Factors Important to Patient Decision-Making After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury in Competitive High School and Collegiate Baseball Players.

Background: Patients are faced with several treatment decisions after an ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury: nonoperative versus operative treatment, repair versus reconstruction, and immediate versus delayed surgery. Purpose/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors important to patients when deciding which treatment to pursue after a UCL injury. We hypothesized that (1) length of time away from sports and seasonal timing would be important to patients and (2) treatment decision-making would be heavily influenced by how many and which seasons of their baseball career would be missed. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: High school and collegiate baseball players with UCL tears treated at an academic institution were surveyed retrospectively on their sports participation at the time of injury and their UCL injury treatment decisions. Respondents rated the influence of various factors on a 5-point Likert scale, and they selected the top 3 factors and the single most important factor influencing their treatment decisions. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between player characteristics and factors important to their treatment decision. Results: A total of 83 athletes completed the survey; 40 were in high school and 43 were in college at the time of injury; 7 were treated nonoperatively and 76 underwent surgery (66 immediately and 10 in a delayed fashion), 10 with UCL repair and 66 with UCL reconstruction. The ability to play competitive baseball in the long term was very important or extremely important to 90% of players, while the ability to play in the short term was very important or extremely important to 17%. Length of recovery and seasonal timing were also important factors for 53% and 54% of players, respectively, and almost all (90%) highly valued advice from a surgeon. Possible failure of nonoperative treatment leading to increased time away and the possible loss of 2 consecutive baseball seasons heavily influenced decision-making in 41% of respondents. Conclusion: Survey respondents were driven by the desire to play baseball in the long term. Treatment decisions were influenced by the length of recovery and by the seasonal timing of their injury, both of which affect how many and which seasons of baseball a player may miss. Patients found advice from their surgeon to be extremely important to decision-making.

Fighting and Penalty Minutes Associated With Long-term Mortality Among National Hockey League Players, 1967 to 2022.

Importance: National Hockey League (NHL) players are exposed to frequent head trauma. The long-term consequences of repetitive brain injury, especially for players who frequently engage in fighting, remains unknown. Objective: To investigate the mortality rates and causes of death among NHL enforcers with more career fights and penalty minutes as compared with matched controls. Design, Setting, and Participants: This matched cohort study examined 6039 NHL players who participated in at least 1 game in the seasons between October 11, 1967, and April 29, 2022, using official NHL data. Cohorts designated as enforcer-fighter (E-F) and enforcer-penalties (E-P) were selected. The E-F cohort consisted of players who participated in 50 or more career fights (n = 331). The E-P cohort included players with 3 or more penalty minutes per game (n = 183). Control-matched NHL players were identified for each E-F player (control-fighter [C-F]) (n = 331) and each E-P player (control-penalties [C-P]) (n = 183). Exposures: Fighting and penalty minutes were both used as proxies for head trauma exposure. Players with significantly increased exposure to fighting and penalties (E-F and E-P cohorts) were compared with NHL players with less frequent exposure to head trauma (C-F and C-P cohorts). Main Outcomes and Measures: Mortality rates and age at death of the enforcer and control cohorts, and their causes of death using data obtained from publicly available sources such as online and national news sources, including NHL.com. Results: Among the 6039 NHL players identified (mean [SD] age, 47.1 [15.2] years), the mean (SD) number of fights was 9.7 (24.5). The mortality rates of E-F and C-F players (13 [3.9%] vs 14 [4.2%], respectively; P = .84) or E-P and C-P players (13 [7.1.%] vs 10 [5.5%]; P = .34) were not significantly different. The mean (SD) age at death was 10 years younger for E-F players (47.5 [13.8] years) and E-P players (45.2 [10.5] years) compared with C-F players (57.5 [7.1] years) and C-P players (55.2 [8.4] years). There was a difference in causes of death between the control and enforcer players (2 neurodegenerative disorders, 2 drug overdoses, 3 suicides, and 4 vehicular crashes among enforcers vs 1 motor vehicle crash among controls; P = .03), with enforcers dying at higher rates of overdose (2 of 21 [9.5%] vs 0 of 24) and suicide (3 of 21 [14.3%] vs 0 of 24) (P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this matched cohort study indicate that there is no difference in overall mortality rates between NHL enforcers and controls. However, being an enforcer was associated with dying approximately 10 years earlier and more frequently of suicide and drug overdose.

Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Bony Bankart Repair for Anterior Instability of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Individual studies reporting the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic bony Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability have reported excellent results but have been limited by their small sample sizes. No systematic review of the literature has been performed examining the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic bony Bankart repair. PURPOSE: To provide a systematic review of the literature to examine the functional outcomes, recurrence rate, and return to sports rate after arthroscopic bony Bankart repair for anterior instability of the shoulder. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was conducted using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Ovid/Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science. Studies that examined clinical outcomes after arthroscopic bony Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability were included. Data pertaining to study characteristics and design, patient demographic characteristics, and clinical results, including functional outcomes, recurrence rate, and return to sports, were collected. The results from the studies were pooled, and weighted means and overall rates were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 21 studies with 769 patients were included for analysis. Most patients were male (91.7%), the mean age was 26.7 years (range, 12-71 years), and the mean follow-up was 42.7 months (range, 6-120 months). The most commonly reported functional outcome score was the Rowe score (12 studies), which improved on average from 41.9 preoperatively to 90.8 postoperatively. The rate of recurrent instability was reported by all 21 studies, and the overall recurrence rate was 11.9% (88/738). Return to sports after arthroscopic bony Bankart repair was reported by 11 studies, with a pooled return to sports rate of 91.0% (264/290). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic bony Bankart repair for anterior shoulder instability resulted in improvements in functional outcomes, a low rate of recurrent instability, and a high rate of return to sports. Although these findings are extremely promising, future prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic bony Bankart repair.

Fighting in professional ice hockey: it's time for a change.

Ice hockey has long been defined by a level of violence not seen in other sports. The rough-and-tough vigilante nature of the game was often employed as a method of enticing fans. Play in the National Hockey League (NHL) evolved throughout the 20th century as the rules governing it did. The nuances of what was allowed on the ice was slowly defined, but the league always fell short of an outright ban on fighting. Notably, the NHL allows fighting while international and Olympic leagues do not. Proponents of fighting's continued presence in the NHL argue that it can attract fans, facilitate momentum changes, help win games, and allows for social regulation on the ice. However, analyses of these theories have found little definitive evidence, calling the utility of fighting into question. The economics of fighting in hockey reveal high salary payouts, increased cost of injury, and a lack of correlation with ticket sales. Additionally, there is a concern for concussions sustained during fighting which has the potential for long term, detrimental mental health effects for athletes. In this analysis, we explore the history and evolution of fighting in the NHL, as well as the reasons behind its continued presence in the game, the risks associated with fighting, and the economics behind it all. Based upon these bodies of evidence, we make a proposal regarding the future of fighting in the NHL.

Psychological Factors Associated With Return to Play After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

Background: The role of psychological factors in return to play (RTP) after ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction remains unclear. Purpose: To perform a systematic review of the literature to (1) identify the specific psychological factors that affect RTP after UCL reconstruction and (2) determine the proportion of failures to RTP after UCL reconstruction because of psychological factors. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines was conducted. We queried the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Ovid/Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases to identify studies examining psychological factors and RTP after UCL reconstruction. Data pertaining to study characteristics and design, clinical and demographic characteristics, and psychological factors were collected. Patients were pooled across included studies, weighted means were calculated, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: A total of 8 studies consisting of 378 patients were included for analysis. The mean time to RTP was 12.2 months, and the overall RTP rate was 89.4%. Psychological factors affecting RTP included loss of interest, fear of reinjury, individual personality traits, personal reasons, and psychological concerns. While clinical factors accounted for 46.2% (n = 24) of failures to RTP, psychological factors comprised 40.4% (n = 21) of the reasons for failure to RTP. The most commonly cited psychological factors affecting RTP were loss of interest (n = 15 [28.8%]) and fear of reinjury (n = 3 [5.8%]). Conclusion: Psychological factors represented a substantial proportion of failures to RTP after UCL reconstruction, especially in adolescent athletes. Future prospective studies and multicenter initiatives are needed to more thoroughly evaluate the psychological concerns of patients before and after UCL reconstruction.

Injuries to Ice Hockey Referees and Linesmen: A Survey of International Ice Hockey Federation Officials.

Background: Ice hockey referees and linesmen are at risk for musculoskeletal injuries because of the lack of protective equipment and contact with players, sticks, pucks, the ice surface and boards. Purpose: To quantify and analyze injuries reported by officials of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: A 61-question survey tool was designed by an interdisciplinary team to evaluate musculoskeletal injuries experienced by ice hockey officials. This survey was administered to 600 active IIHF referees and linesmen. Only completed survey responses were included in the statistical analysis. Continuous variables were analyzed using unpaired t-tests, while categorical data were assessed utilizing chi-square tests. Results: Of the 600 surveys administered, 264 surveys were completed by officials from 45 countries (44% response rate). Of the respondents, 72% were male, and 28% were female, with a mean age of 31.1 ± 5.8 years. Officiating experience averaged 11.4 ± 6.0 years (6.3 ± 4.5 years with the IIHF). A total of 295 injuries were reported by 55% of the officials. Injuries occurred more frequently during games compared with training, and officials who worked year-round had more total injuries than those who took time off (P = .03). The most common injuries involved the wrist and hand (n = 64 [22%]), head and face (n = 58 [20%]), and the knee (n = 47 [16%]). Wrist and hand trauma included 23 fractures. Knee and shoulder injuries were most likely to require surgery compared with other body areas (P < .001); 30 officials underwent surgery because of an acute knee injury (10%). Injury prevention activities were effective at reducing injuries (P = .04). Conclusion: Most ice hockey officials experienced musculoskeletal injuries during their career. The risk of trauma to the wrist and hand can possibly be reduced via equipment modifications including protective gloves. A greater emphasis should be placed on injury prevention programs and time away from officiating competitions.

Operative Time Less Than 1.5 Hours, Male Sex, Dependent Functional Status, Presence of Dyspnea, and Reoperations Within 30 days Are Independent Risk Factors for Readmission After ACLR.

Purpose: The purposes of this study are to use a large, patient-centered database to describe the 30-day readmission rate and to identify predictive risk factors for readmission after elective isolated ACLR. Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database was retrospectively queried for isolated ACLR procedures between 2011 and 2017. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify isolated ACLR patients. Those undergoing additional procedures such as meniscectomy or multi-ligamentous reconstruction were excluded. Readmissions were analyzed against demographic variables with bivariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to find independent risk factors for 30-day readmissions after ACLR. Results: A total of 11,060 patients (37.2% female) were included with an average age of 32.2 ± 10.6 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 27.9 ± 6.5 kg/m2 (29.2% were >30). The overall readmission rate was 0.59%. The most reported reason for readmission was infection 0.22 (24 out of 11,060). The following variables were associated with significantly higher readmission rates: male sex (P = .001), history of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (P = .025), cardiac comorbidity (P = .034), operative time >1.5 hours (P <.001), partially dependent functional health status (P = .002), high preoperative creatinine (P = .009), normal preoperative albumin (P = .020), hypertension (P = .034), and reoperations (P < .001). Operative time >1.5 hours, male sex, dependent functional status, the presence of dyspnea, and undergoing a reoperation were identified as independent risk factors for 30-day readmissions (P < .05 for all). Conclusions: Isolated ACLR is associated with low 30-day readmission rates. Operative time >1.5 hours, male sex, dependent functional status, the presence of dyspnea, and 30-day reoperations are independent risk factors for readmission that should be considered in patient selection and addressed with preoperative counseling. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

National Hockey League Fights per Game and Viewership Trends: 2000-2020.

Background: Though once considered an integral part of professional hockey, fighting carries significant health risks to players. Fighting has remained legal in the National Hockey League (NHL) due to its purported economic and entertainment value. However, fights per game have diminished over the past 20 years, challenging the necessity of fighting to promote fan attendance. Hypothesis: Despite decreasing fighting rates, attendance has been stable and is negatively associated with fights per game. Methods: Two public databases were reviewed to determine attendance, fighting majors, goals scored, and games played for each NHL team from 2000 to 2020 and averaged on a per game basis. Univariate analysis was used to evaluate relationships between attendance and fights, attendance and goals, as well as goals and fights. Results: Fights per game decreased from a peak of 0.64 in 2002 to a low of 0.18 in 2020, while average attendance increased from a low of 16,549 in 2004 to a peak of 17,768 in 2013, before settling between 17,400 and 17,500 during the final three seasons of the study period. A significant negative correlation was found between attendance and fights per game (R = -0.6617, p = 0.0020). There was a positive, but not significant correlation between attendance and goals per game (R = 0.2457, p = 0.3105). A significant inverse correlation existed between goals per game and fights per game (R = -0.521, p = 0.0222). Conclusions: NHL fighting rates have diminished during the past two decades, while fan attendance has increased. A significant negative correlation exists between fan attendance and fights per game, casting doubt on fighting's entertainment value. Meanwhile, a significant inverse correlation was noted between goals per game and fights per game. Taken together, these findings suggest fans may prefer higher scoring and less violent competitions. We conclude by suggesting that prohibiting fights in the NHL could improve player safety without negatively impacting fan attendance.

Rehabilitation Variability Following Osteochondral Autograft and Allograft Transplantation of the Knee.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the variability of postoperative rehabilitation protocols used by orthopedic surgery residency programs for osteochondral autograft transplantation (OAT) and osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) of the knee. DESIGN: Online postoperative OAT and OCA rehabilitation protocols from US orthopedic programs and the scientific literature were reviewed. A custom scoring rubric was developed to analyze each protocol for the presence of discrete rehabilitation modalities and the timing of each intervention. RESULTS: A total of 16 programs (10.3%) from 155 US academic orthopedic programs published online protocols and a total of 35 protocols were analyzed. Twenty-one protocols (88%) recommended immediate postoperative bracing following OAT and 17 protocols (100%) recommended immediate postoperative bracing following OCA. The average time protocols permitted weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) was 5.2 weeks (range = 0-8 weeks) following OAT and 6.2 weeks (range = 0-8 weeks) following OCA. There was considerable variation in the inclusion and timing of strength, proprioception, agility, and pivoting exercises. Following OAT, 2 protocols (8%) recommended functional testing as criteria for return to sport at an average time of 12.0 weeks (range = 12-24 weeks). Following OCA, 1 protocol (6%) recommended functional testing as criteria for return to sport at an average time of 12.0 weeks (range = 12-24 weeks). CONCLUSION: A minority of US academic orthopedic programs publish OAT and OCA rehabilitation protocols online. Among the protocols currently available, there is significant variability in the inclusion of specific rehabilitation components and timing of many modalities. Evidence-based standardization of elements of postoperative rehabilitation may help improve patient care and subsequent outcomes.

The Role of Advanced Academic Degrees in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Faculty.

BACKGROUND: Limited knowledge exists on the role of advanced academic degrees within faculty positions in orthopaedic sports medicine. PURPOSE: To 1) provide an assessment of the baseline demographics of advanced degrees among orthopaedic sports medicine faculty and 2) examine the impact of advanced degrees on research productivity and career attainment of orthopaedic sports medicine faculty. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Orthopaedic sports medicine academics were identified using faculty listings on websites of the 200 orthopaedic surgery residency programs during the 2020-2021 academic year. Advanced degrees were defined as those additional to the primary medical degree (Doctor of Medicine [MD] or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine [DO]). Outcome measures included timing of advanced degree obtainment, residency program rankings, research productivity, and current academic rank and leadership roles. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests to determine the association of advanced degrees on outcome measures. RESULTS: In total, 911 orthopaedic sports medicine faculty members were identified, of whom 100 had an advanced degree. The most common advanced degrees were Master of Science (MS/MSc; 38%), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD; 23%), and Master of Business Administration (MBA; 13%). The presence of an advanced degree was associated with greater research productivity, including higher h-index and number of publications, as well as more editorial board positions on orthopaedics journals (P < .001). Advanced degrees were not significantly associated with attending a higher ranked orthopaedic surgery residency program, current academic rank, or leadership roles. At the institutional level, orthopaedic sports medicine programs that employed faculty with an advanced degree had a higher residency program ranking and the presence of a sports medicine fellowship was more likely (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Advanced degrees in orthopaedic sports medicine were associated with greater faculty research engagement and employment at a higher ranked institution; they were not associated with matching to a highly ranked orthopaedic surgery residency program, higher faculty rank, or academic leadership roles.

Three-Dimensional Printed Targeting Device for Scaphoid Fracture Fixation.

Background: Percutaneous guide wire insertion for scaphoid screw fixation can be challenging and often requires multiple attempts with significant radiation exposure to the surgical team. A 3-dimensional (3D) printed targeting device has the potential to reduce procedure time and intraoperative radiation exposure. Methods: Our targeting device protocol included a preprocedure computed tomography (CT) scan of a casted cadaver wrist, followed by 3D printing of a customized targeting guide. In a comparison trial, seven orthopedic surgery residents performed percutaneous scaphoid guide wire insertion on different cadaver specimens by both freehand technique and using our targeting device. Radiation exposure and procedure times were compared. All specimens underwent postprocedure CT to assess Kirschner wire (K-wire) accuracy, determined by central third placement. Pre- and postprocedure CT scans from the targeting device group were co-registered to compare planned and actual K-wire trajectories. Results: Using the freehand technique, mean fluoroscopy time was 120 seconds (standard deviation: ±53 seconds) generating 2.45 milligray of radiation. Average procedure time was 21 minutes with a mean of 6.4 (range: 3-9) insertion attempts. A single insertion attempt was made using the targeting device with an average procedure time of 30 seconds and no fluoroscopy exposure. Four K-wires were placed within the central scaphoid in both groups. Using the targeting device, average linear deviation from the planned trajectory was 2.1 mm, while the maximum linear deviation was 3.75 mm. Conclusion: When compared to freehand scaphoid guide wire insertion, our targeting device provides similar accuracy while significantly reducing intraoperative radiation exposure and procedure time.

Ultrasound diagnosis of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis in a 9-month-old infant: a rare case report.

Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis (PFT) is an aggressive infection of the flexor tendon sheath, requiring prompt intervention to minimize adverse outcomes. The diagnosis of pediatric PFT is often delayed due to the variable presence of Kanavel's signs in children and communication difficulties. A 9-month-old male presented to the emergency department with one of four Kanavel signs. The diagnosis of PFT was delayed until ultrasound was used to identify a fluid collection within the flexor tendon sheath. He was successfully treated with surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy, achieving full recovery by 6-month follow-up. This represents the youngest reported case of PFT. Difficulties with communication and physical exam as well as the variability of Kanavel's signs in young children can delay the diagnosis of pediatric PFT. Ultrasound can be a useful adjunct when clinical history and exam are equivocal, especially in children who present prior to language acquisition.

The Impact of the Instigator Rule on Fighting in the National Hockey League.

Background: Fighting is often considered an essential part of professional hockey. Increased ticket sales, a means to self-regulate other dangerous gameplay, and helping teams win are a few of the reasons that fighting advocates provide for retaining fighting in the NHL. However, fighting trends have changed over the past 50 years. Given the recent data on concussions and player safety, an in-depth analysis of fighting is required to understand if fighting has a place in the future of the NHL. Methods: Seasonal statistical team data on NHL teams from the 1967 to 2019 seasons were collected and analyzed using publicly available databases. Specific outcome variables of interest related to fighting, penalties, the final team record for a given season, and final standing were recorded. The data were divided into subgroups according to "era of play" and before/after the implementation of the instigator rule. The trends in fighting, seasonal outcomes, and other minor penalties were assessed to determine the trends in fighting over the past 50 years, the relationship between fighting and winning, and the impact of the instigator rule. Results: Fights per game decreased significantly after the implementation of the instigator rule (0.71 to 0.51 fights per game, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in fights per game when comparing Stanley Cup champions to nonplayoff teams in either the modern era (0.36 vs. 0.42, p = 0.43) or the expansion era (0.45 vs. 0.51, p = 0.49). Only two Stanley Cup champions (the Flyers 1974-1975 and the Ducks 2006-2007) led the league in fighting. A multivariate regression analysis comparing fights per game and points earned per season divided by the number of games played revealed a statistically significant inverse relationship (coefficient = -0.16, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our analysis demonstrates that the Instigator rule achieved its intended effect to decrease the number of fights per game. In the current era of professional hockey, there is no compelling evidence that a team with more fights per game will achieve greater seasonal success. These results continue to cast doubt on the belief that fighting is a necessary strategy for winning games at the NHL level.

Self-Inflicted Hand Amputation without Replantation in a Patient with Body Integrity Identity Disorder: A Case Report.

CASE: We describe a patient who self-amputated his hand using a log splitter, because of a long-standing belief that the limb "did not belong to him." On admission, he refused replantation and was found to be nonpsychotic. He was diagnosed with body integrity identity disorder (BIID) and declared competent to make his own medical decisions. A revision amputation was performed. CONCLUSION: BIID is a challenging diagnosis that physicians treating traumatic injuries should be aware of. Many ethicists support elective amputation as a definitive treatment, because of potential harm reduction and because BIID does not respond to conservative modalities such as pharmacotherapy.

Late Effects of Clubfoot Deformity in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients Whose Initial Treatment Was an Extensive Soft-tissue Release: Topic Review and Clinical Case Series.

Children with congenital clubfoot often have residual deformity, pain, and limited function in adolescence and young adulthood. These patients represent a heterogeneous group that often requires an individualized management strategy. This article reviews the available literature on this topic while proposing a descriptive classification system based on a review of patients at our institution who underwent surgery for problems related to previous clubfoot deformity during the period between January 1999 and January 2012. Seventy-two patients (93 feet) underwent surgical treatment for the late effects of clubfoot deformity at an average age of 13 years (range 9 to 19 years). All patients had been treated at a young age with serial casting, and most had at least one previous surgery on the affected foot or feet. Five common patterns of pathology identified were as follows: undercorrection, overcorrection, dorsal bunion, anterior ankle impingement, and lateral hindfoot impingement. Management pathways for each group of the presenting problems is described. To our knowledge, this topic review represents the largest report of adolescent and young adult patients with residual clubfoot deformity in the literature.

Prognostic Factors for Success After Irrigation and Debridement With Modular Component Exchange for Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Irrigation and debridement with modular component exchange (IDMCE) can treat prosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Compared to 2-stage revision, IDMCE is associated with lower morbidity but may carry higher infection recurrence rates. We aimed to identify prognostic factors associated with successful IDMCE in patients with PJI. METHODS: We identified 99 consecutive patients who underwent IDMCE following TKA PJI at a tertiary academic medical center from November 2009 through January 2016. Examined variables included age, gender, symptom duration, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, total protein, albumin, hemoglobin A1c, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, gram stain results, final cultures, and use of long-term antibiotic suppression. Success was defined as no further operation on the ipsilateral knee. We used t tests and chi-square analyses to determine whether each preoperative factor was associated with IDMCE reoperation. RESULTS: At mean follow-up of 2.6 years, 64 patients who underwent IDMCE were defined as successful. Thirty-five patients required one or more additional procedures for recurrent infection; of these, 20 patients underwent 2-stage revision. Patients with symptom duration of less than 2 days avoided additional surgery in 88% of cases. Elevated ESR >47 mm/h was the only variable associated with reoperation (P = .005). There were no associations among the other examined variables. CONCLUSION: Using IDMCE for PJI after TKA required reoperation in 35% of cases. Elevated preoperative ESR laboratory values and duration of symptoms >2 days were associated with reoperation.