Regional Trends in Unicondylar and Patellofemoral Knee Arthroplasty: An Analysis of the American Joint Replacement Registry.

BACKGROUND: As the popularity of unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) and patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) have expanded, more patients who have limited arthritis are undergoing partial knee arthroplasty. No studies have evaluated if any regional differences in the United States (U.S.) exist between partial versus total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to utilize the American Joint Replacement Registry to evaluate regional differences in UKA, PFA, and TKA. METHODS: The American Joint Replacement Registry was queried for all TKA, PFA, and UKA procedures between 2012 and 2021. Surgical volume was compared between the Midwest (MW), Northeast (NE), South, and West (W) regions. Trends were compared using multivariate logistic regression analyses and least squared mean logistic regression models. RESULTS: Since 2012, there has been a steady increase in the amount of UKAs performed across the U.S., except during the COVID-19 pandemic when numbers decreased. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated a higher likelihood of receiving a UKA compared to TKA in the NE compared to other regions, and higher likelihood of receiving a PFA in the NE and W compared to other regions over the study period. Other factors that increased the likelihood of having a UKA nationally were men, the procedure being performed at a teaching hospital, and having surgery in urban areas. Patients were more likely to have a PFA in the NE compared to the S and MW, and higher odds in the South and W compared to the MW, with rates of PFA consistently lower in the MW compared to other regions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients were more likely to have a UKA in the NE compared to other regions of the country. Patients had higher odds of having a PFA in the NE and W regions relative to the MW. Men had higher odds of having either UKA or PFA than women across the nation.

Factors That Influence Orthopedic Women Residents' Selection of Adult Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Stereotypes may discourage women from going into the historically male-dominated field of Adult Reconstruction. Other factors such as interest, confidence, and a sense of belonging may influence subspecialty choice. The objective of this study was to survey orthopedic surgery residents regarding their perceptions about Adult Reconstruction. METHODS: A validated survey evaluating social determinants of behavior was adapted to assess orthopedic surgery residents' perceptions of Adult Reconstruction. The survey was electronically distributed to residents from 16 United States and Canadian Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited residency programs. There were 93 respondents including 39 women (42%) and 54 men (58%). Study data were collected and managed using an electronic data capture tool. Descriptive statistics were reported for all continuous variables. Percentiles and sample sizes were reported for categorical variables. RESULTS: Women and men reported similar interest in Adult Reconstruction (46% versus 41%, P = .60). Fewer women reported that they were encouraged to go into Adult Reconstruction by faculty (62% versus 85%, P = .001). Women and men reported similar confidence in their own ability to succeed in the subspecialty of Adult Reconstruction. However, when asked about the ability of other residents, both sexes rated men as having higher levels of confidence. Women and men perceived other residents and faculty felt "men are better Adult Reconstruction surgeons," but did not personally agree with this statement. CONCLUSION: Women and men residents expressed similar rates of interest and self-confidence in Adult Reconstruction, but there were social barriers including negative stereotypes that may prevent them from pursuing careers in Adult Reconstruction.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Subsequent Complications of Postoperative Hematomas Requiring Reoperation After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: Studies analyzing the incidence and clinical implications of postoperative hematomas after total hip arthroplasty (THA) remain limited. The purpose of the present study was to use the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) dataset to determine rates, risk factors, and subsequent complications of postoperative hematomas requiring reoperation after primary THA. Methods: Study population included patients who underwent primary THA (CPT code: 27130) from 2012-2016 recorded in NSQIP. Patients who developed a hematoma requiring reoperation in the 30-day postoperative period were identified. Multivariate regressions were created to identify patient characteristics, operative variables, and subsequent complications that were associated with a postoperative hematoma requiring reoperation. Results: Among the 149,026 patients who underwent primary THA, 180 (0.12%) developed a postoperative hematoma requiring reoperation. Risk factors included body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 (relative risk [RR]: 1.83, P = .011), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class ≥3 (RR: 2.11, P < .001), and history of bleeding disorder (RR: 2.71, P < .001). Associated intraoperative characteristics were an operative time ≥100 minutes (RR: 2.03, P < .001) and use of general anesthesia (RR: 1.41, P = .028). Patients developing a hematoma requiring reoperation were at higher risk of subsequent deep wound infection (RR: 21.57, P < .001), sepsis (RR: 4.3, P = .012), and pneumonia (RR: 3.69, P = .023). Conclusions: Surgical evacuation for a postoperative hematoma was performed in about 1 in 833 cases of primary THA. Several nonmodifiable and modifiable risk factors were identified. Given the 21.6 times increased risk of subsequent deep wound infection, select, at-risk patients may benefit from closer monitoring for signs of infection.

Prosthetic Joint Infections of the Hip and Knee Among the Elderly: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: As the population ages and demand for total joint arthroplasty increases, rates of periprosthetic joint infection are expected to increase in the geriatric population. Studies comparing prevalence of risk factors, etiology, management, and mortality of prosthetic joint infection in older patients are lacking. METHODS: We compared clinical characteristics, management, and mortality of patients <75 vs ≥75 years of age with first prosthetic joint infection of the hip or knee admitted to a tertiary medical center between September 2017 and December 2019. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients (<75 years of age [n = 63]; ≥75 years of age (n = 35) were studied. Groups were similar in terms of etiology, culture-directed therapy, antibiotic suppression, and length of stay. There was no difference in surgical management, performed in almost 97% of cases in both groups. Arrhythmia and heart failure were more prevalent in those aged ≥75 years. Readmission related to prosthetic joint infection occurred less often in older individuals (P = .005). Deaths within 1 year of diagnosis were rare (n = 4; 4.1%), occurring in older patients and resulting mostly from sepsis. CONCLUSION: In our single-center study, patients with first prosthetic joint infection had similar management, regardless of age. We identified cardiac history as one of the host factors for prosthetic joint infection most seen in patients ≥75 years of age. Although deaths were rare, 1-year mortality was higher in patients aged ≥75. Prospective, multicenter studies are needed to explore risk factors and management strategies of prosthetic joint infection among elderly populations.

An Academic Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital Provides the Shortest Operative Times within a Single Health System for Primary and Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty.

The study aimed to optimize value-based health care practices in total joint arthroplasty (TJA), and we need to understand how the surgical setting can influence efficiency of care. While this has previously been investigated, the purpose of this study was to clarify if these findings are generalizable to an institution with an orthopaedic specialty hospital. A retrospective review was conducted of 6,913 patients who underwent primary or revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at one of four hospitals within a single, urban, and academic health system: a high volume academic (HVA) hospital, a low volume academic (LVA) hospital, a high volume community (HVC) hospital, or a low volume community (LVC) hospital. Patient demographics were collected in an arthroplasty database, as were operating room (OR) times and several specific time points during the surgery. The HVA (orthopaedic specialty) hospital had the shortest total primary TKA OR times and the LVC that had the longest times (156.69 vs. 174.68, p < 0.0001). The HVA hospital had the shortest total revision TKA OR times, and the LVC had the longest times (158.20 vs. 184.95, p < 0.0001). In our health system, the HVA orthoapedic specialty hospital had the shortest overall OR time, even when compared with the HVC hospital. This is in contradistinction to prior findings that HVC institutions had the shortest OR times in a health system that did not have an orthopaedic specialty hospital. This provides evidence that an orthopaedic specialty hospital can be a model for efficient care, even at an academic teaching institution.

Comparing Venous Thromboembolism Prophylactic Agents After Hip Fracture Surgery: A National Database Study.

INTRODUCTION: Although the use of venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis has markedly reduced VTE rates after hip fracture surgery, few studies have directly compared the efficacy of different anticoagulant agents in this setting. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of Lovenox, Eliquis, or Coumadin as VTE prophylaxis after hip fracture surgery. METHODS: The PearlDiver MHip national database was queried for patients older than 60 years undergoing first-time hip fracture surgery with no concurrent pelvic or distal femoral fractures. Prescriptions for Lovenox, Eliquis, or Coumadin were identified. Univariate and multivariate analyses of patient characteristics, 90-day incidences of VTE, adverse events, and readmissions were compared. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated, and significance was set at P < 0.01 based on Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: A total of 11,384 patients were identified, with the Lovenox used for 6835 patients (60.0%), Eliquis for 1092 patients (9.6%), and Coumadin for 3457 patients (30.4%). The prevalence of 90-day VTE in the Lovenox, Eliquis, and Coumadin groups was 3.1%, 3.8%, and 5.0%, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses adjusting for demographic and comorbidity profiles were conducted with Lovenox as the referent. Those on Eliquis had significantly lower transfusions (OR 0.52, P = 0.005), but similar rates of other outcomes including VTE (P > 0.01). Conversely, patients on Coumadin had significantly greater odds of any adverse event (OR 1.18, P < 0.001) and VTE (OR 1.58, P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: In evaluating Lovenox, Eliquis, and Coumadin as VTE chemoprophylactic agents after hip fracture surgery in anticoagulant-naïve patients, Lovenox and Eliquis had similar 90-day VTE, whereas patients on Coumadin had greater odds of 90-day VTE. Interestingly, patients on Eliquis had nearly two-fold lower odds of transfusions compared with patients on Lovenox. Although consensus on the optimal VTE prophylactic agent after hip fracture surgery does not exist, Eliquis and Lovenox may be comparable options and seem to be more effective than Coumadin.

Do preoperative intra-articular corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections affect time to total joint arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION: Intra-articular corticosteroid (CSI) or hyaluronic acid (HAI) injections alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis in patients who may be candidates for total hip or total knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA). However, their effect on time to total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and complications remains uncertain. We sought to evaluate (1) delay in time to surgery for patients receiving injections prior to THA/TKA (2) incidence of patients that receive injections, (3) type and number of injections, and (4) compare complication rates between patients with and without injections. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 3340 consecutive TJA (1770 THA and 1570 TKA). Patients were divided into two cohorts depending if they received preoperative intra-articular injection or not. We identified dates of first clinic presentation and index surgery, injection type, total administered, and 90-day complications, including periprosthetic joint infection. RESULTS: 150/1770 THA and 192/1570 TKA patients received injections (8.5%vs.12.2%,p = 0.0004). Time from first presentation to clinic to TJA was significantly greater in patients receiving injections [12.4 ± 11 months vs.7.3 ± 10.7,p < 0.001 for THA; 20.0 ± 17.4 months vs.11.6 ± 15.4,p < 0.001 for TKA]. This delay in time was greater in TKA versus THA (8.4 months vs.5.1,p < 0.001). TKA patients had a higher incidence of receiving HAI versus THA patients (9%vs.0.6%,p < 0.0001). There were no differences in overall complication profiles (p = 0.19 for THA, p = 0.3 for TKA). CONCLUSION: Injections are associated with an increased time to TJA by a statistically significant amount, however its clinical significance is debatable. Injections are safe if administered at least three months preoperatively. If patients present with appropriate surgical indications and are ready, we do not recommend intra-articular injections to delay surgery.

Gender Representation in Speaking Roles at the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Annual Meeting: 2012-2019.

BACKGROUND: The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) has one of the lowest percentages of women members among orthopedic surgery subspecialty societies, having increased from 1.3% to 3.1% since 2012. Our purpose was to report the representation of women in various speaking roles at the AAHKS annual meeting over this time period. METHODS: We accessed the 2012-2019 AAHKS annual meeting programs online and reviewed all paper presenters, symposium faculty, and session moderators. We recorded instances of women speakers and their degree and specialty. We calculated the percentage of women speakers, women orthopedic surgeon speakers, women session moderators, and women symposium faculty for the overall period of 2012-2019, and for each annual meeting. RESULTS: Between 2012 and 2019, 33/877 (3.8%) of all speakers at AAHKS were women. Of these, 21 were women orthopedic surgeons, or 2.4% of all speakers. The proportion of total women speakers per year ranged from 1.7% (2017) to 6.4% (2013). Twenty-four of 492 (4.9%) paper presenters were women, and 12/492(2.4%) were women orthopedic surgeons. Four of 143 (2.8%) session moderators were women, and all were orthopedic surgeons. Five of 245 (2.0%) symposium faculty were women, and 0/245 (0%) were women orthopedic surgeons. CONCLUSION: Although the percentage of women AAHKS members has grown since 2012, the small percentage of women orthopedic surgeons speaking at AAHKS has not. There were no women orthopedic surgeons included on symposium faculty over this entire period. We appreciate and encourage efforts to improve gender diversity among speakers at AAHKS annual meetings.

Patellar Tracking in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: Does Retaining a Patella From a Different Implant System Matter?

BACKGROUND: Patellar maltracking is a potential surgical complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and can result in anterior knee pain, recurrent patellar dislocation, and damage to the medial patellar soft tissue stabilizers. Data remain unclear as to whether the patellar button should be revised during a revision TKA (rTKA) if changing the component implant system. Our study examines whether retaining the original patellar button during an rTKA using a different implant system affects patellar tracking. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of rTKA patients between August 2011 and June 2019 was performed at an urban, tertiary referral center. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts depending on whether their retained patella from their primary TKA was of the same (SIM) or different implant manufacturer (DIM) as the revision system used. Radiographic measurements were performed on preoperative and postoperative knee radiographs and differences were compared between the 2 groups. Baseline demographic data were also collected. RESULTS: Of the 293 consecutive, aseptic rTKA cases identified, 122 underwent revision in the SIM cohort and 171 in the DIM cohort. There were no demographic differences between the groups. No statistical significance was calculated for differences in preoperative and postoperative patellar tilt or Insall-Salvati ratio between the groups. The DIM group was found to have more lateral patellar translation (-0.01 ± 6.09 vs 2.68 ± 7.61 mm, P = .001). However, when calculating differences in the magnitude of the translation (thereby removing differences due to laterality), no difference was observed (0.06 ± 3.69 vs 0.52 ± 4.95 mm, P = .394). CONCLUSION: No clinically significant differences in patellar tracking were observed when the original patellar component was retained and a different revision implant system was used. Given the inherent risks of bone loss and fracture with patellar component revision, surgeons performing rTKA may retain the primary patella if it is well fixed and can still expect appropriate patellar tracking regardless of the revision implant system used. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Retrospective cohort study.

Comparing the Efficacy of Articulating Spacer Constructs for Knee Periprosthetic Joint Infection Eradication: All-Cement vs Real-Component Spacers.

BACKGROUND: The most common treatment for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a 2-stage revision. Few studies have compared different articulating spacer constructs. This study compares the outcomes of real-component and all-cement articulating spacers for TKA PJI treatment. METHODS: This retrospective observational study examined the arthroplasty database at 3 academic hospitals for articulating spacers placed for TKA PJIs between April 2011 and August 2020. Patients were categorized as receiving a real-component or an all-cement articulating spacer. Data on demographics, surgical information, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: One-hundred sixty-four spacers were identified: 72 all-cement and 92 real-component spacers. Patients who received real-component spacers were older (67 ± 10 vs 63 ± 12 years; P = .04) and more likely to be former smokers (50.0% vs 28.6%; P = .02). Real-component spacers had greater range of motion (ROM) after Stage 1 (84° ± 28° vs 58° ± 28°; P < .01) and shorter hospital stays after Stage 1 (5.8 ± 4.3 vs 8.4 ± 6.8 days; P < .01). There was no difference in time to reimplantation, change in ROM from pre-Stage 1 to most recent follow-up, or reinfection. Real-component spacers had shorter hospital stays (3.3 ± 1.7 vs 5.4 ± 4.9 days; P < .01) and operative times during Stage 2 (162.2 ± 47.5 vs 188.0 ± 66.0 minutes; P = .01). CONCLUSION: Real-component spacers had improved ROM after Stage 1 and lower blood loss, shorter operative time, and shorter hospital stays after Stage 2 compared to all-cement articulating spacers. The 2 spacer constructs had the same ultimate change in ROM and no difference in reinfection rates, indicating that both articulating spacer types may be safe and effective options for 2-stage revision TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective observational analysis.

The Basic Knee Revision.

The number of revision total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) is greatly increasing. It is important to know how to approach the painful and malfunctioning TKA to determine the etiology and establish surgical plan, and also how to perform a basic revision TKA. Following the conclusion of this chapter, the reader should feel familiar with the full spectrum of treatment for patients who may be indicated for revision TKA.

One Versus Two Doses of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to reduce blood loss and postoperative transfusions in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There is no consensus on the ideal dosing regimen in the literature, although there is a growing body of literature stating there is little benefit to additional doses. Our study compared one versus two doses of TXA in primary TKA and its effect on postoperative transfusion rate. We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing primary TKA at our two high-volume arthroplasty centers between 2013 and 2016. Patients were included if they underwent unilateral primary TKA, and received one or two doses of intravenous TXA. Patients receiving therapeutic anticoagulation were excluded. Our primary outcome was postoperative transfusion rate. Secondary outcomes included blood loss, length of stay, rate of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE), readmission and reoperation.A total of 1,191 patients were included: 891 received one dose and 300 received two doses. There was no significant difference in rate of transfusion, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (DVT/PE), blood volume loss, and reoperation. There was a significantly higher risk of readmission (6.7 vs. 2.4%, odds ratio [OR] 2.96, p < 0.001) and reoperation (2.0 vs. 0.6%, OR 3.61, p = 0.024) in patients receiving two doses. These findings were similar with subgroup analysis of patients receiving only aspirin prophylaxis.In unilateral TKA, there is no difference in transfusion rate with one or two doses of perioperative TXA. There was no increased risk of thromboembolic events between groups, although the two-dose group had a higher rate of readmission and reoperation. Given the added cost without clear benefit, these findings may support administration of one rather than two doses of TXA during primary TKA.

Revision total hip arthroplasty is associated with significantly higher opioid consumption as compared to primary total hip arthroplasty in the acute postoperative period.

BACKGROUND: There are currently a lack of investigations that characterised narcotic utilisation following revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). We sought to determine if immediate post-surgical opioid use was different between revision THA and primary THA. METHODS: A single institution total joint arthroplasty database was used to identify adult patients who underwent revision THA or primary THA from 2016 to 2019. Morphine milligram equivalents (MME) were calculated for different time periods. RESULTS: 6977 patients were identified, 89.72% primary THA and 10.28% revision THA. Aggregate opioid consumption was higher for revision THA patients (317.40 MME vs. 93.01 MME), as was opioid consumption in the first 24 hour and second 24-hour periods. Visual analogue pain (VAS) scores were significantly higher in the 0-12 hour postoperative and the 12-24 hours postoperative periods in the revision THA group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing revision THA had significantly higher narcotic utilisation than those undergoing primary THA, particularly in the first 24 hours postoperatively.

The Need for an Interpreter Increases Length of Stay and Influences Postoperative Disposition Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Many US patients who undergo total joint arthroplasty have low English proficiency, yet no study has investigated how the need for a translator impacts postoperative outcomes for these patients. We hypothesized that need for an interpreter after total joint arthroplasty would impact discharge disposition and length of stay. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients at a single large urban academic institution undergoing single primary total joint replacement from July 2016 to November 2019. Patients were classified as primarily English speaking (E), non-English primary language and did not require an interpreter (NE-N), or non-English primary language and did require an interpreter (NE-I). Data on patient characteristics, length of stay, and discharge disposition were collected. RESULTS: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients in the NE-I group had significantly longer length of stay than both the NE-N group (2.85 vs 2.28 days, P = .015) and the E group (2.85 s vs 1.87 days, P < .0001). THA patients who required a translator were also significantly less likely to be discharged to home than those who were primarily English speaking (71.4% vs 88.8%, P < .0001). Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients in the NE-I group had significantly longer length of stay than the E group (2.66 vs 2.50 days, P = .009). The TKA patients in the NE-I group were significantly less likely to be discharged home than in the E group (74.5% vs 82.4%, P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Although interpreter services are provided by the hospital for NE-I patients, the communication barrier that exists affects both length of stay and discharge disposition for both THA and TKA.

The Cost of an Episode of Care in a Total Knee Arthroplasty Patient Is More Than a Total Hip Arthroplasty Patient Within an Alternative Payment Model.

BACKGROUND: Alternative payment models were set up to increase the value of care for total joint arthroplasty. Currently, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) are reimbursed within the same bundle. We sought to determine whether it was appropriate for these cases to be included within the same bundle. METHODS: The data were collected from consecutive patients in a bundled payment program at a single large academic institution. All payments for 90 days postoperatively were included in the episode of care. Readmission rates, demographics, and length of stay were collected for each episode of care. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in cost of episode of care between TKA and THA, with the average TKA episode-of-care cost being higher than the average THA episode-of-care cost ($25803 vs $23805, P < .0001). There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups between gender, race, medical complexity, disposition outcome, and length of stay. The TKA group trended toward a lower readmission rate (5.3%) compared to the THA group (6.6%). CONCLUSION: The cost of an episode of care for patients within the bundled payment model is significantly higher for patients undergoing TKA compared with those undergoing a THA. This should be taken into consideration when determining payment plans for patients in alternative payment plans, along with other aspects of risk that need to be considered in order to allow for hospitals to be successful under the bundled payment model.

Can an arthroplasty risk score predict bundled care events after total joint arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: The validated Arthroplasty Risk Score (ARS) predicts the need for postoperative triage to an intensive care setting. We hypothesized that the ARS may also predict hospital length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and episode-of-care cost (EOCC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a series of 704 patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty over 17 months. Patient characteristics, 90-day EOCC, LOS, and readmission rates were compared before and after ARS implementation. RESULTS: ARS implementation was associated with fewer patients going to a skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility after discharge (63% vs 74%, P = .002). There was no difference in LOS, EOCC, readmission rates, or complications. While the adoption of the ARS did not change the mean EOCC, ARS >3 was predictive of high EOCC outlier (odds ratio 2.65, 95% confidence interval 1.40-5.01, P = .003). Increased ARS correlated with increased EOCC (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the ARS was associated with increased disposition to home. It was predictive of high EOCC and should be considered in risk adjustment variables in alternative payment models.