Fracture of Contemporary Femoral Stems: Common Trends in This Rare Occurrence.

BACKGROUND: Fracture of contemporary femoral stems is a rare occurrence in total hip arthroplasty. A knowledge gap remains regarding manufacturing, patient, and surgeon factors that may contribute to the increased risk of this complication. METHODS: We analyzed 13 contemporary fractured porous-coated femoral stems of various designs to determine cause and contributing factors of mechanical failure. Cases included 12 men and 1 woman who had an average age at index surgery of 53 years (range, 34 to 76 years). There were 10 of 13 patients who had a body mass index more than 30 (obese); 3 of the 10 had a body mass index more than 40. The mean time to fracture was 7.6 years (range, 7 months to 12 years). RESULTS: There were 4 titanium alloy stems that fractured an average of 3.6 years postrevision surgery for head/cup exchange and had associated iatrogenic mechanical and electrocautery damage to the femoral neck at fracture initiation sites. There were 6 modular stems that failed at the stem-sleeve or stem-neck interfaces with evidence of fretting corrosion. For 2 stem-neck fractures, mismatched head/stem combinations from different manufacturers resulted in untested mechanical offsets and loading. There were 2 proximal neck fractures and 1 mid-shaft fracture of coated cobalt-chromium alloy stems that occurred in 3 obese men. The neck fractures (10 to 12 years) were well-fixed stems. Lack of proximal fixation contributed to the mid-shaft fracture (7 months). CONCLUSION: While rare, femoral stem fractures pose catastrophic outcomes in primary and revision total hip arthroplasty. Manufacturing, patient, and surgical factors contributing to stem failures were identified, including patient obesity, heat-treatment reduction of mechanical properties, iatrogenic implant damage, and mixing of different vendor stems and heads.

Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: How Does Residual Patellar Thickness Affect Patient-Oriented Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Maintenance of the native patellar thickness has been deemed important for proper clinical outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Our objective was to study the effects of the change in patellar thickness on patient-perceived outcomes (PPOs) after TKA. We hypothesized that reestablishing native patellar thickness after TKA results in better PPOs. METHODS: 819 consecutive patients undergoing primary TKA were studied. Patients were classified according to their postoperative patellar thickness into: (1) less than native patella thickness; (2) equal to native patella thickness; and (3) greater than native patella thickness. Difference in postoperative range of motion (ROM), PPOs and clinical scores, and delta-Δ-change were assessed. MANCOVA was used to assess for differences. RESULTS: No significant differences found based on postoperative patellar thickness (mean follow-up: 4.9 ± 2.1 years) for each ROM assessments. Those who reported more stiffness (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index stiffness; P = .011) and lower knee active flexion (P = .046) preoperatively had "greater than native patella thickness" after surgery. Postoperatively, the "equal to native patella thickness" group reported significantly better quality of life (quality of well-being scale 7 total; P = .008) as well as better physical score (Short Form-36 role physical score; P = .03). The amount of improvement (delta-Δ-change), when restoring patellar thickness equal to the native demonstrated greatest improvements in quality of life (quality of well-being scale 7 total; P = .016) physical measures (Short Form-36 role physical [P = .025], and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index stiffness scores [P = .006]). CONCLUSION: When compared with the native patellar thickness, a final postoperative difference (delta thickness) that ranges from -1.06 to 2.58 mm provides satisfactory results and does not seem to affect ROM after surgery.

Preoperative Glycemic Control on Total Joint Arthroplasty Patient-Perceived Outcomes and Hospital Costs.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of preoperative glycemic control in diabetic patients undergoing a primary total hip or knee arthroplasty. We wanted to study patient-perceived outcomes in the medium term, the length of stay, hospital costs, and rate of short-term postoperative complications. METHODS: One hundred twenty consecutive primary total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) performed in type 2 diabetic patients were stratified into 2 groups representing optimal and suboptimal preoperative glycemic control, based on serum levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and those groups compared. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 5.9 years (range, 2.1-10.7 years). Both groups demonstrated improvement in all patient-perceived outcome measures after TJA, with no significant difference detected in any change of a measure between the groups. No significant difference was detected in the length of stay, hospital costs, or rate of short-term postoperative complications between the groups. CONCLUSION: Preoperative glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients undergoing TJA did not affect patient-perceived outcomes in the medium term. Optimal vs suboptimal glycemic control in these patients also had no effect on the length of stay, hospital costs, or rate of short-term postoperative complications.

Prolonged Conservative Management in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Harming the Patient?

BACKGROUND: It is important to understand the long-term consequences of postponing total joint arthroplasty until the onset of severe functional impairment. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine and compare the midterm to long-term postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent total joint arthroplasty with severe vs less severe preoperative functional impairment. METHODS: A total of 105 primary unilateral total hip/knee arthroplasty patients were studied. Patients were divided into 2 groups-severely functionally impaired (preoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index function ≥51 points) and functionally impaired (preoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index function <51 points). RESULTS: At an average of 11.2 years postoperatively, the patients who were severely functionally impaired preoperatively had worse outcomes than did the patients with less severe preoperative functional impairment. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that, after surgery, it is unlikely that patients who are severely functionally impaired preoperatively will ever catch up to patients who have the surgery with less severe functional impairment.

High Rates of Interest in Sex in Patients With Hip Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Being sexually active has been associated with a high quality of life. Unfortunately, the topic of sexual limitations in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) has not been well studied. QUESTION/PURPOSES: (1) What proportion of patients experience sexual limitations because of hip arthritis before THA; (2) whether patient reports of sexual limitations would be associated with poorer results on general health and hip-specific instruments; and (3) whether patient reports of sexual limitations would be associated with poorer preoperative range of motion. METHODS: Between May 19, 2003, and August 17, 2009, 403 patients (423 hips) underwent primary THA; of those, 237 patients/hips (59% [237 of 403]) had addressed the new patient questionnaire within 1 year before surgery and had it available for review; and of those, 192 (48% [192 of 403]) had answered the question about sexual function on their questionnaire. This group included 159 patients who were sexually active (82% [159 of 192]). These patients were defined as our study cohort. Among them, 131 patients (82% [131 of 159]) reported some degree of sexual limitations and 28 patients (18% [28 of 159]) did not report limitations. Patient characteristics evaluated included baseline demographics, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists, Charlson in addition to preoperative/postoperative pain intensity/frequency (visual analog scale, 0-10), SF-36, WOMAC, and baseline hip range of motion measures. Outcomes of interest were compared between both groups. Mean age was 65 years. Chi-square, t-tests, and multivariate analysis of variance were used. Alpha was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Hip arthritis interfered with the sexual life of 82% (131 of 159) of sexually active patients, more so in women than men (96% [68 of 71], versus 72% [63 of 88]; odds ratio, 8.99; 95% confidence interval, 2.588-31.258; p = 0.001). Preoperatively, patients with sexual limitations had a mean pain intensity of 8 ± 1.84 points on the visual analog scale, whereas patients without limitations had 6 ± 1.99 points (p < 0.001). Differences were also found in WOMAC pain (11 ± 3.9 versus 8 ± 3.5; p = 0.004) and WOMAC stiffness (3.4 ± 2.3 versus 1.4 ± 1.7; p = 0.001). Baseline hip flexion (84° ± 22.4° versus 93° ± 16.5°, respectively; p = 0.04) and external rotation (23° ± 14.5° versus 30° ± 11.6°; p = 0.02) were also different. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that many patients getting a hip arthroplasty are sexually active but most patients who are sexually active have sexual limitations before surgery as a result of hip arthritis. Women are more affected than men. Patients with these limitations experience more pain and have less flexion and external rotation before surgery. Preoperatively, counseling on sexual activities should be routinely discussed with all patients undergoing THA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

Preventing Leg Length Discrepancy and Instability After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Restoration of equal leg lengths and dynamic hip stability are essential elements of a successful total hip arthroplasty. A careful clinical examination, a preoperative plan, and appropriate intraoperative techniques are necessary to achieve these goals. Preoperative identification of patients at risk for residual leg length discrepancy allows surgeons to adjust the surgical approach and/or the type of implant and provide better preoperative patient education. The use of larger femoral heads, high-offset stem options, and enhanced soft-tissue repairs have improved impingement-free range of motion as well as dynamic hip stability and have contributed to an overall reduction in dislocation. Methods for accurate leg length restoration and component positioning include anatomic landmarks, intraoperative radiographs, intraoperative calipers, stability testing, and computer-assisted surgery. If recurrent instability occurs after total hip arthroplasty, the underlying cause for dislocation should be identified and treated; this may include the use of semiconstrained dual-mobility or fully constrained liners, depending on abductor function. Surgeons should be aware of the clinical and surgical techniques for achieving leg length equalization and dynamic hip stability in total hip arthroplasty.

Update on Biomaterials.

Biomaterials are essential to the use and development of successful treatments for orthopaedic patients. Orthopaedic surgeons need to understand the expected clinical performance and the effects of implants in patients. Recent attempts to improve implant durability have resulted in adverse effects related to biomaterials and their relationship to patients. Examples of these adverse effects in hip arthroplasty include wear and corrosion of metal-on-metal bearings, trunnions, and tapered modular neck junctions. Conversely, polymers and ceramics have shown substantial improvements in durability. Improved implant compositions and manufacturing processes have resulted in ceramic head and acetabular liners with improved material properties and the avoidance of voids, which have, in the past, caused catastrophic fractures. Cross-linking of polyethylene with radiation and doping with antioxidants has substantially increased implant durability and is increasingly being used in joint prostheses other than the hip. Additive manufacturing is potentially a transformative process; it can lead to custom and patient-specific implants and to improvements in material properties, which can be optimized to achieve desired bone responses. Orthopaedic surgeons must understand the material properties and the biologic effects of new or altered biomaterials and manufacturing processes before use. In addition, a clear benefit to the patient must be proven based on superior preclinical results and high-quality clinical investigations before orthopaedic surgeons use new or altered biomaterials.

Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Granular Analysis of Outcomes in the Economically Disadvantaged Patient.

BACKGROUND: Poor patients experience more serious complications and worse outcomes after surgery than higher-income patients. Our objective was to study detailed patient sociodemographic characteristics and preoperative/postoperative patient-oriented outcomes in economically disadvantaged and non-economically disadvantaged primary total joint arthroplasty patients. METHODS: From a consecutive series, 213 economically disadvantaged patients and 1940 non-economically-disadvantaged patients were statistically analyzed. Baseline sociodemographic characteristics and pain visual analog scale, Quality of Well-Being Index 7, Short Form 36, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index scores recorded before and after surgery were compared between both groups controlling for baseline differences. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. RESULTS: Economically disadvantaged patients were significantly younger, more likely to be disabled, and had worse preoperative and postoperative scores. CONCLUSION: When compared with non-economically disadvantaged patients, economically disadvantaged patients consistently had lower function and worse quality of life before and after total joint arthroplasty.

Does Race Affect Outcomes in Total Joint Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Several studies suggest worse surgical outcomes among racial/ethnic minorities. There is a paucity of research on preoperative and postoperative pain, general health, and disease-specific measures in which race is the main subject of investigation; furthermore, the results are not conclusive. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Do black patients have more severe or more frequent preoperative pain, well-being, general health, and disease-specific scores when compared with white patients? (2) Are there differences between black patients and white patients after hip or knee arthroplasty on those same measures? METHODS: In this retrospective study, we used an institutional arthroplasty registry to analyze data on 2010 primary arthroplasties (1446 knees and 564 hips) performed by one surgeon at a single institution. Cases from patients self-identifying as black (n = 105) and white (n = 1905) were compared (controlling for confounders, including age and ethnicity) on the following preoperative and postoperative patient-oriented outcomes: pain intensity/frequency as measured by a visual analog scale (VAS), Quality of Well-Being (QWB-7), SF-36, and WOMAC scores. T-tests, chi square, and multivariate analysis of covariance were used. Alpha was set at 0.05. Postoperative analysis was performed only on those cases that had a minimum followup of 1 year (mean, 3.5 years; range, 1-9 years). Of the 2010 arthroplasties, 37% (39 of 105) of those cases performed in black patients and 64% (1219 of 1905) of those performed in white patients were included in the final postoperative model (multivariate analysis of covariance). RESULTS: Black patients had more severe preoperative pain intensity (VAS: 8 ± 1.8 versus 8 ± 2.0, mean difference = 0.76 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.34-1.1], p < 0.001). Black patients also had worse well-being scores (QWB-7: 0.527 ± 0.04 versus 0.532 ± 0.05, mean difference = -0.01 [CI, -0.02 to 0.00], p = 0.037). Postoperatively, pain intensity (VAS: 1 ± 3.1 versus 1 ± 1.8, mean difference= 0.8 [CI, 0.19-1.4], p= 0.010) and (QWB-7: 0.579 ± 0.09 versus 0.607 ± 0.11, mean difference= -0.049 [CI, -0.08 to -0.01], p = 0.008) were different but without clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Black patients underwent surgery earlier in life and with different preoperative diagnoses when compared with white patients. Black patients had worse preoperative baseline pain, well-being, general health, and disease-specific scores as well as worse postoperative scores. However, these differences were very narrow and without clinical significance. Notwithstanding, the relations of race with outcomes remain complex. Further investigations to recognize disparities and minimize or address them are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

What is the role of mental health in primary total knee arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Psychological distress has been associated with inferior scores for pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, its relationships with scores and arthrofibrosis after TKA remain unclear. QUESTION/PURPOSES: The objectives of this study were (1) to assess patient-reported outcomes (PROs), including Knee Society (KS) scores, of those patients who developed arthrofibrosis and underwent manipulation and compare them with a control group; and (2) in patients with arthrofibrosis who underwent manipulation, to determine PROs and KS scores of those with psychological distress and those without it. METHODS: During a 17-year period (August 1992 to October 2009), a total of 1952 TKAs were performed and included in our prospectively collected joint registry database; 1248 procedures had a postoperative followup of at least 2 years (mean, 5 years; range, 2-16 years). Among them, 57 knees (53 patients) developed arthrofibrosis and underwent manipulation under anesthesia after the index procedure. This group was compared with a matched group (by age, sex, race, and ethnicity) of 63 knees (58 patients) without arthrofibrosis. Demographics, preoperative and postoperative Quality of Well-Being scale (QWB-7), SF-36, WOMAC, and The KS knee and function scores were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Patients with <52 points on the SF-36 Mental Component Summary subscale were considered in psychological distress for all comparisons. Active knee flexion and KS range of motion (ROM) were used as objective motion measures. Minimum followup was 2 years (mean, 5 years; range, 2-16 years). RESULTS: Patients who developed arthrofibrosis had worse KS function scores before TKA than did patients in the nonarthrofibrosis control group (mean 27, SD 20.5 versus 37, SD 19.3; p=0.006). Patients with arthrofibrosis and psychological distress, before TKA and when compared with patients with arthrofibrosis but without distress, had worse QWB-7 (0.490 versus 0.547; p<0.001) and worse WOMAC stiffness (4.92, versus 3.22; p=0.005), respectively. Postoperatively, patients with arthrofibrosis and distress also had worse QWB-7 (0.537 versus 0.627; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with arthrofibrosis and psychological distress perceived themselves preoperatively as having worse knee and overall health status than those with arthrofibrosis but without distress. In view of this, expectations after TKA should be particularly addressed in those patients with poor function and psychological distress. Further investigations, making use of tools specifically designed to ascertain depression, are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Rapid recovery programs in arthroplasty: the money side.

The implementation of rapid recovery programs is the result of continuing efforts to achieve a shorter convalescing and faster "return-to-life" leading to higher quality and increased cost-effectiveness. The current traditional payment system stifles efficiency and the implementation of these programs. These payment systems incentivize "slowness" and longer lengths-of-stay. The reduction in LOS seen in the last 10years has been partly responsible for the reimbursement reduction surgeons have seen in the last decade. New payment systems are being developed; if properly implemented, they have the ability to even the playing field for the surgeons. The devil however is in the details; these innovative models also have the potential to give the surgeons more responsibility and headaches with a very small increase in compensation.

Readmission Rates in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Granular Analysis?

A deeper understanding of readmissions in arthroplasty is warranted. We wanted to determine in primary THA patients: readmission rates; baseline characteristics of patients with/without readmissions; and readmission reasons. 201 consecutive patients were studied. Preoperative characteristics, patient-perceived-outcomes, and hip-scores were compared between patients with and without readmissions. Rates were 1% (readmitted n=2; 15-days), 3.5% (7; 30-days), 6.5% (13; 90-days), and 16.9% (34; 1-year). Readmitted patients had significantly worse preoperative comorbidities/outcome-scores when compared to non-readmitted patients. "Surgical-site infection" was the most frequent readmission reason within 30/90days. Within 1year, it was another elective joint. Fifty percent of readmissions were not related to the index-surgery (15-days). Preoperative health status affects rates. Many rehospitalizations are not related to the index-surgery and probably unpreventable.

The Cost-Utility of Total Hip Arthroplasty: Earlier Intervention, Improved Economics.

We estimated the cost of Quality-Adjusted-Life-Years gained according to preoperative disease severity. We studied 159 primary unilateral THA, mean follow-up: 4 years. A median split of preoperative WOMAC scores was done to set apart a low (better) and a high (worse) score group. The groups with worse preoperative WOMAC were consistently associated with a less cost-effective intervention. The highest mean cost-effectiveness was achieved by patients with better WOMAC-total ($8256.32/QALY-gained). As patients aged, the cost-effectiveness of THA decreased. Patients 75 years of age or older and with worse scores had the least cost-effective interventions ($25,937.33/QALY-gained). THA remains a very cost-effective intervention even when performed in older "sicker" patients. Waiting for the patient to deteriorate will make the intervention more "expensive".

Trunnion-Head Stresses in THA: Are Big Heads Trouble?

The effects of large heads on stresses at the THA trunnion-head junction and their impact on tribocorrosion/metal ion release remain controversial. A 12/14 3D-model of a stem with different head sizes was investigated. Material properties of titanium were assigned to the trunnion and cobalt-chrome/alumina to the heads. A load simulating walking single-leg stand phase was applied to the head. A total contact head-trunnion interface was assumed. The area underneath the junction underwent significant elevations in stresses as head size increased from 28- to 40-mm. Maximum principal stress doubled between 28 and 40-mm heads, regardless of head material. Stress levels had a direct correlation to head diameter. Stress increases observed using increasingly larger heads will probably contribute to head-trunnion tribocorrosion and ion release.

Vitamin D insufficiency in patients with THA: prevalence and effects on outcome.

BACKGROUND: The consequences of vitamin D insufficiency in the elderly remain controversial. The prevalence and potential effects of its chronic insufficiency on quality of life and physical function in patients undergoing THA have received little attention. QUESTION/PURPOSES: We determined (1) prevalence of preoperative vitamin D insufficiency in patients undergoing THA and (2) relationships of insufficiency to patient-perceived outcomes (PPOs) and hip scores. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 62 consecutive patients who underwent 66 primary THAs. We excluded two patients with missing data and the second hip of bilateral THAs, leaving 60 patients (60 hips) for final inclusion. Based on preoperative plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin-D3 levels, patients were retrospectively assigned into a normal or insufficient group. We used two different thresholds (20 and 30 ng/mL) to define insufficiency; groups were set twice. We compared demographics, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Charlson Comorbidity Index; albumin, transferrin, calcium levels; and total lymphocyte count between groups. The insufficient group had a higher mean BMI with the 20-ng/mL cutoff but not with the 30-ng/mL cutoff. We compared the 20-ng/mL cutoff groups (adjusting for BMI) and the 30-ng/mL cutoff groups in terms of preoperative and postoperative Quality of Well-being Scale, SF-36, WOMAC, Harris hip, and Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scores. Mean followup was 11 months (range, 3-24 months). RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency was 30% (using 20 ng/mL) and 65% (using 30 ng/mL). Preoperative and postoperative Harris hip and Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scores were lower in patients with insufficiency using 30 ng/mL. No differences in PPOs or hip scores were found using 20 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D was common in patients with THA and associated with lower hip scores. Standardization of the definition of hypovitaminosis D is urgently needed so that further studies can properly evaluate its real prevalence, potential negative effects on function, and therapeutic effects of reversing insufficiency before THA.

Celecoxib and heterotopic bone formation after total hip arthroplasty.

We assessed the effectiveness of celecoxib in the prevention of heterotopic ossification (HO) following primary total hip replacement (THR). We studied 170 consecutive THRs. Sixty-three patients received celecoxib after surgery (200mg twice/daily) for 28 days and 84 did not. HO was more common in non-celecoxib patients than in the celecoxib-group at 3, 6, and 12 months (P =0.005, 0.004 and 0.01, respectively). At 1 year, fewer celecoxib recipients had Brooker classes II or III. None of the celecoxib patients developed HO Brooker class IV, while 2% in the non-celecoxib group did. No patient discontinued treatment or had revision for aseptic loosening. A short course of celecoxib for pain aids in the prevention of HO after primary THR, and could be a useful and safe option that does not interfere with anticoagulation.

Bone mineral density of the femur in autopsy retrieved total knee arthroplasties.

Bone mineral density (BMD), as measured by DEXA, can vary depending on bone rotation and fat content of soft tissues. We performed DEXA measurements, under controlled positioning, on 24 autopsy-retrieved femora from patients who had fully functional and asymptomatic successful TKA to determine periprosthetic BMD changes and compared results to 24 normal cadaveric femora. In TKA specimens, BMD was affected by gender, preoperative diagnosis, and zone under analysis. The lowest mean BMD was in the anterior femoral condylar zone. Males had higher mean BMD at all zones while patients with preoperative diagnosis of osteoarthritis had higher BMD in the posterior condylar zone. The mean BMD in the anterior femoral condylar zone in TKA specimens was significantly lower than in normal specimens without arthroplasties, most likely due to stress shielding.

Readmission rates in the state of Florida: a reflection of quality?

BACKGROUND: High readmission rates are viewed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as a quality of care determinant but it is unclear whether readmission rates per se reflect quality and the drivers of readmissions after hip arthroplasty remain unclear. QUESTION/PURPOSES: We therefore describe the effects of (1) insurance, discharge disposition, and mental health status as they relate to rates; (2) rehospitalization charges; and (3) reasons for readmissions. METHODS: We studied a cohort of all 27,019 patients who initially underwent hip arthroplasty in Florida (April 2009 to March 2010). Participants were identified using the All Patient-Refined Diagnosis-Related Group 301. Data were provided by the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Florida Hospital Association who with the Florida Orthopedic Society studied readmissions within 15 days. We extracted readmission rates and their reasons; original payers, discharge disposition, mental health status; and readmission charges. RESULTS: The readmission rate in the first 15 days was 5%. Rates varied by type of insurance: self-pay/underinsured, Medicaid, and Medicare patients (6%) had higher rates than individuals with commercial insurance, HMO, or PPO (3%). Patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) had higher rates (7%) than patients discharged home with/without health care (both 3%). Patients with a mental health issue (10%) were readmitted more frequently than patients without it (5%). Medicare readmissions comprised 81% (USD 59,222,829) of the total readmission charges in this cohort. The most common reasons were infections (all 27%), hip arthroplasty (11%), and cardiovascular problems (9%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients were more frequently readmitted if their payer was the government, they were discharged to a SNF, or they had a mental health disorder. Infections were the most common reasons for readmission. Our data suggest readmission rates alone do not necessarily reflect quality of care.

Arthroplasty knee surgery and alcohol use: risk factor or benefit?

BACKGROUND: Excessive alcohol consumption has been associated with adverse measures of health after elective surgery. However, associations of low/moderate consumption remain uncertain. QUESTION/PURPOSES: We determined differences among patients with three different self-reported consumption levels in (1) preoperative/postoperative patient-perceived outcomes and knee scores, (2) preoperative/postoperative changes in these scores, (3) preoperative demographics and comorbidities, and (4) length of stay (LOS) and inpatient charges. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 430 patients (545 TKAs). Based on a self-administered consumption questionnaire, patients were stratified into groups: (1) nondrinkers, (2) occasional drinkers, and (3) moderate drinkers. We compared the following variables between groups: demographics, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, preoperative and postoperative Quality of Well-being Index (QWB-7), SF-36 score, WOMAC score, Knee Society (KS) Score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, LOS, and hospital charges. QWB-7, SF-36, WOMAC, KS, and HSS scores were compared adjusting for patient characteristics. Minimum followup was 1 year (average, 3.4 years; range, 1-6 years). RESULTS: Preoperatively, compared to self-reported nondrinkers, moderate drinkers had better QWB-7, SF-36, and WOMAC scores. At followup, occasional and moderate drinkers had better KS function and HSS scores. However, nondrinkers had greater SF-36 general health improvement. Most nondrinkers were older, female, and Hispanic and had more comorbidities. Nondrinkers had a longer LOS. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported alcohol consumption was more common among men and non-Hispanics. Moderate drinkers had better preoperative QWB-7, SF-36, and WOMAC scores and shorter LOS than nondrinkers. However, after surgery, self-reported abstainers achieved greater improvements in the SF-36 general health score.

Alcohol use in elective total hip arthroplasty: risk or benefit?

BACKGROUND: Excessive alcohol consumption has been associated with adverse health measures after elective surgery. The effects of low or moderate consumption remain unclear. QUESTION/PURPOSES: We determined differences among patients with different consumption levels in (1) preoperative and postoperative patient-perceived outcomes and hip scores, (2) changes in those scores from preoperatively to postoperatively, (3) demographics and comorbidities, and (4) length of stay (LOS) and hospitalization charges. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 191 patients (218 primary hips). Based on a self-administered consumption questionnaire, patients were stratified into three groups: (1) nondrinkers (n = 52), (2) occasional drinkers (n = 56), and (3) moderate drinkers (n = 17). Demographics, BMI, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade; preoperative and postoperative Quality of Well-being Scale, SF-36, WOMAC, Harris hip, and Merle d'Aubigné-Postel hip scores; and LOS and hospital charges were obtained and compared among groups adjusting for patient characteristics. Minimum followup was 1 year (mean, 3.5 years; range, 1-6 years). RESULTS: Most abstainers were older, female, and Hispanic. Preoperatively, moderate drinkers had better WOMAC function and total scores and Harris hip scores. There were no differences postoperatively among groups. However, nondrinkers had greater improvement (preoperative to postoperative) in the WOMAC function, pain, and total scores. Compared to nondrinkers, moderate drinkers had a higher contribution margin and net income. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption is more common among men and non-Hispanics. Moderate consumption was associated with better WOMAC and Harris hip scores. After surgery, abstainers achieved greater improvements in the WOMAC function, pain, and total scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.