Highly Porous Acetabular Cup and Augment Constructs in Complex Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: What Predicts 10 Year Implant Survivorship?

BACKGROUND: Porous tantalum acetabular cup and augment constructs have demonstrated favorable outcomes up to five years post-surgery despite severe bone loss during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). Prior literature lacks long-term studies with substantial case numbers. This study aims to assess long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes 10 years post-surgery in patients undergoing revision THA with porous tantalum acetabular cup-augment constructs and determine factors associated with long-term survivorship. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2012, 157 revision THAs were performed in cases with major acetabular defects (mainly Paprosky Type IIIA and IIIB) utilizing porous tantalum cup-augment constructs. Pelvic discontinuity was noted intraoperatively in 17 hips (11%). Postoperative radiographs were evaluated at regular intervals for implant stability and radiolucent lines. There were 49 patients who had complete radiographic follow-up at 10 years or longer post-surgery. RESULTS: The 10-year survivorship free of revision of the cup-augment construct for aseptic loosening was 93%, free of any acetabular construct revision was 91%, free of any hip re-revision was 77%, and free of any reoperation was 75%. Pelvic discontinuity was associated with increased risk of reoperation (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 2.8), any hip re-revision (HR = 3.2), any cup-augment construct revision (HR = 11.8), and aseptic construct revision (HR = 10.0). Of unrevised cases with radiographs at 10 years, four hips showed radiographic loosening. Mean Harris Hip Scores improved from 47 preoperatively to 79 at 10-years. CONCLUSIONS: Porous tantalum acetabular cup-augment constructs used in revision THA with severe acetabular bone loss provide excellent implant survivorship at 10 years when the acetabulum is intact. Due to lower survivorship of cup-augment constructs in cases of pelvic discontinuity, additional construct fixation or stabilization methods are recommended. when a discontinuity is present.

Surgical Approach and Body Mass Index Impact Risk of Wound Complications Following Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have suggested that wound complications may differ by surgical approach after total hip arthroplasty (THA), with particular attention toward the direct anterior approach (DAA). However, there is a paucity of data documenting wound complication rates by surgical approach and the impact of concomitant patient factors, namely body mass index (BMI). This investigation sought to determine the rates of wound complications by surgical approach and identify BMI thresholds that portend differential risk. METHODS: This multicenter study retrospectively evaluated all primary THA patients from 2010 to 2023. Patients were classified by skin incision as having a laterally based approach (posterior or lateral approach) or DAA (longitudinal incision). We identified 17,111 patients who had 11,585 laterally based (68%) and 5,526 (32%) DAA THAs. The mean age was 65 years (range, 18 to 100), 8,945 patients (52%) were women, and the mean BMI was 30 (range, 14 to 79). Logistic regression and cut-point analyses were performed to identify an optimal BMI cutoff, overall and by approach, with respect to the risk of wound complications at 90 days. RESULTS: The 90-day risk of wound complications was higher in the DAA group versus the laterally based group, with an absolute risk of 3.6% versus 2.6% and a multivariable adjusted odds ratio of 1.5 (P < .001). Cut-point analyses demonstrated that the risk of wound complications increased steadily for both approaches, but most markedly above a BMI of 33. CONCLUSIONS: Wound complications were higher after longitudinal incision DAA THA compared to laterally based approaches, with a 1% higher absolute risk and an adjusted odds ratio of 1.5. Furthermore, BMI was an independent risk factor for wound complications regardless of surgical approach, with an optimal cut-point BMI of 33 for both approaches. These data can be used by surgeons to help consider the risks and benefits of approach selection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Midterm outcomes of total hip arthroplasty after internal hemipelvectomy and iliofemoral arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have reported acceptable outcomes after arthrodesis takedown and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, there are no reports on outcomes after oncologic resection, which are inherently complex and may portend poorer outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the surgical and functional outcomes of patients who underwent prior hemipelvectomy for tumor resection and were later converted to THA. METHODS: All patients who had prior iliofemoral arthrodesis after oncologic resection that were later converted to THA at a single institution were examined. Charts were reviewed for demographic information, operative information, functional outcomes, and complications/reoperations. RESULTS: All three patients in this study were males who underwent internal hemipelvectomies for chondrosarcoma. Patients were converted to THA at a mean of 26 years after arthrodesis. Mean follow-up after conversion to THA was 7.4 years. During this follow-up period, two of the three patients required revision surgery. At last follow-up, the mean Harris Hip Score was 81 and the mean Mayo Hip Score was 67, and all patients were ambulatory without significant pain. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, patients who undergo iliofemoral arthrodesis after oncologic hemipelvectomy and are later converted to THA can expect to have a reasonable outcome, despite a high rate of complications and revision surgery.

Long-term outcome of total hip arthroplasty in patients with multiple hereditary exostosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple hereditary exostosis (MHE) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple osteochondromas. There is a paucity of literature concerning total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with MHE. The aim of this study is to report long-term outcomes of THA in patients with MHE. METHODS: Fourteen patients undergoing 15 THA's for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the presence of osteochondromas and proximal femoral deformity secondary to MHE were reviewed. Mean age at the time of surgery and follow-up was 56 and 12 years. Seven (47%) had uncemented femoral components. Eleven hips had coxa valga on preoperative imaging. Clinical outcomes were assessed with both Harris hip scores (HHS) and Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Scores (MSTS). RESULTS: Following surgery, there was an improvement in the HHS (48-82, p < 0.01) and MSTS scores (41-70%, p < 0.01). Complications occurred in 5 patients leading to reoperation in 3 patients, of which 2 patients underwent a revision procedure at 19 and 20-years postoperative. The 10-year revision free survival was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: THA in the setting of MHE reliably improves patient function. One in three patients will have a postoperative complication; however, the long-term incidence of revision is low.

Whole Blood Metal Levels in the Setting of an Oncologic Endoprosthesis: Is There Cause for Concern?

BACKGROUND: Massive modular endoprostheses have become a primary means of reconstruction after oncologic resection of a lower extremity tumor. These implants are commonly made with cobalt-chromium alloys that can undergo wear and corrosion, releasing cobalt and chromium ions into the surrounding tissue and blood. However, there are few studies about the blood metal levels in these patients. QUESTION/PURPOSE: What is the whole blood cobalt and chromium ion level in patients with massive modular endoprostheses? METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of our total joints registry to identify patients with a history of an endoprosthetic reconstruction performed at our institution. Patients who were alive at the time of our review in addition to those undergoing an endoprosthetic reconstruction after an oncologic resection were included. Whole blood samples were obtained from 27 (14 male and 13 female) patients with a history of a lower extremity oncologic endoprosthesis. The median time from surgery to blood collection was 8 years (range 6 months to 32 years). Blood samples were collected and stored in metal-free ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tubes. Samples were analyzed on an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer in an International Organization for Standardization seven-class clean room using polytetrafluoroethylene-coated instruments to reduce the risk of metal contamination. The analytical measuring range was 1 to 200 ng/mL for chromium and cobalt. Cobalt and chromium levels were considered elevated when the blood level was ≥ 1 ppb. RESULTS: Cobalt levels were elevated in 59% (16 of 27) of patients, and chromium levels were elevated in 26% (seven of 27). In patients with elevated metal ion values, 15 of 17 patients had a reconstruction using a Stryker/Howmedica Global Modular Replacement System implant. CONCLUSION: Blood metal levels were elevated in patients who received reconstructions using modular oncology endoprostheses Future work is needed to establish appropriate follow-up routines and determine whether and when systemic complications occur because of elevated metal levels and how to potentially address these elevated levels when complications occur. Prospective and retrospective collaboration between multiple centers and specialty societies will be necessary to address these unknown questions in this potentially vulnerable patient group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Radiographic Accuracy of Malseated Dual-Mobility Liners Varies Based on Implant Design.

BACKGROUND: Dual-mobility constructs have gained popularity to mitigate dislocations after high-risk primary and revision total hip arthroplasties. Contemporary data have indicated that malseating of modular dual-mobility liners occurs in up to 6% of cases. The purpose of this cadaveric-based radiographic study was to determine the ability to accurately determine if modular dual-mobility liners were seated. METHODS: There were 10 hips (5 cadaveric pelvic specimens) used to implant modular dual-mobility liners of 2 designs. One had a liner that seated flush and the other had an extended rim. There were 20 constructs that were well-seated and 20 constructs were intentionally malseated. A comprehensive series of radiographs was reviewed by 2 blinded surgeons. Statistical analyses included Chi-squared testing, logistic regressions, and kappa statistics. RESULTS: Radiographic assessment of liner malseating was not accurate with an elevated rim design with misdiagnosis in 40% (16 of 40). The flush design had diagnostic errors in 5% (2 of 40; P = .0002). Logistic regressions demonstrated a significantly higher risk of misdiagnosing a malseated liner in the elevated rim group (odds ratio 13). There were 12 of 16 misdiagnoses in the elevated rim group failing to recognize a malseated liner. Each surgeon had almost perfect agreement for intraobserver reliability for flush designs (k 0.90) and fair agreement in the elevated rim design (k 0.35). CONCLUSION: A comprehensive series of plain radiographs can reliably detect a malseated modular dual-mobility liner with a flush rim design in 95% of cases. However, elevated rim designs are more difficult to accurately identify malseating on plain radiographs.

Orthopedic Surgery and Anesthesiology Surgical Improvement Strategies Project - Phase III Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Our institution initiated the Orthopedic Surgery and Anesthesiology Surgical Improvement Strategies (OASIS) project in 2017 to improve the quality and efficiency for hip and knee arthroplasties. Phase III of this project aimed to: 1) increase same-day discharge (SDD) of primary total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) to 20%; 2) maintain or improve 30-day readmission rates; and 3) realize cost savings and revenue increases. METHODS: All primary TJAs performed between 2021 and 2022 represented our study cohort, with those in 2019 (prepandemic) establishing the baseline cohort. A multidisciplinary team met weekly to track project tactics and metrics through the entire episode of care from preoperative surgical visit through 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: The SDD rate increased from 4% at baseline to 37%, with mean lengths of stay (LOS) decreasing from 1.5 to 0.9 days for all primary TJAs. The 30-day readmission rate decreased to 1.2 from 1.3%. Composite changes in surgical volume and cost reductions equaled $5 million. CONCLUSION: Application of a multidisciplinary team with health systems engineering tools and methods allowed SDD to increase from 4 to 37% with a mean LOS <1 day, resulting in a $5 million incremental gain in profit at a major academic medical center. Importantly, patient safety was not compromised as 30-day readmission rates remained stable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III Therapeutic.

Contemporary Outcomes of Transfemoral Amputation After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Transfemoral amputation (TFA) is a salvage procedure for unreconstructable failed total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Prior studies have reported poor outcomes, patient survival, and prosthetic use. The purpose of this study was to analyze patient outcomes and prosthetic utilization in a contemporary group of patients undergoing TFA in the setting of a TKA. METHODS: We reviewed 112 patients undergoing TFA with a prior TKA. Indications for amputation and postoperative functional measures were captured through chart review. Patients were contacted by survey to assess the quality of life. The mean follow-up after TFA was 4 years. RESULTS: Amputations were performed for a chronically infected TKA (n = 87, 78%) and an ischemic limb without signs of an infected TKA (n = 22, 20%). The 10-year survival after TFA was 21%. Of the patients not lost to follow-up, 53 (47%) patients were fitted for a prosthesis. Patients who underwent a TFA after the year 2000 were more likely to be fit for a prosthesis (odds ratio 7.27, P < .01); however, patients were likely to be ambulatory before TFA than after TFA (odds ratio 3.68, P < .01). After TFA, the mean 12-Item Short Form Survey scores for the mental and physical components were 54 ± 13 and 34 ± 7, with no difference in scores between patients fitted for a prosthesis and those who were not (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing a TFA after TKA due to failure of the TKA are more likely to be fit for a prosthesis; however, they reported no better quality of life and satisfaction compared with patients not fit for a prosthesis. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic.

Frank Stinchfield Award: Does Bariatric Surgery Prior to Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Really Improve Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Optimal management of morbid obesity before total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains debated. Recently, bariatric procedures have become more common with advancements in surgical techniques. We hypothesized that bariatric surgery prior to primary THA would mitigate acute postoperative complications and improve implant survivorship. METHODS: A retrospective review from 1995 to 2020 identified 88 primary THA procedures in 71 unique patients who previously underwent bariatric surgery (73% Roux-en-Y). This cohort was matched 1:1:1 for age, gender, surgical year, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and Charlson Comorbidity Index to cohorts of patients with body mass index (BMI) <40 kg/m2 and BMI ≥40 kg/m2. Revisions, reoperations, and acute complications were compared. Subgroup analysis then evaluated historical (pre-2012) relative to contemporary (2012 and after) bariatric procedures. RESULTS: Revision rates for bariatric patients were higher relative to controls with low (hazard ratio [HR] 19, P < .01) and high BMI (HR 8, P < .01). Reoperation rates showed a similar increase for bariatric patients when compared to low (HR 9, P < .01) and high BMI (HR 4, P = .01) patients. Moreover, bariatric patients had an increased dislocation risk compared to the low (HR 7, P = .03) and high BMI (HR 17, P < .01) patients. Contemporary bariatric techniques had similar complications, revisions, and reoperations relative to historical procedures. CONCLUSION: Morbidly obese patients undergoing THA have increased risks of certain complications, but it is unclear if bariatric surgery improves this risk. This study found that patients undergoing bariatric surgery have worse implant survivorship and higher dislocation rates compared to patients with naturally low and high BMIs. Further investigation into the post-bariatric metabolic state is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV.

Does Bariatric Surgery Prior to Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Improve Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Recent advancements in bariatric surgical techniques have increased its utilization for the management of morbid obesity prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We hypothesized that bariatric surgery prior to primary TKA would mitigate postoperative complications and improve implant survivorship. METHODS: A retrospective review from 1992-2020 identified 205 bariatric surgery patients with subsequent primary TKA. This cohort was matched 1:1:1 to patients without bariatric surgery and with BMI <40 kg/m2 and BMI ≥40 kg/m2. Revisions, reoperations, and 90-day complications were evaluated. Subgroup analysis evaluated bariatric patients with BMI >40 kg/m2 at TKA, the time between surgeries, and compared historical to contemporary bariatric techniques. RESULTS: Bariatric patients demonstrated higher revision rates than low (HR 4, P < .01) and high BMI (HR 9, P < .01) controls, and increased reoperations when compared to the low (HR 2, P < .01) and high BMI (HR 6, P < .01) groups. Reoperation for instability was more common in bariatric patients than low (HR 15, P = .01) and high BMI (HR 17, P < .01) groups. Reoperation for infection was higher in bariatric patients relative to the high BMI (HR 6, P = .03), but not the low BMI cohort (HR 3, P = .06). There was no difference in 90-day complications (P = .33). Bariatric patients with high BMI and contemporary bariatric procedures did not significantly impact complications or survivorship, but bariatric surgery >2 years before TKA was associated with higher revision rates (P = .01). CONCLUSION: This study found that bariatric surgery patients who undergo primary TKA have worse implant survivorship, mostly related to infection and instability. Further investigation into perioperative optimization is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV.

Viewpoint: Periprosthetic joint infection and dental antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines.

The purpose of this viewpoint is to provide a framework that is used within the Mayo Clinic to align recommendations from infectious disease experts, dental specialists, and orthopedic surgeons with regards to need for antibiotic prophylaxis prior to invasive dental procedures.

The ACS-NSQIP surgical risk calculator is a poor predictor of postoperative complications in patients undergoing oncologic distal femoral replacement.

BACKGROUND: Distal femur replacement (DFR) has become a preferred reconstruction for tumors involving the femur but is associated with known complications. The ACS-NSQIP surgical risk calculator is an online tool developed to estimate postoperative complications in the first 30-days, however, has not been used in patients undergoing DFR. The purpose of this study was determining the utility of the ACS-NSQIP calculator to predict postoperative complications. METHODS: 56 (30 male, 26 female) patients who underwent DFR were analyzed using the CPT codes: 27,365 (Under Excision Procedures on the Femur and Knee Joint), 27,447 (Arthroplasty, knee, condyle and plateau), 27,486 (Revision of total knee arthroplasty, with or without allograft), 27,487 (Revision of total knee arthroplasty, with or without allograft) and 27,488 (Repair, Revision, and/or Reconstruction Procedures on the Femur [Thigh Region] and Knee Joint). The predicted rates of complications were compared to the observed rates. RESULTS: Complications were noted in 30 (54%) of patients. The predicted risk of complications based off the CPT codes were: 27,356 (14%); 27,447 (5%); 27,486 (7%); 27,487 (8%) and 27,488 (12%). Based on ROC curves, the use of the ACS-NSQIP score were poor predictors of complications (27356, AUC 0.54); (27447, AUC 0.45); (27486, AUC 0.45); (27487, AUC 0.46); (27488, AUC 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: Distal femur arthroplasty performed in the setting of oncologic orthopedics is a complex procedure in a "high risk" surgical group. The ACS-NSQIP does not adequately predict the incidence of complications in these patients and cannot be reliably used in the shared decision-making process.

Utility of the ACS-NSQIP surgical risk calculator in predicting postoperative complications in patients undergoing oncologic proximal femoral replacement.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal femur replacement (PFR) in the setting of tumor resection is associated with a high rate of postoperative complication. The online American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) surgical risk calculator is approved by the Center of Medicare and Medicaid services to estimate 30-day postoperative complications. This study was to determine if the ACS-NSQIP can predict postoperative complications following PFR. METHODS: We reviewed 103 (61 male and 42 female) patients undergoing PFR using the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes available in the calculator: 27125 (hemiarthroplasty), 27130 (total hip), 27132 (conversion to total hip), 27134 (revision total hip), 27137 (revision acetabulum), 27138 (revision femur), and 27365 (excision tumor hip). The predicted rates of complications were compared with the observed rates. RESULTS: Complications occurred in 54 (52%) of patients, with the predicted risk based on CPT codes: 27125 (21.5%); 27130 (7.8%); 27132 (16.6%), 27134 (17.8%), 27137 (14.4%), 274138 (22.7%), and 27365 (16.2%). The calculator was a poor predictor of complications (27125, area under the curve [AUC] 0.576); (27130, AUC 0.489); (27132, AUC 0.490); (27134, AUC 00.489); (27137, AUC 0.489); (27138, AUC 0.471); and (27365, AUC 0.538). CONCLUSION: Oncologic PFR is known for complications. The ACS-NSQIP does not adequately predict the incidence of complications, and therefore cannot reliably be used in their shared decision-making process preoperative.

Contemporary Porous Titanium Acetabular Components for Total Hip Arthroplasty After Pelvic Radiation.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) following pelvic radiation have historically had poor survivorship free of aseptic acetabular component loosening. However, several series have reported improved results with tantalum acetabular components. The purpose of this study is to assess implant survivorship, radiographic results, and clinical outcomes of contemporary, porous titanium acetabular components in the setting of prior pelvic radiation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 33 patients (38 hips) with prior pelvic radiation between 2006 and 2016 who underwent primary THA. The mean overall pelvic radiation dose was 6300 cGy with a mean latency period to THA of 5 years. The most common acetabular component was Pinnacle (DePuy Synthes) in 76%. Eight-seven percent of cups were fixed with screws. The mean age at primary THA was 74 years, 76% were male, and the mean body mass index was 30 kg/m2. Mean follow-up was 5 years. RESULTS: The 10-year survivorship free of revision for aseptic loosening, free of any revision, and free of any reoperation were 100%, 89%, and 89%, respectively, when accounting for death as a competing risk. There were 3 revisions; one each for taper corrosion, recurrent dislocation, and infection. Radiographically, all cups had evidence of osteointegration and none had radiographic evidence of loosening. The mean Harris Hip Score improved from 50 to 84 postoperatively (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Contemporary porous titanium acetabular components with supplemental screws provided excellent implant fixation in patients with prior therapeutic pelvic radiation. At 10 years, 100% of these components were free of revision for aseptic loosening and 100% were radiographically well-fixed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic.

The effect of radial head prosthesis diameter on posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to investigate how different diameters of radial head replacement affect posterolateral translation with a valgus and supination force. We hypothesized that there would be less posterolateral rotatory translation with larger implant diameter. METHODS: Eleven cadaveric arms were stressed at 30 and 60° of flexion with a consistent supination and valgus stress force under five conditions: native radial head, radial head excision, and with 3 sizes of radial head prosthesis. Displacement of the radial head posteriorly in relation to the capitellum on radiographs was measured. Displacement was expressed as a percentage relative to the average of the maximum and minimum native radial head diameters. FINDINGS: The native radial heads had average minimum and maximum diameters of 23.3 mm and 25.2 mm, respectively. The angle of testing did not significantly change translation of the radial head. There was increased posterior translation relative to native head as the radial head sizes decreased from 24 mm to 20 mm and with excision of the radial head. Compared to the native head, the differences in displacement were statistically significant for the 20 mm radial head, but not for the 22 mm or 24 mm replacements. Radial head translation significantly increased after radial head excision. INTERPRETATIONS: This cadaveric study illustrates that patients treated with radial head excision and radial head prosthesis with undersized diameters have increased posterior translation with a valgus and supination stress. The larger the radial head prosthesis (closer to native radial head), the more closely it approximated the amount of translation of the native radial head.

Safe Positioning for Sexual Intercourse After Proximal Femoral Replacement.

Hip arthroplasty is a common procedure used for the treatment of fractures and degenerative processes affecting the hip. Proximal femoral replacement is an uncommon type of hip arthroplasty used for reconstruction after extensive bone loss. Proximal femoral replacement is used most commonly after the resection of the proximal femur for malignancies and for extensive bone loss encountered in revision hip arthroplasty and occasionally for extensive bone loss after fractures. The authors present a case of a female patient who sustained a prosthetic dislocation of her proximal femoral replacement during sexual intercourse. Standard hip arthroplasty itself can pose a risk factor for dislocation associated with certain sexual positions. Proximal femoral replacement surgery likely carries an increased risk for dislocation, given the magnitude of soft tissue loss at the time of resection. The authors believe that routine perioperative conversations for sexually active patients with proximal femur replacements should include this potential risk and discuss appropriate positioning to prevent a potential dislocation. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(2):e292-e294.].

Perioperative Risk in Patients With Epilepsy Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsies is a spectrum of brain disorders ranging from severe, life threatening, and disabling to more benign, but little is known about its impact in the perioperative arthroplasty setting. We sought to determine whether epileptic patients undergoing elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) would be at increased risk for in-hospital complications and death, prolonged stay, and nonroutine discharge. METHODS: Using discharge records from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2011), we identified 6,054,344 patients undergoing elective primary TJA, of whom 31,865 (0.5%) were identified as having epilepsy. Comparisons of perioperative outcomes were performed by multivariable logistic regression modeling. RESULTS: Patients with epilepsy were associated with increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.57-2.62) and morbidity, including (in decreasing order of magnitude of effect estimate): mechanical ventilation (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.56-1.94), induced mental disorder (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.56-1.85), stroke (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.23-2.15), pneumonia (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.21-1.49), and ileus or gastrointestinal events (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.12-1.42). Epilepsy was associated with higher risk for blood transfusion (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.27-1.33), prolonged hospital stay (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.11-1.17), and nonroutine discharge (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.50-1.58). We found no association with inpatient thromboembolic events, acute renal failure, and myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: Patients with epilepsy are at increased risk for early postoperative complications (especially mechanical ventilation, induced mental disorder, and stroke) and resource utilization after elective joint arthroplasty. Greater awareness of epilepsy and its health consequences may contribute to improvements in the perioperative management of TJA patients.

Dental Antibiotic Prophylaxis: What to do with Current Recommendations..

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) leads to increased patient morbidity and mortality. Current literature reveals a strong link between bacteremia and oral procedures, and therefore elevated risk of PJI. However, evidence that dental procedures do not increase risk of PJI and that antibiotic prophylaxis does not decrease PJI risk exists. In Arkansas, we continue to see patients with bacteremic-induced PJI, therefore we recommend routine prophylaxis for all dental pro- cedures for patients who can tolerate the antibiotics during the first year after joint replacement. Antibiotics are associated with known risks, therefore, a discussion between the physician, dentist, and patient is recommended.

Tranexamic Acid Reduces Blood Transfusions in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The use of tranexamic acid (TEA) can significantly reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusions in elective primary joint arthroplasty. Revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) requires increased utilization of postoperative blood transfusions for acute blood loss anemia compared with elective primary hip arthroplasty. There is limited literature to support the routine use of TEA in revision THA. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 161 consecutive patients who underwent revision THA from 2012 to 2014 at a single institution by 2 fellowship-trained surgeons. We compared the transfusion requirements and the postoperative hemoglobin drop of the TEA group (109 patients, 114 hips) vs the no-TEA group (52 patients, 56 hips). Our standard protocol for administering TEA is 1000 mg IV at incision and the same dose repeated 2 hours later. The no-TEA group did not receive the medication because of previous hospital contraindication criteria. RESULTS: The transfusion rate was significantly less for the TEA group (7%) compared with the no-TEA group (34%; P < .0001). The mean hemoglobin delta was also significantly less for the TEA group (2.0 ± 1.3 g/dL) compared with the no-TEA group (3.5 ± 1.4 g/dL, P < .0001). No adverse thromboembolic events occurred in the patients who received TEA. CONCLUSION: The routine use of TEA during revision THA demonstrated a significant reduction in allogenic blood transfusion rates. The postoperative hemoglobin drop was also significantly less with the use of TEA. We recommend the routine use of TEA during revision THA.

Readability of Patient Education Materials in Hand Surgery and Health Literacy Best Practices for Improvement.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to update a portion of a 2008 study of patient education materials from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand Web site with new readability results, to compare the results to health literacy best practices, and to make recommendations to the field for improvement. METHODS: A sample of 77 patient education documents were downloaded from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand Web site, handcare.org, and assessed for readability using 4 readability tools. Mean readability grade-level scores were derived. Best practices for plain language for written health materials were compiled from 3 government agency sources. RESULTS: The mean readability of the 77 patient education documents in the study was 9.3 grade level. This reading level is reduced from the previous study in 2008 in which the overall mean was 10.6; however, the current sample grade level still exceeds recommended readability according to best practices. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a small body of literature on the readability of patient education materials related to hand surgery and other orthopedic issues over the last 7 years, readability was not dramatically improved in our current sample. Using health literacy as a framework, improvements in hand surgery patient education may result in better understanding and better outcomes for patients seeing hand surgeons. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Improved understanding of patient education materials related to hand surgery may improve preventable negative outcomes that are clinically significant as well as contribute to improved quality of life for patients.