Characterizing Particle Evacuation in the Setting of Positive-pressure Body Exhaust Suit Using a Novel Gloving Technique.

The sterility of the gown-glove interface during total joint arthroplasty is a key factor in preventing contamination of the surgical field. To compare the potential of gown-glove interface contamination with a novel gloving technique versus standard gloving technique. We performed a study quantifying potential gown-glove interface contamination using two different gloving techniques. A 5 µm fluorescent powder simulated potential bacterial contamination. Each group gowned and gloved each hand using a modified technique versus traditional technique. Ultraviolet light was used to measure contamination at the gown-glove interface after performing a simulated surgery. The modified gloving technique did not statistically reduce the contamination at the gown-glove interface compared to the traditional gloving technique (p = 0.27). Despite using a gloving technique recently described as decreasing contamination, we noted contamination at the interface after performing a simulated surgery with a positive pressure exhaust suit. Further study is needed. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 30(3):166-169, 2021).

Noise Exposure and Risk of Noise Induced Hearing Loss to the Adult Reconstruction Surgeon: Recommendations for Prevention and Monitoring.

Goal of the study was to determine the average noise exposure to the orthopaedic surgeon performing hip and knee arthroplasty and the benefit of customized hearing protection. Data from dosimeters (3MTM Edge 4) worn by three adult reconstruction orthopedic surgeons for a total of 27 operative day recordings was analyzed using 3MTM Detection Management Software (product version 2.7.152.0). Westone TRU custom hearing protection was used with different filters according to noise reduction rating (NRR). The overall average decibel level was 80.64 dB (73.6-87.2 dB, +/- 4.18). The peak decibel level averaged 103.66 dB (97.30-110.30, +/-3.02). The authors subjective trial of custom hearing protection determined the NRR 10 and 15 filters were most effective at noise reduction with adequate ability to communicate effectively. Our study demonstrates that the daily exposure to the total joint surgeon exceeds safe levels. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 29(4):202-204, 2020).

A Bundle Protocol to Reduce the Incidence of Periprosthetic Joint Infections After Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a devastating complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Modifiable patient risk factors as well as various intraoperative and postoperative variables have been associated with risk of PJI. In 2011, our institution formulated a "bundle" to optimize patient outcomes after THA and TKA. The purpose of this report is to describe the "bundle" protocol we implemented for primary THA and TKA patients and to analyze its impact on rates of PJI and readmission. METHODS: Our bundle protocol for primary THA and TKA patients is conceptually organized about 3 chronological periods of patient care: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. The institutional total joint database and electronic medical record were reviewed to identify all primary THAs and TKAs performed in the 2 years before and following implementation of the bundle. Rates of PJI and readmission were then calculated. RESULTS: Thirteen of 908 (1.43%) TKAs performed before the bundle became infected compared to only 1 of 890 (0.11%) TKAs performed after bundle implementation (P = .0016). Ten of 641 (1.56%) THAs performed before the bundle became infected, which was not statistically different from the 4 of 675 (0.59%) THAs performed after the bundle that became infected (P = .09). CONCLUSION: The bundle protocol we describe significantly reduced PJIs at our institution, which we attribute to patient selection, optimization of modifiable risk factors, and our perioperative protocol. We believe the bundle concept represents a systematic way to improve patient outcomes and increase value in total joint arthroplasty.

Cost Analysis of Sending Routine Pathology Specimens following Total Joint Arthroplasty in the Age of Bundled Payments.

Bundled payment plans are being developed as a means to curb healthcare spending. Routine histology following total hip arthroplasties (THA) and total knee arthroplasties (TKA) is standard practice at many institutions. Recently, the value of this practice has been questioned as histologic diagnoses in THA and TKA rarely differ from the clinical diagnoses. The goal of this study is to identify discrepant and discordant diagnoses following THA and TKA at an academic medical center and to calculate the cost-saving potential in the setting of a bundled payment plan. A retrospective chart review was conducted on 1,213 primary THA and TKA performed by two orthopaedic surgeons from 2012 to 2014. The clinical and histologic diagnoses were compared and classified as concordant, discrepant, or discordant. Cost information was obtained from the institutional billing office. One thousand one hundred and sixty-six THA and TKA were analyzed in the final cohort. Nineteen (1.6%) diagnoses were classified as discrepant while none were discordant. The cost of histologic examination per specimen was estimated to be $48.56. The total cost of all arthroplasties was $14,999,512.46, of which histologic examination made up 0.31% of the total cost. The results of this study corroborate the results of previous studies and support the proposition that routine histologic examination is not cost-effective. The cost incurred to perform histologic examination will become a cost deduction from future bundled payments. The practice of sending routine histologic specimens following TJA should be decided upon by the operating orthopaedic surgeon.

Functional Outcomes After Both Bone Forearm Fractures in Adults.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate midterm outcomes after both bone forearm fractures. A retrospective review of patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) at three level 1 trauma centers was completed. Eligible patients were sent three questionnaires: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Short Form-12 (SF-12), and questions about postinjury experience. Twenty-nine patients with an average age of 45 years returned the materials. The forms were completed an average of 60 months after ORIF. The mean DASH was 22 for all respondents. Twenty-one subjects participated in physical therapy (72%). Eight patients (28%) screened positive for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mean SF-12 physical component score was 39 and the SF-12 mental component score was 40, both of which were lower than the non-PTSD group, indicating a lower subjective level of health (p < .05). The data suggest that, years after surgery, patients have decreased functional outcomes.

Microvascular effects of subatmospheric pressure in striated muscle.

OBJECTIVE: Topical application of subatmospheric pressure (TASAP) promotes faster wound healing, but tissue effects are not entirely understood. This study investigated microvascular effects of TASAP in striated muscle with the hypothesis being that TASAP elicits arteriolar vasodilation and decreases interstitial accumulation of protein. METHODS: Rat cremasteric microcirculation was directly examined in two experiments utilizing a novel technique. First, TASAP was applied to the cremaster in three experimental groups and a non-TASAP control group. Arteriolar diameters were directly measured before and after TASAP. In experiment two, intravascular fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled albumin and topical leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were delivered to the cremaster. Microvascular permeability was assessed by measuring the accumulation/disappearance of FITC-albumin in the interstitial tissue. RESULTS: TASAP produced significant arteriolar vasodilation compared with control values. The mean maximum percent increase in diameter with TASAP was 8.70% at -2 kPa (p < 0.05), 7.16% at -4 kPa (p < 0.05), and 10.43% at -6 kPa (p < 0.01). TASAP decreased interstitial FITC-albumin by 26.3% (p < 0.008) following LTB4; the control group showed a steady increase in interstitial FITC-albumin. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the hypothesis that TASAP elicits significant arteriolar vasodilation with a subsequent increase in blood flow as well as a decrease in interstitial protein accumulation.

A useful tool for retained washer retrieval when removing iliosacral screws.

Iliosacral screw removal is occasionally necessary during index or revision pelvic ring surgery. This procedure can necessitate a two-step process: screw removal followed by retained washer removal. On attempted removal of the screw-washer complex, the washer will not uncommonly dissociate itself from the screw. Its retrieval can be challenging, add unnecessary operative time, and result in larger incisions and increased soft tissue disruptions. This article introduces a simple technique for retained washer retrieval when removing or exchanging iliosacral screws. This technique involves an "interference fit" between the retained washer and a screw or tap of larger diameter, allowing for reliable and simple washer extraction. Advantages of this technique include removal through the same soft tissue tract as initial screw insertion and subsequent screw removal. It also obviates the need for introduction of various clamps to extract the washer, which can result in soft tissue injury and increased reliance on fluoroscopy.

Randomized controlled trial of intrathecal oxytocin on speed of recovery after hip arthroplasty.

ABSTRACT: Recovery from surgery is quicker in the postpartum period, and this may reflect oxytocin action in the spinal cord. We hypothesized that intrathecal injection of oxytocin would speed recovery from pain and disability after major surgery. Ninety-eight individuals undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive either intrathecal oxytocin (100 µg) or saline. Participants completed diaries assessing pain and opioid use daily and disability weekly, and they wore an accelerometer beginning 2 weeks before surgery until 8 weeks after. Groups were compared using modelled, adjusted trajectories of these measures. The study was stopped early due to the lack of funding. Ninety patients received intrathecal oxytocin (n = 44) or saline (n = 46) and were included in the analysis. There were no study drug-related adverse effects. Modelled pain trajectory, the primary analysis, did not differ between the groups, either in pain on day of hospital discharge (intercept: -0.1 [95% CI: -0.8 to 0.6], P = 0.746) or in reductions over time (slope: 0.1 pain units per log of time [95% CI: 0-0.2], P = 0.057). In planned secondary analyses, postoperative opioid use ended earlier in the oxytocin group and oxytocin-treated patients walked nearly 1000 more steps daily at 8 weeks ( P < 0.001) and exhibited a clinically meaningful reduction in disability for the first 21 postoperative days ( P = 0.007) compared with saline placebo. Intrathecal oxytocin before hip replacement surgery does not speed recovery from worst daily pain. Secondary analyses suggest that further study of intrathecal oxytocin to speed functional recovery without worsening pain after surgery is warranted.

Management of humeral shaft fractures.

Humeral shaft fractures account for approximately 3% of all fractures. Nonsurgical management of humeral shaft fractures with functional bracing gained popularity in the 1970s, and this method is arguably the standard of care for these fractures. Still, surgical management is indicated in certain situations, including polytraumatic injuries, open fractures, vascular injury, ipsilateral articular fractures, floating elbow injuries, and fractures that fail nonsurgical management. Surgical options include external fixation, open reduction and internal fixation, minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis, and antegrade or retrograde intramedullary nailing. Each of these techniques has advantages and disadvantages, and the rate of fracture union may vary based on the technique used. A relatively high incidence of radial nerve injury has been associated with surgical management of humeral shaft fractures. However, good surgical outcomes can be achieved with proper patient selection.

Closing Time: One Last Call for Patient Preference.

Background: Wound closure method in total hip and knee arthroplasty is a controversial topic with no differences in clinical outcomes between surgical staples (SS) and subcutaneous sutures with Dermabond (SCD). When clinically appropriate, providers should focus more on what the patient may prefer. This study aimed to collect data on patient preference between SS and SCD and analyze differences in preference based on gender and previous surgical histories. Methods: Patients were surveyed on their wound closure preferences prior to surgery. The handout given collected preference and patient demographics. Risk ratios and risk difference with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated along with Firth-corrected logistic regressions. Results: A total of 163 participants were analyzed (53% female) (average age = 63.8 years), in which 12 participants selected SS as their preferred method. Males demonstrated no difference in relative risk (risk ratio: 2.3 [95% CI: 0.7, 7.3], P = .150) or absolute risk (risk difference: 5.9 [-2.2, 14.1], P = .156) in choosing SS over SCD. Patients that previously sustained SS for other surgeries demonstrated no difference in adjusted odds (adjusted: 0.9 [95% CI: 0.2, 3.2], P = .839) in choosing SS over SCD. Conclusion: More patients favored SCD over SS. There was no difference in preferences based on gender or previous surgical history. Current literature shows that successful wound closure is achieved with minimized risks for infection and other complications using both methods. Providers should adopt a patient-centric approach and perform the closure method that most patients prefer when medically warranted.

Vascular injury associated with extremity trauma: initial diagnosis and management.

Vascular injury associated with extremity trauma occurs in <1% of patients with long bone fracture, although vascular injury may be seen in up to 16% of patients with knee dislocation. In the absence of obvious signs of vascular compromise, limb-threatening injuries are easily missed, with potentially devastating consequences. A thorough vascular assessment is essential; an arterial pressure index <0.90 is indicative of potential vascular compromise. Advances in CT and duplex ultrasonography are sensitive and specific in screening for vascular injury. Communication between the orthopaedic surgeon and the vascular or general trauma surgeon is essential in determining whether to address the vascular lesion or the orthopaedic injury first. Quality evidence regarding the optimal fixation method is scarce. Open vascular repair, such as direct repair with or without arteriorrhaphy, interposition replacement, and bypass graft with an autologous vein or polytetrafluoroethylene, remains the standard of care in managing vascular injury associated with extremity trauma. Although surgical technique affects outcome, results are primarily dependent on early detection of vascular injury followed by immediate treatment.

Removing Well-Fixed, Collared and Noncollared Tapered Hip Stems Without an Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy Using a Novel Stem Removal System.

Improvements in materials, components, and surgical techniques in cementless total hip arthroplasty are resulting in improved femoral stem fixation through bony ongrowth or ingrowth. While improved femoral stem fixation is one reason for the current excellent total hip survivorship, indications for stem removal such as infection, implant fracture, or osteolysis remain. A commonly used technique for fully ingrown femoral stems is an extended trochanteric osteotomy which can result in comminuted fractures of the proximal femur during stem removal requiring additional fixation. Therefore, a novel hip stem removal was developed to facilitate removal of these well-ingrown stems without the need for an extended trochanteric osteotomy. This study describes the removal system and surgical technique and presents a case series of successfully removed ingrown stems.

Prolonged Weakness and Paresthesia After Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Patient with Sickle Cell Anemia Receiving Spinal Anesthesia: A Case Report.

CASE: This report describes a case of prolonged neurologic deficit of primarily the nonoperative lower extremity in a patient with sickle cell disease (SCD) who received spinal anesthesia during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA). The patient initially showed bilateral lower extremity neurologic deficits localized to the L5/S1 nerve root, with the eventual persistence of symptoms in the nonoperative extremity for >1 year. CONCLUSIONS: This report describes an unusual complication after THA and spinal anesthesia. This case highlights the rare occurrence of nerve root injury after spinal anesthesia and emphasizes the importance of close perioperative monitoring in patients with SCD undergoing orthopaedic surgery.

Synovial Cell Count Poorly Predicts Septic Arthritis in the Presence of Crystalline Arthropathy.

Introduction: A synovial cell count greater than 50,000/mm3 is the threshold most commonly used to diagnose septic arthritis. This lab value may be nonspecific in the setting of crystalline arthropathy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosing septic arthritis using a synovial cell count cut-off of 50,000/mm3 in the setting of crystalline arthropathy. Methods: This was a retrospective review of joint aspirations performed between July 1st, 2013 and June 30th, 2016. Synovial fluid samples were evaluated for cell count, crystals, Gram stain, and culture. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the synovial markers were calculated. Results: During the study period, 738 joint aspirations were sent for testing, of which 358 aspirations in 348 patients met inclusion criteria. There were 49 (13.7%) cases of culture-positive septic arthritis, and 47 patients underwent surgical irrigation and debridement. Gout and pseudogout crystals were present in 163 aspirates (45.5%). Three joints (0.8% overall rate) had concomitant crystalline arthropathy and septic arthritis, each of which had a synovial WBC ≥85,000/mm3. Increasing the WBC count cutoff to 85,000/mm3 demonstrated a specificity of 100%, but a PPV of 12.0%. Conclusions: A cut-off of 85,000/mm3 may be more appropriate to diagnose concomitant septic arthritis and crystalline arthropathy. We recommend medical management and observation in patients with crystal-positive joint aspirations unless the synovial cell count is elevated above 85,000/mm3. Prospective studies using this treatment guideline are needed to evaluate its validity and accuracy.

Factors Influencing Survivorship in Vasculopathic Patients.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with peripheral vascular disease has sparsely been studied. This study examined patient and radiographic factors that could affect reoperation free survival in these patients. We retrospectively reviewed TKA procedures performed in patients with nonpalpable pulses on physical examination between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2013. Ninety-two cases met inclusion criteria. Preoperative ankle-brachial index (ABI), date of surgery, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), tourniquet use, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, presence of preoperative calcifications, and follow-up data were obtained. Failure was defined as reoperation. Patients were included if they experienced a failure or had at least 2 years of follow-up. Reoperation free survival was calculated by Kaplan-Meier's analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for patient factors; hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated by Cox's regression analysis. Ninety-two TKAs were included in the study. Mean age was 68.8 years, mean BMI was 32.15, and mean ASA score was 2.44. Tourniquet was used in 78 patients. Mean preoperative ABI was 1.016. Nine patients had calcifications on X-ray prior to surgery. Reoperation free survival was 9.378 years. Patients with a preoperative ABI of below 0.7 had shorter reoperation free survival (ABI <0.7, 6.854 years; ABI >0.7, 9.535 years; p = 0.015). Patients with a preoperative ABI below 0.7 had greater odds of failure and were at higher risk for earlier failure (OR = 6.5, p = 0.027; HR = 1.678, p = 0.045). When corrected for age, sex, and BMI, the HR for patients with a preoperative ABI below 0.7 worsened (HR = 1.913, p = 0.035) compared with those with an ABI above 0.7. The remaining patient factors produced no statistically significant differences in survivorship, odds of failure, or HRs. No patient factors were associated with increased risk of mortality. These results suggest that patients who undergo TKA with an ABI below 0.7 are at increased risk for reoperation and have shorter reoperation free survival.

Alternative technique for knee manipulation under anesthesia.

Total knee arthroplasty is a successful surgery for the majority of patients with osteoarthrosis of the knee. Approximately 5% of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty experience loss of motion or arthrofibrosis. Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is generally indicated for patients who do not achieve >90° of flexion by 6-12 weeks postoperatively. Complications from MUA are rare but can be devastating. We describe a novel technique for MUA with no reported major complications in our review of 78 patients. The average flexion improved from 80.0 (±3.8) before manipulation to 115.4 (±2.1) after manipulation. There were no major complications including fracture or extensor mechanism injury.

Bundled payments in total joint arthroplasty and spine surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this manuscript is to provide an overview and analysis of bundled payment models for joint replacement and select spine procedures. Advantages and disadvantages of bundled payment models will be discussed. RECENT FINDINGS: In select populations, bundled payment models have been shown to reduce costs while maintaining satisfactory outcomes. These models have not been tested with complex patient cohorts, such as older adults with fragility hip fractures, and limited data exist with bundled payment analysis in spine procedures. The reduction of healthcare costs, satisfactory patient outcomes, and favorable payments to healthcare systems can be achieved through bundled payments. Modifications of existing bundled payment models should be critically tested prior to implementation across higher risk populations. Bundled payment models will also require healthcare systems to define what services are necessary for an episode of care regarding a specific condition or disease.

Utility of Radiographs, Computed Tomography, and Three Dimensional Computed Tomography Pelvis Reconstruction for Identification of Acetabular Defects in Residency Training.

PURPOSE: The Paprosky classification system of acetabular defects is complex and its reliability has been questioned. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different radiologic imaging modalities in classifying acetabular defects in revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) and their value of at different levels of training. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone defects in 8 revision THAs were classified by 2 fellowship-trained adult reconstruction surgeons. A timed presentation with representative images for each case (X-ray, two-dimensional computed tomography [CT] and three-dimensional [3D] reconstructions) was shown to 35 residents from the first postgraduate year of training year of training (PGY-1 to PGY-5), 2 adult reconstruction fellows and 2 attending orthopaedic surgeons. The Paprosky classification of bone defects was recorded. The influence of image modality and level of training on classification were analyzed using chi-square analysis (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: Overall correct classification was 30%. The level of training had no influence on correct classification (P=0.531). Using X-ray led to 37% correctly identified defects, CT scans to 33% and 3D reconstructions to 20% of correct answers (P<0.001). There was no difference in correct classification based defect type (P<0.001). Regardless of level of training or imaging, 64% of observers recognized type 1 defects, compared to only 16% correct recognition of type 3B defects. CONCLUSION: Using plain X-rays led to an increased number of correct classification, while regular CT scan and 3D CT reconstructions did not improve accuracy. The classification system of acetabular defects can be used for treatment decisions; however, advanced imaging may not improve its utilization.

Distal locking using an electromagnetic field-guided computer-based real-time system for orthopaedic trauma patients.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of distal interlocking during intramedullary nailing using a freehand technique versus an electromagnetic field real-time system (EFRTS). DESIGN: A prospective, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Level I academic trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients older than 18 years who sustained a femoral or tibial shaft fracture amenable to antegrade intramedullary nailing were prospectively enrolled between August 2010 and November 2011. Exclusion criteria included injuries requiring retrograde nailing and open wounds near the location of the distal interlocks (distal third of the femur, knee, or distal tibia). INTERVENTION: Each patient had 2 distal interlocking screws placed: one using the freehand method and the other using EFRTS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Techniques were compared on procedural time and number of interlocking screw misses. Two time points were measured: time 1 (time to find perfect circles/time from wand placement to drill initiation) and time 2 (drill initiation until completion of interlocking placement). RESULTS: Twenty-four tibia and 24 femur fractures were studied. EFRTS proved faster at times 1 and 2 (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0002) and total time (P < 0.0001). This difference was larger for junior residents, though reached statistical significance for senior residents. Senior residents were faster with the freehand technique compared with junior residents (P < 0.004), but the 2 were similar using EFRTS (P = 0.41). The number of misses was higher with free hand compared with EFRTS (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EFRTS is faster than the traditional freehand technique and results in fewer screw misses. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.