Geriatric Distal Femur Fractures Treated with Arthroplasty Are Associated with Lower Mortality but Greater Costs Compared with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation at 30 Days.

Distal femur fractures (DFFs) are common injuries with significant morbidity. Surgical options include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and/or intramedullary devices or a distal femur endoprosthesis (distal femur replacement [DFR]). A paucity of studies exist that compare the two modalities. The present study utilized a 1:2 propensity score match to compare 30-day outcomes of geriatric patients with DFFs who underwent an ORIF or DFR. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from 2008 to 2019 were utilized to identify all patients who sustained a DFF and underwent either ORIF or DFR. This yielded 3,197 patients who underwent an ORIF versus 121 patients who underwent a DFR. A final sample of 363 patients (242 patients with ORIF vs. 121 with DFR) was obtained after a 1:2 propensity score match. Costs were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample database using multiple regression analysis and validated with a 7:3 train-test algorithm. Independent samples t-tests and chi-square analysis were conducted to assess cost and outcome differences, respectively. Patients who received a DFR had higher transfusion rates than ORIF (p = 0.021) and higher mean inpatient hospital costs (p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis for patients 80 years of age or older revealed higher 30-day unplanned readmission (0 vs. 18.2%; p < 0.001) and 30-day mortality (0 vs. 18.2%; p < 0.001) rates for patients undergoing ORIF compared with DFR. The total number of DFR cases needed to prevent one ORIF-related 30-day mortality for DFR for patients 80 years of age was 6 (95% confidence interval: 3.02-19.9). The mean hospital costs associated with preventing one case of death within 30 days from operation by undergoing DFR compared with ORIF was $176,021.39. Our results demonstrate higher rates of transfusion and increased inpatient costs among the DFR cohort compared with ORIF. However, we demonstrate lower rates of mortality for patients 80 years and older who underwent DFR versus ORIF. Future studies randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate the results of this study.

Human placental extract: a potential therapeutic in treating osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease marked by cartilage degradation and loss of function. Recently, there have been increased efforts to attenuate and reverse OA by stimulating cartilage regeneration and preventing cartilage degradation. Human placental extract (HPE) may be an option due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and growth stimulatory properties. These properties are useful in preventing cell death and senescence, which may optimize in-situ cartilage regeneration. In this review, we discuss the anatomy and physiology of the placenta, as well as explore in vivo and in vitro studies assessing its effects on tissue regeneration. Finally, we assess the potential role of HPE in cartilage regenerative medicine and OA. The Medline database was utilized for all studies that involved the use of HPE or human placenta hydrolysate. Exclusion criteria included articles not written in English, conference reviews, editorials, letters to the editor, surveys, case reports, and case series. HPE had significant anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, HPE had a role in attenuating cellular senescence and cell apoptosis via reduction of reactive oxidative species both in vitro and in vivo. One study explored the effects of HPE in OA and demonstrated reduction in cartilage catabolic gene expression, indicating HPE's effect in attenuating OA. HPE houses favorable properties that can attenuate and reverse tissue damage. This may be a beneficial therapeutic in OA as it creates a more favorable environment for in-situ cartilage regeneration. More well designed in-vitro and in-vivo studies are needed to define the role of HPE in treating OA.

Shared and unique risk factors for readmission exist following upper and lower extremity arthroplasty in the 30-day postoperative period.

PURPOSE: Joint arthroplasty has become increasingly more common in the United States, and it is important to examine the patient-based risk factors and surgical variables associated with hospital readmissions. The purpose of this study was to identify stratified rates and risk factors for readmission after upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, and wrist) and lower extremity (hip, knee, and ankle) arthroplasty. METHODS: All patients undergoing upper and lower extremity arthroplasty from 2008-2018 were identified using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities and surgical characteristics were examined utilizing uni- and multi-variate analysis for significant predictors of 30-days hospital readmission. RESULTS: A total of 523,523 lower and 25,215 upper extremity arthroplasty patients were included in this study. A number of 22,183 (4.2%) lower and 1072 (4.4%) upper extremity arthroplasty patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Significant risk factors for 30-days readmission after lower extremity arthroplasty included age, Body Mass Index (BMI), operative time, dependent functional status, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥3, increased length of stay, and various medical comorbidities such as diabetes, tobacco dependency, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An overweight BMI was associated with a lower odds of 30-days readmission when compared to a normal BMI for lower extremity arthroplasty. Analysis for upper extremity arthroplasty revealed similar findings of significant risk factors for 30-days hospital readmission, although diabetes mellitus was not found to be a significant risk factor. CONCLUSION: Nearly one in 25 patients undergoing upper and lower extremity arthroplasty experiences hospital readmission within 30-days of index surgery. There are several modifiable risk factors for 30-days hospital readmission shared by both lower and upper extremity arthroplasty, including tobacco smoking, COPD, and hypertension. Optimization of these medical comorbidities may mitigate the risk short-term readmission following joint arthroplasty procedures and improve overall cost effectiveness of perioperative surgical care.

A finite element analysis of the supportive effect of a new type of rotary support plate on lateral tibial plateau fractures.

Background: Tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are a challenging type of fracture in orthopedic traumatology. We previously designed a plate (Patent Number: CN201520195596.5) for posterolateral TPF combined with posterior lateral collapse.. In this study, finite element analysis was used to compare the biomechanical characteristics of two internal fixation methods for posterolateral TPF. We investigated the support effect of the new steel plate on lateral TPFs combined with posterior TPFs. Methods: Two models of complex TPF were established. Model A was fixed with the new type of plate, and model B was fixed without the plate. Three axial loads of 500, 1,000, and 1,500 N were applied using FEA on the two fracture models (A and B) to analyze the data. Results: In model A, the maximum displacement at 500, 1,000, and 1,500 N was 0.085797, 0.17043, and 0.25465 mm, respectively; the maximum stress of the bone block was 11.285, 20.648, and 29.227 MPa, respectively; and the maximum strain of the bone block was 0.0012474, 0.007435, and 0.0035769 mm, respectively. The maximum displacement of the internal fixation was 0.096932, 0.18682, and 0.27655 mm, respectively; the maximum stress was 69.54, 112.1, and 155.71 MPa, respectively; and the maximum strain was 0.00066228, 0.0010676, and 0.0014829 mm, respectively. In model B, the maximum displacement of fractures at 500, 1,000, and 1,500 N was 0.15675, 0.29868, and 0.44017 mm, respectively; the maximum stress of the bone block was 6.5519, 12.575, and 18.842 MPa, respectively; and the maximum strain of the bone block was 0.0032554, 0.0074357, and 0.012146 mm, respectively. The maximum displacement of the screw was 0.14177, 0.27109, and 0.39849 mm, respectively; the maximum stress was 48.916, 92.251, and 135.27 MPa, respectively; and the maximum strain was 0.00046608, 0.00087893, and 0.0012887 mm, respectively. Conclusions: The fixation method using this type of plates and screws can replace other methods using two plates to fix complex TPF.

Trends and risk factors for opioid administration for non-emergent lower back pain.

BACKGROUND: Non-emergent low-back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent presenting complaints to the emergency department (ED) and has been shown to contribute to overcrowding in the ED as well as diverting attention away from more serious complaints. There has been an increasing focus in current literature regarding ED admission and opioid prescriptions for general complaints of pain, however, there is limited data concerning the trends over the last decade in ED admissions for non-emergent LBP as well as any subsequent opioid prescriptions by the ED for this complaint. AIM: To determine trends in non-emergent ED visits for back pain; annual trends in opioid administration for patients presenting to the ED for back pain; and factors associated with receiving an opioid-based medication for non-emergent LBP in the ED. METHODS: Patients presenting to the ED for non-emergent LBP from 2010 to 2017 were retrospectively identified from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey database. The "year" variable was transformed to two-year intervals, and a weighted survey analysis was conducted utilizing the weighted variables to generate incidence estimates. Bivariate statistics were used to assess differences in count data, and logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with patients being discharged from the ED with narcotics. Statistical significance was set to a P value of 0.05. RESULTS: Out of a total of 41658475 total ED visits, 3.8% (7726) met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. There was a decrease in the rates of non-emergent back pain to the ED from 4.05% of all cases during 2010 and 2011 to 3.56% during 2016 and 2017. The most common opioids prescribed over the period included hydrocodone-based medications (49.1%) and tramadol-based medications (16.9), with the combination of all other opioid types contributing to 35.7% of total opioids prescribed. Factors significantly associated with being prescribed narcotics included age over 43.84-years-old, higher income, private insurance, the obtainment of radiographic imaging in the ED, and region of the United States (all, P < 0.05). Emergency departments located in the Midwest [odds ratio (OR): 2.42, P < 0.001], South (OR: 2.35, < 0.001), and West (OR: 2.57, P < 0.001) were more likely to prescribe opioid-based medications for non-emergent LBP compared to EDs in the Northeast. CONCLUSION: From 2010 to 2017, there was a significant decrease in the number of non-emergent LBP ED visits, as well as a decrease in opioids prescribed at these visits. These findings may be attributed to the increased focus and regulatory guidelines on opioid prescription practices at both the federal and state levels. Since non-emergent LBP is still a highly common ED presentation, conclusions drawn from opioid prescription practices within this cohort is necessary for limiting unnecessary ED opioid prescriptions.

Effect of Perioperative Tranexamic Acid on Allogeneic Blood Transfusions for Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients at a Community Hospital.

Introduction Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to be a cost-effective method for reducing blood loss and postoperative transfusions in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at tertiary care centers. However, the efficacy of TXA has not been studied in community hospitals, and the potential cost savings may be especially beneficial for these institutions. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of TXA in reducing postoperative transfusions and blood loss following TKA at a community hospital. Methods Institutional approval was obtained for the retrospective review of a consecutive series of patients that underwent a total knee arthroplasty procedure between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019. Patients undergoing bilateral TKA were excluded from the analysis, yielding a total of 190 TKA procedures of which 131 patients received TXA. Fisher's exact test was conducted to compare rates of transfusion between the groups. A difference in difference analysis was conducted to assess TXA's effect on patient hemoglobin levels (Hgb) on postoperative Days 1 and 2. All analyses were conducted using R studio (Vienna, Austria). A p-value of 0.05 was set as the threshold for statistical significance. Results There was no difference in group characteristics in terms of age (70 years vs 68 years, p=0.17; no-TXA vs TXA, respectively). Fisher's exact test revealed no difference in the rates of allogeneic transfusion between TKA patients who did not receive a TXA and TKA patients who received a TXA (3.4% vs 0.8%; p=0.228). However, our difference in differences analysis revealed that TXA patients had a mean reduction in hemoglobin (Hgb)-related blood loss of 0.876 Hgb/dl (95% CI: 0.56 to 1.19; p<0.001) between the preoperative period and postoperative Day 1. Similarly, our difference in differences analysis revealed a mean reduction in Hgb-related blood loss of 0.972 Hgb/dl (95% CI: 0.593 to 1.349; p<0.001) between the preoperative period and postoperative Day 2. Conclusion The present study shows TXA to be effective for reducing blood loss and transfusions following TKAs performed at a small community hospital. Given the cost-savings previously reported with TXA use, as well as the medical benefits reported in this study, TXA may have a niche in small community hospitals where cost savings from reduced transfusions and shorter hospital stays are important. Further studies should assess the exact amount of financial savings from TXA utilization in small community hospitals.

Economic impact of orthopaedic care for non-fatal gunshot wounds: analysis of a public health crisis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to perform an epidemiological evaluation and an economic analysis of 90-day costs associated with non-fatal gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the extremities, spine and pelvis requiring orthopaedic care in the United States. METHODS: A retrospective epidemiological review of the Medicare national patient record database was conducted from 2005 to 2014. Incidence, fracture location and costs associated where evaluated. Those patients identified through International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 revision codes and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Codes who sustained a fracture secondary to a GSW. Any type of surgical intervention including incision and drainage, open reduction with internal fixation, closed reduction and percutaneous fixation, etc. were identified to analyze, and evaluate costs of care as seen by charges and reimbursements to the payer. The 90-day period after initial fracture care was queried. RESULTS: A total of 9,765 patients required surgical orthopaedic care for GSWs. There was a total of 2,183 fractures due to GSW treated operatively in 2,201 patients. Of these, 22% were femur fractures, 18.3% were hand/wrist fractures and 16.7% were ankle/foot fractures. A majority of patients were male (83.3%) and under 65 years of age (56.3%). Total charges for GSW requiring orthopedic care were $513,334,743 during the 10-year study period. Total reimbursement for these patients were $124,723,068. Average charges per patient were highest for fracture management of the spine $431,021.33, followed by the pelvis $392,658.45 and later by tibia/fibula fractures $342,316.92. CONCLUSIONS: The 90-day direct charges and reimbursements of orthopedic care for non-fatal GSWs are of significant amounts per patient. While the number of fatal GSWs has received much attention, non-fatal GSWs have a large economic and societal impact that warrants further research and consideration by the public and policy makers.

Stem cell secretome, regeneration, and clinical translation: a narrative review.

Regenerative medicine is a field growing in popularity due to high hopes for stimulating in situ tissue restoration. Stem cell therapy remain at the center of regenerative medicine, due to early reports on its pluripotent differentiating capability. However, more recent reports suggest the paracrine activity of stem cells, and not direct differentiation, as the cause of its therapeutic effects. This paracrine activity can be harnessed in the form of conditioned media. Despite these capabilities, the clinical translation of stem cell conditioned media (i.e., secretome) is precluded by a variety of factors. These limitations include standardization of stem cell-conditioned media formulation, characterization of bioactive factors in conditioned media and dosing, optimizing modes of delivery, and uncovering of mechanisms of action of stem cell conditioned media. The purpose of this review is to provide a focused narration on the aforementioned preclusions pertaining to the clinical translation of stem cell conditioned media. Specifically, we will report on commonly use methodologies for the development of stem cell conditioned media, modalities for conditioned media characterization, modes of delivery, and postulated mechanisms of action for stem cell conditioned media in regenerative medicine.

Amniotic Stem Cell-Conditioned Media for the Treatment of Nerve and Muscle Pathology: A Systematic Review.

Muscle and nerve tissue damage can elicit a significant loss of function and poses as a burden for patients and healthcare providers. Even for tissues, such as the peripheral nerve and skeletal muscle, that harbor significant regenerative capacity, innate regenerative processes often lead to less than optimal recovery and residual loss of function. The reasons for poor regeneration include significant cell damage secondary to oxidative stress, poor recruitment of resident stem cells, and an unfavorable microenvironment for tissue regeneration. Stem cell-based therapy was once thought as a potential therapy in tissue regeneration, due to its self-renewal and multipotent capabilities. Early advocates for cellular-based therapy pointed to the pluripotent nature of stem cells, thus eluding to its ability to differentiate into resident cells as the source of its regenerative capability. However, increasing evidence has revealed a lack of engraftment and differentiation of stem cells, thereby pointing to stem cell paracrine activity as being responsible for its regenerative potential. Stem cell-conditioned media houses biomolecular factors that portray significant regenerative potential. Amniotic-derived stem cell-conditioned media (AFS-CM) has been of particular interest because of its ease of allocation and in vitro culture. The purpose of this review is to report the results of studies that assess the role of AFS-CM for nerve and muscle conditions. In this review, we will cover the effects of AFS-CM on cellular pathways, genes, and protein expression for different nerve and muscle cell types.

Addressing National Opioid Prescribing Practices for Knee Osteoarthritis: An Analysis of an Estimated 41,389,332 Patients With Knee Arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic pathology that is treated across multiple specialties. Opioid prescribing practices for knee OA have not been described on a national level. The purpose of this study was to (1) investigate the trends in opioid prescriptions for knee OA, (2) characterize and identify predominant opioid based medications prescribed for knee OA, and (3) identify patient- and provider-related factors influencing opioid prescribing patterns in the treatment of knee OA in the outpatient setting. METHODS: The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) was used to identify all patients in the United States who presented to an outpatient clinic for knee OA between 2007 and 2016. New opioid prescriptions were determined using a previously published algorithm. Generalized linear models were used to assess trends. RESULTS: A total of 41,389,332 patients were included, of which 12.8% were prescribed an opioid-based medication. Opioid prescription rose from 2007/2008 to 2013/2014. Analysis of the opioid type demonstrated that the prescription of hydrocodone-based medication and "other" traditional opioids followed the aforementioned trends. However, tramadol prescription demonstrated a sustained increase throughout the years peaking at 2015/2016. Patient income in the lowest quartile, a worker's compensation status, and depression were independently associated with higher odds of opioid prescription for knee OA. CONCLUSIONS: Opioid prescription for knee OA remains high. Decreases in traditional opioid prescription have been countered by increase in tramadol prescription. The risks and addictive potential of tramadol and patient and provider risk factors should be emphasized.

The Effect of Straight-Line Long-Toss Versus Ultra-Long-Toss Throwing on Passive Glenohumeral Range of Motion Recovery After Pitching.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive throwing in baseball pitchers can lead to pathologic changes in shoulder anatomy, range of motion (notably glenohumeral internal rotation deficit), and subsequent injury; however, the ideal strengthening, recovery, and maintenance protocol of the throwing shoulder in baseball remains unclear. Two strategies for throwing shoulder recovery from pitching are straight-line long-toss (SLT) throwing and ultra-long-toss (ULT) throwing, although neither is preferentially supported by empirical data. HYPOTHESIS: ULT will be more effective in returning baseline internal rotation as compared with SLT in collegiate pitchers after a pitching session. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A total of 24 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball pitchers with mean age 20.0 ± 1.1 years were randomized to either the ULT group (n = 13; 9 right-hand dominant, 4 left-hand dominant) or SLT group (n = 11; 10 right-hand dominant, 1 left-hand dominant). Measurements (dominant and nondominant, 90° abducted external rotation [ER], internal rotation [IR], and total range of motion [TROM]) were taken at 5 time points across 3 days: before and immediately after a standardized bullpen session on day 1; before and immediately after a randomized standardized ULT or SLT session on day 2; and before practice on Day 3. RESULTS: ULT demonstrated significantly greater final ER compared with baseline (+10°; P = 0.05), but did not demonstrate significant IR changes. Similarly, SLT demonstrated significantly greater post-SLT ER (+12°; P = 0.02) and TROM (+12°;P = 0.01) compared with baseline, but no significant IR changes. Final ER measurements were similar between ULT (135° ± 14°) and SLT (138° ± 10°) (P = 0.59). There was also no statistically significant difference in final IR between ULT (51° ± 14°) and SLT (56° ± 8°) (P = 0.27). CONCLUSION: The routine use of postperformance, ULT throwing to recover from range of motion alterations, specifically IR loss, after a pitching session is not superior to standard, SLT throwing. Based on these findings, the choice of postpitching recovery throwing could be player specific based on experience and comfort. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The most effective throwing regimens for enhancing performance and reducing residual impairment are unclear, and ideal recovery and maintenance protocols are frequently debated with little supporting data. Two strategies for throwing shoulder recovery from pitching are SLT and ULT throwing. These are employed to help maintain range of motion and limit IR loss in pitchers. The routine use of ULT throwing for recovery and to limit range of motion alterations after a pitching session is not superior to SLT throwing.

A Matched Control Analysis on the Effects of Alcohol Use Disorder After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in Medicare Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have found the negative impact of alcohol use disorder (AUD), most notably coagulation derangements. We sought to investigate the effects of AUD after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for (1) postoperative complications, (2) lengths of stay, and (3) costs of care. METHODS: This was a retrospective database analysis of Medicare patients with AUD undergoing primary TKA performed between 2005 and 2014. Patients with AUD were matched to controls in a 1:5 ratio by age, sex, and medical comorbidities. The query yielded 354,690 TKA patients: 59,126 with AUD and 295,564 without AUD. RESULTS: Patients with AUD had significantly greater odds ratio (OR) of medical complications, including venous thromboembolism (VTE) within 90 days (OR: 1.41, P < 0.0001) and at 1 year (OR: 1.51, P < 0.0001) and greater 2-year implant-related complications after primary TKA. Furthermore, patients with AUD had significantly longer lengths of stay (4 versus 3 days, P < 0.0001) and incurred a significantly higher episode of care costs ($15,569.76 versus $13,763.06, P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: The present study demonstrated a significant association between AUD and the development of VTE. We hope this research will aid in risk stratification and tailoring of VTE chemoprophylaxis and postoperative management in this at-risk group after TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Factors associated with non-home discharge after total knee arthroplasty: Potential for cost savings?

INTRODUCTION: Increasing demand for total knee arthroplasties (TKA) has been targeted by legislation to minimize costs and maximize outcomes. Home discharges reduce costs, and it is important to determine patient variables associated with this discharge disposition. We explored non-modifiable and modifiable factors associated with non-home discharges to determine what patient specific factors require attention. METHODS: This retrospective study included 171,903 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) patients between 2011 and 2016. Patient specific variables and discharge destinations included home, short-term nursing facilities (SNF), not home, and rehabilitation. Chi-squared analyses and analyses of variance (ANOVA) were conducted for categorical and continuous data, respectively. Multinomial regression model was utilized to assess associations between discharge destination and patient specific variables. RESULTS: Every year increase above the mean age (66 years) was associated with a nine percent (p < .001) and six percent (p < .001) increased odds for discharge to SNF or rehabilitation, respectively, compared to home discharges. Every 10% increase in BMI from the mean was associated with a 10% increase in discharge to both SNF and rehabilitation (p < .001 for both). CONCLUSION: With increasing demands for TKAs and expenditures to Medicare, evaluating factors that impact patient discharge can help optimize costs and outcomes of TKA procedures. Arthroplasty surgeons can benefit by recognizing these correlations and exploring reductions to non-home discharges through pre-operative patient optimization. Future studies should evaluate the economic cost potential associated with optimizing routine home discharge in TKA patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Smoking Is Not an Independent Risk Factor for Increased Opioid Consumption in Patients Being Treated for Ankle Fractures.

Using narcotics for pain management is an integral part of orthopaedic surgery, especially after traumatic injuries such as ankle fractures. Although narcotics are often necessary for adequate pain control, prolonged duration of opioid treatment is becoming more common, and the detrimental effects of opioid use are well known. To treat this epidemic, we need to better understand the factors that put patients at risk for increased narcotic requirements and potential opioid misuse after orthopaedic injuries. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare opioid use among ankle fracture patients in smokers versus nonsmokers to better elucidate whether tobacco use is a risk factor for increased opioid consumption. A retrospective review was conducted for all patients who presented with an ankle fracture (Weber A to C) to any of 8 institutions in a large mid-Atlantic regional hospital system and subsequently underwent surgery between the November 2013 and January 2017. Exclusion criteria included patients age <18 years, a diagnosis of a pilon fracture, polytrauma, history of substance abuse, chronic pain syndromes, and osteoporosis. This yielded a total of 130 patients (96 nonsmokers and 34 smokers). A repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to compare opioid consumption between the 2 groups. Model analysis demonstrated no difference between the 2 groups (p = .782). There was no difference in opioid consumption at 1 month (p = .838), 2 months (p = .569), or 3 months (p = .656) between smokers and nonsmokers. Our study revealed no significant difference in opioid consumption among smokers compared with nonsmokers in patients treated for ankle fractures.

The Who, What, and Where of Primary TKAs: An Analysis of HCUP Data from 2009 to 2015.

The aim of this study was to assess (1) temporal trends, (2) primary indication, (3) patient-level demographics (age, race, gender, health status, and median income quartile), and (4) region and hospital type for all patients receiving primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between 2009 and the third quarter of 2015. The National Inpatient Sample Database (NIS) was used to identify all patients who underwent a TKA between 2009 and the third quarter of 2015. Regression analysis was utilized to assess trends. Chi-square analysis was used to explore categorical variables whereas Kruskal-Wallis test was used to explore nonparametric continuous variables. TKA utilization increased between 2009 and 2015 with the highest volume occurring during the fall. Primary osteoarthritis was the primary indication in 98% of cases. There was an increase in minority representation among recipients. Black TKA recipients were younger and had lower median age-adjusted Charlson's comorbidity index (CCI). Black recipients were most likely to be of the lowest 25% of median income than any other races. The Midwest demonstrated the greatest increase in TKAs performed per 100,000 between 2009 and 2014. Case volumes shifted to urban teaching hospitals between 2009 and 2014. There were differences in age of presentation, preoperative morbidity, and income status among races. Furthermore, our findings revealed a more rapid growth in TKA procedures per 100,000 in the Midwest, in addition to volume shifts toward urban teaching hospitals. Future studies are needed to update our findings as well as explore trends in racial disparities for primary TKA recipients.

Changes in Total Knee Arthroplasty Utilization since the Implementation of ACA: An Analysis of Patient-Hospital Demographics, Costs, and Charges.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) formed the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation Center which has implemented experimental reimbursement models targeted at high-demand procedures to improve care quality. However, the effect of health care reform on total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures has not been explored. This study explores patient-hospital level demographics, inpatient costs, and charges related to TKA procedures between 2009 and 2015. The National Inpatient Sample database was utilized to identify patients who received primary TKA between January 2009 and October 2015 (4,283,387 cases). Categorical, continuous, and ordinal data were analyzed using chi-square/Fisher's exact test, t-test/analysis of variance, or Kruskal-Wallis' test, respectively. There was an increase in proportion of TKA recipients belonging to minority groups and the lowest quartile of median income (p < 0.05). There was a 1.9% increase in recipients using Medicaid as a primary payor and volume shifts from urban nonteaching toward urban teaching hospitals. There was a reduction in mean length of stay and mean inpatient costs. There were increases in hospital charges, but reductions in rates of inpatient mortality, and other postoperative complications. TKA procedures remain the most common surgical procedure; therefore, our study assessed national trends to capture the effect of PPACA. We found an increasing proportion of TKA recipients belonging to minority and low-income groups, volume shifts to urban teaching hospitals, and lower costs of care. These findings may be useful in objectively critiquing the effects of PPACA on TKA-related care.

Pain Intensity: How Press Ganey Survey Domains Correlate in Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients.

Decreasing postoperative pain for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients has been an area of continued effort for healthcare providers. These efforts have been incentivized by legislative reform, which ties reimbursement for hospitals and providers to patient perception of care. Press Ganey (PG) surveys quantify patient satisfaction, and the "pain management" domain is thought to be the best metric for assessing pain intensity. Therefore, these responses are important, as they are used to guide further improvements in healthcare delivery. This study analyzes which PG survey domains are truly associated with pain intensity in the immediate postoperative period following TKA. We queried our PG database for all primary TKA patients between November 2012 and January 2015, yielding a total of 214 patients. Multivariate regression analysis was performed utilizing pain intensity as the dependent variable. Predictor variables included body mass index (BMI), Charlson's comorbidity index, opioid consumption, and PG survey domains. Patient ratings of "communication with doctors" (B = 58.147; p = 0.001), "responsiveness of hospital staff" (B = - 62.663; p = 0.041), "communication about medicines" (B= -45.037; p < 0.001), and "hospital environment" (B = 69.342; p = 0.017) were associated with patient pain intensity. We found survey domains, other than "pain management," were associated with pain intensity. Efforts to improve outcomes and satisfaction should focus on staff education and communication. The current method for measuring patient satisfaction and reimbursement should be critically assessed and redesigned to better reflect true patient experiences.

Dialysis Is Not Associated with Increased Risk of Perioperative Complications in TKA Patients after Adjusting for Pertinent Confounders.

With a growing prevalence for chronic renal failure, arthroplasty surgeons will find it more likely to have dialysis dependent patients present for knee replacement. Previous retrospective studies using a matched cohort of patients have reported worse perioperative outcomes for dialysis-dependent patients. However, many of these studies failed to control for pertinent confounders. This study aims to fill in that void. The present study compares lengths of stay, discharge status, and 30-day outcomes between dialysis-dependent TKA recipients and a matched cohort of nondialysis dependent TKA recipients. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify the study cohorts. Patients were propensity score matched based on patient-specific demographic variables, preoperative functional status, and preoperative laboratory values. Generalized regression models were conducted to assess the effects of dialysis dependency on perioperative outcomes. Dialysis dependent patients demonstrated longer mean lengths of stay (+1.14) and a lower likelihood for home discharge (odds ratio [OR] = 0.503). There was no increased risk of 30-day complications in dialysis dependent TKA patients. Our findings demonstrate no increased risk of 30-day complications after TKA when adjusting for pertinent confounders. This suggests TKA is safe for well optimized dialysis dependent patients prior to surgery.