are to briefly describe the epidemiology of arthroplasty procedures and periprosthetic fractures, raise awareness that these fractures are osteoporosis-related, and suggest approaches likely to reduce their occurrence. Notably, bone health evaluation is essential following the occurrence of a periprosthetic fracture to reduce subsequent fracture risk. Importantly, in addition to such secondary fracture prevention, primary prevention, i.e., bone health assessment and optimization prior to elective orthopedic procedures, is appropriate.

Intraoperative physician assessment of bone: correlation to bone mineral density.

This study evaluated the intraoperative physician assessment (IPA) of bone status at time of total knee arthroplasty. IPA was highly correlated with distal femur and overall bone mineral density. When IPA identifies poor bone status, formal bone health assessment is indicated. PURPOSE: Intuitively, intraoperative physician assessment (IPA) would be an excellent measure of bone status gained through haptic feedback during bone preparation. However, no studies have evaluated the orthopedic surgeon's ability to do so. This study's purpose, in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), was to relate IPA with (1) the lowest bone mineral density (BMD) T-score at routine clinical sites; and (2) with distal femur BMD. METHODS: Seventy patients undergoing TKA by 3 surgeons received pre-operative DXA. Intraoperatively, bone quality was assessed on a 5-point scale (1 excellent to 5 poor) based on tactile feedback to preparation. Demographic data, DXA results, and IPA score between surgeons were compared by factorial ANOVA. Lowest T-score and distal femur BMD were associated with IPA using Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age and BMI were 65.8 (7.6) years and 31.4 (5.1) kg/m2, respectively. Patient demographic data, BMD, and IPA (mean [SD] = 2.74 [1.2]) did not differ between surgeons. IPA correlated with the lowest T-score (R = 0.511) and distal femur BMD (R = 0.603-0.661). Based on the lowest T-score, no osteoporotic patients had an IPA above average, and none with normal BMD was classified as having poor bone. CONCLUSIONS: IPA is highly correlated with local (distal femur) and overall BMD. This study supports the International Society for Clinical Densitometry position that surgeon concern regarding bone quality should lead to bone health assessment. As IPA is comparable between surgeons, it is logical this can be widely applied by experienced orthopedic surgeons. Future studies evaluating IPA at other anatomic sites are indicated.

Proposed bone health screening protocol to identify total knee arthroplasty patients for preoperative DXA.

This study evaluates a novel, simple bone health screening protocol composed of patient sex, age, fracture history, and FRAX risk to identify total knee arthroplasty patients for preoperative DXA. Findings supported effectiveness, with sensitivity of 1.00 (CI 0.92-1.00) and specificity of 0.54 (CI 0.41-0.68) when evaluating for clinical osteoporosis. PURPOSE: Bone health optimization is a process where osteoporotic patients are identified, evaluated via modalities such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and treated when indicated. There are currently no established guidelines to determine who needs presurgical DXA. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a simple screening protocol to identify TKA patients for preoperative DXA. METHODS: This prospective cohort study began on September 1, 2019, and included 100 elective TKA patients. Inclusion criteria were ≥ 50 years and primary TKA. All patients obtained routine clinical DXA. The screening protocol defining who should obtain DXA included meeting any of the following: female ≥ 65, male ≥ 70, fracture history after age 50, or FRAX major osteoporotic fracture risk without bone mineral density (BMD) adjustments ≥ 8.4%. Osteoporosis was defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (T-score ≤ - 2.5) or clinically (T-score ≤ - 2.5, elevated BMD-adjusted FRAX risk, or prior hip/spine fracture). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. RESULTS: The study included 68 females and 32 males, mean age 67.2 ± 7.7. T-score osteoporosis was observed in 16 patients while 43 had clinical osteoporosis. Screening criteria recommending DXA was met by 69 patients. Screening sensitivity was 1.00 (CI 0.79-1.00) and specificity was 0.37 (CI 0.27-0.48) for identifying patients with T-score osteoporosis. Similar sensitivity of 1.00 (CI 0.92-1.00) and specificity of 0.54 (CI 0.41-0.68) were found for clinical osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS: A simple screening protocol identifies TKA patients with T-score and clinical osteoporosis for preoperative DXA with high sensitivity in this prospective cohort study.

Inadvertently Generated PCBs in Consumer Products: Concentrations, Fate and Transport, and Preliminary Exposure Assessment.

Although commercial polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) production was banned in 1979 under the Toxics Substance Control Act, inadvertent generation of PCBs through a variety of chemical production processes continues to contaminate products and waste streams. In this research, a total of 39 consumer products purchased from local and online retailer stores were analyzed for 209 PCB congeners. Inadvertent PCBs (iPCBs) were detected from seven products, and PCB-11 was the only congener detected in most of the samples, with a maximum concentration exceeding 800 ng/g. Emission of PCB-11 to air was studied from one craft foam sheet product using dynamic microchambers at 40 °C for about 120 days. PCB-11 migration from the product to house dust was also investigated. The IAQX program was then employed to estimate the emissions of PCB-11 from 10 craft foam sheets to indoor air in a 30 m3 room at 0.5 h-1 air change rate for 30 days. The predicted maximum PCB-11 concentration in the room air (156.8 ng/m3) and the measured concentration in dust (20 ng/g) were applied for the preliminary exposure assessment. The generated data from multipathway investigation in this work should be informative for further risk assessment and management for iPCBs.

A Novel Osteoporosis Screening Protocol to Identify Orthopedic Surgery Patients for Preoperative Bone Health Optimization.

Introduction: Osteoporosis is highly prevalent in elective orthopedic surgery. While preoperative bone health optimization decreases osteoporosis-related complications, there is an unmet need to establish who may benefit from preoperative dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This study assesses a novel, simple screening protocol to identify orthopedic surgical patients for preoperative DXA. Materials/Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 628 patients undergoing total knee, hip, or shoulder arthroplasty or thoracolumbar spine fusion. Inclusion criteria were ≥40 years undergoing primary elective surgery. Screening criteria defining who should obtain DXA due to high osteoporosis risk included: female ≥65, male ≥70, fracture history when ≥50 years, or FRAX major osteoporotic fracture risk (without bone mineral density [BMD]-adjustments) ≥8.4%. Osteoporosis was defined by World Health Organization criteria [T-score ≤ -2.5], clinical National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) criteria [T-score ≤ -2.5, elevated BMD-adjusted FRAX risk, or prior hip/spine fracture], and modified clinical criteria [NOF criteria simplified to include any non-traumatic prior fracture and FRAX without BMD]. Results: The study included 100 TKAs, 100 THAs, 251 TSAs, and 177 spine fusions, average age 65.6 ± 9.8. DXA was available for 209 patients. Screening criteria recommending DXA was met by 362 patients. For those with DXA, screening sensitivity was .96 (CI: .78 to .99) and specificity was .19 (CI: .14 to .25) for identifying T-score osteoporosis. Similar sensitivity of .99 (CI: .91 to .99) and specificity of .61 (CI: .56 to .66) were found for modified clinical osteoporosis. For modified clinical osteoporosis, 192 patients with osteoporosis met criteria (true pos.), 1 patient with osteoporosis did not meet criteria (false neg.), 170 patients without osteoporosis met criteria (false pos.), and 265 patients without osteoporosis did not meet criteria (true neg.). Discussion/Conclusion: A simple screening protocol identifies orthopedic surgical candidates at risk of T-score or clinical osteoporosis for preoperative DXA with high sensitivity.

Femur and Tibia BMD Measurement in Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty Candidates.

Distal femur BMD declines ∼20% following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) potentially leading to adverse outcomes. BMD knowledge before and following TKA might allow interventions to optimize outcomes. We hypothesized that distal femur and proximal tibial BMD could be reproducibly measured with existing DXA technology. Elective TKA candidates were enrolled and standard clinical DXA plus bilateral PA and lateral knee scans acquired. Manual regions of interest (ROIs) were placed at distal femur and proximal tibia sites based on required TKA machining and periprosthetic fracture location. Intra- and inter-rater BMD reliability was assessed by intra-class correlation (ICC). Custom and standard proximal femur BMD were correlated by linear regression and paired t test evaluated BMD differences between planned surgical and contralateral side. One hundred subjects (68F/32M), mean (SD) age and BMI of 67.2 (7.7) yr and 30.8 (4.8) kg/m2 were enrolled. Lowest clinical BMD T-score was < -1.0 in 65% and ≤ -2.5 in 16%; 34 had prior fracture. BMD reproducibility at all custom ROIs was excellent; ICC > 0.96. Mean BMD at custom ROIs ranged from 0.903 to 1.346 g/cm2 in the PA projection and 0.891 to 1.429 g/cm2 in the lateral. Lower BMD values were observed at the proximal tibia, while the higher measurements were at the femur condyle. Custom knee ROI BMD was highly correlated (p < 0.0001) with total and femur neck with better correlation at ROIs adjacent to the joint (R2 = 0.62-0.67, 0.49-0.55 respectively). In those without prior TKA (n = 76), mean BMD was lower (2.8%-6.6%; p < 0.05) in the planned surgical leg at all custom ROIs except the PA tibial regions. Individual variability was present with 82% having a custom ROI with lower BMD (up to 53%) in the planned operative leg. Distal femur and proximal tibial BMD can be measured using custom ROIs with good reproducibility. Suboptimal bone status is common in TKA candidates and distal femur/proximal tibia BMD is often lower on the planned operative side. Routine distal femur/proximal tibial BMD measurement might assist pre-operative interventions, surgical decision-making, subsequent care and outcomes. Studies to evaluate these possibilities are indicated.

The Accuracy and Clinical Success of Robotic-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) has emerged as a patient-specific customizable tool that enables 3-dimensional preoperative planning, intraoperative adjustment, robotic-assisted bone preparation, and soft-tissue protection. Haptic rTKA may enhance component positioning, but only a few small studies have examined patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes after haptic rTKA. Purpose: In patients who underwent haptic rTKA, we sought to evaluate (1) the discrepancy in alignment between the executed surgical plan and implanted alignment in the coronal and sagittal planes 1 year postoperatively and (2) patient-reported outcomes 2 years postoperatively. Methods: From a prospectively collected database, we reviewed 105 patients who underwent haptic rTKA from August 2016 to May 2017. Two fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons independently reviewed hip-to-ankle standing biplanar radiographs to measure overall limb alignment and individual tibial and femoral component alignment relative to the mechanical axis and compared this to the executed surgical plan. Patient-reported outcomes were collected preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively using the Lower Activity Extremity Score (LEAS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Junior (KOOS Jr.), and Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Results: Mean patient age was 62.4 years, and mean body mass index was 30.6 kg/m2. Interobserver reliability was significant with a κ of 0.89. Absolute mean deviations in postoperative coronal alignment compared to intraoperative alignment were 0.625° ± 0.70° and 0.45° ± 0.50° for the tibia and femur, respectively. Absolute mean deviations in postoperative tibial sagittal alignment were 0.47° ± 0.76°. Overall mechanical alignment was 0.97° ± 1.79°. Outcomes in LEAS, KOOS Jr., and NPRS changed from 8 to 10, 78 to 88.3, and 8 to 1, respectively. Conclusions: Haptic rTKA demonstrated high reliability and accuracy (less than 1°) of tibial coronal, femoral coronal, and tibial sagittal component alignment postoperatively compared to the surgical plan. Patient-reported outcomes improved, as well. A more rigorous study on long-term outcomes is warranted.

Continuous adductor canal blockade facilitates increased home discharge and decreased opioid consumption after total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in avoiding discharging patients to rehab to maximize outcome and minimize complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In addition, use of postoperative pain pathways that minimize opioid use is critical amidst the current opioid epidemic. However, the ideal pain regimen after TKA has yet to be determined. METHODS: From July 1, 2013 to October 1, 2014 two perioperative pathways were used to address surgical pain. These included either a single shot femoral nerve block plus liposomal bupivacaine pericapsular injection (FNB + LB-PAI) or adductor canal catheter plus posterior capsule single shot block (ACC + iPACK), each with an oral analgesic protocol. Little modification occurred with regard to surgical technique, postoperative medications, or postoperative physical therapy (PT). RESULTS: Overall, 264 unilateral, primary TKA patients (146 FNB + LB-PAI, 118 ACC + iPACK) were included. ACC + iPACK patients had a shorter median length of stay (LOS, 2.0 vs 3.0, p < 0.001), more discharges home (79.7% vs 67.8%, p = 0.002), and less median opioid consumption (IV morphine equivalents, IVME, 20.0 vs 44.1, p < 0.001) than the FNB + LB-PAI group. In multivariable analysis, use of ACC + iPACK remained independently associated with shorter LOS, increased discharge home, and less IVME consumed when controlling for confounding variables. ACC + iPACK patients also had fewer opioid related adverse events (0.8 vs 5.5, p = 0.045) and a lower rate of MUA (0.8% vs 6.2%, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend ACC + iPACK with a multimodal oral analgesic protocol as the primary postoperative analgesia in enhanced recovery TKA protocols. This resulted in an easier recovery with fewer complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

A Quartet of Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nails for More Challenging Pediatric Femur Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The insertion of 2 elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESINs) is a common treatment for pediatric femur fractures. However, the use of this technique in length-unstable or metadiaphyseal fractures has historically been associated with higher complication rates. To improve stability, the addition of a third ESIN has been assessed biomechanically and clinically, but the addition of a fourth nail has only been evaluated biomechanically. The purpose of this study is to report our surgical technique and radiographic outcomes using a quartet of ESINs in pediatric femur fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of pediatric patients with length-unstable or metadiaphyseal femur fractures who were treated with 4 ESINs by a single surgeon from 2008 to 2013. Nails were inserted in a retrograde manner, 2 each from medial and lateral starting points. Patients were followed clinically and radiographically until the union and routine removal of hardware. Primary outcomes included fracture union, sagittal, and coronal plane alignment, and complications. RESULTS: Fourteen patients underwent quartet ESIN placement. Two patients were excluded: one for early loss to follow-up and another with a diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta. The average patient age was 9.3 years (range, 4 to 14 y) and weight was 47 kg (range, 21 to 95 kg). All fractures achieved radiographic union at mean 5.5 months (range, 2 to 9 mo). Hardware was removed at a mean of 9.4 months (range, 2 to 22 mo) following implantation. At final mean follow-up of 18 months, patients and families reported no functional limitations. There were no hardware failures or revision surgeries. There were no limb length discrepancies or malalignment at the time of final radiographic follow-up. There were 2 minor complications-1 patient with pain secondary to nail migration resulting in prominence at the knee and another with refracture following a fall. The stable refracture occurred before complete fracture union and hardware removal and went on to the union without the need for any additional treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with a quartet of ESINs should be considered for skeletally immature children with length-unstable or metadiaphyseal femur fractures. In this series, all fractures achieved union without major complications or hardware failure. This modification to traditional elastic nailing techniques is an option for the surgeon to consider as an alternative to rigid intramedullary nailing, submuscular plating, or external fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Dislocation rate increases with bariatric surgery before total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Annually in the USA, 113,000 patients with refractory obesity undergo bariatric surgery (BS), and a subset does so in order to lower body mass index to become a more desirable total hip arthroplasty (THA) candidate. This study aims to evaluate THA risk with and without bariatric surgery. METHODS: 12,160 patients were identified in a claim-based review of the entire Medicare database with ICD-9 codes to identify patients in three groups. Patients who underwent BS prior to THA (Group I: 1,545 experimental group) and two control groups that did not undergo BS but had either a body mass index >40 (Group II: 6,918 bariatric control) or <25 (Group III: 3,697 normal weight control). Preoperative demographics/comorbidities and short-term medical (30 day) and long-term surgical (90-day and 2-year) complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Group I had female predominance, youngest age, and highest incidence of: deficiency anaemia, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, diabetes, polysubstance abuse, psychiatric disorders and smoking. At 2 years, Group I had approximately twice the dislocation and revision risk compared to both Groups II and III; Groups I and II had over four times the risk of infection and wound complications compared to Group III. CONCLUSION: In the Medicare population, these patients continue to have complication rates similar to and sometimes greater than obese patients with no prior bariatric surgery. Greater dislocation risk is possibly due to ligamentous laxity related to decreased collagen/elastin and/or component malposition due to intraoperative visualisation challenges.

The James A. Rand Young Investigator's Award: Battling the Opioid Epidemic with Prospective Pain Threshold Measurement.

BACKGROUND: Responsible analgesic prescribing is paramount in the opioid epidemic era, yet no standardized protocol exists. We aim to (1) quantify and correlate outpatient opioid need after total knee and hip arthroplasties (TKA and THA) with preoperative objective pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) and subjective pain measures and (2) report incidence of nonsurgical opioid prescriptions 6 weeks postoperatively. METHODS: Prospectively, PPTs were measured using an algometer with a maximum force of 20 pounds in 160 consecutive patients (90 TKA and 70 THA). Two locations were tested: operative joint (medial epicondyle TKA and lateral iliac crest THA) and ipsilateral olecranon for systemic control. Visual Analog Score, Pain Severity Score, Pain Interference Score, and subjective pain threshold were obtained. Six-week outpatient narcotic consumption morphine equivalents recorded and prescriptions crosschecked with the state Controlled Substance Reporting System. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate local and/or systemic PPT and subjective measures with narcotic consumption. RESULTS: Average operative site and systemic PPT was 6.91 and 7.72 pounds force, respectively. Subjective averages: Visual Analog Score 7.14, Pain Severity Score 5.05, Pain Interference Score 5.16, and perceived threshold 6.77. Six-week average outpatient narcotic consumption was 314.9 morphine equivalents or 125 five milligram oxycodones. Twenty percent received opioids from outside providers. Linear regression revealed a negative correlation between operative site PPT (-0.26; P = .047) and systemic PPT (-0.31; P = .021). Subjective pain metrics failed to meet significance. CONCLUSION: This novel study demonstrated a statistically significant negative correlation between preoperative pain threshold and outpatient narcotic consumption. Twenty percent of patients received opioid prescriptions outside orthopedic providers in the 6 weeks after surgery highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary communication.

Dual Diagnosis and Total Hip Arthroplasty.

The co-occurrence of a mental illness and a substance abuse disorder (SUD) is common and has been referred to as a "dual diagnosis" (DD). Although studies have independently investigated mental illness alone and SUD alone, few have examined the effects of these entities combined on complications. A search of the Medicare database from 2005 to 2012 identified 2000 DD patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). They were compared with 86,976 patients with mental illness only and 590,689 controls (no mental illness or SUD). Medical comorbidities and postoperative complications at 30-day, 90-day, and minimum 2-year time points were analyzed. There was a significant increase (P<.001) in 7 (53.8%) of 13 recorded postoperative medical complications, including acute renal failure (odds ratio [OR], 1.78), postoperative anemia (OR, 1.31), and blood transfusion (OR, 1.24), at the 90-day time point. In addition, there was a statistically significant increase overall in periprosthetic infection (periprosthetic joint infection OR, 4.30; P<.001), periprosthetic fracture (OR, 2.80; P<.001), dislocation (OR, 6.38; P<.001), and the need for THA revision (OR, 3.58; P<.001). When compared with patients with mental illness only, DD patients remained at significantly (P<.001) increased risk for 90-day and overall postoperative surgical complications, including dislocation, periprosthetic joint infection, and THA revision. Patients with a DD were at significant risk for perioperative complications compared with both control patients and patients with mental illness only. Studies investigating only psychiatric disease or only SUD may miss a vulnerable cohort. Further investigation is needed to exactly define to what extent DD amplifies complication rates. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(3):e321-e327.].

Reproducible transient asystolic arrest during intramedullary reaming of the femoral canal: A case report.

The utilization of intramedullary devices in the surgical fixation of hip fractures is increasing. Although intramedullary devices offer many advantages in the treatment of these injuries, they are also associated with a unique set of potential complications, particularly during preparation of the femoral canal. Cardiac dysrhythmia resulting from reaming the femoral canal is rare and has not been previously described in detail in the literature. We present the case of a 69-year-old male with an infected right cephalomedullary femoral nail who underwent removal of hardware and experienced reproducible, transient asystolic cardiac arrest during reaming of the femoral canal and offer potential explanations for this event.

What Should Define Preoperative Anemia in Primary THA?

BACKGROUND: The use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in THA decreases the risk of transfusion after surgery. However, nearly 10% of patients still undergo a transfusion, which has been independently associated with an increased risk of complications. Preoperative anemia has been proven to be a strong predictor of transfusion after THA, but the ideal "cutoff" values in today's population that maximize sensitivity and specificity to predict transfusion have yet to be established. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Which preoperative factors are associated with postoperative transfusion in the setting of TXA use? (2) If preoperative hemoglobin (Hgb) remains associated with transfusion, what are the best-supported preoperative Hgb cutoff values associated with increased transfusion after THA? METHODS: A retrospective chart analysis was performed from January 1, 2013, to January 1, 2015, on 558 primary THAs that met prespecified inclusion criteria. A multivariable logistic regression analysis model was used to identify independent factors associated with transfusion. Area under the receiver-operator curve (AUC) was used to determine the best-supported preoperative Hgb cut point across all participants, as well as adjusted by sex and TXA use. Overall, 60 patients with a blood transfusion were included and compared with 498 control subjects (11% risk of transfusion). RESULTS: After controlling for potential confounding variables such as age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, intravenous TXA (IV TXA) use, and preoperative Hgb, we found that patients with lower preoperative Hgb (g/dL per 1-unit decrease, odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% CI, 2.0-3.5; p < 0.001), female sex (vs male, OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.7-10.3; p = 0.002), and those unable to receive IV TXA (topical TXA/no TXA, OR, 13.5; 95% CI, 6.3-28.6; p < 0.001) were more likely to receive a transfusion. Of these, preoperative Hgb was found to be the variable most highly associated with transfusion (AUC, 0.876). A preoperative Hgb cutoff value of 12.6 g/dL maximized the AUC (0.876) for predicting transfusion across all patients unadjusted for baseline characteristics (sensitivity = 83, specificity = 84) with values of 12.5 g/dL (sensitivity = 85, specificity = 77) and 13.5 g/dL (sensitivity = 92, specificity = 77) for women and men, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 1968 WHO definitions of anemia (preoperative Hgb < 13 g/dL for men and < 12 g/dL for women) used currently may underestimate patients at risk of transfusion after THA today. Further studies are needed to see if blood conservation referral decreases the risk of transfusion with preoperative treatment of anemia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

High-Grade Articular, Bursal, and Intratendinous Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: A Retrospective Study Comparing Functional Outcomes After Completion and Repair.

We conducted a study to assess the impact of tear location on functional outcomes in high-grade partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) after arthroscopic completion and repair. Retrospectively, we evaluated the preoperative and postoperative findings of 60 patients who underwent arthroscopic completion and repair of Ellman grade 3 partial-thickness tears of the supraspinatus. The 60 patients were grouped by tear subtype (20 articular, 20 bursal, 20 intratendinous) as identified by preoperative imaging and confirmed at time of surgery. After surgery, the 3 subtypes showed similar significant (P < .001) improvements in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (articular, 46.9, 85.1; bursal, 44.3, 80.3; intratendinous, 43.6, 86.1), Constant scores (articular, 54.3, 79.4; bursal, 49.9, 75.0; intratendinous, 56.8, 80.9), and visual analog scale scores (articular, 5.1, 1.2; bursal, 5.8, 1.6; intratendinous, 6.0, 1.2). Our study findings validate use of the current algorithm for Ellman grade 3 PTRCTs of the supraspinatus and advocate their completion and repair, regardless of tear location.

Psychiatric disorders increase complication rate after primary total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric disease is difficult to screen preoperatively and the incidence of mental health disorders in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may be underappreciated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perioperative complication profile in patients with psychiatric disorders. METHODS: A search of the entire Medicare database from 2005 to 2011 was performed to identify patients who underwent primary TKA with bipolar disorder (20,972), depression (187,448), and schizophrenia (7607). A cohort of 1,271,464 patients as controls with minimum 2.5-year follow-up. Medial and surgical complications at 30-days, 90-days, and overall were compared between the two cohorts. RESULTS: Patients with any psychiatric disease were more likely to be younger (age<65 OR 5.5, p<0.001), female (OR 2.61, p<0.001), and more medically complex (significant increase in 28/28 Elixhauser medical comorbidities, p<0.05). There was a significant increase (p<0.001) in 11/14 (78.5%) of recorded postoperative medical complication rates at 90-days. There was a statistically significant increase in periprosthetic infection (OR 2.17 p<0.001), periprosthetic fracture (OR 2.40, p<0.001), revision TKA (OR 2.06, p<0.001), and extensor mechanism rupture (OR 2.41, p<0.001) at 90day and overall time points. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with psychiatric disorders who undergo elective primary TKA have significantly increased medical and surgical complication rates in the global period and short term follow-up. An ideal screening tool is yet to be determined and these patients need to be counseled appropriately regarding the increased complication rates before proceeding with TKA.

Lingering Risk: Bariatric Surgery Before Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Obesity continues to increase in the United States with an estimated 35% obesity and 8% bariatric (body mass index >40) rate in adults. Bariatric patients seek advice from arthroplasty surgeons regarding the temporality of bariatric surgery (BS), yet no consensus currently exists in the literature. METHODS: A total of 39,014 patients were identified in a claim-based review of the entire Medicare database with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes to identify patients in 3 groups. Patients who underwent BS before total knee arthroplasty (group I: 5914 experimental group) and 2 control groups that did not undergo BS but had either a body mass index >40 (group II: 6480 bariatric control) or <25 (group III: 26,616 normal weight control). International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes identified preoperative demographics or comorbidities and evaluated short-term medical (30 day) and long-term surgical (90 days and 2 years) complications. RESULTS: Group I had the greatest female predominance, youngest age, and highest incidence of: deficiency anemia, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, liver disease, ulcer disease, polysubstance abuse, psychiatric disorders, and smoking. Medical and surgical complication incidences were greatest in group I including: 4.98% deep vein thrombosis; 5.31% pneumonia; 10.09% heart failure; and 2-year infection, revision, and manipulation rates of 5.8%, 7.38%, and 3.13%, respectively. These values were significant elevation compared to III and slightly greater than II. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that BS before total knee arthroplasty is associated with greater risk compared to both nonobese and obese patients. This is possibly due to a higher incidence of medical or psychiatric comorbidities determined in the Medicare BS patients, wound healing difficulties secondary to gastrointestinal malabsorption, malnourishment from prolonged catabolic state, rapid weight loss before surgery, and/or age.

Percent Body Fat Is More Predictive of Function After Total Joint Arthroplasty Than Body Mass Index.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has an important impact on the future of total joint arthroplasty; however, the definition and influence of obesity on surgical risks and outcomes remain controversial. Our hypothesis was that percent body fat was better than body mass index (BMI) at identifying clinical risks and patient-reported functional outcomes following arthroplasty. METHODS: Clinical and functional outcomes were collected prospectively in 215 patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (115 patients) or total hip arthroplasty (100 patients) at a mean time of twenty-four months (range, twelve to forty months). Clinical data included patient demographic characteristics, preoperative evaluation including measurements of BMI and percent body fat, intraoperative records, hospital course or events, and postoperative outpatient follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes were obtained through a series of questionnaires: a surgical satisfaction survey; the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale; the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for total knee arthroplasty; and the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) for total hip arthroplasty. Multivariable regression models were used to identify significant body mass predictors of outcomes (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Higher percent body fat predicted occurrence of any medical or surgical complication (odds ratio per one standard deviation increase, 1.58 [95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 2.40]; p = 0.033). Percent body fat was also a predictor of the UCLA activity score (risk ratio, 0.92 [95% confidence interval, 0.85 to 0.98]; p = 0.013) and pain scores (risk ratio, 1.18 [95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.36]; p = 0.017), and it trended toward significance for the surgical satisfaction score (odds ratio, 1.96 [95% confidence interval, 0.93 to 4.15]; p = 0.078), whereas BMI was not predictive of these functional outcomes. Additionally, with regard to surgical procedure-specific outcome scores, percent body fat was predictive of outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (KOOS pain, p = 0.015, and KOOS activities of daily living, p = 0.002), but not for those after total hip arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Percent body fat should be considered when predicting clinical and functional outcomes at two years following total joint arthroplasty. Percent body fat may help surgeons to improve risk stratifications, to project patient-reported functional outcomes, and to better educate obese patients with regard to postoperative expectations prior to undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.