Post-surgical Pyoderma Gangrenosum after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) following a primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery is extremely rare, with very few cases reported in the literature. Case Report: We report our clinical experience of a 65-year-old female who developed PG following a primary TKA surgery. Corticosteroids and local wound care with vacuum-assisted closure dressing helped achieve rapid improvement in the wound condition. Conclusion: Post-surgical PG in TKA can be challenging with limited evidence for its definitive treatment. A high degree of suspicion and a multidisciplinary management approach will help in the timely diagnosis and optimization of treatment for this condition.

Sexual activity at 1 year after total hip arthroplasty in Indian patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to report changes in sexual activity and related difficulties and concerns among Indian patients at the end of 1-year after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A detailed questionnaire related to sexual difficulty, frequency, position, satisfaction, stress, and concerns pre- and postoperatively was administered through an in-person interview at 1-year post-THA. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 77% of patients reported difficulties in sexual activities, which reduced significantly (p < 0.0001) to 30% at the end of 1-year post-operatively. A majority of patients reported no change in the frequency (56.5%) or satisfaction with their sexual activity (54%), and moderate to severe stress (53%) related to sexual activity at 1 year postoperatively. A significantly higher percentage (p = 0.01) of female patients (63%) reported changing their coital position postoperatively due to difficulty in leg positioning when compared to male patients (37.5%). Most patients (69%) were not able to procure information on sexual activity after THA surgery. and only 17.5% of patients discussed the topic with their surgeon. CONCLUSION: Although THA significantly reduced difficulty in sexual activity, most patients reported no change in the frequency of sexual activity or sexual satisfaction, had moderate to severe stress regarding sex, and were primarily concerned about safety of coital position and fear of dislocation at the end of 1-year postoperatively. Pre- and postoperative counselling by their surgeons will provide the patient with relevant information and help reduce anxiety and stress, improve satisfaction, and enhance the overall sexual health of the patient undergoing primary THA.

Primary Arthroplasty for Unstable and Failed Intertrochanteric Fractures: Role of Multi-Planar Trochanteric Wiring Technique.

Purpose: The primary objective of the current study is to demonstrate the trochanteric wiring technique. A secondary objective is to evaluate the clinico-radiological outcomes of use of the wiring technique during primary arthroplasty for treatment of unstable and failed intertrochanteric fractures. Materials and Methods: A prospective study including follow-up of 127 patients with unstable and failed intertrochanteric fractures who underwent primary hip arthroplasty using novel multi-planar trochanteric wiring was conducted. The average follow-up period was 17.8±4.7 months. Clinical assessment was performed using the Harris hip score (HHS). Radiographic evaluation was performed for assessment of union of the trochanter and any mechanical failure. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: At the latest follow-up, the mean HHS showed significant improvement from 79.9±1.8 (at three months) to 91.6±5.1 (P<0.05). In addition, no significant difference in the HHS was observed between male and female patients (P=0.29) and between fresh and failed intertrochanteric fractures (P=0.08). Union was achieved in all cases of fractured trochanter, except one. Wire breakage was observed in three patients. There were five cases of limb length discrepancy, three cases of lurch, and three cases of wire-related bursitis. There were no cases of dislocation or infection. Radiographs showed stable prosthesis in situ with no evidence of subsidence. Conclusion: Use of the proposed wiring technique was helpful in restoring the abductor level arm and multi-planar stability, which enabled better rehabilitation and resulted in excellent clinical and radiological outcomes with minimal risk of mechanical failure.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Severely Narrowed Femoral Canal by a Fibular Strut Using Knee Arthroscopic Tools: A Case Report and Technical Note.

A 58-year-old-male patient presented with worsening pain and restricted movements of his right hip after undergoing multiple procedures for treatment of an inter-trochanteric fracture. Secondary arthrosis and an incorporated intramedullary fibular cortical bone graft which caused severe narrowing of the medullary canal were observed by imaging. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) using knee arthroscopic tools was performed for preparation of the severely narrowed femoral canal. A satisfactory clinical outcome was achieved and stable components were observed on radiographs at the 11-year follow-up. The technique described here may be considered when attempting to perform a conversion THA for preparation of a severely narrowed femoral canal using a fibular strut in order to minimize morbidity and prevent structural destabilization.

Outcomes of Prolonged ICU Stay for Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery in Australia and New Zealand.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) on hospital mortality and non-home discharge for patients undergoing cardiac surgery over a 16-year period in Australia and New Zealand. DESIGN: A retrospective, multicenter cohort study covering the period January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2019. SETTING: One hundred one hospitals in Australia and New Zealand that submitted data to the Australia New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients (aged >18) who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, valve surgery, or combined valve + coronary artery surgery. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The authors analyzed 252,948 cardiac surgical patients from 101 hospitals, with a median age of 68.3 years (IQR 60-75.5), of whom 74.2% (187,632 of 252,948) were male patients. A U-shaped relationship was observed between ICU LOS and hospital mortality, with significantly elevated mortality at short (<20 hours) and long (>5 days) ICU LOS, which persisted after adjustment for illness severity and across clinically important subgroups (odds ratio for mortality with ICU LOS >5 days = 3.21, 95% CI 2.88-3.58, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged duration of ICU LOS after cardiac surgery is associated with increased hospital mortality in a U-shaped relationship. An ICU LOS >5 days should be considered a meaningful definition for prolonged ICU stay after cardiac surgery.

Fatigue Failure of Outer Metal Dome of Bipolar Monoblock Shell in Hemiarthroplasty Hip: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Introduction: We report a rare case of transmural wear-through of the polyethylene inner liner leading to fatigue failure of polished outer metallic dome of bipolar monoblock shell in cemented hemiarthroplasty 5-years after the index surgery. Case Presentation: A 62-year-old active man reported with 6 months of worsening right hip pain. He had undergone cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty for sub-capital fracture of the right femur 5 years back. Radiographs demonstrate significant full-thickness wear-through of the Cobalt-Chromium head through the polyethylene inner liner and outer metal dome into the acetabulum. Biomechanics study revealed inadequate thickness of outer metallic dome of monoblock shell. Revision Total hip arthroplasty was performed. At the 5-year follow-up, radiographs show stable components and no clinical abnormality. Conclusion: Albeit rare, this failure mode aimed to raised awareness, routine follow-up, and quality assurance.

Predictors of 90-Day All-Cause Morbidity, Mortality and Poor Functional Outcome Scores Following Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty in a High-Volume Setting: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: The primary objective was to ascertain the predictors of 90-day all-cause morbidity, mortality and poor functional outcome scores following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Material and Method: The study population comprised 3645 patients who underwent elective primary unilateral TKA at our institution. Demographic variables, Body Mass Index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade and the Deyo-Charlson comorbidity scores were ascertained. The Functional outcomes, perioperative complications, mortality and readmission rates were monitored prospectively for 90 days and analysed. Patients were assessed twice: at baseline and at 90 days postoperatively. Odds ratio and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to quantify the risk. A p < 0.05 for two-tailed tests were considered significant. Result: The 90-day mortality rate was 0.08% (all males) and 3.95% of the patients experienced one or the other complications. The majority of patients reported excellent-to-poor scores at 90-day follow-up VAS (8.85 ± 1.02 vs. 2.65 ± 1.15; p < 0.0001) and KSS scores (42.96 ± 5.90 vs. 80.52 ± 4.15; p < 0.0001). The early readmission rate was 0.96%. Infection was being the primary reason. Age > 70 years; Deyo-Charlson co-morbidity score ≥ 4, ASA grade-III, Diabetes Mellitus, BMI > 35, Cardiac Issues and Male gender were significant predictors of early morbidity and mortality. Female, Deyo-Charlson comorbidity score ≥ 4, ASA grade-III, BMI > 35, Age > 75 years and poor preoperative scores were significantly associated with poor functional outcome. Conclusion: The present study explicates the relative importance of predictors on morbidity, mortality and functional outcome. Efforts to minimize morbidity and mortality should concentrate more on elderly male patients, and those with high Deyo-Charlson comorbidity score, BMI and ASA grade.

COVID-19 pandemic and total knee arthroplasty: the concept of a containment sheet-a frugal innovation.

BACKGROUND: The primary purpose of the present study was to assess whether use of proposed containment sheet (so called "a frugal innovation") minimizes the aerosol and splatter dispersion during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 32 patients with knee osteoarthritis who were scheduled to undergo primary and unilateral TKA reported during the COVID-19 pandemic were enrolled into this prospective single-institution cohort study. Demographic and epidemiological data, travel and contact history were collected. Eligible cohort was randomly assigned to a study (TKA using containment sheet) group and a control group (TKA without containment sheet). Radiological and functional outcomes before operation and at the final follow-up were assessed using Western Ontario and Mc-master Universities Osteoarthritis Index score (WOMAC) and the visual analog scale (VAS). The primary outcome was the postoperative effectiveness of containment sheet and face shield, defined as the numbers of countable macroscopic aerosols and/or splatters to naked eyes. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 levels. RESULTS: Present cohort was comprised of 14 men (43.75%) and 18 women (56.25%) with an average age of 65.45 ± 4.07 years (range, 62-75 years). There were no statistically significant differences with regard to baseline parameters and perioperative demographics. Functional outcomes for knee function at the last follow-up showed significant improvement in both the groups (p < 0.05). Face shield showed significant number of aerosols/splatters in control group. Highest number/concentration of aerosols/splatters was contained within the sheet. CONCLUSION: The proposed containment sheet can minimize the dispersion of aerosols and splatters generated during TKA and provide a safe healthcare environment in a cost-effective manner.

Proximal fibular resection improves knee biomechanics and enhances tibial stress fracture healing in patients with osteoarthritis with varus deformity: a prospective, randomized control analysis.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the functional outcome of single-stage total knee arthroplasty using long-stem tibial component with proximal fibular resection (PFR) for patients with knee osteoarthritis with varus deformity associated with tibial stress fracture. METHOD: A cohort of 62 patients with a mean age 71.63 ± 7.40 years who met the criteria were randomized to a study group and a control group. Patients in the study group underwent single-stage total knee arthroplasty using long-stem tibial component with PFR. The control group received conventional treatment. All patients were followed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 month(s) after surgery. Standard anteroposterior and lateral weight bearing knee X-rays were analyzed. Western Ontario and Mc-master Universities Osteoarthritis Index score (WOMAC) and the visual analog scale (VAS) score were used to assess the functional outcome. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05 levels. RESULTS: One patient in the study group was lost to follow-up, leaving 61 patients for final assessment. The WOMAC total score and mean VAS score were significantly better in study group than in control group at final follow-up (p < 0.05). All fractures were successfully united in a mean time of 12.26 ± 1.20 weeks in study group. A total of 16 patients in control group had delayed union, five had established nonunion and required further interventions. No complications relating to surgery was detected. CONCLUSION: Total knee arthroplasty with PFR for knee arthritis with varus deformity associated with tibial stress fractures restores limb alignment, improves biomechanics, enhances fracture healing and provides excellent functional outcome.

Compressive Femoral Mononeuropathy Secondary to Acetabular Labral Tear Associated With Paralabral Ganglion Cyst of an Osteoarthritic Hip: A Case Report.

CASE: A 61-year-old man presented with a 5-year history of left hip pain and a 6-month history of left groin swelling associated with hypoesthesia and proximal muscle weakness. Radiograph of the left hip showed degenerative joint disease. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large, anteriorly displaced paralabral cyst of the left hip joint. Neurophysiologic studies were corroborative of left femoral mononeuropathy. Complete excision of the cyst along with total hip replacement were performed. At 4-year follow-up, there was complete remission with resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing the underlying primary pathologic disease for a satisfactory functional outcome.

Psychotherapy and psychopharmacology utilization following repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with major depressive disorder.

Lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) among a sample of adults in the United States has been reported as over 16%. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has become a treatment option for a subset of treatment-refractory patients with MDD. In a population of 159 commercial health plan individuals, we used claims data to compare utilization of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and psychotherapy during the one-year time period prior to rTMS initiation to the one-year time period starting 60 days after rTMS initiation. Both antidepressant and antipsychotic use declined significantly from three months pre-rTMS compared to each of four quarterly post-rTMS time points. Psychotherapy utilization also significantly declined post-rTMS compared to pre-rTMS. The reduction in medication utilization could reflect clinical improvement of the study population, and the absence of even greater reductions in utilization likely reflects the lack of clinical guidelines for antidepressant prescribing in the aftermath of rTMS treatment.

The use of tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss in uncemented total hip arthroplasty for avascular necrosis of femoral head: a prospective blinded randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled study is to assess the efficacy of administration of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) for reducing blood loss in uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) for the treatment of osteonecrosis of femoral head. METHODS: Between April 2012 and March 2014, 73 patients with avascular necrosis of femoral head were treated in our center. The patients were randomized and allocated to study group (n = 36; treated with TXA) and control group (n = 37). Intra- and postoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, and incidence of deep vein thrombosis were assessed. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The intraoperative, postoperative, and total (clinical method and Gross' formula) blood loss were significantly greater in the control group (p < 0.05). On the first, second, and third postoperative days, the levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly better in the study group (p < 0.05). There was a significantly greater number of patients who required blood transfusion in the control group (p = .027). Deep vein thrombosis was not found in either group. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of TXA used preoperatively may minimize intraoperative, postoperative, and total blood loss in uncemented THA for the treatment of osteonecrosis of femoral head, and may not increase the risk of prothrombotic complications.

Primary hip arthroplasty for the treatment of alkaptonuric hip arthritis: 3- to 24-year follow-ups.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to share our experience in total hip replacement for the treatment of ochronotic hip arthritis, in particular to report how to establish the diagnosis and some tips to limit complications. METHOD: A cohort comprised of 10 patients (12 hips) with alkaptonuric hip arthritis. There were six men and four women with the mean age of 62.80 ± 7.57 years. All patients had a stiff spine, grossly restricted movements of hip joints, and severely limited daily routine activities. Total hip replacement was performed in all patients. The patients were evaluated at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery, as well as every 4 years thereafter. Harris hip score was used to assess the functional outcome. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The mean follow-up lasted 16.70 ± 6.82 years (3 to 24 years). At the final available follow-up, nine patients returned to work, ambulate without an orthosis, and achieve complete pain relief. Harris hip score was improved from poor to excellent. One patient died 16 years after surgery due to breast cancer. No complication relating to prosthetic failures was detected. CONCLUSION: Total hip replacement gives long-term satisfactory results in patients with alkaptonuric hip arthritis, resulting in comparable function of the hips in patients who undergo primary osteoarthrosis.

Thromboprophylaxis with dabigatran after total hip arthroplasty in Indian patients: A subanalysis of a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized RE-NOVATE II study.

OBJECTIVE: In the Re-NOVATE II study, oral dabigatran provided thromboprophylaxis after total hip arthroplasty and improved compliance postdischarge in a global population. This article aims to identify trends (if any) in the Indian population. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind, double-dummy study, patients scheduled for primary, unilateral, elective total hip arthroplasty were randomized to 220 mg oral dabigatran once daily, starting with a 110 mg half-dose, 1-4 hours after surgery, or subcutaneous enoxaparin 40 mg once daily, starting the evening before surgery. Each group received a placebo of the other study drug. The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of total venous thromboembolism (VTE) and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome measures were composite of major VTE and VTE-related mortality during the treatment period. The major safety outcome was incidence of bleeding events. RESULTS: Of the 179 Indian patients randomized, 91 received oral dabigatran and 88 received subcutaneous enoxaparin for 28-35 days. Total VTE and all-cause mortality occurred in 18.7% of patients in the dabigatran group and 13.7% in the enoxaparin group [odds ratio = 1.4 (95% confidence interval 0.6, 3.5)]. Major VTE and VTE-related mortality was numerically lower in the dabigatran group (7.9%) compared with the enoxaparin group (9.9%). Safety outcomes were comparable between both groups. CONCLUSION: Dabigatran is an effective oral alternative to enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis as demonstrated by the RE-NOVATE II study global results. Data analyzed in Indian patients indicate comparable effects of dabigatran etexilate for major efficacy and safety outcomes.

Management of Infected Total Knee Arthroplasty by a New Innovative Customized Articulating Knee Spacer: An Early Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Management of infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a challenge to patient and surgeon alike. Two-stage exchange is the universally acclaimed method to tackle this problem. Various spacer devices are available for the first stage surgery for local delivery of antibiotics. Here, we report our experience with management of infected TKA patients with our indigenously designed and produced knee spacer. CASE REPORT: Between 2012 and 2013, 28 patients with infected total knee replacement (TKR) have been managed by our indigenous knee spacer. Minimal spacer-related complications and a stable knee joint with range of motion up to 100° were noted in these patients. After a mean period of 6-8 weeks, the spacer was removed and definitive TKR fixation done. At a mean follow-up of 4-months post second stage definitive surgery, patients were infection free with no evidence of recurrence of infection. CONCLUSION: Our new innovative customized articulating knee spacer, which has intramedullary stem extension, has potential to significantly reduce spacer-related complications along with providing improved knee function.

The new, confusing CPT codes: tips for documenting and billing to get paid what you deserve.

As of January 1, 2013, psychiatrists should be billing for services by using Evaluation and Management Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for any encounter related to medical services. Because detailed information about these CPT codes became available only toward the end of 2012, clinicians had little time to be trained in their use, resulting in widespread confusion about when and how to use these codes for reimbursement. The authors describe strategies that psychiatrists can use to ensure appropriate reimbursement for patient care, such as how to code the initial psychiatric evaluation, acute or chronic conditions, medical decision-making complexity, psychotherapy, counseling, coordination of care, and crisis care. The authors suggest use of templates, with checklists, during patient examinations to facilitate documentation.

Optimizing managed care peer reviews: turning a "Doc to Doc" talk into better advocacy for psychiatric inpatients.

Clinicians often resent behavioral health managed care peer reviews. However, such reviews need not be onerous. This Open Forum, written by managed care physician reviewers, attempts to help attending psychiatrists, specifically those on inpatient units, achieve more satisfying outcomes for patients by adhering to a few basic principles. Beyond the level-of-care guidelines, attending psychiatrists are advised to focus on immediate acuity, along with specific life events that may have immediate impact on the patient's well-being. A clear diagnosis, relevant treatment plan, salient updates, and strategies for preventing readmission can justify additional treatment time. By contrast, "time-based treatments," dispositional issues, or a patient's lack of acceptance or effective use of treatment are harder to justify.

Hip arthroplasty in failed intertrochanteric fractures in elderly.

BACKGROUND: Failed intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients are surgical challenge with limited options. Hip arthroplasty is a good salvage procedure even though it involves technical issues such as implant removal, bone loss, poor bone quality, trochanteric nonunion and difficulty of surgical exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 patients of failed intertrochanteric fractures where hip arthroplasty was done between May 2008 and December 2011 were included in study. 13 were males and 17 were females with average age of 67.3 years. There were 2 cemented bipolar arthroplasties, 19 uncemented bipolar, 4 cemented total hip arthroplasty and 5 uncemented total hip arthroplasties. 16 patients had a trochanteric nonunion, which was treated by tension band principles. Total hip was considered where there was acetabular damage due to the penetration of implant. RESULTS: The average followup was 20 months (range 6-48 months). Patients were followed up from 6 to 48 months with average followup of 20 months. None of the patients were lost to followup. There was no dislocation. All patients were ambulatory at the final followup. CONCLUSION: A predictable functional outcome can be achieved by hip arthroplasty in elderly patients with failed intertrochanteric fractures. Though technically demanding, properly performed hip arthroplasty can be a good salvage option for this patient group.

Efficacy and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Control of Bleeding Following TKR: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

SUMMARY: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is generally carried out using a tourniquet and blood loss occurring mainly post operatively is collected in drains. Tranexamic acid is an antifibrinolytic agent which decreases the total blood loss. Patients had unilateral / bilateral cemented TKA using combined spinal and epidural anaesthesia. In a double-blind fashion, they received either placebo (n=25) or tranexamic acid (n=25)10 mg.kg(-1) i.v., just before tourniquet inflation, followed by 1 mg kg(-1) h-1 i.v. till closure of the wound. The postoperative blood loss, transfusion requirement, cost effectiveness and complications were noted. The groups had similar characteristics. The mean volume of drainage fluid was 270 ml and 620 ml for unilateral(U/L) and bilateral(B/L) TKR patients in placebo group. Whereas it was 160ml and 286 ml respectively in unilateral(U/L) and bilateral(B/L) TKR patients who received tranexamic acid. This was considered statistically significant. Control group patients received 26 units of PRBC as compared to 4 units in tranexamic acid groups (p<0.001). This was again statistically significant. None of the patients in any of the groups developed deep vein thrombosis. Tranexamic acid decreased total blood loss by nearly 54% in B/L TKR and 40% in U/L TKR and drastically reduced (> 80%) blood transfusion.