Search

Introduction Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed in the United States. Obtaining radiographs in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) has been the standard of care at most hospitals. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility and cost-effectiveness of immediate, postoperative radiographs in regards to operative decision-making to prevent complications within 90 days after primary TKA. Methods A retrospective review of 4,830 consecutive patients who underwent cemented or uncemented TKA between January 2016 and June 2019 at a large, regional medical center was performed. International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes were used to track any readmissions within 90 days of TKA. If readmission was for a mechanical complication, including fracture, dislocation, or component loosening, PACU radiographs were reviewed for any abnormalities that may have prevented readmission. Results There were 195 readmissions (195 patients), of which 17 were due to mechanical complications. There was no evidence of fracture or abnormality appreciated on any of the reviewed PACU radiographs by either the reading radiologist or the senior authors. Assuming all fractures were noted on immediate, postoperative radiographs, the cost associated with identifying a single fracture in 2,415 patients was $1,072,260. Conclusion Routine radiographs in the recovery room after an uncomplicated primary TKA are not a reliable mechanism for preventing mechanical complications and do not alter patient care., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2021, Novack et al.)

Background Routine analysis of bone specimens in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is mandatory at many institutions. The purpose of this study was to determine if mandatory routine TJA specimen analysis alters patient care or if they represent an unnecessary healthcare expenditure. Methods A retrospective review was performed of all primary TJA patients between October 2015 and December 2017 at our institution. Pathology results were reviewed to ascertain the number of concordant, discrepant, and discordant results. A diagnosis was considered concordant if the preoperative and pathologic diagnosis matched, discrepant if the preoperative and pathological diagnosis differed but no change in the patient's plan of care occurred, and discordant if the preoperative and pathologic diagnosis differed and resulted in a change in the patient's plan of care.  Results 3,670 total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures (3,613 patients) met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. All 3,670 specimens had a concordant diagnosis; there were zero discrepant and zero discordant diagnoses. During the study period, our institution spent $67,246.88 in routine analysis of TJA specimens by a pathologist, with no change in any postoperative patient care plans. Conclusion With bundled payment reimbursement models and hospitals trying to decrease unnecessary expenditures, the present study helps further demonstrate that routine analysis has limited cost-effectiveness due to the low prevalence of alteration in the management of patient care. The decision for pathological analysis should be left at the discretion of the surgeon in order to maximize the cost-efficiency of TJA procedures., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2021, Koss et al.)