30-day to 10-year mortality rates following total hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of the last decade (2011-2021).

BACKGROUND: Mortality after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a rare but devastating complication. This meta-analysis aimed to: (1) determine the mortality rates at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, 5 years and 10 years after THA; (2) identify risk factors and causes of mortality after THA. METHODS: Pubmed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, EBSCO Host, and Google Scholar databases were queried for studies reporting mortality rates after primary elective, unilateral THA. Inverse-proportion models were constructed to quantify the incidence of all-cause mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, 5 years and 10 years after THA. Random-effects multiple regression was performed to investigate the potential effect modifiers of age (at time of THA), body mass index, and gender. RESULTS: A total of 53 studies (3,297,363 patients) were included. The overall mortality rate was 3.9%. The 30-day mortality was 0.49% (95% CI; 0.23-0.84). Mortality at 90 days was 0.47% (95% CI, 0.38-0.57). Mortality increased exponentially between 90 days and 5 years, with a 1-year mortality rate of 1.90% (95% CI, 1.22-2.73) and a 5-year mortality rate of 9.85% (95% CI, 5.53-15.22). At 10-year follow-up, the mortality rate was 16.43% (95% CI, 1.17-22.48). Increasing comorbidity indices, socioeconomic disadvantage, age, anaemia, and smoking were found to be risk factors for mortality. The most commonly reported causes of death were ischaemic heart disease, malignancy, and pulmonary disease. CONCLUSIONS: All-cause mortality remains low after contemporary THA. However, 1 out of 10 patients and 1 out of 6 patients were deceased after 5 years and 10 years of THA, respectively. As expected, age, but not BMI or gender, was significantly associated with mortality.

Are All Patients Going Home after Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Temporal Analysis of Discharge Trends and Predictors of Nonhome Discharge (2011-2020).

Value-based orthopaedic surgery and reimbursement changes for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are potential factors shaping arthroplasty practice nationwide. This study aimed to evaluate (1) trends in discharge disposition (home vs nonhome discharge), (2) episode-of-care outcomes for home and nonhome discharge cohorts, and (3) predictors of nonhome discharge among patients undergoing TKA from 2011 to 2020. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was reviewed for all primary TKAs from 2011 to 2020. A total of 462,858 patients were identified and grouped into home discharge (n = 378,771) and nonhome discharge (n = 84,087) cohorts. The primary outcome was the annual rate of home/nonhome discharges. Secondary outcomes included trends in health care utilization parameters, readmissions, and complications. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with nonhome discharge. Overall, 82% were discharged home, and 18% were discharged to a nonhome facility. Home discharge rates increased from 65.5% in 2011 to 94% in 2020. Nonhome discharge rates decreased from 34.5% in 2011 to 6% in 2020. Thirty-day readmissions decreased from 3.2 to 2.4% for the home discharge cohort but increased from 5.6 to 6.1% for the nonhome discharge cohort. Female sex, Asian or Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class > II, Charlson comorbidity index scores > 0, smoking, dependent functional status, and age > 60 years were associated with higher odds of nonhome discharge. Over the last decade, there has been a major shift to home discharge after TKA. Future work is needed to further assess if perioperative interventions may have a positive effect in decreasing adverse outcomes in nonhome discharge patients.

Anterolateral knee complex considerations in contemporary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review.

The anterolateral ligament (ALL) was first described in 1879 in the context of Segond fractures, which correlate with a 75-100% chance of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or a 66-75% chance of a meniscal tear. The purpose of this paper is to provide an updated comprehensive review on the anterolateral ligament complex of the knee focusing on the: (1) anatomy of the ALL/ALC; (2) associated biomechanics/function; and (3) important surgical considerations in contemporary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A systematic review of studies on ALL was conducted on Pubmed/MEDLINE and Cochrane databases (May 7th, 2020 to February 1st, 2022), with 20 studies meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were anatomical/biomechanical studies assessing ALL function, cadaveric and computer simulations, and comparative studies on surgical outcomes of ALLR (concomitant with ACL reconstruction). Eight studies were included and graded by MINOR and Newcastle-Ottawa scale to identify potential biases. The anatomy of the ALL is part of the anterolateral ligament complex (ALC), which includes the superficial/deep iliotibial band (including the Kaplan fiber system), iliopatellar band, ALL, and anterolateral capsule. Multiple biomechanical studies have characterized the ALC as a secondary passive stabilizer in resisting tibial internal rotation. Given the role of the ALC in resisting internal tibial rotation, lateral extra-articular procedures including ALL augmentation may be considered for chronic ACL tears, ACL revisions, and a high-grade pivot shift test. In the context of TKA, in the event of injury to the ALC, a more constrained implant or soft-tissue reconstruction may be necessary to restore appropriate knee stability.

Return to Sports and Return to Work After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Return to work (RTW) and sports (RTS) are critical gauges to improvement among patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to determine rates, timelines, and prognostic factors associated with RTW and RTS outcomes after primary THA. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases with 57 studies meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions and risk of bias in randomized trials (RoB2) tools. Meta-analysis and pooled analysis were conducted, with forest plots to summarize odds ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The pooled RTW rate across all studies was 70% (95% CI, 68%-80%), with rates varying significantly from 11% to 100%. The mean time to RTW was 11.2 weeks (range 1-27). A time point analysis showed increasing RTW rates with a maximum rate at 2 years of 90%. Increased age (p < 0.001) and preoperative heavy labor (p = 0.005) were associated with lower RTW rates. The RTS rate ranged from 42% to 100%, with a pooled rate of 85% (95% CI, 74%-92%). The mean time to RTS was 16.1 weeks (range 8-26). The RTS ranged from 20% to 80% with a pooled proportion of 56% (95% CI, 42%-70%, I2 = 90%) for high-intensity sports and from 75% to 100% for low-intensity sports with a pooled proportion of 97% (95% CI, 83-99, I2 = 93%). CONCLUSION: Most patients RTW and RTS after THA in an increasing manner as time passes with rates more than 85% after 1 year. These rates may be greatly affected by various factors, most notably age, the intensity of the sport, and the type of work performed. In general, young patients, low-demand work or sports can be resumed as soon as 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, but with increased restrictions as the intensity increases. This information should be used by practitioners to manage postoperative expectations and provide appropriate recommendations to patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Return to Sports and Return to Work After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Return to work (RTW) and sports (RTS) are critical gauges to improvement among patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to determine rates, timelines, and prognostic factors associated with RTW and RTS outcomes after primary TKA. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases, with 44 studies meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions tool. Meta-analysis and pooled analysis were conducted when possible with forest plots to summarize odds ratios and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The pooled RTW rate across all studies was 65% (95% CI, 51%-77%), with rates varying significantly from 10% to 98%. The mean time to RTW was of 12.9 weeks (range, 5-42). A time point analysis showed increasing RTW rates with a maximum rate at 1 year of 90%. Increased age was associated with lower RTW rates (p < 0.001). The RTS rate ranged from 36% to 100%, with a pooled rate of 82% (95% CI, 72%-89%). The mean time to RTS was 20.1 weeks (range, 16-24). A wide range of reported recurrence rates was observed among different sports (subgroup differences, p ≤ 0.001). The RTS ranged from 43% to 98%, with a pooled proportion of 76% (95% CI, 59%-87%, I2 = 91%) for low-intensity sports, and from 0% to 55% for high-intensity sports, with a pooled proportion of 35% (95% CI, 20-52, I2 = 70%). CONCLUSION: Most patients successfully return to sports and work after TKA, with rates of RTW increasing to 90% after 1 year. Such outcomes are heavily influenced by nonmodifiable (e.g., age) and modifiable (e.g., intensity of sports/employment) factors. Generally, young adults and patients with low-demand jobs can be reinitiated earlier, albeit with increasing restrictions with rising intensity. Providers should screen patients for desire to RTW and/or RTS after surgery and provide appropriate recommendations as part of necessary preoperative education and postoperative care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Is High Body Mass Index Protective or Detrimental in Surgical Fixation of Hip Fractures?: A Spline Regression Analysis of 22,388 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize the association between BMI as a continuous variable and 30-day postoperative outcomes following hip fracture surgery through (1) 30-day readmission and reoperation; (2) local wound-related; and (3) systemic complications. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (January 2016-December 2019) was queried for patients undergoing hip fracture open reduction and internal fixation. Baseline patient demographics, comorbidities, and patient outcomes were recorded. Multivariable regression models accounted for baseline demographics, comorbidities, and fracture patterns. Significant associations were analyzed using spline regression models to evaluate the continuous association between BMI and the aforementioned outcomes. RESULTS: Spline models demonstrated a U-shaped curve for the odds of 30-day readmission and 30-day reoperation with nadirs at the BMI of 27.5 and 22.0 kg/m 2 . The odd ratios of superficial infection, deep infection, any wound complication, and inability to weight bear on POD 1 rose progressively starting at a BMI of 25.6, 35.5, 25.6, and 32.7 kg/m 2 respectively. Odds of 30-day mortality, transfusion, pneumonia, and delirium were greatest at the lowest recorded BMI (11.9 kg/m 2 ). CONCLUSION: BMI has a U-shaped association with 30-day readmission and reoperation. Conversely, the highest risk of mortality and systemic complications (transfusion, pneumonia, and delirium) were within the lower BMI range, with diminishing risk as BMI increased. Local wound complications and systemic sepsis exhibited a third unique pattern with progressive rise in odds as BMI increased. The odds of any complications demonstrated a U-shaped pattern with a nadir in the overweight to obese I categories, suggesting that patients may be at lowest risk within this range. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

What Are the Drivers of Readmission for Serious Venous Thromboembolic Events after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty? An Analysis of 862,915 Patients.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a relatively common complication among patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This complication occurs in a spectrum of severity ranging from an incidental finding to serious readmission-requiring events. To date, the risk factors of serious VTE that require readmission have not been characterized. This study examines the patient and hospital characteristics associated with readmission for serious VTE after TKA. The National Readmission Database (NRD) from the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) was queried for patients who underwent primary TKA from January 2016-December 2018. The study population consisted of patients who were readmitted within 90 days following primary TKA with a primary diagnosis of VTE. Multivariable regression models were constructed to evaluate patient characteristics (age, sex, insurance, elective nature of procedure, hospital characteristics, discharge status, income, and comorbidities) associated with higher risk of developing readmission-requiring VTE. Readmission rates for VTE exhibited a higher incidence in patients older than 61 (compared with 40 and under), males (OR:1.08, 95%CI [1.03-1.14]), patients with nonelective procedures (OR:20.21, 95% CI [19.16-21.32]), patients at large hospitals(OR:1.17, 95% CI [1.09-1.25]), patients at private hospitals (OR:1.19, 95% CI [1.09-1.29]), and patients with non-home discharge statuses. Comorbidities of paralysis (OR:1.52, 95% CI [1.19-1.94]), neurological disorders (OR:1.12, 95% CI [1.02-1.23]), metastatic cancer (OR:1.48, 95% CI [1.01-2.17]), obesity (OR:1.11, 95% CI [1.06-1.17]), fluid and electrolyte imbalance (OR:1.28, 95% CI [1.18-1.38]), blood loss anemia (OR:1.29, 95% CI [1.02-1.64]), and iron deficiency anemia (OR:1.24, 95 % CI [1.15-1.33]) increased risk of VTE. Certain comorbidities requiring chronic anticoagulation were associated with lower risk of VTE. Insurance status and patient income did not exhibit any correlation with VTE incidence. Patient characteristics of male sex, age > 61, and baseline comorbidities (paralysis, neurological disorders, metastatic cancer, obesity, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and blood loss/iron deficiency anemia) were at an increased risk of developing serious VTE. Patients without continued supervision at their discharge environment were at higher risk of developing serious VTE. Extra prophylaxis and special protocols may be warranted in these patients to prevent VTE complications.

30-Days to 10-Years Mortality Rates following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Last Decade (2011-2021).

Mortality data following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) beyond 1-year postoperative time period is sparse. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to: (1) estimate contemporary mortality rates at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years following primary TKA; and (2) identify risk factors and causes of mortality following TKA. PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, EBSCO host, and Google Scholar databases were queried from January 1, 2011 to October 30, 2021 for all studies reporting mortality rates following primary TKA. A meta-analysis of proportions was conducted using a random-effects model to ascertain pooled mortality rates (95% confidence interval [CI]). Meta-regression was utilized to account for confounding effects on mortality rates due to the study's country of origin, median date of study data, average patient age, and patient gender ratios, with a level of significance maintained at p-value <0.05. A total of 44 articles were included in quantitative synthesis. The pooled 30-day mortality rate was 0.14% (95% CI:0.05-0.22%; n = 1,817,647). The pooled 90-day mortality rate was 0.35% (95% CI:0.0.28-0.43%; n = 1,641,974). The pooled 1-year mortality rate was 1.1% (95% CI:0.71-1.49%; n = 1,178,698). The pooled 5-year mortality rate was 5.38% (95% CI:4.35-6.42%; n = 597,041). The pooled 10-year mortality rate was 10.18% (95% CI:7.78-12.64%; n = 815,901). Our 30-day mortality rate was lower than previously reported. The most common causes of death at all time points were due to cardiac disease, cerebrovascular disease, and malignancy. Obesity demonstrated mixed effects on long-term mortality rates. Overall mortality rates of TKA remain low worldwide at all time points and immediate postoperative mortality rates continue to fall. Compared to symptomatic knee osteoarthritic patients reported in the literature, TKA patients qualitatively exhibited lower mortality rates, which may support the value of TKA in improving quality of life without associated excess mortality. Future long-term mortality studies should be conducted to account for geographical variability in mortality rates and further elucidate modifiable risk factors associated with mortality among TKA patients.

Spine centers of excellence: a systematic review and single-institution description of a spine center of excellence.

Background: Centers of excellence (COEs) are interdisciplinary healthcare organizations created with the goal of improving health/economic outcomes in medical treatment for both individuals and health systems, compared to traditionally structured counterparts. Multiple studies have highlighted both societal/individual burdens associated with back pain, underscoring the importance of identifying new avenues for improving both cost/clinical outcomes for this patient population. Here, we utilize available literature to better characterize the features of a spine COE at a tertiary care center and determine the impact of COEs on patient satisfaction and outcomes. Methods: A systematic review describing spine COEs was performed. PubMed, OVID, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus were utilized for electronic literature search. Data including institution, department, pathologies treated, patient satisfaction scores, patient outcomes, and descriptions of the COE, were extracted and analyzed by two reviewers per full-text article. Inclusion criteria consisted of literature describing the organization, purpose, or outcomes of a spine COE, all publication types (except technical/operative report), adult or pediatric patients, publication from inception through September 2021. Exclusion criteria consisted of articles that do not discuss spinal COEs, technical/operative reports, studies unavailable in English language, unavailable full text, or non-human subjects. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Results: Five hundred and sixty-seven unique publications were obtained from the literature search. Of these articles, 20 were included and 547 were excluded based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following full-text review of the 20 publications, 6 contained pertinent data. Quantitative data comparing COE versus non-COE was contradictory in comparing complication rates and episodic costs. Qualitative data included descriptions of spine COE features and cited improved patient care, technical advancements, and individualized care paths as positive aspects of the COE model. Mean risk of bias assessment was 3.67. Discussion: There is little evidence regarding if spine COEs provide an advantage over traditionally organized facilities. The current number and heterogeneity of publications, and lack of standardized metrics used to define a spinal COE are limiting factors. Spinal COE may offer higher value care, reduced complication rates and advancements in knowledge and technical skill.

What Is the Safest Intersurgical Interval between Staged Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty? A Nationwide Analysis of 20,279 Patients.

In staged bilateral total knee arthroplasty (BTKA), the intersurgical time is yet to be determined. This study aimed to (1) test for differences in in-hospital metrics between the index and contralateral TKA and (2) determine the safest intersurgical time interval to minimize adverse outcomes after the contralateral surgery. The National Readmissions Database was queried for patients who received staged BTKA (2016-2017). A total of 20,279 patients were included. Demographics, comorbidities, baseline determinants, and intersurgical time between index and contralateral TKAs (≤ 3 month, 4-6 months, 7-9 months, and 10-12 months intervals) were captured. Outcomes included healthcare utilization (length of stay [LOS] and nonhome discharge), in-hospital costs, and in-hospital complications. Outcomes were compared between index versus contralateral surgeries and among contralateral surgeries of various intersurgical intervals. Contralateral surgeries had shorter LOS (2.2 ± 1.9 vs. 2.4 ± 2.0 days; p < 0.001), lower nonhome discharge (n = 2692[13.2%] vs. n = 2963[14.7%]; p = 0.001), and in-hospital costs ($16,476 ± $7,404 vs. 16,774 ± $9,621; p < 0.001), but similar rates of nonmechanical (p = 0.40) complications compared with index TKA. Multivariable regression demonstrated that intersurgical time was not associated with nonmechanical complications or transfusion, or 30-day readmission (p > 0.05, each). Compared with the less than or equal to 3-month interval, the 4 to 6-month interval exhibited highest odds ratio (OR) of any infection (OR: 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.13-2.88]; p = 0.013), urinary tract infection (OR:1.81, 95%CI: [1.13-2.90]; p = 0.014), and any-cardiac complications (OR:1.17; 95%CI: [1.01-1.35]; p = 0.037). Patients in the 10-12-month cohort had lowest odds of posthemorrhagic anemia (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: [0.72-0.98]; p = 0.03). Overall, the second surgery of a staged BTKA has lower healthcare utilization despite similar complication rates. While patients in the 10 to 12-month intersurgical interval had the most favorable overall safety profile, no single interval exhibited consistently lower complications for all measured outcomes. Special care pathways should be optimized to care for patients undergoing staged BTKA.

The 2021 Neurosurgery Match: An Analysis of the Impact of Virtual Interviewing and Other COVID-19-Related Changes.

BACKGROUND: Given the safety concerns during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, residency programs suspended away rotations in 2021, and the interview process was transitioned to a virtual video format. In the present study, we assessed the extent to which these changes had affected match outcomes and whether medical school ranking, international graduate status, or affiliation with a home neurosurgery program had affected these outcomes. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of neurosurgery match data from 2016 to 2021 was performed, and the match outcomes were assessed by matched program geography and program research ranking. χ2 tests were performed to identify significant differences between the 2021 and 2016-2020 match results. RESULTS: A total of 1324 confirmed matched neurosurgery residents were identified from 2016 to 2021 (2016-2020, n = 1113; 2021, n = 211). No statistically significant differences were found in the rates of matching at a home program, within state, or within region between 2021 and 2016-2020 in the overall cohort. The proportions of international graduates and students without home programs among the matched applicants were unchanged in 2021. In 2021, students from the top 25 medical schools were less likely to match within their state or region (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings might reflect enhanced weighting given by programs to applicants from top medical schools in the absence of data from in-person rotations and interviews. These findings, coupled with the potential benefits of an increasingly virtual application process in improving equity and diversity among candidates from underrepresented communities, should be considered when determining permanent modifications to future residency application cycles.