Liposomal Bupivacaine in Adductor Canal Blocks Before Total Knee Arthroplasty Leads to Improved Postoperative Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study compares the use of liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel) versus ropivacaine in adductor canal blocks (ACB) before total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). METHODS: From the months of April 2020 to September 2021, 147 patients undergoing unilateral primary TKA were asked to participate in this prospective, double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Each patient received an iPACK block utilizing ropivacaine and was additionally randomized to receive an ACB with Exparel or Ropivacaine. For each patient, demographic information, inpatient hospital information, postoperative opioid use, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire scores were collected. RESULTS: Overall, 100 patients were included (50 in each cohort). The Exparel group had a lower hospital length of stay compared to the Control group (36.3 vs 49.7 hours, P < .01). Patients in the Exparel group reported an increased amount of Numerical Rating Scale pain score improvement at all postoperative timepoints. These patients also used a lower amount of inpatient opioids (40.9 vs 47.3 MME/d, P = .04) but a similar amount of outpatient opioids (33.4 vs 32.1 MME/d, P = .351). Finally, the Exparel group had increased improvements in all WOMAC subscores and total scores at most timepoints compared to the Control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Exparel peripheral regional nerve blocks lead to decreases in pain levels, shorter hospital lengths of stay, inpatient opioid usage, and improved WOMAC scores. Exparel can be safely used in ACB blocks before TKA to help in controlling postoperative pain and decrease length of stay.

Comparative analysis of acute blood loss anemia in robotic assisted vs. manual instrumented total knee arthroplasty.

Introduction: Robotic assisted total knee arthroplasty has become an increasingly popular technique over the past several years. Manual total knee arthroplasty can be associated with acute blood loss anemia. Instrumentation of the femoral canal with the alignment guide may in part contribute to this blood loss. Because the femoral canal is not entered during robotic assisted total knee arthroplasty, the blood loss may be lower compared to that seen in manual total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to determine if acute blood loss is greater in manually instrumented total knee arthroplasty versus robotic assisted total knee arthroplasty. Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed in a large tertiary academic hospital network by two fellowship trained surgeons. Patients underwent either robotic assisted or manually instrumented total knee arthroplasty and were assessed for postoperative acute blood loss anemia, defined as hemoglobin <13 g/dL for males or <12 g/dL for females plus a 2 g/dL drop from preoperative levels, as well as postoperative drop in hemoglobin. Results: A total of 75 patients were included in each study arm. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in postoperative hemoglobin in robotic assisted (2.1 g/dL) compared to manually instrumented total knee arthroplasty (2.1 g/dL). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative acute blood loss anemia between robotic assisted (45 %) and manually instrumented total knee arthroplasty (39 %). Higher BMI and increased age were protective against postoperative drop in hemoglobin. These protective effects were not significant when controlling for confounding variables. Surgical time was significantly longer for robotic assisted (99 min) versus manually instrumented total knee arthroplasty (86 min) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: There is no significant difference in acute blood loss when comparing patients undergoing robotic assisted and manually instrumented total knee arthroplasty.

Enhancing recovery and reducing readmissions: The impact of remote monitoring on acute postoperative care in outpatient total joint arthroplasty.

Introduction: Outpatient total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is gaining popularity in the United States. With a shift towards value-based healthcare and bundled payment models, the importance of safe discharge after TJA is pertinent in reducing readmissions and subsequent cost of care. However, many acute issues or complications may not occur until after discharge which can result in emergency department visits and readmission. Our study aims to characterize the effect of remote monitoring devices on acute postoperative recovery in TJA discharged within 24 h. We hypothesized there would be a decreased readmission rate in the remote home monitoring cohort. Methods: This prospective cohort compared 50 outpatient TJAs (primary total hip and total knee replacements) defined as discharged within 24 h with a remote home monitoring device to 50 outpatient TJAs who did not receive remote monitoring. Demographics, hospital length of stay, American Society of Anesthesiology scores, and Charlson Comorbidity Index were compared with no significant difference observed between cohorts (p > 0.05). Patients' vital signs were transmitted to a virtual response center for up to 48 h after discharge. An on-call medical team reviewed the transmissions and if prompted, would contact the patient to troubleshoot and triage. Primary outcome was 30-day hospital readmissions rates, while 30-day ED visits and patient satisfaction scores for the remote home monitoring were measured as secondary outcomes. Results: Within the remote monitoring cohort there was a 20 % incidence (10 patients) of abnormal vitals captured and 2 patients visited the ED, however there were no readmissions attributed to this group. Readmission rates and ED visits in the control non-monitored group were significantly higher at 12 % (p = 0.03), secondary to syncope, uncontrolled postoperative pain, cellulitis, hip dislocations, and postoperative fever. Of the patients who received remote monitoring, 14 % had trouble connecting the device to their smartphone, 44 % felt home monitoring helped in their care while recovering at home, 52 % made them feel safer, and 70 % would recommend this program. Conclusions: Remote home monitoring with a virtual response team after outpatient TJA is a feasible way to mitigate readmissions in the acute postoperative period and increase patient satisfaction. Efforts to minimize costs should not be implemented at the expense of patients' health outcomes with a goal to find an appropriate balance between both agendas. Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level III.

Injury patterns and outcomes associated with fractures of the native distal femur in adults.

PURPOSE: Previous studies on distal femur fractures had a high degree of inclusion criteria in their sample populations, some even including pre-existing implants. The authors look to define an injury pattern unique to fractures of the distal femur by detailing demographics, associated injuries, and outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective chart review identified 171 patients who presented to our Level 1 academic trauma center with a distal femur fracture, of which 91 injuries met inclusion for final analysis. For each patient, demographics, fracture classification, associated injuries, hospital outcomes, union rate, and complication rate were recorded. These characteristics were compared in high-energy injury versus low-energy injuries. RESULTS: Additional orthopedic injuries, most commonly an ipsilateral patella or tibia fracture (p = 0.02), were more likely to occur in patients who sustained high-energy injuries (86%, p = 0.0001). High-energy injuries resulted in more severe distal femur fracture types and significantly greater rate of open fractures (19.8% of all fractures, p = 0.0001). High-energy injuries were also associated with long operating room times during fixation (p < 0.001), estimated blood loss during surgery (p = 0.03), and hospital length of stay (p = 0.04). Finally, high-energy injuries were also associated with lower union rates (p = 0.036) and a higher rate of additional surgeries (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Patients who sustain a distal femur fracture have a greater risk for additional fractures (particularly ipsilateral tibia and patella fractures), open injuries, and non-orthopedic traumatic injuries. These high-energy injuries are also associated with a more complicated clinical course and lower rate of union compared to low-energy injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic level III.